Prince George Citizen September 26, 2024

30-year-old murder still haunts lives

Tiffany McKinney

of Prince George was killed for her car

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH

Citizen Staff

It’s been 30 years since Tiffany McKinney’s brutal murder on Sept. 24,1994, and one woman who grew up with the convicted murderers and who sees the world very differently because of that wants the 19-year-old victim to be remembered.

It all started when McKinney moved to Quesnel for work. A week later she was bludgeoned to death in a nightmare of a story of plotting and planning the cold-blooded killing of an innocent woman with hopes and dreams of becoming an artist.

McKinney moved from her childhood Prince George home and a week later she was dead, her mother, Pat Keckalo, said in an article in The Prince George Citizen dated March 18,1995.

The details of the murder were laid out during the trial, chronicled by The Prince George Citizen and the Quesnel

Observer in September 1996.

The jury heard how her killers knew McKinney, wanted her car, so they

prepared her grave before hitting her in the head 12 times to put an end to her life at that wooded grave site in September 1994.

By spring of 1995, she was still considered missing, with The Citizen updating the case in a front-page story on March 18. Soon after, the men were charged and told police where her body was.

Lana Jamieson grew up in Quesnel where the killers, Robert Edward Copeland and Paul Charles Forknall, lived, too, and it changed her perspective on the whole world.

Jamieson was 16 at the time of the murder and said she knew McKinney but only during the last year of her life.

“Things that stand out to me now as an adult are I think about how brave she was; moving to another town (Quesnel) to start fresh and was really just beginning to figure out who she was,” Jamieson said in a recent email to The Citizen.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Tiffany McKinney of Prince George, who wanted to become an artist, was targeted by two acquaintances who killed her for her car after she moved to Quesnel in 1994.

Local NDP open shared campaign office

Clay Pountney, former chief of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and NDP candidate for Prince George-Valemount, and Shar McCrory, a School District 57 trusetee and BC NDP candidate in Prince George-Mackenzie, cut a ribbon to open their shared downtown campaign office Monday. The NDP has not yet named a candidate in Prince George-North Cariboo. The office is suite 108, 1302 7th Ave. Election day is Oct. 19.

Murder was planned by ‘cold and calculating’ killers

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“She seemed like such a free spiritwhen I first met her she had a little blue VW bug and a huge sheepdog named Cheemo. She talked about wanting to go to Art School at Emily Carr in Vancouver - but she was just waiting to have access to an ICBC settlement (from a childhood accident) so she could have the funds to go. The last time I saw her was on my birthday in July. By that point she had a different group of friends - older ones. In the winter when we saw the missing posters up around town, I think we all just thought she had run away or was travelling.”

Jamieson said that in her young mind she could not imagine what had actually happened to McKinney.

“I remember a group of us were at a store downtown and the owner, who was really kind and friendly to us, was talking with us about it,” Jamieson said. “At that time the police had taken possession of her car in Kelowna. It was the

first time I had heard someone imply that they thought she had been killed. I think in my youth I just hadn’t even considered that as a possibility. “

Quesnel was a small town, she added.

“We all grew up with the boys who did this,” Jamieson said.

“Tiffany’s murder really affected me and made me question my perception of people - made me less likely to trust them. It was really a terrible time for all of us who knew her. We were all so young - over the years I’ve been able to process what happened with a more mature lens. At the time I couldn’t even bring myself to read about the trial in the newspaper but I can’t remember if that was because I was instructed not to.”

At the time, police zeroed in on the suspects and used an undercover operation to get information from them that led to their arrests.

“Last year I finally read through all of the reports from the Observer and the PG Citizen,” Jamieson said.

“Something that really stood out to

me were some of the chilling quotes from the recordings from the Mr. Big operation. An undercover RCMP asked Paul if (killing her) had been hard for him (when he was sizing him up to become a hitman for their make-believe crime organization) and Paul responded something like, ‘I wasn’t even shaking or anything. It felt natural.’”

It left her with chills. “I hope I never see them again but I also hope people realize how cold and calculating they were,” she said. “It wasn’t a mistake, or an accident. They planned this, did it and then tried to cover it up.”

Copeland and Forknall were convicted of murder in the first degree in 2000 and sentenced to life in prison.

In Canada, this means they would not be eligible for parole for 25 years. The conviction came after a second trial. After their first conviction, they appealed and won a new trial in 1999 when it was determined that the first trial judge had made errors in his instructions to the jury.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Paul Charles Forknell was one of two men charged in the murder of Tiffany McKinney and was later found guilty of first-degree murder in 2000.

Oakes launches independent campaign

Coralee Oakes waves to passersby as she is joined by her Prince George team to launch her campaign to be re-elected in the Prince George-North Cariboo riding with a sign waving session at Domano Boulevard and Highway 16 West Saturday, Sept. 21. Oakes is running as an independent following the dissolution of BC United by party leader Kevin Falcon as candidates were gearing up for the Oct. 19 election. She’s running in the newly realigned Prince George-North Cariboo riding, the new version of her former electoral district.

Oakes joins Conservative candidate Sheldon Clare and BC Greens candidate Randy Thompson in the race for the seat in the BC Legislature. The NDP had not announced a candidate at press time.

Conservative candidate denies ‘distorted’ allegations

Sheldon Clare contacts The Citizen to dispel rumours he says are circulating about him

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

Sheldon Clare, the BC Conservative candidate in Prince George-North Cariboo, has written a lengthy statement denying rumours and allegations he says are circulating about him.

“These accusations are deeply painful because they do not align with who I am or the principles I’ve lived by for over three decades as a college instructor and historian,” he wrote. He did, however, admit to comparing the federal Liberal government to fascist regimes during the pandemic.

In the statement, Clare mentions allegations about his professional lifehe is a College of New Caledonia history professor - and his interest in firearms.

“I’ve been accused of inappropriate behaviour, such as forming social connections with former students and owning firearms, all of which have been twisted to question my integrity,” he wrote.

“I want to be clear: I have always taken my role as a mentor and educator seriously, and any relationships I’ve formed have been based on mutual respect. My love for the shooting sports is well-known, and as a firearms safety instructor, I have always emphasized responsibility and discipline.”

Clare also writes that things have been said about his divorce, saying it was difficult and acrimonious. “While such matters are often painful and private, it is now being used to paint a distorted picture of who I am,” he wrote.

He called allegations that he harbours feelings of racism and misogyny “deeply painful,” saying they don’t align with his principles.

The piece was submitted to The Citizen for consideration as a guest opinion

column. However, The Citizen does not publish op-ed items, including columns and letters to the editor, from candidates during election periods.

Clare did say he made “inflammatory” comments about COVID-19 restrictions during the pandemic, including a comparison of Canada to the authoritarian governments of Europe in the 1930s.

“I have reflected deeply on these issues and want to assure everyone that I am committed to advocating for accountability, fairness, and personal freedoms in ways that unite rather than divide,” he wrote.

Clare was contacted by The Citizen Friday morning and said that with the exception of one minor error he stands by the statement. He said he would follow up with an explanation of the error but could not be reached later.

Citizen staff were unable to find any online evidence of the things Clare wrote were being said about him, and the paper has not received any tips or other information about Clare.

SHELDON CLARE PHOTO

Sheldon Clare is running for the BC Conservatives in Prince George-North Cariboo.

Police looking for witnesses, video after fatal crash

CITIZEN STAFF

The investigation into a fatal crash on the weekend is ongoing, Prince George RCMP reported Friday. It happened on Massey Drive just after 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15 when a taxi and a pickup truck collided head-on.

Police allege the taxi crossed the centre line and hit the truck.

While the four people in the pickup truck and the taxi driver were not seriously injured, the passenger in the taxi did not survive.

That passenger was later identified

as Lheidli T’enneh Elder Edie Frederick, known for her work preserving the Dajelh language.

“Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased in their time of mourning,” states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP.

Investigators are looking for anyone who saw it happen or took note of the drivers’ behaviour shortly before the incident.

They also ask for any dash cam footage, urging people who can help to call the Prince George RCMP non-emergency line, 250-561-3300.

•

VOTE IN THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION

WHO CAN VOTE

You can vote in the 2024 Provincial General Election if you are:

• 18 or older on October 19, 2024

• a Canadian citizen, and

• a resident of British Columbia since April 18, 2024

VOTER REGISTRATION

Register now to save time when you vote.

You can register or update your voter information at elections.bc.ca/register or by calling 1-800-661-8683.

Registration online and by phone closes at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time) on October 7.

After October 7, you can still register when you vote, but voting will take longer. Remember to bring ID when you go to vote.

ELECTION INTEGRITY

Visit elections.bc.ca/integrity to learn how Elections BC protects provincial elections in British Columbia, and what you can do to help.

VOTE IN PERSON

Vote at a district electoral office

Voting at district electoral offices is available now during office hours until 4 p.m. (Pacific time) on Final Voting Day.

Vote at advance voting

There are six days of advance voting: October 10 - 13 and 15 - 16, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (local time).

Advance voting places will be closed on October 14 (Thanksgiving).

Vote on Final Voting Day

Final Voting Day is Saturday, October 19. Voting places will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Pacific time) on Final Voting Day.

WHERE TO VOTE

Visit wheretovote.elections.bc.ca to find voting places near you and when they are open.

VOTE BY MAIL

To vote by mail, request your voting package as soon as possible. Visit elections.bc.ca/votebymail or call 1-800-661-8683

CANDIDATE NOMINATIONS

You can get a nomination package from your district electoral office, or online at elections.bc.ca/candidates.

Completed nomination packages must be returned to your district electoral office by 1 p.m. (Pacific time) on Saturday, September 28.

DISTRICT ELECTORAL OFFICE

Prince George-Mackenzie 4900 Austin Rd W

Prince George, BC (250) 649-2880

Prince George-North Cariboo 6-155 Malcolm Dr Quesnel, BC (250) 985-0070

Prince George-Valemount 770 Brunswick St

Prince George, BC (250) 649-2881

Hours of Operation (local time)

Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Advance voting days 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

City of Prince George seeks input on 2025 budget

CITIZEN STAFF

The City of Prince George is kicking off its 2025 budget consultation process today, making check-up surveys and budget information accessible on the city’s website.

Residents are encouraged to participate in brief online surveys assessing their satisfaction with various municipal services.

The surveys, which will be open until Nov. 10, have 10 or fewer questions and cover the following areas:

• Events and recreation

• Parks and trails

• Protective services

• Roads and sidewalks

• Snow removal

In early October, the separate citizen budget survey will also launch, allowing residents to explore how the city allocates budget funds across services. By entering their property tax assessment, participants can see how their tax

dollars are distributed and adjust service levels to understand the financial impact of changes.

An in-person budget open house is scheduled for Oct. 30 at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre. The event begins at 3:30 p.m. and will feature opportunities for residents to ask questions of City staff and Council while sharing their priorities for the upcoming budget.

Presentations about the projected budget will start at 5:30 p.m. It will be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel and recorded for those unable to attend. Attendees will have the chance to engage with councillors and senior staff, providing feedback on key budget issues.

More details about the open house format will be shared in the coming weeks.

Community input will be presented to council ahead of budget deliberations set to begin in December.

Trailer fire at Sintich RV Park

No medevac flight for ailing 30-year military veteran

When Veterans Affairs refused to arrange a flight to New Brunswick, his family drove him

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Della Deleavey spent seven days and 5,300 kilometres transporting her elderly father from British Columbia to the care home he deserves, the Veterans Health Centre in Moncton, N.B.

She made the trip out of necessity for her 80-year-old father, Leigh Deleavey, a 30-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, as she could no longer care for him at their home in Prince George. When she secured a bed for him in New Brunswick, close to where Leigh was born and raised, Della sought

assistance from Veterans Affairs Canada to arrange a private medevac flight to Moncton but was denied.

Unable to afford the $11,000 cost of sending him on a commercial flight with a nurse, she had no choice but to undertake the arduous cross-country journey in their pickup truck.

Stricken with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver cancer, and several other debilitating conditions, Leigh faced a minimum two-year waitlist for a care home bed in Prince George, despite already waiting a full year. Consequently, Della felt compelled to make the long drive herself.

“This is horrible, six or seven days – it was so hard on his body,” said Della. “No veteran should have to go through that. I am relieved we’re here, but there’s still a lot to do.”

Della is from Miramichi, N.B., and both her parents are from Plaster Rock, about a three-hour drive from Moncton.

They have family members and close friends living near the care home. Della’s 18-year-old son, Austin Ramsay, accompanied them on their trip during the last week of August to help care for his grandfather.

Leigh retired 33 years ago from his last Air Force posting at Cold Lake, Alta.,

and he and his wife moved to Prince George.

Before his health deteriorated, he worked part-time as a commissionaire at Prince George Airport and also served as an armoured car security officer and snowplow driver.

During a visit to Moncton last year, Della picked up a pamphlet for the Veterans Health Centre and brought it back to Prince George for her father.

“He said, ‘That’s where I want to go; I can relate to people there,’ so I started the process,” Della said.

Thirty-year military veteran Leigh Delleavey, flanked by his grandson, Austin Ramsay, and his daughter, Della, drove with them in their truck from Prince George to Moncton, N.B., to get to the care home where he now resides.

Veteran’s cross-country move called ‘a want, not a need’

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

In April, she learned that a bed was available for him, and that’s when their travel troubles began. His doctor advised that he would need a nurse to fly with him on a commercial plane, but the family could not afford the $11,000 bill.

A private medevac flight would cost $60,000.

Veterans Affairs denied her application. She also requested assistance from the Royal Canadian Legion but was turned down.

“Veterans Affairs said it’s a want, not a need for him to come to the veterans’ home,” Della said.

“They said if we put him in the hospital, we’d have a better chance of getting him a care home bed, and I’m not doing that. Veterans Affairs told me that if he was in the hospital or a care home in Prince George and wanted to come to the Veterans Health Centre in Moncton, they would fly him, but because he wasn’t in a home and was living at his residence, they would not do it. What’s the difference?”

Their week-long highway trip’s gas, hotel rooms, and meals cost more than $4,000.

One of the first things Della did upon arriving in Moncton was buy her father a TV.

An occupational therapist at the Veterans Health Centre requested a motorized scooter for Leigh and a home oxygen concentrator to replace the heavy gas canisters he relied on during much of the three years he’s been in palliative care.

Della hopes Veterans Affairs will cover the cost of these medical devices. After being denied twice for a portable oxygen concentrator in Prince George, Leigh bought a second-hand machine that failed just as they arrived in Moncton.

Leigh was hospitalized for two months during the pandemic with COVID-induced pneumonia and has required an external oxygen source ever since. He has had one kidney removed and also needs a colostomy

George have either passed away or moved to New Brunswick. Other than my son’s friends, nobody would visit him.”

Now that he’s settled in Moncton, Leigh is seeing old friends and family members, and his brother lives nearby, which has raised his spirits considerably. He’s still adjusting to the house rules in his new home but is glad to be there.

Della and her youngest son (now deceased) moved in with Leigh after her mother died in December 2019, and she became his primary caregiver. It has been three years since his condition was diagnosed as terminal.

She says her experience with Veterans Affairs has been frustrating and discouraging, especially given Leigh’s exposure to Agent Orange early in his military career while training in Gagetown, N.B., which she suspects contributed to some of his health issues.

“They don’t do anything for veterans, at least not for my dad,” she said.

The Citizen contacted Veterans Affairs Canada. Spokesperson Josh Bueckert said that due to privacy considerations and the Privacy Act, he could not discuss specific details of Deleavey’s situation. He provided a link to the agency’s policy on ambulance care, which states:

“Ambulance services may be approved for transportation to the nearest appropriate health care facility and by various modes of travel, including ground ambulance and air ambulance. The most efficient and economical mode of transportation consistent with the urgency of the situation and the medical condition of the client is to be utilized at all times.

bag due to colon cancer.

“The left lower lobe of his lung is gone, and there’s nothing they can do for his liver cancer; even if he chose treatment, it would be fatal due to his health,” Della said. “He has no balance without his walker and his hands are

numb, making it hard for him to feed himself.

“He needs 24/7 care. His legs are starting to give out even with his walker. He has mild dementia that will only get worse. All he was doing was lying in that bed, depressed. All his friends in Prince

“Air ambulance services may only be approved for transportation to the nearest appropriate health care facility when ground ambulance is considered by the attending physician to be medically inappropriate.

“The department may authorize payment of fees for an escort to accompany the client during an ambulance trip when one is requested in writing for medical reasons by the client’s physician.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

It took seven days of driving to get there but 80-year-old Leigh Delleavey is back in his old stomping grounds in New Brunswick, where he plans to live out the rest of his life at the Veterans Health Centre in Moncton.

OPINION

OPINION

OPINION OPINION

How two newspapers can connect UNBC and the city

Falcon’s surrender cost us an excellent representative

Forget NIMBY and support the people trying to help

Canfor closures are a ‘shock’ that we all saw coming

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

You’ll find something new in this week’s edition of The Prince George Citizen.

writers, as well introduction to editing and laying out their newspaper.

The closure of Canfor sawmills in Vanderhoof and Fort St. John and the loss of 500 jobs in those communities is terrible news, but not surprising news.

There are two supportive housing buildings on Queensway between Patricia Boulevard and 17th Avenue. They’re home to dozens of people with different needs, and operated by agencies that work to help people live on their own in safety and health.

For the first election in decades, you won’t be seeing Shirley Bond signs around town.

The veteran MLA announced last week that she was done with provincial politics after she, and the rest of us, were blindsided by her party leader’s decision to shut down the BC United campaign and endorse the fast-rising BC Conservatives.

We’ve known for years that BC’s forest industry is in serious trouble. The most recently announced U.S. tariffs aren’t helping.

You’ve probably never realized that these places are anything other than typical Prince George apartment buildings.

Turn to the centre of the paper to see the 16-page first edition insert of the latest volume of Over the Edge, the campus newspaper of the University of Northern British Columbia. Their paper features a new board of directors (all students), a fresh look, and an updated approach to covering what’s important on campus.

This paper went to press just before Bond’s formal press conference Tuesday afternoon, so we can’t tell you what happened there. But she did send out a statement last week in which she outlined her decision.

Student-run college and university newspapers play a vital role. They explain campus life to students and help them share their stories with one another. They inform, educate, and entertain. However, campus papers have traditionally been focused on, and available at, those same colleges and universities.

This is something different.

That’s how supportive housing works in Prince George. As we’ve talked about before, there are many such homes throughout the city, including in College Heights, operated by people involved with the many social service agencies and non-profit organizations doing good work here.

“The decision made by BC United party leader Kevin Falcon to suspend our party’s election campaign came as a complete surprise to me and I have spent the past 24 hours with my family thinking about what my next steps should be,” she said in a statement. “Together, we have decided that I will be withdrawing my name as a candidate in the upcoming provincial election.”

didn’t agree with every one of her positions, but she was a good representative for PG. She worked hard and got stuff done.”

Advertising will also play a role as 23,000 copies of the 16-page issue of Over the Edge is inserted into the 48-pages of The Citizen

As a free-distribution newspaper, this collaboration offers a way to reach both UNBC students and city readers. Beyond the business aspect, we view this as an opportunity to connect the university and the community.

For years, under first the BC Liberals and then the NDP, the approach has been to kick the can down the road when it comes to addressing the ground-level challenges facing the forestry industry. Companies keep harvesting, milling and shipping until the ledger turns red (or looks like it might), and then the saws are unplugged, the mills close and people lose their jobs. It didn’t have to be this way. Warning signs have been clear since the pine beetle attacked BC forests 20 years ago. While it was a crisis, it led to a major logging boom as salvage operations began. Crews started harvesting the trees the beetles had killed, an operation that saw huge growth in the industry and money being made across the board. Things looked OK.

One of those people is Rick Edwards, who founded Integrity Recovery to help addicts get their lives back on track. Integrity operates on a full sobriety model, meaning that unlike other residential facilities for people with addictions, the clients living in Integrity homes cannot use substances at all. They pay rent, and many of them work, some through the DART groundskeeping service.

Over the Edge has been part of UNBC life for decades, evolving through various formats, as outlined in today’s issue. The latest board, however, aims to take the paper in a new direction — one that honors past traditions while embracing the university’s future. In addition to a website, they wanted a physical paper with real newsprint that students could pick up and read.

While many of these homes operate under the radar, once in a while one of them is noticed, and the NIMBY kicks in. That’s what happened here. Neighbours found out what the home was and complained.

Whether you ever voted for her or not, you were fortunate to have Bond as your MLA for so long.

arrangement where Citizen staff would assist and mentor the Over the Edge team in creating a publication that, once a month, would be included in the 23,000 copies of The Citizen. As well, it will be distributed on the UNBC campuses in Prince George, Fort St. John, Terrace, Prince Rupert, Quesnel, and Gitwinksihlkw.

And he’s doing what we recommend everyone does when trying to get something through city hall.

Earlier this year, the board of directors of Over the Edge approached Citizen owner Cameron Stolz about the possibility of printing the paper. Stolz took it a step further by offering an

But once those dead trees had been turned into cash, experts warned at the time, the province needed a long-term plan to deal with the eventual collapse of the industry. That plan never came, and here we are in that collapse. The industry has about half the jobs it did 25 years ago. It’s failing.

These are people who want to show the community that they’re serious about recovery and want to contribute. Programs like the one Integrity offers work, and we need more people like Edwards willing to go out of pocket to help others.

There tend to be two types of provincial and federal elected officials. Some focus on the Legislature, advocating for their communities and working to shape provincial or federal policy. Others take a more constituent-based focus, spending more time at local events and helping people closer to street level.

This is odd, considering we’ve had an NDP government in power since 2017. Left and centre-left political ideology usually embraces the opposite of kicking the can down the road. Climate change mandates, carbon taxes and the move to renewable energy is usually sold on the idea that we’re taking on tough challenges (and higher expenses) now in order to protect the planet for future generations.

We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada.

Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

Bond managed to combine both of those approaches and make it work. First elected in Prince George-Valemount in 2001, she served as an MLA, a cabinet minister (justice, transportation and infrastructure; advanced education; health services; jobs, tourism and skills training; labour). She was attorney general, a vicechair of the treasury board and, for two years, interim party leader and leader of the official opposition – all while maintaining a high profile here in Prince George.

The public outcry was discussed at council’s Sept. 9 meeting, but it wasn’t why Edwards was denied an application for a permit to operate his residential program at the most recent city council meeting. At least, we don’t think so. The decision of council was based on procedural errors Edwards made.

That’s what sets this new take on the student paper apart. People in Prince George, many of whom have no connection to the university, can read about what’s happening up on the hill. This will help them understand and appreciate the significance of UNBC and its continued impact on our community.

and recovery.

electorate as being not about today, but about the future.

In his case, it’s Mayor Simon Yu. Convincing a city council to change its mind – particularly with the NIMBY factor at play – isn’t easy. But there are ways to make it work, and it’s good to see that Edwards has the support of the mayor. Imagine what it must take to welcome strangers into your home, strangers who are dealing with rock-bottom addiction, for no reason other than to help them. No pay. No recognition. Just compassion.

These people are referring to the circumstances of Bond’s departure from the race. She was as surprised by BC United Leader Kevin Falcon’s backroom deal with the Conservatives as voters were, and she made it clear right away that she had no plan to jump aboard the John Rustad ship.

board concepts, the industry is run by big logging corporations, and they have a bottom line to meet. That’s the way business works. NDP governments, however, hesitate to support large corporations on ideological grounds. We’ve seen struggling sectors come back to life after being bailed out by government. The Ontario automotive industry comes immediately to mind. Controversial? At the time, yes. Successful? Also yes. People are working steady, high-paying jobs again.

The campus, with its striking silver and traditional BC wood design, is visible from many neighborhoods in Prince George.

She could have stayed in the race. It’s likely that Bond would have been easily re-elected as a Conservative, and even as an independent. But she made the call she did, and we can respect that.

We continue to wonder why Edwards’s neighbours are so upset that he has people in recovery living in a College Heights home when there are real dangers in our community. They’ve called police and used social media to complain about his plan to formalize the arrangement.

The paper’s content will be written by students, for students, featuring a mix of news, advice, and opinions. Since UNBC does not have a journalism program, this initiative provides students with an opportunity to learn about writing for media in a professional setting — a crucial skill for any profession.

First, understand the process. This isn’t easy. Governments like to employ a particularly complicated and verbose jungle of bureaucratese that, for laypeople, can be intimidating and tough to penetrate. So take the time to figure out what’s required and how to make it happen.

We should also remember that she served on the school board before that. So we’re talking about decades of public service here.

But here’s a situation where the future was clear and little was done to stop a crisis from happening.

That translated into several neveronce-close election wins for her, some of which can be ascribed to party leanings but also to her obvious dedication to Prince George and area.

It’s important to note that Over the Edge pays its writers; this is not an amateur effort. The board has made it clear that they will run the publication professionally.

It may be elevated above the city, but it remains connected to it. By collaborating, The Citizen and Over the Edge can highlight this connection, illustrating the importance of having a university campus here in PG while helping students — especially those from out of town, out of province, or out of country — understand that they are part of two communities.

The province does contribute to the forestry industry, but it’s focused more on the new approaches mentioned earlier. One example from the government: “Through the $180-million BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, the province has committed as much as $70.3 million to forest-sector transition and diversification across 50 projects, which will create and sustain more than 2,500 jobs. Investments are focused on boosting high-quality, made-in-B.C. wood-product lines that create more sustainable jobs for every tree harvested.”

That’s misguided. There are people out there who aren’t living in supportive housing that may pose a much more realistic problem.

An example is the NDP’s reasoning for its energy and climate policies. The move away from natural gas, the shift from gas-powered to electric vehicles and the end of single-use plastics like grocery bags has been marketed to the

With the NDP in power, she is the shadow minister for health, seniors services and long-term care and shadow minister for mental health, addiction

Now he’s back, set to make a presentation to council on Oct. 7. He plans to make council understand that a crucial part of his original application was misinterpreted.

What could have been done? The province took several steps, like pushing made-in-BC wood products. And there’s this, from the province, which doesn’t really say much: “We are tapping into the knowledge and expertise of forest and ecosystem experts, First Nations, forest communities and others to collaboratively protect forests health across the province and preserve the value that only forests can provide.”

As well, in addition to Citizen staff assisting with the editing and layout of their paper each month, they will be holding workshop for Over the Edge

Second, make a friend on council. Our councillors are elected to represent us at city hall, so hold them to that. Make personal connections so you have an advocate sitting around the council table. Be ready to be successful. You may, as Edwards did, find someone willing to stand up for you as an advocate.

Consider this online comment posted to Reddit along with our story announcing her decision to step away: “Wasn’t a fan of her politics but she did serve PG well, she was an advocate for the North. She deserved better.” Or another: “I

Unfortunately, for all these vision

Kennedy Gordon Managing Editor

That doesn’t do much good if fewer trees are being harvested. Had it been started 20 years ago, we might be having a different conversation today. But it wasn’t.

It’s interesting to consider where BC United would be today had Bond decided to pursue the leadership rather than agree to serve as interim leader of what was then the BC Liberal Party. Would the name change have happened? Would the Conservatives have risen as quickly as they did? Would we be watching an unprecedented political collapse unfold in real time like this? We can’t know. All we can know is that she made this major decision knowing it was right for her and her family, and we can trust that she carefully considered the impact on her constitutuents and her community before she did.

With Moccasin Flats set for closure this fall, we know many of its residents will reject the structure required in the new trailer housing set up nearby and will return to the urban woods, with no supports, no rules and no barriers. That’s who you don’t want in your backyard.

As UNBC president Geoffrey Payne states in a message in today’s edition: “With the return to physical newsprint, a new partnership with Prince George’s Citizen, and a renewed digital presence, Over the Edge is positioned to reach new heights. This publication will not only enhance student life at UNBC but also strengthen connections between our university and the wider community.”

People on the road to recovery need to start their journeys in safe, stable, substance-free surroundings. Edwards provides that.

He deserves council’s full attention and consideration.

Few elected officials in this country can claim a legacy like hers. If you’ve lived here long enough, you’ll likely agree, no matter your politics.

We’re not calling for an immediate bailout, but it is something that should be studied. The next government must take a closer look at what can be done to revive and grow the forestry sector. BC depends on it.

That’s the goal. We hope you enjoy this latest addition to The Citizen. Look for it monthly.

Kennedy Gordon is The Citizen’s managing editor.

Kennedy Gordon is The Citizen’s managing editor.

Kennedy Gordon is The Citizen’s managing editor.

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Letters to the editor are welcome. The maximum length is 300 words. Letters may be subject to editing for length, clarity, grammar, spelling and legalities prior to publication. Please include your daytime contact information.

Letters to the editor are welcome. The maximum length is 300 words. Letters may be subject to editing for length, clarity, grammar, spelling wand legalities prior to publication. Please include your daytime contact information.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Over the Edge, the campus newspaper of the University of British Columbia, will be available in The Citizen every month. Look for it in today’s edition.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

The Moccasin Flats encampment on Lower Patricia Boulevard is seen from the Millar Addition in this file photo. People who are working to help others recover from addiction and homelessness deserve council support, we suggest today.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

The closure of two Canfor mills is yet another sign that the government has underestimated the crisis facing the BC forestry industry.

Cameron Stolz Owner

Terresa Randall-Stolz Owner

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Prince George Valemount MLA Shirley Bond poses for a picture taken through the heart of the Chuck Chin Memorial Bench during its unveiling this summer.

OPINION

A letter of thanks from longtime MLA Shirley Bond

With heartfelt gratitude . . .

With my time as the MLA representing Prince George-Valemount coming to an end, I wanted to express my profound gratitude for the honour of serving as your MLA.

I can say with certainty that this was not the way I expected my career to end, but after serious consideration of several options, I have withdrawn my name from the ballot for the upcoming provincial election.

I want to thank my family, friends, colleagues, and staff for the support and assistance I have been provided with. The amazing staff team I have worked with both in Prince George and Victoria are exceptional and I will miss seeing them and the day to day work we did together. While I am proud of what I have

Forestry decline

is a sign that we

ALBERT KOEHLER Guest Columnist

Who is to blame?

It is not just the political landscape that is changing but the picture of the altering economics must be seen through a new frame.

Much has been written already about our dwindling resources of timber and the impacted employment numbers. Yes, it was somehow foreseeable, but the recent announcement of closures of the Canfor sawmill in Fort St. John and the big Plateau Mill in Vanderhoof clearly confirms that our forestry industry is in deep trouble. How come?

The steadily increasing tariffs along with relatively high taxes and stumpage fees cause lumber producers to not be competitive anymore.

The government’s fault? Yes. If corporations cannot earn enough money to invest and stay alive, they must close. No doubt, wildfires and pine beetles have contributed to timber shortages, as well as wrong forest management and policies.

Without analyzing all the different factors that are leading to sawmill closures, it is difficult to understand why we were unable to establish a

accomplished, I know there is much more that needs to be done. As I reflect on my career, I know that I will look forward to giving back in meaningful ways in my community and region that I love so much.

To my successor, the next MLA for Prince George-Valemount, listen well, work hard, and speak up. The residents of Northern British Columbia deserve nothing less.

Thank you to my constituents for giving me the opportunity to serve as George-Valemount. It has been the honour of a lifetime.

Shirley Bond

Former MLA, Prince George-Valemount

have to look forward

secondary manufacturing industry, a wood value-adding industry.

Why has that been neglected or been forgotten? No, it has been neglected! How can that happen, where we have the so much praised Wood Innovation and Design Centre, which was originally planned to be much bigger.

Well, the centre alone cannot do it, instead many instructors and professors would have to be hired, and the wonderful classroom of the centre be filled with students. Education and new ideas could have contributed to a flourishing wood industry.

Can we blame the government again? Yes, because sufficient funds could not be allotted to the new program without drawing much-needed professors from other programs.

Also, a huge expensive advertising campaign and recruitment program would have been required to attract students, also considering that the Master’s program has been offered already when no engineering undergraduate program was available at UNBC.

Yes, there is some minor action happening at the Wood Innovation and Design Centre, but with currently only seven students not much can be expected, unfortunately.

Considering the downwards sloping forestry industry, who then is prepared to invest in new ideas and wood added manufacturing?

Although right now is the best time to get involved, which unfortunately is a catch-22 because we clearly need people first who can do it and have the

education to get involved.

The government’s fault again? Yes, although not alone. Already more than 10 years ago many publications did focus on occupations that are in high demand.

And just to be clear, a degree in historical English was not part of that list because it is not beneficial for the Central Interior!

The highest in-demand occupations have been listed as engineers, as well as computer and IT professions. Respective recommendations from the Ministry of Education and other linked organizations/institutions have been forwarded to colleges and universities, which included our local University of Northern BC, as an “in the North for the North” university.

Again, a nationwide student recruitment program is required to boost our student numbers up to the designed capacity.

I strongly recommend our city together with our university and the college to organize a conference titled: “Our Economic Future” focusing on the Central Interior future only and not on the “now.”

Albert Koehler, P.Eng. is a former city councillor.

Longtime Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond decided against another run when her party, BC United, pulled out of the fall election race.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

As mills close across this part of the province, Albert Koehler wonders what the future holds for the forestry industry.

OPINION

Forget NIMBY and support the Prince George people trying to help

Addictions aren’t beat easily and most never make it out alive when it comes to the substances flooding our communities these days. This guy is doing all he can to help those caught in it, which is much more than can be said for most of us, including our grossly incompetent governments.

The real shame is that they are pouring millions upon millions into building homes for criminals and giving them tax payer funding hardcore drugs, while this guy struggles to actually help people.

Canada is a sad story and unfortunately it’s a losing battle. I don’t blame anyone for not wanting this type of housing being near their families. Canadians have become fractured and separated as a society and most don’t care much for strangers, as many of us are having a hard time just getting by looking after our own.

DD22

Missing girl Oaklynn Schweder found alive by volunteer search team

So very pleased to hear this good news! What a wonderful turn out of volunteers and search and rescue organizations who came together to search for this little girl. Kudos to everyone involved in making this very happy ending!

Best news story I’ll read all day!!

Lyn Grandma

Forget NIMBY and support the Prince George people trying to help

“Canadians have become fractured and separated as a society and most don’t care much for strangers, as many of us are having a hard time just getting by looking after our own.”

Makes one wonder how our ancestors got through the great depression or won a couple of world wars?

Part of the problem is social media. We live online. our attention spans have plummeted.

We no longer socialize with the people around us. We have become selfish. We fear anyone that isn’t in our “friend group” Me.Me.Me.

A world of looking out for number one.

Collective action, “the greater good’, and “love thy neighbour as thy self” is lost.

Lou Maurice

Multiple Myeloma March raises more than $27,000 for cancer research

Thank you Citizen for helping to make this day special to the Stinson family and for me too.

Chuck, I love your photos! I look ten years younger. haha Viven

Fire at Prince George’s Moccasin Flats encampment causes $2K damage

“A B.C. Supreme Court Justice has dismissed the City of Prince George’s application to close down Moccasin Flats. In a 27-page decision issued Wednesday, Simon Coval denied the city’s interlocutory injunction to remove the last residents of the tent encampment near downtown Prince George, commonly known as Moccasin Flats or Lower Patricia. By demolishing much of the encampment on Nov. 17, 2021, Coval stated the city was in breach of Justice Christopher Hinkson’s October 2021 ruling which allowed the Lower Patricia encampment to remain open until suitable housing and daytime facilities were available.”

I am not a defender of the city but in this case they can’t do much, yet.

Once the provincially funded (still us) trailers are ready, then they can go in and dismantle it.

Eden EastOf

Prince George CFUW chapter celebrates 60 years

Congratulations ladies on your 60th anniversary. It is a wonderful thing you are doing to further education for women. Even though, being a male, I am very proud of your efforts. More of this forward thinking is needed.

Jack Frost

Horst Sander remembered as a Prince George community leader

He was a lovely man to work for. No matter what position you held in that company he always made the time to chat. He was succeeded by CT Hazelwood, a lovely southern gentleman and then Canfor happened. I can only imagine Mr Sander’s thoughts. RIP Kerrye

Community mourns loss of Elder Edie Frederick

That is a terrible tragedy. To lose such a connection to the past. Hopefully her teachings inspired some in the younger generations to learn more about the language and culture to teach it going forward.

The Indigenous elders were and are such kind, wise, gentle souls.

Rest in peace.

BGeez

Community mourns loss of Elder Edie Frederick

My condolences to the entire Frederick family and all Edie’s friends and loved ones. May the Lord wrap His arms around all and comfort each and everyone at this time.

Sandy LeRoy

Horst Sander remembered as a community leader

The president and CEO of Northwood Inc., was named Prince George Citizen of the Year

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Community leader Horst Sander passed away on Sept. 9 at 91 years old.

Sander was born on May 29, 1933 in Germany.

He and his wife Helma made their home in Prince George in 1963.

Sander was the president and CEO of Northwood Inc. from 1979 to 1990 and his commitment to community service was strong.

“What can I tell ya’? We lost a helluva good Prince George guy,” longtime friend Tom Steadman and former owner of the Prince George Canadian Tire, said from his Bracebridge, Ont., home.

His first encounter with Sander was one Steadman never forgot.

“When we first had that hairbrained idea to justify a university in the north, the $5 petition is what I ran in the beginning,” he said.

“We had gone to all of the key people in Prince George, business leaders and so forth, and I went and knocked on Horst’s door at Northwood, so to speak, and let me go to the end of the story – he was the most pleasant, most encouraging, most hospitable rejection that I ever had.” Steadman laughed at the recollection.

Sander told Steadman that it was an idea that would never happen.

At the end of the campaign 16,000 northern BC residents had signed a petition and contributed $5 to the Interior University Society advocating for a university in Prince George.

“Murray Sadler and I went back a year later after we had a little credibility and we put the $5 pitch to Horst and we got his $5 and each of us got a gold Northwood pen and to this day that pen is in my briefcase,” Steadman said.

“That was a wonderful moment because Horst was a key figure for us. He was the president of one of the largest companies in Prince George, he was well thought of throughout the community so that was a big deal for us. And he was as pleasant saying ‘no’ as he was saying ‘yes.’”

in 1999

As we all know there is a University of Northern BC that now provides undergraduate and graduate learning opportunities that explore cultures, health, economies, sciences, and the environment.

There are 3,656 students currently in attendance.

Steadman, who still works as special advisor to Geoffrey Payne, president and vice-chancellor of UNBC, came to Prince George for a visit in May and went to see Sander during his stay.

Steadman reminded Sander of his gift of the Northwood gold pen.

“He said ‘I never thought you guys could pull that off,’” Steadman laughed.

“And of course he was the one to lead the implementation planning crew as chair and Murray Sadler and I both

served on that and Horst really stickhandled the process over the top, so to speak, and it came out of that process with the recommendation to get that thing done. That’s my colour commentary on Horst. He was just a wonderful man.”

Sander also served on the BC Premier’s Advisory Council and the boards of the Child Development Centre, PG Regional Hospital and the Prince George Community Foundation.

“Horst was a remarkable community supporter,” Noreen Rustad said.

“He was generous with his time and talents. While CEO of Northwood Pulp he ensured Northwood financially supported many worthwhile projects in our community. He personally helped me when we were setting up our office

for the first time for the Prince George Community Foundation. Horst was one of the people who helped to make our city vibrant and liveable. His work on the start up of UNBC was invaluable to our community. With his passing we mourn a Prince George pioneer.”

Sander was named Prince George Citizen of the Year in 1999, received an honorary degree from UNBC in 2000 and received Her Majesty the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.

A celebration of life and reception will be held on Sunday, Oct. 13 at the Coast Inn of the North Ballroom from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice or to the Sander Family Fund at the Prince George Community Foundation.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Horst Sander passed away at 91 years Sept. 9, 2024. He is remembered as a strong community leader in Prince George.

Cops for Cancer Tour de North pedals through PG

CITIZEN STAFF

A team of 14 law enforcement and emergency services workers headed out from Dawson Creek on bicycles Friday, Sept. 20, pedalling about 850 kilometres across the northern part of the province until Thursday, Sept. 26 as part of the Cops for Cancer Tour de North.

The funds they raise will go to support of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS).

Riders will connect with residents through tour stops at schools, local businesses, and community events, raising funds to support children affected by cancer and their families.

The cyclistS were in Prince George on Tuesday, Sept. 24, with two stops. They were scheduled to be at the RCMP detachment to meet with local CCS representatives, the Prince George RCMP and the Spruce Kings from 5:155:45 p.m.

Then they were to head to the Pomeroy Inn and Suites on Recplace Drive, arriving at about 6 p.m.

The gathering was scheduled to before they arrived, running from 4-7 p.m. with a fundraising barbecue and special guests.

Cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death in children under 15, states a press release from the society.

For its 23rd year, CCS is partnering with first responder agencies to improve outcomes and transform the future of childhood cancer.

Funds raised during the Tour de North will go toward life-saving cancer research and national support services, including Camp Goodtimes, which offers children diagnosed with cancer and their families a stress-free, medically supervised summer camp experience.

“Camp Goodtimes is a rare opportunity for parents and children impacted

Site C reservoir filling has begun

Site C reservoir filling between Fort St. John and Hudson’s Hope has begun. For up to four months, water levels will rise by up to three metres per day. The Peace River will widen by two to three times on average.

For safety, BC Hydro strongly urges the public to stay off the reservoir and its tributaries, specifically the Halfway River, and use extreme caution near the shoreline. All public boat launches on the reservoir are closed. New boat launches will be inaccessible until at least spring 2026. New hazards include:

○ Floating vegetation debris

○Unstable shoreline and erosion

○ Submerged hazards

BC Hydro is monitoring for slope stability and will advise when the reservoir is deemed safe.

If you see a large animal in distress in the reservoir area, please contact the B.C. Conservation Officer Service through the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1 877 952 RAPP (7277).

For more information visit SiteCproject.com/reservoir, or call 1 877 217 0777

by cancer to connect in a safe space,” said Graeme, a Cops for Cancer fundraiser and a regular at Camp Goodtimes with his daughter, Paisley.

“The dedication of the Cops for Cancer riders in fundraising is remarkable. I wish they could see how much they have helped families heal.”

An estimated 1,050 children aged 0-14 are expected to face a cancer diagnosis in 2024.

As the largest charitable funder of childhood cancer research in Canada, CCS has invested $14.7 million in the last five years, contributing to improved outcomes.

The five-year survival rate for childhood cancer has risen to 84 per cent, up from 71 per cent in the 1980s.

However, two out of three children diagnosed with cancer experience long-term or late side effects from treatment.

“Since I was a kid, as young as five, I have participated in Cops for Cancer

fundraisers across the country, starting with shaving my hair each year in school,” says rider Const. Robert Orlowski of the Burns Lake RCMP.

“My interest stemmed from my dad, a 32-year veteran of the Ontario Provincial Police who developed skin cancer from his service.

He has always supported me, and Cops for Cancer is my way of supporting him.”

Combating childhood cancer requires a collective effort.

To find an event or to make a donation, visit copsforcancer.ca.

Since its inception in 2003, the Tour de North has raised more than $2.9 million.

There are four cycling tours in B.C. Since the first tour in 1997, Cops for Cancer has expanded across Canada, with hundreds of law enforcement and emergency services personnel raising more than $54 million through Cops for Cancer events.

has experienced numerous fires since earlier this year.

RCMP continues to probe series of encampment fires

CITIZEN STAFF

RCMP investigators are turning to the public for assistance as they probe suspicious fires in the encampment on Lower Patricia Boulevard.

They ask anyone with video footage from surveillance systems or dash cams to contact them, and encourage witnesses who may have seen people coming and going to speak up.

“As with all the fires that have occurred at this location in recent months, we continue to speak with those people living

in the area to gather information that will further our investigations,” stated Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, the Prince George RCMP’s media relations officer. “We urge anyone with information on these incidents to come forward to police.”

After one fire earlier in the week, city crews were called back to the area known as Moccasin Flats just after 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19. They found three tiny homes and a camper on fire. No injuries were reported.

There have been numerous fires at the encampment since the spring.

Moccasin Flats

Rescue teams find missing girl, 6, alive in wooded area

Oaklynn Schweder was missing for three days near Burns Lake

CITIZEN STAFF

Oaklynn Schweder, the six-year-old girl reported missing from the Burns Lake area, was found alive Sunday, Sept. 22 after a weekend of intense searches of the area.

The RCMP confirmed her safe return Sunday evening.

“She was found in a forested area previously searched between her residence and the band office, leaving searchers to believe she was likely moving around during the time she was missing,” the RCMP stated.

A video posted to Facebook shows someone carrying a child wrapped in a blanket toward a waiting vehicle.

Oaklynn was taken to a hospital to be checked over after a volunteer search team found her.

“This is the outcome that we all hoped for, she was missing for multiple days, but everyone searching remained dedicated to bringing her home safely,” said Staff Sgt. Joshua Smith, Burns Lake RCMP detachment commander. “We are thankful for the support of all our partner agencies and volunteers that worked day and night to achieve this outcome.“

Oaklynn, a member of the Skin Tyee Nation, was last seen outside her Southbank home on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m.

Police and community members combed the area looking for the girl, described as non-verbal and on the autism spectrum. The effort was later joined by search and rescue teams from other communities, including a

Nanaimo group, and the Canadian Rangers. Searchers used helicopters, drones and dogs.

Because Oaklynn has special needs, rescue teams were briefed on specific ways to get her attention and told about places she might like to hide.

The search garnered national attention, with an outpouring of relief and praise for the searchers after she was located.

BC Wildfire Service lifts restrictions in Sakeniche River

CITIZEN STAFF

As of noon Friday, Sept. 20, the area restriction order for the Sakeniche River area, located near three wildfires in the VanJam Fire Zone and the adjacent Northwest Fire Centre, has been rescinded, the BC Wildfire Service has announced.

Although firefighting efforts continue, public access restrictions are no longer necessary for safe and efficient

operations, the service states. Despite the rescindment, officials maintain the authority under the Wildfire Act to order evacuations if conditions change.

The active wildfires in the VanJam Fire Zone and throughout the Prince George Fire Centre may still pose risks, especially with increasing winds or prolonged dry spells that could intensify fire behaviour.

Hazards may include:

• Danger trees that are unstable

and could fall

• Ash pits that may remain hot long after the fire has subsided

• Unstable soils and terrain

• Increased risks of landslides or rock falls

• Damaged trails or irregular surfaces

• Enhanced water runoff that could cause flooding or debris flows

• Damaged fencing allowing livestock to enter roadways

12 – October 9

In severely burned areas, post-wildfire risks may persist for two years or more. Residents can expect to see smouldering ground fires and smoke within the perimeter of existing wildfires in the coming weeks. This is typical for large wildfires. However, smoke rising from unburned fuel or outside a fire’s perimeter should be reported immediately. Wildfires can be reported by calling 1-800-663-5555 (toll-free) or *5555 from a cellphone.

KIRBIE JOHNNY/FACEBOOK PHOTO

A volunteer talks to some of the volunteers who found missing Oaklynn Schweder, 6, near Burns Lake Sunday, Sept. 22.

EV fast-charging stations now open in Vanderhoof

CITIZEN STAFF

BC Hydro is expanding its electric vehicle fast-charging network with the installation of two new 180-kilowatt chargers in Vanderhoof.

“An important part of our CleanBC climate plan is helping people transition from gas-powered vehicles to those powered by B.C.’s clean electricity,” said Josie Osborne, minister of energy, mines and low carbon innovation, in a press release.

“This new charging site in Vanderhoof is part of our collaboration with BC Hydro and other partners to make cleaner transportation options more accessible and affordable for all British Columbians.”

The new chargers are located at 2533 Burrard Ave., near Columbia Street. They can add 180 kilometres of range to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes. The site features a curbless design and lower displays for improved

Electric vehicle drivers have new charging stations to use in Vanderhoof.

accessibility.

In addition to being faster, the chargers offer dual charging capability, allowing two vehicles to charge simultaneously. For instance, a 180-kilowatt charger can split power to provide two 90-kilowatt ports, increasing public

environmental and economic benefits as we aim to reduce climate-changing emissions by 40 per cent by 2030.”

The number of electric vehicles in British Columbia has surged, with More than 170,000 currently on the road. BC Hydro estimates this number could grow to between 700,000 and 900,000 within the next decade.

charging access.

“These new stations will enable British Columbians to travel more quickly and reliably using clean energy,” said George Heyman, minister of environment and climate change strategy. “More electric chargers provide both

“British Columbians are embracing electric vehicles faster than any other jurisdiction in Canada, which is why we’re investing in expanding our fast charging network,” said Chris O’Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. “These new chargers are part of our plan to achieve geographic connectivity, with charging stations located at least every 150 kilometres across the province.”

BC Hydro’s fast-charging network currently includes 312 charging ports at 118 sites throughout B.C. The new chargers are funded through a partnership involving the Province of B.C. and Natural Resources Canada.

Books, bargains and more

Rhonda Gardy adds more books to her haul as she makes her way through the Legion Book and Garage Sale fundraiser at 1362 Jarvis St. on Saturday. The sale featured hundreds of books and household items along with hotdogs and drinks available for hungry shoppers. All proceeds go to the operating costs of the Legion in Prince George.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Drivers can expect lane closures on John Hart Bridge as of Oct. 1

New partnership for UNBC, Lasalle College

CITIZEN STAFF

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and LaSalle College Vancouver (LCV) have announced a new academic partnership.

The collaboration will see LCV serve as the Vancouver location for UNBC’s 21-month Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, while facilitating a transition for students from LCV’s Associate of Arts degree to UNBC’s Bachelor of Commerce program.

Jason Dewling, chief learning officer and executive vice-president of LCI Education, said the partnership will enhance access to educational opportunities.

“This partnership gives our students a pathway into UNBC programs, and it gives UNBC students access to the MBA program in the City of

Vancouver,” Dewling said in a press release from the two institutionS.

Under the new agreement, students who complete LCV’s 18-month Associate of Arts program can transfer directly into the third year of UNBC’s Bachelor of Commerce program, facilitating a smooth academic transition.

“To achieve a sustainable future, graduates need to be able to visualize and design that future,” said Ron Camp, dean of UNBC’s Faculty of Business and Economics. “LCV’s focus on design thinking will enhance discussions in our classes, positioning both institutions as leaders in designing a sustainable future for B.C. and beyond.”

Jamie Kemp, chief academic officer at LCV, said the two schools are aligned.

“We share a common vision of providing quality education and fostering student success,” Kemp noted.

House

Tuesday, October 1

Tours, prizes and fitness!

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Signs are now up by the John Hart Bridge, warning commuters of the pending closure of lanes and directing them to alternate routes. The bridge will be down to one lane for one week beginning Oct. 1 to allow crews to repair a partially blocked sewer mainline. The two southbound lanes will then be closed for two weeks beginning on Oct. 9.

Invasive species: Prince George’s war on thistles

Once they take hold, these pervasive, prickly little plants can be very difficult to eradicate

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

It is built to dominate, said a UNBC assistant professor.

It will crowd out native plants, dry up the land and settle into a root network that will boggle the mind.

The Canada thistle is everywhere this year.

Check out both sides of University Hill and North Nechako Road. West of town under the power lines they are rampant, one reader reported, saying it was shameful to see so many.

“If you leave it, it can easily spread about,” said ecosystem science and management assistant Prof. Samuel Bartels of UNBC. “It’s spreading from the rhizomatous roots, which means it has a modified stem that can easily sprout from the roots as well.”

If you see one thistle this year, next year you may see about seven and that quickly becomes a colony, Bartels added.

One flower holds between 1,000 and 1,500 parachute-style seeds that can be carried away on the wind to crowd out native plants essential to the ecosystem.

“And as for the seeds, before you see it, it’s already done its damage,” he said. “The Canada thistle is an invasive species so any opening, any soil disturbance, any clearing of any kind is where it will take hold. It is a wicked plant.”

Canada thistle is designated as a provincial noxious weed by the BC Weed Control Act.

“Even if you take them by the roots, they will still come back in no time,” said Bartels.

“It’s considered a noxious weed because it damages the natural habitat,” he continued. “It affects ecosystems, wildlife, plants, and it does so because the roots excrete a chemical to prevent anything else from establishing around it. This is an allelopathic affect. It’s basically saying don’t come close and it also uses a lot of water. It has a really efficient use of water so it dries out the soil very quickly where it’s found. It will

start growing where it’s wet in loamy soils and takes all the moisture to build itself and takes much of the nutrients so if it’s in the crops it’s really depriving them of much needed nutrients.”

When thistles first start to grow they establish the root system first. Then their leaves spread laterally and low to the ground to block out the sun, offering a hostile environment for other plants, he added.

“Nothing can really establish near it,” Bartels said. “It is built to dominate any native species.”

Is there a solution?

“Any effort towards eradication really helps in the sense that the plant puts much effort into establishing the root system so if you cut it off, pull it out, it has to be before the flowers come out and it goes to seed,” Bartels said. “So if you see it and it’s not flowering yet and you pull it up you have done something to the plant and it will take some time for it to use its resources for shoot development. So anything helps.”

If you have them on your lawn mow them as soon as you see them and if you can kill it that’s even better, he added.

“Some people use vinegar, so if you cut it you can pour vinegar into the

stem and desiccate the roots and in that case you can keep applying and keep applying to try to kill the root,” Bartels suggested.

There are targeted herbicides that are very specific to individual species and then there are broad spectrum that kills everything, he added.

“The City of Prince George recognizes the abundance of Canada thistle this year and continues to address invasive species on city land through strategic management,” the city’s parks department said in a statement.

“Our premier parks (Rainbow, Connaught Hill and Lheidli T’enneh) are prioritized for treatment, and we also tackle other areas as needed, guided by service levels. The city also uses specialized mowers to mechanically manage thistle in accessible areas. In places like ditches, manual removal is necessary and can be challenging due to time and budget constraints.”

In Edmonton in 2017 there was a project that saw a goat herd of about 170 animals take on the challenge of managing the thistles and other noxious weeds at Rundle Park, Bartels said.

“I witnessed goats in action and they were specifically trained to chew thistles and you could see them browsing

through the area,” he smiled. “It was quite the sight.”

For a larger area in a public space the city could consider using goats to chew the thistles, Bartels suggested, still smiling.

“While the idea of using goats is interesting, the pilot hasn’t been proven effective enough in a municipal setting as of yet,” the parks department replied in response to the suggestion. “Instead, we work closely with the Northwest Invasive Plant Council, with an annual partnership of nearly $20,000. We provide them with a list of areas, and they assist in managing noxious weeds in those locations. We also work with community groups like the Prince George Naturalists Club, who assist us in controlling invasive species in specific areas such as the Hudson Bay Wetland and Carrie Jane Gray Park. While full eradication isn’t feasible, we strive to manage invasive species to the best of our ability.”

For residents managing thistles on private property, the parks department recommends securely bagging the plants and taking them to the landfill. Thistle should not be composted, as the seeds can survive in compost and can spread when used in gardens.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

This colony of Canada thistle is seen along North Nechako Road close to the roundabout off the Cameron Street Bridge.

New hospital in Fort St. James nearing completion

CITIZEN STAFF

The new hospital being built in Fort St. James is nearing completion, with work expected to be done by Oct. 8, the health ministry has announced.

“With the facility nearing substantial completion, residents will soon have access to an expanded emergency department, improved diagnostic imaging services, and better primary care in their community,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix. “This investment provides health-care professionals with the space and technology they need to deliver advanced care. This significant milestone ensures that people in the North will have access to the care they require close to home, both now and in the future.”

The new hospital and health centre will replace the community’s outdated facility, the Stuart Lake Hospital, and combine primary, acute, and long-term care services in one location. It will have

27 beds, 18 of which will be for longterm care with nine for acute care.

The hospital will also have an expanded emergency department with two treatment rooms, a trauma bay and an ambulance bay, as well as a larger laboratory and diagnostic imaging (X-ray) centre. It will also have palliative care space.

The total capital cost of the project is

As a North American energy company, Enbridge believes that our business can play a critical role in advancing reconciliation, and that means acknowledging the truth and learning from the past. As we learn more, we strive to create a path that we can walk, together, towards reconciliation.

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we encourage all to take time to listen and learn about the history and culture of Indigenous peoples.

$158.3 million, funded by the province through Northern Health, along with an $18.4-million contribution from the Stuart-Nechako Regional Hospital District. Other northern initiatives include new or expanded hospitals in Prince George, Terrace, Dawson Creek and Quesnel.

“We’re fulfilling our commitment to enhance hospital services in remote and rural areas of B.C., ensuring

What can you do?

Wear your orange shirt on September 30

Learn more by finding new Indigenous social media content creators or podcasts

Support Indigenous artists; listen to Indigenous musicians

residents receive care in modern facilities within their communities,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary secretary for rural health. “This new hospital will enable Fort St. James and surrounding communities to access quality care close to home.”

The primary-care centre will be integrated with the hospital and long-term care services, giving residents access to doctors, visiting specialists, substance-use supports, public health, and home and community care.

“Bringing all health services under one roof will simplify care and improve efficiency for patients and providers alike,” said Colleen Nyce, board chair for Northern Health. “Considering the community’s unique needs has been a priority throughout this development. We appreciate the staff and community leaders who engaged with Northern Health at every stage of the project and look forward to showcasing the new facility.”

Participate in local cultural events in your community

Discuss with your family what truth and reconciliation means and identify ways to take action

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO

An artist’s rendering offers a look at the new hospital in Fort St. James, currently under construction.

Danone

Fall Fun in the Forest offers new bear-aware event

Organizers welcome Northern Lights Wildlife Society Oct. 5 at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park

CHRISTINE DALGLWEISH Citizen Staff

Fall Fun in the Forest is a brandnew event presented by a brand-new event planning duo that will see bear safety awareness showcased in Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Organizers Cara Brinsky and Nadine Furnell of Fluid Affairs and Events have teamed up with Northern Lights Wildlife Society for the event, which will have local entertainers, vendors, food trucks and community groups gather to celebrate all things fall in Prince George. Northern Lights Wildlife Society, from Smithers, rehabilitates orphaned bear cubs, and will have representatives on hand to talk about what they do.

Fluid Affairs and Events started when

Brinsky and Furnell were talking about creating opportunities for local businesses to be showcased.

“But we didn’t just want to do local markets,” Furnell said. “We wanted to do vendors, food trucks, entertainment, activities and make it a family event so it wasn’t just a shopping trip.”

When Furnell thinks about fall she immediately thinks about bears.

“I reached out to Northern Lights Wildlife Society because we wanted to bring bear awareness to the community,” Furnell said. “Too many bears are being killed because of human interaction and humans not securing garbage properly and we need to just be bear-aware so that’s how this event came to be.”

Fluid wants to focus on the community, Brinsky added.

It’s important for the pair to help out where they can and each knows how much support is needed by non-profits like the Northern Lights Wildlife Society.

Brinksy said she has a big goal set for their first event.

“I’m one of those ‘go big or stay home’ kind of people so my goal is 100 vendors, 10 food trucks and multiple performers – we’re not going to make that but it’s fun to try,” Brinsky laughed. “But we’re doing pretty good. So far we have more than half the food trucks on board and it sounds like we’ve got a couple of different performers, we’re going to put up extra tents and tables for sitting areas and we’re reaching out to some of the sports teams to see if they can send their mascots out. We really want to build community.”

“And promote our community

groups,” Furnell said.

“We’re two working moms with a vision so we know it’s going to take some time. We do have big dreams and big goals and we know this will fit in with the North. We want to create events that we would like to participate in and we want to ask the community what they would like to see happen in Prince George. What is missing in your life that you would attend once a quarter or once a month? Let’s do it.”

Fall Fun in the Forest goes Saturday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park.

Partial proceeds from the event go directly to Northern Lights Wildlife Society.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/fluidaffairsandevents.

NORTHERN LIGHTS WILDLIFE SOCIETY PHOTO

These bears are being rehabilitated at Northern Lights Wildlife Society and are seen here enjoying a recent donation of apples. Fall Fun in the Forest is an event at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park set for Saturday, Oct. 5 with partial proceeds being donated to the society.

What’s happening in PG

Thrift Store High Tea goes Thursday, Sept. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Prince George Senior Activity Centre, 425 Brunswick St. For some fun and a giggle wear your very best High Tea thrift store apparel. Tickets are $5 each and must be purchased prior to 3 p.m. on Sept. 25.

Singles Night at Cait’s goes Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at Cait’s Sweet Bites & Beanery, 3831 Austin Road W. This is a fun evening of mingling and meeting new people. There will be some casual games, including Jack Box Games, Lego building competitions, and other lowkey activities. Pregistration is required with a minimum of 10 pre-registrations for the event to take place. Tickets are available for $20, which will include select drinks from Cait’s as well as a baked good. Alcoholic drinks will also be available for purchase, as well as additional foods. Tickets at singlesnightatcaits.eventbrite.com.

Prince George Cangems Gem & Mineral Show goes Friday, Sept. 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre. If you love everything rock, gem, mineral, and handmade join CanGems. Mineral specimens, crystals, natural gemstone jewelry, home decor, fossils and an array of artists and makers will be on site. Day pass is $6 each, $15 per family and five and under are free. Weekend pass for all three days is $10 each, $25 per family. For more information visit www.cangems.ca.

Coquitlam Express at Prince George Spruce Kings goes Friday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. Tickets at https://www.sprucekings. bc.ca/tickets

AiMHi Walkathon goes Friday, Sept. 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at AiMHi Gymnasium, 950 Kerry St., and is to unite supported individuals and their families in a fun, accessible, and outdoor community event. This event is about more than just physical activity; it’s about making connections,

celebrating life, and kicking off Community Living Month with heartfelt enthusiasm. There is no registration required, just come enjoy the event. While participation in the walk is voluntary, organizers encourage everyone to join in, including those with accessibility requests, ensuring that individuals of all ages and fitness levels can participate.

Junk in the Trunk Sale, the garage sale bonanza goes Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with more than 100 vendors on site. In partnership with this event there is a variety of stewardship organizations that will accept recycling including old or unused tires, on or off the rim, household batteries and thermostats, electronics, including televisions, computers, musical instruments and power tools including drills, circular saws, electric sanders and band saws as well as a spot to drop

off electronic outdoor equipment like electric chainsaws, lawnmowers and power washes.

Northern B.C. Crime Stoppers

Fall Community Shred It Event goes Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Prince George Secondary school parking lot. Shred personal and important documents and help the crime fighting program by donating a minimum $10 per bag and box. Documents will be safely and securely shredded. For another $5 donation enjoy a tasty Mr. Mike’s burger.

GRAMMAS 2 GRAMMAS Parking

Lot Sale goes Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 3590 Dufferin Ave. Lots of useful, gently used, household items and homemade baking.

10th annual Small Business Fall Fair goes Saturday, Sept. 28 and Sunday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the

Roll-A-Dome where more than 100 vendors will have their wares on display. There are so many new vendors attending including bakers, makers, small businesses, and direct sales.

Pumpkin Watercolour Paint goes Sunday, Sept. 29 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Wildflower Farm, 9295 Pooley Road. Visit the farm for this fall themed watercolour paint experience with Liana. This pumpkin paint is 9x12 inches and all instructions, paints and materials are provided in the barn setting, also included is pumpkin spice tea and charcuterie goodies provided by Cait’s Sweet Bites and Beanery. To register text Lisa of Wildflower Farm at 250961-3519 or email wildflowerfarmpg@ hotmail.com. Registration fee is $75/per person. Participants must pre-register to join the workshop.

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Come From Away, the touring Broadway musical, is onstage Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the CN Centre.

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National Seniors Day Open House goes Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Northern Sport Centre, 3333 University Way. Everyone 55+ is invited to join in the fun and free fitness activities like pickleball, enjoy snacks and enter to win prizes. Get a personal tour of the facility and meet other likeminded community members. Learn about the special membership rate, fitness programs and personal training. Come From Away, touring Broadway musical, goes Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 7 to 10 p.m. This is the Tony and Olivier Award winning show that takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them during the 9/11 crisis. Tickets at www.cncentre.ca/events-tickets/ events-calendar/come-away.

Pumpkin Centrepiece Workshop goes Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wildflower Farm, 9295 Pooley Road. The class includes everything needed to create the centrepiece, including dried blooms, seed pods, grains and grasses. Price is $45 per person. This class has limited spots. To pre-register text Lisa at 250-961-3519. Learn to Roller Skate goes Oct. 3 to Nov. 28 at the Roll-A-Dome every Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. First night is free. Safety gear and skates provided. The program is hosted by Rated PG Roller Derby. This program is for beginners and will focus on the fundamentals of roller skating and building confidence on skates. Cost is $120 plus annual insurance $30. Must bring mouthguard. All genders welcome and must be 18+. To participate fill out the form be added to the program e-mail list at https:// forms.gle/aNJrZsSDVhuNkGoe8.

Curling 50+ Open House goes Friday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Prince George Golf & Curling Club. If you’re looking to try something new, bring clean runners and wear warm stretchy clothing. Volunteers will take you through the basics of curling and

Theatre Northwest’s Little Shop of Horrors, with David Michael Juma and Tayo Gbalajobi, runs until Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 7 to 10 p.m. with some matinees.

there’s a chance to join a league if you love it. Curling is an inclusive sport that can adapt to almost any situation. There are even sticks to help you push the rock, no bending required. For more information visit www.pggolfandcurling.com/curling-2/leagues-events/ league-information.

Fall Fun in the Forest goes Saturday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park. Fluid Affairs and Events is teaming up with Northern Lights Wildlife Society to bring the first annual event to build awareness around bear safety and what to do as a community and as individual households to improve the situations for the bears. Partial proceeds will go directly to NLWS as they care for orphaned bears and other wildlife. There will be local vendors, food trucks, community groups, music, crafts and more.

Oktoberfest German Buffet and Dance goes Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Hart Pioneer Centre, 6986 John Hart Highway. Enjoy a delicious authentic German buffet created by Chef Frank,

followed by dancing and a late night snack. Doors and cash bar open at 5 p.m. Buffet dinner served at 6 p.m. with dancing to Tycon Tunes starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are available in advance at the centre. For more information call 250-962-6712.

Oktoberfest PG goes Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Prince George Seniors Activity Centre, 425 Brunswick St. Sound of the North will play traditional German, country, old-time rock n’ roll music for dancing. Hot German-style lunch included. Tickets $40 (in advance, 19+) available by e-transfer to Oktoberfestpg@gmail.com or in person at 425 Brunswick St.

Hart Spooktacular Market goes Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hart Shopping Centre parking lot. Come shop local and check out all things fall and Halloween.

CFUR Radiothon Wrap-Up Party goes Saturday, Oct. 5 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Legion 43 PG, 1110 Sixth Ave. The evening includes music by Folky Strum Strum, Checkdown Charlie and

Brock Patch. This is the wrap for the radiothon membership drive fundraiser week. Doors at 7, show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and it’s $10 for members. Email stationmanager@cfur.ca to get the discount code. Tickets are at https://cfur. ca/radiothon-wrap-up-party.

Rhythm and Dance goes Sunday, Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Prince George Playhouse, 2626 Recplace Drive. Join the PGSO Wind Quintet as they showcase dance music from all over the world. This narrated show was originally created by the National Art Centre. For tickets visit https://tickets.pgso.com/ rhythmanddance.

Surrey Eagles at Prince George Spruce Kings goes Saturday, Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. at Kopar Memorial Arena. Tickets at www.sprucekings.bc.ca/tickets Portland Winterhawks at Prince George Cougars goes Wednesday, Oct. 8 and Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. at CN Centre. Tickets at https://chl.ca/ whl-cougars/

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CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

What’s happening in PG

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Sunny Phono & frens goes Friday, Oct. 11 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 269 Victoria St. This is an electronic music event featuring Sunny Phono, K1lowaTT, WubberWoky, KG, VitaminD. For $15 advance tickets message www.facebook.com/AVPromotionsPG or it’s $25 at the door.

Farmhouse Country Hoedown goes Friday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. at the Roll-ADome. Join an evening filled with live country music, line dancing and a lively atmosphere of two-stepping fun. This 19+ event is the perfect way to celebrate the fall season with friends and fellow country music lovers. There is a 50/50 raffle that will support the Prince George 4-H Clubs. Tickets for the dance are at www.farmhousecatering.ca/ countrydance.

Hunniford Gardens Fright Night Market goes Friday, Oct. 11 and Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. at 8845 Aquarius Road. Bringing together local produce, food, arts and crafts vendors and there will be food trucks on site. Everyone is welcome into the store for fall flower bulbs, houseplants and all gardening needs. If getting creeped out and terrified is your thing, the Fright Night Pumpkin Patch is also open from 6-10 pm. This part is a ticketed event at hunniford-gardens. friday-october-11th-fright-night and Saturday tickets are at hunniford-gardens.saturday-october-12th-fright-night. Tickets are not needed to attend the Night Market.

Prince Albert Raiders at Prince George Cougars goes Saturday, Oct. 12 at CN Centre. Tickets at https://chl.ca/ whl-cougars/ Thursdays at the Park goes every week at The Exploration Place, 333 Becott Place, until Oct. 3, and will see the Cruisin Classic Car Club parked outside so people can check out the classic cars. Origins Kitchen will feature specials at their take-out window and the Little Prince steam engine will be running from noon to 8 p.m.

Games Night goes every Thursday at 7 p.m at Spruce Capital Seniors Centre,

3701 Rainbow Drive. Come on down and join in a game of backgammon, checkers, crib or better yet try out the pool table or dart board, please bring your own darts. Open to everyone for a $5 drop in fee.

Little Shop of Horrors presented by Theatre NorthWest goes until Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 7 to 10 p.m. and some 2 p.m. matinees at 36 – 556 North Nechako Rd. Step into a world where the quirky meets the carnivorous during this production of the play by Howard Ashman with music by Alan Menken. Packed with toe-tapping tunes, dark humour, and a dash of campy horror, this cult-classic musical promises an unforgettable night of laughter and suspense. Content warning: be advised this production contains harmful stereotypes, portrayals of domestic abuse, mentions of poverty, death, and outdated language that may be offensive to some viewers. For tickets visit https://tickets.theatrenorthwest.com/ littleshopofhorrors

Wilson Square Community Farmers’ Market goes every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Oct. 14 where local food producers fill the street as musicians play their instruments and visitors start their weekends with a round of breakfast sandwiches and hot coffee. Traditional farm fresh meat and produce is available alongside wild-foraged

to the public. Each story panel is facing the paved walking path and is not located in the dog park itself. The program is available rain or shine so participants should dress for the weather. The story is changed on a monthly basis to keep it fresh and exciting.

seasonal fiddleheads and morels, rounded out by a selection of local arts and baked treats.

Prince George Farmers’ Market goes every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Oct. 26 where visitors will find around 100 vendors offering everything from local vegetables, ethically-raised grass-fed meats, baking, fruits, hot foods, coffee, honey, jams and jellies, preserves, and a wide variety of artisan products including jewellery and crafts.

Craft & Chat at the main branch of the Prince George Public Library goes every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the magazine corner, second floor, where fibre artists are invited to bring their latest projects to share, vent frustrations, brag about successes, get and give help and join in lively discussions. Snacks provided. This event is in partnership with Great Northwest Fibre Fest.

Parkinson Support Group meetings are the third Saturday of each month. Next meeting is Saturday, Sept. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Drive. Meetings are informal and are for sharing information about slowing down the progression of PD. There are guest speakers, special events and biweekly exercise sessions and positive social interaction. Use lower parking lot beside ball diamond to access the seniors centre.

Story Walk at Duchess Park is open

Trivia Night at Nancy O’s goes every other Wednesday, including Sept. 25, at 8 p.m., 1261 Third Ave. There are three rounds per game, each round has five themed questions and five music questions. There’s something for everyone. The winning team gets a custom Nancy O’s Trivia trophy and a round of drinks, their photo on the wall that goes into the winners’ book after two weeks. Those caught cheating will be publicly shamed and labelled as cheaters – good wholesome fun. Book a spot by calling ahead at 250-562-8066.

Coffee and Cars is a weekly event held every Saturday from 7 to 9 a.m. until Sept. 29 at Tim Horton’s, 612 East Central St., where people can meet up during this family-friendly event that brings Prince George’s diverse car culture together. Time to bring out those projects.

Omineca’s Coffee House Open Stage is every Sunday, 369 Victoria St., from 3 to 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to step up and share their talents, stories and art forms of all kinds including but not limited to musical, literary, comedic and performative expressions of our diverse community. Refreshments and snacks by donation. Sign up is on-site. There are some house instruments provided but feel free to bring your own creative tools for expression. First timers and emerging artists are encouraged to experiment and collaborate with others. Please share and invite friends and family to build audience, engage and cheer on local artists in a fun, relaxed and safe environment.

If you've got an event coming up email us at news@pgcitizen.ca to offer details including name of the event, the date, time and location, ticket price and where to get them and a little bit about what's happening, too. LOCF

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

The Prince George Farmers’ Market goes every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Oct. 26.

CNC researchers develop new dementia guidance

The online guide is aimed at people providing care for loved ones in north-central BC

CITIZEN STAFF

Researchers at the College of New Caledonia (CNC) have developed an online guide to help north-central BC residents caring for someone with dementia.

About 750,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, a number projected to more than double by 2050. In Northern BC, unique challenges exist compared to urban areas, particularly regarding timely diagnosis and access to care, say the researchers. So CNC has initiated a dementia guidance project aimed at addressing these local issues.

Dr. Dinesh Ramoo, a psychology instructor and research lead at CNC, presented findings from this project at the Canadian Psychological Association’s annual convention in Ottawa last June.

Supported by funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Dementia Strategic Fund and in collaboration with the Alzheimer Society BC, CNC’s Applied Research and Innovation department engaged with communities in north-central BC to examine local needs and concerns around dementia awareness and care.

Ramoo, along with research associate Salima Somani and a team of student research assistants, consulted with caregivers, healthcare providers and post-secondary students in rural and remote regions, as well as ethnic minorities and Indigenous populations.

The project included eight dementia awareness workshops.

Key contributors to the research included Dr. Tamara Chambers-Richards, dean of the CNC School of Health Sciences; Troy Morin, associate dean of the CNC School of Human Services, and Corinne George, regional principal of the CNC Burns Lake campus.

“It’s important for CNC that our research projects directly benefit the communities we serve. Our researchers collaborate with a wide range of

partners in both the public and private sectors to address social issues,” said Chambers-Richards. “We also engage student researchers so they can apply their skills beyond the classroom to help local causes.”

Cindy Heitman, president of CNC, emphasized the significance of the research for educating new healthcare professionals.

“This work informs the training we provide, enabling professionals to offer appropriate, person-centred care to individuals living with dementia,” she said.

The culmination of their research is an online guide titled Mind the Gap: Dementia Guidance for the North.

This resource outlines physical, psychological, social, and environmental lifestyle choices aimed at delaying the onset or preventing dementia, specifically for regional and Indigenous populations.

Patients in rural and Indigenous communities often face isolation and vulnerability due to a shortage of local healthcare providers, nearby family members, and adequate transportation, the study notes, adding this lack of resources can delay diagnosis and care.

All materials and resources developed through the project are available to educators and the

public at pressbooks.bccampus. ca/dementiaguidelines/chapter/ dementia-guidelines-for-northern-bc/ The research team is seeking small

grants to sustain dementia awareness sessions across Northcentral B.C., aiming to engage high school students and young adults.

Researchers at the College of New Caledonia have developed an online resource to help address issues around dementia care in this part of the province.

CFUW celebrates 60 years in Prince George

The Prince George chapter of CFUW (formerly the Canadian Federation of University Women) celebrated its 60th AnniversaryWednesday, Sept. 18 at First Baptist Church with a cake, snacks and presentations from local members and provincial council president Sheila Service. The members looked back on the chapter’s accomplishments over the years, including the creation of Studio Fair, originally October Fair, a juried arts and crafts fair and the publication of Street Names of Prince George-Our History, now in its fourth edition.

CITIZEN PHOTOS BY CHUCK NISBETT

BELOW: Long-serving current members are recognized during the 60th anniversary celebration. Evelyn O’Sullivan (far right) has served as a member for 51 of the chapters’ 60 years.

CFUW is a self-funded, national organization of more than 6,600 women and 94 clubs, founded in 1919, that works to improve the status of women by promoting public education, human rights, social justice, and peace in Canada and abroad. CFUW grants more than $1 million a year in scholarships and awards.

ABOVE: Members of CFUW Prince George chapter pose for a picture in the lobby of First Baptist Church.

LEFT: Judith Robertson cuts the 60th anniversary cake.

An Introduction to Over The Edge Newspaper

Where to live, residence or off-campus

In search of the best chicken tenders in town

Welcome to UNBC Graduate Life: Your NBCGSS Guide

Greetings, new and returning UNBC graduate students! As you embark on your academic journey here in Prince George, we’re thrilled to introduce you to the Northern British Columbia Graduate Students’ Society (NBCGSS) – your dedicated support system and community hub throughout your graduate studies. Before you start PLEASE give us a follow on Instagram/ Facebook so we can stay connected! Just search NBCGSS!

Who We Are

You might be asking, “What the heck is the NBCGSS?”

NBCGSS is the official representative body for all graduate students at UNBC.

Our mission is to enhance your academic experience, advocate for your rights, and foster a vibrant graduate student community.

Led by a passionate board of directors elected annually, we work tirelessly to ensure your voice is heard and your needs are met.

If you are a UNBC graduate student ever need support, have questions, or just want to chat about your graduate experience, the NBCGSS is here for you. Drop by our office in Room 7-168 at UNBC, or send an email to gssoffice@unbc.ca.

We’re looking forward to meeting you and supporting you throughout your graduate journey at UNBC.

What We Offer (Our Services)

At NBCGSS, we’re committed to enhancing your graduate student experience. Here are the key services we provide and more details about all these services are available on our website https://nbcgss. unbc.ca/services/ :

1. The Deals App: We’ve partnered with the BC Federation of Students to offer student discounts through the free Deals App. Download it to start saving money on your day-to-day expenses.

2. Health & Dental Plan: In partnership with Studentcare, we offer comprehensive health and dental coverage to fill the gaps in provincial health care.

3. Graduate Computer Lab: We manage access to a restricted computer lab in the Teaching

and Learning Building, room 10-3032.

4. Graduate Lounge: NBCGSS members have 24/7 access to our restricted-access lounge in the Teaching and Learning Building, room 10-3016.

5. U-Pass: This program provides unlimited access to Prince George’s bus system and public pools.

6. Emergency Bursary Fund: We fund emergency bursaries of up to $250 per student per academic year for members demonstrating considerable need.

7. Legacy Scholarships: We offer two $500 scholarships annually to recognize academic excellence and contributions to graduate student culture.

8. Welcome Kit: New members can pick up a free kit including a handbook, dayplanner, and other useful items from our office.

9. Legal Assistance: As a member, you’re eligible for free, unlimited legal advice over the phone in various areas of law.

10. Printing Credits: We fund a $5 credit in your PaperCut account each semester for printing services.

11. NBCGSS Food Bank: We offer confidential food hamper services for graduate students in need. For more details on any of these services or how to access them, please visit our office or contact us directly at gssoffice@unbc.ca .

Get Involved

• Board Positions: Consider running for a position on our board of directors. It’s a great way to gain leadership experience and make a difference in the graduate student community. Stay tuned on our social media.

• Volunteer Opportunities: We always welcome helping hands for our events and initiatives. Did you know we have a volunteer group chat on WhatsApp? Find the link in our linktree in our Instagram page.

• Our NBCGSS Staff Team is Expanding: Keep an eye on your UNBC/ NBCGSS emails and our social media for potential upcoming opportunities. Non-UNBC students are also welcome to be part of the staff team.

Looking Ahead: Looking for Sponsorhsips!

This year, we’re excited to expand our reach and impact. We’re planning bigger social events, more professional development workshops, and increased collaboration with the Prince George community.

We’re also actively seeking sponsorships to enhance our offerings. If you have connections with local businesses or organizations interested in reaching UNBC’s graduate student body, please let us know!

Stay Connected

Weekly Emails: Our primary communication channel. We send updates to over 700 graduate students every week.

Social Media: Follow us on [insert social media handles] for real-time updates and community highlights.

Office Hours: Drop by our office [insert location and hours] to chat, ask questions, or share your ideas.

One more time, welcome to the UNBC graduate community. We can’t wait to meet every single one of you!

Btw, we will have weekly contributions to OTE! So you will hear more about us soon ;)

On Behalf of Your NBCGSS Team, Behrouz Danesh, Chairperson of the NBCGSS

Over the Edge Newspaper: A Journey Through History

Prince George may not seem like a bustling metropolis, but it holds a wealth of opportunities and a Prince George may not seem like a bustling city at first glance, but it holds a wealth of opportunities and a vibrant community spirit. Within this dynamic landscape, a voice emerged 30 years ago at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) that continues to grow stronger each day—Over the Edge Newspaper.

Let me formally introduce myself: I am Over the Edge Newspaper, but my friends simply call me OTE. I am more than just paper and ink; I am a part of the heartbeat of this community, designed to connect and inform students at UNBC and beyond. Created with a mission to help students adapt to life

on campus and in Prince George, I’ve always been a voice for information, a platform for opinions, and a catalyst for change.

But who exactly am I? Let me take you on a journey through my history and evolution, starting with how I came to be and how I’ve evolved over the years.

My Birth and Early Purpose

I was created 30 years ago—yes, I’m celebrating my birthday this year! My birthplace is the UNBC campus, where I began as a resource for students, helping them navigate the transition to university life and discover the opportunities available in

Logo Evolution

Prince George. Right from the start, I embraced my role as an information provider, a proud title that defines my purpose. My friends would describe me as observant, energetic, talkative, and kind, always eager to spread awareness, educate, and encourage positive change.

Whether on paper or online, I’ve remained committed to giving students a platform to express their opinions and make their voices heard.

Though some might call me old-fashioned for my love of print, I’ve always been adaptable. These days, I’m just as active in the digital world, and if you’ve visited my website, you’ll know I’ve embraced modern technology without losing my original charm.

Early years (18th Century-Inspired Font)

My earliest logo was designed to be bold and eye-catching, with intricate details that mimicked 18th-century fonts. At that time, I wanted to make a grand entrance, capturing attention and portraying myself as an exciting, multifaceted entity.

The Serious Era

As I matured, I adopted a more classical and serious tone. My logo mirrored this shift, with a refined font representing my new focus on addressing serious issues and providing educational content. This phase of my development was about raising awareness and engaging students in thoughtful discussions.

Going Over the Edge

My next major transformation was all about pushing boundaries. My updated logo featured a symbolic icon on the left, representing the act of “going over the edge.” This was a time when I became more active, encouraging my readers to challenge obstacles and embrace change. My tone became more motivational and hopeful, reflecting my growing positivity and inspiration.

The New Me (2024_

Today, my latest logo is a blend of everything I’ve embodied over the years. It reflects my playful yet serious nature, modern design, and trustworthiness. I’ve become a newspaper that not only informs but also inspires. I continue to address important issues, provide a platform for students to speak up, and contribute to the community in a meaningful way.

Welcome to a New Chapter for Over the Edge

It is with great excitement that I welcome the relaunch of Over the Edge, a vital voice of UNBC’s student community.

For years, OTE has provided a platform for students to express their ideas, share their stories, and engage in meaningful dialogue. I commend Bruce, Ahmad, Lina, Nahid, Abdullah, and the entire team for their dedication and vision in revitalizing this important publication.

As we enter this new era for OTE, I look forward to seeing the creativity, passion, and fresh perspectives that will undoubtedly inspire both our campus and the broader Prince George community.

This aligns with UNBC’s mission to Ignite, Inspire,

and Lead Change, as OTE continues to serve as a dynamic force for expression and leadership.

With the return to physical newsprint, a new partnership with Prince George’s Citizen, and a renewed digital presence, OTE is positioned to reach new heights. This publication will not only enhance student life at UNBC but also strengthen connections between our university and the wider community.

I encourage all students to contribute their voices and d engage with Over the Edge as we embark on this exciting journey together.

Congratulations to the entire OTE team on this milestone, and best wishes for your continued success.

Dr. Geoffrey W. Payne (he/him)

President & Vice Chancellor

We respect and appreciate that UNBC’s Prince George campus is situated on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, part of the Dakelh First Nations. UNBC’s regional campuses are situated on the traditional territories of Dakelh and Tsilhqot’in people, Dunne-Za people, and Ts’msyen people.

A Letter from the Over the Edge Board of Directors

On behalf of Over the Edge (OTE), we would like to extend a warm welcome to all first-year and returning students to UNBC for an exciting new year in 2024.

We are thrilled to announce that OTE is relaunching and have many exciting developments in content and opportunities that we are planning to bring you this year. Our goal remains to be a premier source of local news and information for the UNBC community, as well as a venue to showcase the amazing talent we have here at UNBC.

This year, we are proud to announce a new partnership with the Prince George Citizen to print inside their newspaper. This collaboration not only expands our reach but also enriches the content we can offer.

As a student newspaper run by students for students, we want to hear about what’s happening at UNBC and what our fellow students are up to. Whether it’s events, projects, or personal stories, we’d love to feature it in our paper.

If you have something you think is worthy of others’ eyes, send it in! We may showcase it in our next issue, and you can get paid for it.

If you have a passion for journalism or an interest in the newspaper industry, consider joining our team. We offer opportunities for students to gain

valuable experience and develop their professional skills in various roles. This is a unique learning experience for us all, and we are committed to bringing you the best of UNBC and Prince George.

Don’t worry if you don’t have previous experience

working at a newspaper — few people do. We’re here to work with you and help you develop those skills; all we need is a willingness to learn. We look forward to hearing from you and wish you the best of luck in this new year.

Where to Live, Residence or Off-Campus?

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a student is whether to live on campus in residence or rent a place off-campus. Having experienced both, I can say that each option comes with its own set of pros and cons.

Let’s break it down.

Living in residence is an excellent choice for first-year students. It provides a sense of security when you first move to a new city, encourages you to interact with fellow students, and makes getting to class easy—especially if you don’t have transportation.

You won’t have to worry about finding roommates, furnishing a place, or paying rent monthly since it’s all settled upfront. Living in residence also offers the best opportunity to meet new people. Whether it’s through your roommates, their friends, or people from your classes who also live on campus, residence life makes it easy to build connections.

Plus, there’s no need to learn the bus system right away, and you can get up later since you won’t have a commute.

However, residence life can have its downsides. By your second year, the novelty might start to wear off.

You’ve experienced the loud parties when you’re trying to study, the 3 a.m. fire alarms, and those thin walls that reveal way too much about your roommate’s personal life. Yet, it’s still incredibly convenient.

Maybe you’ve clicked with your roommates and want to live together again. Or maybe the ease of being close to classes outweighs the downsides. Even though living on res can feel like a bubble, separating school life from personal life can be challenging, it’s still an option some students stick with.

By third year, I decided to move off-campus. Not only was it cheaper, but it also offered more privacy and space.

Living off-campus is a completely different experience. You get the option to live by yourself or with roommates, you might even score a place with more than one bathroom, and the living conditions tend to be better.

The downside? You’ll be further from your friends,

whether they’re still living on campus or elsewhere, and the bus system in Prince George isn’t exactly stellar.

However, navigating the city’s public transit is part of the experience, and living off-campus allows you to explore the city in a way that being on-campus doesn’t.

For me, moving off-campus led to me discovering new restaurants and entertainment options in Prince George.

You’ll need to get up earlier and pack lunches, but having your own space to invite friends over and host gatherings more than makes up for it.

By fourth year, staying off-campus is the way to go. Residence life has its benefits, but living off-campus allows you to grow as a person. You’ll become more engaged with the city, enjoy better living conditions, and take a mental break from constantly being around school.

If you’re considering moving off-campus and haven’t done so yet, I highly recommend it. It’s an experience that helps you grow, both as a student and as an individual.

You Can Do This: A First-Year Survival Guide

The warm welcome back to university is always a great feeling, but this year, as I’m nearing the end of my undergrad, that warmth comes with a big sense of relief—knowing it’s almost over. For those of you starting out, the journey ahead might feel daunting. So, I thought I’d pass along some advice that I’ve picked up along the way.

First off, relax and be yourself. Yes, it’s a cliché, but when you’re stressed and nervous, it’s hard to think clearly and you might miss out on important things. Whether you’re coming straight from high school or returning to university after some time away, the key is to embrace the experience and let go of who you think you need to be. In high school, you might have acted a certain way to fit in, but university is your chance to rediscover yourself. If you don’t, your university experience might feel like an extension of high school. This is your opportunity

to start fresh and explore who you truly are.

Another piece of advice: join clubs or student organizations. Don’t limit yourself to just one— explore different options! Whether it’s Debate Club, the Fencing Society, or the Chemistry Club, joining multiple groups is a great way to find your crowd. If you don’t enjoy one, move on and try another. Don’t let your major define your extracurricular activities. University is about exploration, and by trying new things, you’ll gain a clearer sense of what you truly enjoy. A university experience without participating in at least one club or group is a missed opportunity.

Next, you’ll need to learn how to handle stress, judgment, disappointment, and regret. These emotions will pop up at different times during your university journey, sometimes all at once—especially around finals. Developing a solid coping strategy

early on is essential to managing the demands of university life.

Another great tip is to find a mentor. Having someone older and wiser to guide you can be invaluable. When I was at Coast Mountain College, I became friends with someone much older than me, and our friendship has shaped who I am today. The life lessons I learned from him are things I carry with me every day. Like me, you should seek out your own “Obi-Wan Kenobi” to help you navigate university.

Lastly, find a buddy. While university isn’t a war zone, having a friend going through the same experiences can be comforting. You’ll face challenges like changing majors, breakups, disagreements with colleagues, and even the occasional failed class. Having someone to lean on during these times will make the tough moments easier to manage.

Entertainment in Prince George? Dream on

AUTHOR UNNAMED FOR THEIR OWN PROTECTION

Having lived in Prince George my whole life, I can honestly say I know everything there is to know about this town, which is not much. Now don’t get me wrong, there is no where else I’d rather be, but P.G. can get a little boring when you are under 25. (Or over 25, I’d imagine). Any way, I thought I would share my knowledge of what there is to do in P.G. (Editor’s note: your time is near, I’d start to fear. Big Bad 25.)

If you are the partying type, there are a few places that you can go to be busy. There are the dance clubs: The Overdrive, The Generator, Club 770, and Dakota’s. There is a $3.00 cover charge, but sometimes it is worth it.

If you like to go to a bar and play pool or listen to music, there are quite a few. Steamer’s, The B.X., and JJ’s are quite nice.

If you are of a sport’s nature, there are swimming and skating and basketball and tennis and some others. If you like peace and quiet you can go to the Public Library, UNBC Library and the Nechako Branch of the Public Library on the Hart Highway. Some good places to eat are Niner’s Diner, Earl’s,

and the Keg. (If you have the dough.)

The best time to see movies is at the drive-in on Chief Lake Road on FRIDAY’S AND SATURDAY’S. They give out programs at Auto Magic Tire on 15th Avenue. The best value for videos is at Wilderness Video. You can get 5 movies for 5 days for $5.00. There are classes through Continuing Education

in everything from Karate, to Quilting, and most are cheap.

I hope some of this is useful in helping you find some ways to stay amused. This actually seems to say that there is a lot to do in P.G. But don’t be fooled, if you stay here long enough you will be as unimpressed as those of us who grew up here.

Products North of Vancouver

A New Beginning: Stepping into University Life

AUTHOR: SAMA AMIRKHANI ARDEH

It’s early September, and the energy on campus is electric. The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) opens its doors, welcoming a fresh cohort of students into a world brimming with discovery, opportunity, and growth. For many, Orientation Day on September 3rd and 4th marks the start of a transformative journey. New faces light up with excitement as they explore the campus, taking in the sights of labs, lecture halls, and spaces that will soon become second homes.

Embracing New Experiences

As the fall breeze whispers through the trees, students meander across the campus grounds. Some clutch maps, navigating their way to future classrooms and labs, while others gaze around in awe, imagining the adventures university life holds. It’s a thrilling time; a chance to break free from high school routines, forge new friendships, and join a vibrant community. Whether it’s the library where countless hours of study will unfold or the Northern Sport Centre where future intramural champions will rise, Orientation Day is the gateway to it all.

But the excitement goes beyond academics. It’s about experiencing independence for the first time, building lifelong relationships, and growing in ways never imagined. UNBC, renowned for its strong sense of community, fosters an environment where everyone, from local students to those from abroad, finds a place to belong.

UNBC: A Top Choice in British Columbia and Canada

Nestled in the heart of British Columbia, UNBC offers more than a traditional education. Consistently ranking among Canada’s top small universities, it stands as a pillar of academic excellence. Students benefit from small class sizes, allowing for personalized interactions with professors who are not just instructors but mentors and innovators at the forefront of their fields.

The university is a leader in environmental sustainability, featuring green buildings and programs dedicated to understanding and preserving the natural world. For environmentally passionate students, this is more than just a university, it’s a place to make a real difference. UNBC’s research opportunities are vast, especially in health sciences, forestry, and Indigenous studies. Through connections within

British Columbia and across Canada, students engage with communities, industries, and government bodies in meaningful ways.

But UNBC isn’t just about academics; it’s about shaping well-rounded individuals ready to make their mark on the world. Its tight-knit community offers robust support, from counseling services to career development programs. Whether a student hails from Vancouver or overseas, UNBC provides a nurturing environment where they can thrive.

Challenges and Triumphs for International Students

For international students, the excitement of Orientation Day comes with unique challenges. While domestic students adjust to living away from home, international students navigate a new country, adapt to different academic expectations, and overcome language barriers.

Stepping into this new chapter, many face culture shock. Differences between their home countries and Canada can seem vast; from classroom dynamics to unspoken social norms. It’s not just about mastering course material but also learning how to communicate effectively, participate in group projects, and build friendships in an entirely new environment.

Homesickness is common. While Canadian peers might visit family during breaks, international students often can’t. Time zones, long-distance calls, and physical distance from loved ones can

feel isolating. Financial strain adds to the pressure, with higher tuition, accommodation costs, and daily expenses in a foreign country.

However, UNBC offers substantial support for international students. Dedicated advisors assist with visa and immigration issues, while peer support programs connect newcomers with those who’ve already navigated these waters. The university goes above and beyond to ensure international students feel at home.

Numerous student groups and associations celebrate cultural diversity, providing spaces for students to share their heritage and traditions. For many, these groups become a second family—a place to find comfort and belonging while pursuing academic goals.

Embarking on a Transformative Journey

For all students, starting university at UNBC is more than the beginning of an academic career; it’s the start of a journey filled with opportunities, challenges, growth, and endless possibilities. Whether navigating the thrill of the first class or the complexities of living in a new country, students at UNBC embark on paths that will shape the rest of their lives.

With every step across campus, every new connection made, and every challenge overcome, they’re not just students; they’re pioneers, carving out their futures in a place that will forever be part of who they are.

Making Memories This Autumn at UNBC

AUTHOR: MARK DHILLON

Autumn at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is a special time. As leaves turn vibrant shades and the air becomes crisp, it’s the perfect season for students to create lasting memories.

Whether you’re new to university life or a returning student, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy what autumn at UNBC has to offer. Here are some ways to meet new people, engage with the community, and make this fall memorable.

1. Explore the Outdoors

Prince George is renowned for its natural beauty, and autumn is an ideal time to experience it. Activities like hiking, biking, and nature walks are popular, with numerous scenic spots nearby. Start with Forests for the World, just minutes from campus. The trails wind through colorful foliage and offer stunning views of Shane Lake, making it a perfect place to relax. Bring friends or join the Outdoor Recreation Club to meet new people while enjoying nature. Closer to campus, the Cranbrook Hill Greenway provides trails for walking or running amid beautiful fall scenery. The fresh air can energize you and clear your mind.

2. Host a Potluck or Friendsgiving

Autumn is about coming together, and sharing food is a great way to connect. Hosting a potluck can bring people together, whether you live on campus or off. Invite friends or classmates and ask everyone to bring a dish from home. It’s a wonderful way to learn about different cultures and share personal stories. If you’re staying in Prince George over Thanksgiving, consider organizing a “Friendsgiving.” It’s a fun twist on the traditional holiday dinner and offers a chance to bond with friends who are also away from home. Share stories, enjoy comforting food, and create a welcoming atmosphere.

3. Join Campus Events and Clubs

Getting involved on campus is one of the best ways to meet new people and make lasting memories. UNBC offers a variety of clubs and organizations with social, cultural, and academic activities. The Northern Undergraduate Student Society (NUGSS) organizes events throughout the year, such as movie nights, pub nights, and themed gatherings. Keep an

eye on campus event boards and social media for updates. These events provide a casual way to connect with fellow students outside the classroom. If you have a specific hobby or interest, joining a club can help you find your community. From photography to Model United Nations to intramural sports, UNBC’s clubs offer fantastic opportunities to make lifelong friends.

4. Enjoy Coffee Dates

Prince George boasts a cozy coffee culture that’s perfect for autumn. Local cafés like Ritual Coffee Bar, Trench Brewing & Distillery, and Zoe’s Java House offer warm beverages and relaxed atmospheres. Meeting up at a café is a great way to get to know classmates or study partners better. Whether you’re grabbing coffee between classes or spending a Sunday afternoon studying, these spots provide an ideal setting for conversation. Organize a casual coffee date after a lecture to extend discussions

beyond the classroom and potentially build lasting friendships.

5. Attend Seasonal Events and Festivals

Autumn in Prince George features a variety of seasonal events. Look out for fall festivals, outdoor markets, and community gatherings. These events allow you to immerse yourself in local culture while enjoying the mild weather. One highlight is the annual Northern Lights Estate Winery Harvest Festival, celebrating the grape harvest with local vendors, live music, and food trucks. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy local flavors with friends and soak in the fall atmosphere. Additionally, Prince George hosts Halloween events like haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and costume parties. Embrace the spooky season with friends, dress up, and have fun together.

6. Address Homesickness

Starting university is exciting but can also be challenging. If you’re new to Prince George or living away from home for the first time, feelings of homesickness are normal. Engaging in activities like campus clubs, events, or exploring the city with new friends can help create a sense of belonging. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support. UNBC offers resources such as the Student Life Office and the Wellness Centre, where you can talk to counselors or connect with peer support networks. Sharing your feelings can make a significant difference.

7. Capture Your Experiences

Don’t forget to document your experiences. Whether through photography, journaling, or social media, capturing these moments will allow you to look back on your time at UNBC fondly. Organize a photoshoot among the autumn leaves with friends, or take snapshots of hikes, study sessions, and coffee dates. These memories will be cherished for years to come.

Make the Most of Autumn

Autumn at UNBC combines adventure, community, and cozy moments. By exploring the outdoors, participating in campus events, and making new friends, you can make this season truly memorable. Take the initiative to step out of your comfort zone and fully experience all that Prince George has to offer this fall.

Spark Lab: A Start-Up Space for Creative Types

AUTHOR: CALEB MUELLER (CMUELLER@UNBC.CA)

When a friend from UNBC first mentioned Spark Lab to me, a start-up 3D printing/maker space in the Wood Innovation and Design Building in downtown Prince George, I knew I had to see it for myself. As someone who’s been into 3D printing and 3D modeling for a while now, I was super excited to find a space where I could work on my projects. I’ve owned my own budget 3D printer for 2 years now and I was excited to have a place to put it other than in the closet of my tiny dorm room (it’s very loud and very sketchy).

One of the coolest things about having access to Spark Lab is the ability to use their high-end fully enclosed 3D printer. This has been a game-changer for me, as I’ve been dreaming of building my own printer using 3D printed parts.

The printer I chose to build is a Voron, an opensource project made by a group of engineers. The printed parts need to handle high temperatures and long-term strain, which means you need to print with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA).

This requires an enclosed printing chamber to minimize warping and carbon filtration to handle the toxic fumes that come with printing these types of plastics.

Also, it needs a lot of space and tools to build, as it can get a little messy (see the picture of me working on the electronics). Without the lab, this project would have been way more challenging and expensive to pull off.

Being involved with Spark Lab means I have had the chance to work on projects that directly impact the community.

I’ve had the opportunity to design and print tools for researchers, which has not only helped me level up my skills in 3D design but has also allowed me to gain experience working with clients in a relaxed environment.

One project that really sticks out in my mind involved designing and printing a culture plate holder that could be screwed into an orbital shaker, providing a much safer and robust solution than the researcher’s previous method of using tape. The picture on the left is the 3D model in Fusion 360.

Another thing I love about Spark Lab is being able to contribute to the space’s growth and development.

It’s been great to come up with ideas for new equipment, figuring out the layout, and having the freedom to rearrange and organize the space in a

way that works for everyone.

Right now, the lab only has a few 3D printers and basic electronic tools, but we’re working on getting our hands on a laser cutter, a desktop 3-axis CNC machine, more power tools, and even some bean bag chairs for just hanging out.

To be honest, I was a bit unsure about the lab’s downtown location at first, thinking it might be a pain to get there.

But I was pleasantly surprised to find that the commute was easier than I thought (even on a bike) and having an ongoing project at the lab gave me the extra push I needed to make the trip regularly. It’s also nice to get off campus and see other parts of Prince George.

As a start-up space, Spark Lab is still growing and evolving (the name might change in the future), and that’s what makes it so exciting to be a part of. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us and how the lab will continue to support the maker community in Prince George.

If you’re a creative type looking for a place to bring your ideas to life, give Spark Lab a shot – you might just find your new favorite hangout spot!

Chained to the Road: The Paradox of Automobility

AUTHOR: ISABELLA MESQUITA

As a 22-year-old university student and basketball player at UNBC, cars have always symbolized freedom to me. Growing up in Calgary and now living in Prince George, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of relying on a car for almost everything—but I never really questioned it. That changed this past summer when I spent time with a friend from Toronto who doesn’t own a car. He gets around using public transit, e-bikes, or e-scooters, mainly because of the GTA’s notorious traffic. We used to joke about how in Calgary, everything is “just a 20-minute drive away.” But our laughs turned into serious discussions about how dependent we’ve become on cars. It made me wonder: Do cars really provide freedom, or are they actually holding us back?

What started as a lighthearted joke led to a real eye-opener. While cars are often seen as symbols of independence, they come with significant constraints and even dangers. This paradox isn’t just in big cities like Calgary; it’s right here in Prince George, too. Maybe it’s time we rethink how our cities are planned. Shouldn’t we be prioritizing public transit, bike lanes, and sustainable transportation options that are more accessible to everyone?

Cars have always been marketed as icons of freedom, privacy, and control. I remember the thrill of getting my driver’s license—I felt like I could go anywhere without relying on my parents or brother for rides. In our culture, owning a car is a status symbol, a personal milestone that says you’ve “made it” into adulthood. But is this perception misleading?

In reality, cars can be both limiting and dangerous. The environmental damage from car emissions is hard to ignore anymore; air pollution and climate change are issues that affect us all. Plus, cities designed around cars tend to sprawl out, making it tough to get to essential services without a vehicle. In places like Calgary and Prince George, trying to navigate without a car is not just difficult—it’s inefficient and eats up a lot of time. This kind of urban planning lowers our quality of life and makes us even more dependent on cars.

Then there’s the financial side. Owning a car isn’t cheap. Between buying the vehicle, keeping up with maintenance, paying for insurance, and constantly filling up the gas tank, the costs add up fast. For students like me, these expenses can be overwhelming.

And let’s not forget the dangers of driving. Traffic accidents are a grim reality. On the roads in Calgary and Prince George, large trucks are everywhere, making driving feel like a competition for safety. It feels risky to drive a small car when massive, sixwheeled trucks could barrel over you like a speed bump.

The rise of oversized vehicles not only increases gas emissions but also makes accidents more deadly. The dangers are real, and the statistics are alarming. In 2023 alone, there were over 2,000 motor vehicle fatalities in Canada, with around 20% involving trucks or large vehicles.

Given all this, maybe it’s time to seriously consider the benefits of public transit and other forms of transportation. First off, public transit systems need to be more efficient and accessible. A reliable transit system would make life so much easier for students like us. In Prince George, buses don’t run as frequently as they should—sometimes you could be waiting up to an hour for the next one, which just isn’t practical.

Walking, cycling, and using e-bikes or e-scooters are also great alternatives. Not only do they reduce pollution, but they also get us moving physically, which is a bonus for our health. I genuinely believe that opting for these modes of transportation could

improve our mental health, too. In a world where technology often keeps us isolated, getting out and moving can make a big difference. While driving alone might feel peaceful, taking public transit can foster a sense of community. On a bus, you’re sharing a space with people from all walks of life—different ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and ages—all coming together in a shared experience.

So, what’s the next step? I think it’s time we push for more investment in public transit systems to make them more reliable and widespread. This would benefit everyone, especially students and low-income residents in cities like Prince George. Expanding bike lanes and widening sidewalks would encourage more people to cycle or walk, making our cities more pedestrian-friendly and reducing our reliance on cars. Policies could also help make e-bikes and e-scooters more accessible and affordable. These alternatives offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around.

We’ve been chained to the road for too long. While cars seem to offer freedom, they actually bring significant constraints and dangers. It’s time to support policies and initiatives that prioritize public transit and alternative transportation options. By doing so, we can help create more sustainable and equitable cities for everyone.

The Great Chicken Tender Quest: A Cross-Restaurant Comparison

In the vast landscape of fast food and casual dining, chicken tenders have emerged as a quintessential menu item.

These golden, breaded strips of chicken have captured the hearts and taste buds of diners across the nation.

But with so many restaurants vying for the title of “best chicken tenders,” how can one determine which establishment truly reigns supreme?

Our team of four dedicated taste-testers took on this challenge, embarking on a flavor-filled journey across 20 diverse eateries.

From fast food giants to local bistros, we left no stone unturned in our pursuit of tender perfection. Join us as we reveal our findings and crown the ultimate chicken tender champion!

Methodology

Our chicken tender quest spanned two days, during which we meticulously sampled offerings from 20 restaurants. These included popular fast food chains, beloved casual dining spots, and even a local bistro.

At each location, we procured 4 tenders, carefully weighing them to calculate the average weight per tender. Prices were dutifully recorded, though it’s crucial to note that some orders included sides or fries, which could impact the overall value assessment.

To ensure a level playing field, we conducted our taste tests within 20 minutes of purchase, sampling the tenders in the car for immediate comparison. Dipping sauces were strictly forbidden, as we

wanted to evaluate the tenders based on their inherent merit rather than any flavor enhancements provided by condiments.

Each tender was meticulously scored by our team based on three key criteria: taste, breading quality, and overall appearance. These scores were then averaged to determine each restaurant’s final rating. It’s worth noting that our study focused exclusively on chicken tenders, meaning chicken nuggets were not included in our assessment.

While both are popular chicken-based snacks, our participants firmly believed that nuggets and tenders are distinct entities that warrant separate consideration.

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Who has the best tenders in town?

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Findings

After rigorous tasting and meticulous scoring, Triple O’s emerged as the undisputed victor, boasting an impressive average score of 8.67 out of 10. Earls Kitchen and KFC were hot on its heels, with commendable scores of 7.79 and 7.78 respectively. On the opposite end of the spectrum, 7-Eleven and Denny’s received the lowest marks, scoring 2.67 and 4.67.

Notably, the chicken tenders from 7-Eleven were disappointing. This unfortunate incident underscores the vast disparity in quality among the tenders we sampled.

In terms of bang for your buck, Costco proved to be the value leader. Their $6.99 order delivered tenders weighing an average of 38 grams each, offering the most substantial portion per dollar. Carl’s Jr. and A&W also demonstrated good value, providing tenders weighing 50 and 38 grams respectively for less than $7.

Limitations and Challenges

Orchestrating a taste test of this magnitude was not without its hurdles. By the conclusion of day two, some participants confessed to feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer volume of chicken consumed.

The rapid-fire sampling of numerous tenders may have influenced scores given later in the process. Moreover, as previously stated, the price data doesn’t factor in accompanying sides, which could substantially alter perceptions of value. A more comprehensive study with a larger sample size could yield even more reliable results.

It’s also crucial to acknowledge that our decision to forego dipping sauces, while essential for fair assessment, may have put some tenders at a disadvantage.

Many restaurants craft their sauces to complement and elevate the flavors of their tenders, potentially masking any shortcomings. However, we firmly believe that a truly exceptional tender should be able to stand on its own, sans sauce.

Conclusion

Though Triple O’s clinched the top spot in terms of taste, and Costco reigned supreme in value, the notion of the “perfect” chicken tender is ultimately

subjective. Our quest highlighted the remarkable diversity available within this seemingly simple dish.

Whether your preferences lean towards crispy, juicy, spicy, or mild, there’s a restaurant ready to cater to your distinct palate.

For an even more thorough evaluation of chicken tenders, a larger study with more participants, controlled portion sizes, and detailed sauce analysis would be beneficial.

However, our intrepid team is content to have survived this delectable, albeit formidable, gastronomic odyssey. The search for the ultimate chicken tender is far from over, but we’ve taken a significant step in unraveling its secrets!

As a final note, it’s important to recognize that our participants undertook this challenge purely out of their love for chicken tenders and commitment to culinary discovery.

No honorariums were provided, underscoring the genuine passion and dedication that fueled this flavorful endeavor.

The Importance of a GPA in the Education Process

In today’s competitive academic environment, students are sometimes under intense pressure to maintain a high grade point average (GPA) throughout their college or university careers. While solid grades are important, they are not the only factor that determines future employment success. In fact, relying entirely on GPA ignores many other critical parts of a well-rounded education and personal development required for professional success.

First and foremost, businesses generally value real-world abilities and experiences over a high GPA. Many industries value practical knowledge and hands-on experience over academic performance alone. Internships, co-op placements, research projects, and extracurricular activities are all excellent ways to apply classroom learning to real-world circumstances, acquire practical skills, and expand professional networks. These experiences indicate initiative, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, which are highly valued in the workplace.

I just had an informative talk with one of my instructors, who has their firm. When I asked about the importance of GPA in their employment

process, they provided an intriguing viewpoint. Surprisingly, they stated they are less likely to hire candidates based purely on their excellent GPA. According to them, focusing entirely on grades may imply a lack of critical personal skills required for the job. However, specific majors, such as those preparing for medical school, frequently stress a high GPA. Even in such disciplines, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and interpersonal skills are essential considerations in the admissions process.

Employers are increasingly recognizing the value of soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, leadership, emotional intelligence, and technical expertise. These abilities are frequently honed through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, part-time jobs, and other non-academic experiences. Employers want well-rounded applicants who can effectively cooperate with others, convey ideas clearly, think critically, and adapt to changing situations – skills that cannot be judged solely by GPA.

Furthermore, GPA is only one measure of academic accomplishment and does not entirely reflect a person’s abilities, qualities, or potential. It does not take into consideration elements such as coursework rigour, academic interest diversity, and personal circumstances that may impact academic achievement. A student who excels in challenging classes related to their subject of interest may be more prepared for their future employment than someone with a higher GPA but less relevant coursework.

It is essential to mention that an excessive focus on GPA might increase students’ stress and anxiety levels, thus harming their mental and emotional well-being. The pressure to maintain good marks may breed a culture of perfectionism, in which students feel

obligated to prioritize academic accomplishment over overall happiness and fulfillment. As a result, individuals may miss out on opportunities for personal growth, exploring new interests, and participating in extracurricular activities that contribute to a well-rounded college experience. Academic achievement is not only one aspect of a satisfying and meaningful life. Personal development, cultivating relationships, and prioritizing self-care are all worthwhile endeavours that contribute to overall well-being. Encouraging students to strike a balance between their academic pursuits and other elements of their lives can foster resilience, adaptability, and a better attitude to handling the obstacles of higher education.

Begin considering your future career path early in your academic endeavours, focusing on enhancing your resume rather than solely prioritizing your GPA. Engaging in various events and volunteer activities not only aids in skill development but also facilitates networking, potentially connecting you with future employers or references. Remember that when applying for jobs, employers typically request your resume, work experience, cover letter, and references, with GPA being of minimal importance in comparison.

It’s critical to remember that not obsessing about GPA doesn’t negate the value of education. Rather than focusing simply on achieving excellent marks, the school provides a platform for obtaining knowledge, developing skills, and encouraging personal growth.

While maintaining a solid academic standing is essential, focusing on learning, exploring new topics, and polishing vital skills functional in educational and professional activities is also critical. Ultimately, the actual core of education is the quest for information and intellectual curiosity rather than focusing solely on GPA.

While GPA may play a role in some professional paths and graduate school admissions, it is not the only driver of success. Employers and graduate programs reward a combination of academic achievement, practical experience, soft skills, and personality traits.

Instead of focusing on GPA, students should prioritize holistic personal and professional growth, including seeking new experiences, honing their abilities, and cultivating meaningful relationships. Students who embrace a well-rounded approach to education and prioritize growth and learning might position themselves for success in their future vocations and lives outside of academics.

Get involved!

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To submit your article, simply click the submission button at overtheedge.unbc.ca.

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We are updating information on payment structure, writing guidelines, and future deadlines as we go. Please bear with us as we finalize some internal details.

Note: The Over The Edge (OTE) reserves the right to decline publication of low-quality or controversial content (as determined by the editorial committee), particularly global political articles that are unrelated to Prince George, UNBC, or the North. These restrictions are for the print version advised by the PG Citizen, though articles might still be published on our website. More details will be available on our website soon.

Need inspiration? Check out our previous articles.

Local author with brain injury wants to give back

He was in his 30s before he knew that a concussion he’d had as a teenager had lasting effects

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Roland Lepitre was 16 years old, sitting on the back of his cousin’s motorbike, when they were hit by a truck.

On impact Lepitre was sent straight into the air and landed on his head.

When he went to the hospital he was told he had a concussion and spent three days recovering.

It wasn’t until he was in his early 30s that he realized he had a brain injury.

Up until the accident Lepitre was a calm individual, he recalled.

“After the accident I couldn’t figure out why I had a very short fuse and things would irritate me more,” Lepitre explained. “I was agitated a lot.”

Lepitre spoke to his mom about the time post-accident and she said she had noticed the difference in him but thought it was just typical teenage behaviour, he added.

His thoughts were often scattered and the more stress he felt the worse the symptoms got.

“When I’m having a great time in my life symptoms are minimal, but when stress is high there are times I can’t even walk,” Lepitre said. “I was really ambitious and I made it happen but then everything came crashing down,” Lepitre said. “And that’s ok.”

Lepitre was a high-functioning problem solver at work for years. Until he wasn’t.

When things got too bad in his 20s as a warehouse manager, Lepitre went to counselling. “My counsellor asked me if I wanted to go into a group and I was like ‘nope, nope,’” Lepitre said.

“I don’t want to be in a room with people. I’ve had so much social anxiety in my life. So he kept asking me about a group and I kept saying ‘nope, nope.’ And then I started going into his office in a wheelchair. That’s when the FND (functional neurologic disorder) hit me and I didn’t know what it was so I kept fighting it because that’s what you do –you fight. I kept fighting it and the more

I would fight it the more it would fight back. And it would always win and it still does.”

Functional neurologic disorder (FND) refers to a neurological condition caused by changes in how brain networks work, rather than changes in the structure of the brain itself. FND symptoms may include seizure-like episodes, movement problems, problems with cognitive function, dizziness, speech difficulties, such as sudden onset of stuttering or trouble speaking, problems with vision or hearing, pain (including chronic migraine), extreme slowness and fatigue, numbness or inability to sense touch.

“So one day I went into my counsellor’s office and he asked me again if I wanted to go into a group and I said yes,” Lepitre said.

“His head was turned away from me and he just about had whiplash because he had asked me so many times before and he looks at me and said ‘what’s changed your mind?’ and I said as I’m sitting in the wheelchair ‘well, what I’m doing isn’t working so I gotta do something different.’”

Lepitre went into group determined not to say anything.

“Yeah right,” Lepitre laughed. “I don’t like uncomfortable silence and I made a joke about coffee and everybody

laughed then the counsellor came in and somebody started talking and I thought ‘holy craaaaaap! It’s like they were in my head!’ They were talking about the same things that I was going through and that’s when I knew I wasn’t alone. I like sharing that story because some people think it’s a weakness to get help. In this world if you’re going for help it is a sign of strength. You gotta take care of yourself.”

When Lepitre found his way to the Prince George Brain Injured Group, there was a list of symptoms on the bulletin board.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Roland Lepitre wrote Finding My Self In The Shadows after learning to live with a brain injury. He wants to inspire others by sharing his story.

Time for Recycling Round Up and Junk in the Trunk

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Junk in the Trunk is always a popular community event held in spring and fall.

The next big event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CN Centre parking lot where more than 100 vendors will gather in conjunction with a Recycling Round Up.

Each Junk in the Trunk vendor gets a spot for their car and a spot for their wares.

“It always surprises me when I see toilets and kitchen sinks for sale at Junk in the Trunk,” laughed Terri McCly mont, executive director for REAPS, who organizes the event. “Everything under the sun will be at the Junk in the Trunk Sale. It could be a funky lamp or a unique dish, and we always see lots of collectibles.”

sale in the past like a car, a snowmobile, trailers and trampolines.

On the gravel parking lot at CN Centre, in partnership with Junk in the Trunk, there will be the Recycling Round Up where several stewardship organizations will accept a whole host of recyclables in one spot.

One organization will accept on- and off-rim tires but not big truck tires, just those for cars and pickups and SUVs. Another stewardship organization will

take household batteries and thermostats, electronics, including televisions, computers and even musical instruments. There will be a spot to take your power tools including drills, circular saws, electric sanders and band saws as well as a spot to drop off your outdoor equipment like electric chainsaws, lawnmowers and power washers.

“Just no gas-powered equipment,” McClymont said.

All these items have places to drop them here in Prince George but people might have a variety of items where a one-stop-drop could prove quite convenient, McClymont pointed out.

For more information about where to go to dispose of garbage and recycling visit www.rdffg. ca/services/waste-management/ landfills-and-transfer-stations.

For more information about recycling small appliances and power tools, even musical instruments and oversized items visit www.electrorecycle.ca/ recycle/

ARTS NOTES

Public library looking for six new board members

The Prince George Public Library board is looking for six new volunteer members.

There are five openings for two-year terms (Dec. 1, 2024-Nov. 30, 2026) and one for a one-year term that will end Nov. 30, 2025.

“Individuals interested in serving on the Library Board must be available to attend regularly scheduled meetings and be willing to actively participate in projects that the board undertakes throughout the year,” states the notice.

The board meets monthly to establish policies, goals, and objectives and to advocate for the library in the community.

Applicants must be a resident or elector of the City of Prince George and, if appointed, pass a Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP) criminal records check.

Submit an online application form at https://www.princegeorge.ca/form/ library-board-application

Closing reception Oct. 3 for Marking Time exhibit

The current exhibition at Two Rivers Gallery, Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration, will have its closing reception on Thursday, Oct. 3, 5-8 p.m., at UNBC’s Robert Frederick Gallery.

A tour of the works will be led by curator Ehsan Mohammadi and Jessica Endress, director of learning and engagement, followed by a panel of artists and community members at 6 p.m. where the discussion will focus on differences between the American and Canadian systems of incarceration.

The travelling exhibition, which is installed at the Two Rivers Gallery and at the Frederick gallery, is curated by Dr. Nicole R. Fleetwood.

Learn more at markingtimeart.com, Instagram @marking_time_art, or on X @MarkingTimeArt

Signs of love were seen at REAPS Junk in the Trunk Sale last year. The next one is set for Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CN Centre parking lot.

RCMP throws a block party

Brian Edmonds holds up nine-month-old Charlie Edmonds, who seems more interested in the cord on the microphone than the microphone itself, as they check out the interior of a RCMP cruiser at a block party held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the detachment building at Fifth Avenue and Victoria Street Saturday, Sept. 14. The service also had a recruitment booth onsite.

Healing is the focus of Roland Lepitre’s writing

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Reading it, he discovered he could relate to almost every symptom.

“And that’s a good thing because that way I could relate to almost every single person that came through those doors,” Lepitre said.

He stopped going for a while but when he went back in after a couple of years he was told that he had helped a lot of people during his time there.

Living with a brain injury all these years has given Lepitre a well-earned perspective.

“Everything that’s happened to me, if I use it to help other people then it’s not for nothing,” Lepitre said. “And that’s kind of the mission that I’m on. Then there is purpose in all of it.”

To that end Lepitre has written a book called Finding My Self in the Shadows

“Everybody has a story, everybody

has stuff they have to go through and knowing you’re not the only one is kind of huge.” Lepitre said.

This is the first piece he wrote:

You’re Not Broken

You’re not broken, you’re not stuck

You are more beautiful than you know

You’re not alone

You are right where you need to be right now

You are healing, you are growing

Be patient with yourself

Have compassion for all that you have been through

Find a way to love yourself back into life again

Take good care of yourself

Things are getting better slowly but surely

Pick up his book and meet Lepitre as he hosts a book signing at Books & Co., 1685 Third Ave., on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, September 29th 2:00 PM | Tickets $10.00

Prince George Playhouse 626 Recplace Drive, Prince George

Hart Pioneer Centre hosting an Oktoberfest buffet

Chef Frank will serve up a traditional German dinner and desserts before the music and dancing get going

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Chef Frank Steinbauer is looking forward to serving the traditional German buffet filled with a variety of authentic cuisine during the Hart Pioneer Centre’s Oktoberfest German Buffet and Dance on Saturday, Oct. 5.

“This is our third year and the reason we started doing the Oktoberfest was because we acquired a German chef in the midst of the pandemic,” Debbie Bisson, one of the event organizers, said.

When the Civic Centre was forced to shut down its services during the pandemic, Chef Frank was out of a job.

“He was looking for work as we were looking for a chef to take on our Meals on Wheels program,” Bisson said. “He was hired during COVID and the first year that it was possible to gather again at the Hart Pioneer Centre we decided it would be fun for him to cook a German meal because he makes fabulous German food.”

On the Oktoberfest menu is pork schnitzel, spaetzle, bratwurst, sauerbraten, red cabbage, potatoes, salads and other lovely items while for desserts there will be black forest cake, bee sting cake and apple strudel.

“And there’s always fresh baked soft pretzels,” Bisson said.

“There’s also a nighttime snack where there will be buns, cold cuts and pickled herring – Chef Frank is very particular that it all be appropriate and not just German food – but Oktoberfest food. He’s even gone so far as to approving all the beer that we buy bringing in German beer and it can’t be German beer made in Canada, it has to be imported.”

The dance starts at 8 p.m. with DJ Tyecon Tunes playing.

“It will be some German Oktoberfest music and he will take requests for whatever else people would like to hear,” Bisson said.

The nighttime snack including desserts is usually put out at about 10 or 10:30 p.m.

The Hart Pioneer Centre is hosting a German Buffet and Dance on Saturday, Oct. 5. The meal will be created by Chef Frank Steinbauer, who also insists that only real German beer be served to mark Oktoberfest.

“This event is open to the public, it’s not just for seniors and you can bring kids,” Bisson said. “Families are welcome to come.”

People are encouraged to wear traditional German attire including dirndl dresses and lederhosen but it is not a requirement.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and the cash bar is open at that time too. The food is served starting at 6 p.m. buffet style and it’s all you can eat.

At the end of the evening, people can purchase containers of leftovers so as not to waste the food as Chef Frank always makes more than what’s needed,

Bisson added.

Proceeds from the event goes to fund the Meals on Wheels program in the Hart.

Tickets are $50 each and available in advance at the Hart Pioneer Centre. For more information call 250-962-6712.

Seniors Activity Centre set to celebrate Oktoberfest

Live music from the band Sound of the North will accompany the event’s traditional German toasts and cheers

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

It’s so very cheerful and joyous.

That’s how one of the organizers of Oktoberfest PG describes the popular celebration.

The fun takes place at the Seniors Activity Centre, 425 Brunswick St., downtown Prince George, on Saturday, Oct. 5.

“I was born and raised about an hour away from Munich where the original Oktoberfest took place so it was natural for me,” Heidi Burtenshaw, one of the organizers, said about what it means to her to share the traditions of the largest folk festival in the world.

“I took it all in – all the songs and traditions I had been around all my life. In Germany I was in choir and learned all these folk songs and then I got really into music when I moved to Vancouver and joined the German Clubs.”

The original Oktoberfest started in 1810 and is the largest festival in the world where about six million people attend the event that lasts at least 16 days each year.

It is still held in the original location, a 70-acre meadow on the outskirts of Munich. There are tents that can accommodate as many as 10,000 people at once, Burtenshaw added.

“Oktoberfest brings people together in joy and fun,” Burtenshaw said. “That wholesome fun that you experience as a child, and there’s beer, of course, but it’s more than that. It’s about being together and the tunes are all happy. There are polkas and beautiful waltzes and it makes people smile. It’s all about spreading cheer and joy.”

And couldn’t we all use some of the right now given the state of the world, she added.

“We will have a mini, mini Oktoberfest

Beth Bressette and Heidi Burtenshaw, two of the original members of Sound of the North are hosting Oktoberfest PG at the Brunswick Street Seniors Centre on Saturday, Oct. 5. They will be wearing their traditional German Dirndl dresses at the event and invite everyone to join in the fun, dressed up or not.

in Prince George,” Burtenshaw laughed.

“We will be doing the traditional things that I remember doing. So there will be the traditional polkas and songs and then every half hour or so we will have a traditional toast where people will raise their glasses and there’s singing with it and then there’s schwankend songs – swaying songs - where even if you can’t get up to dance you can sway in your seats to traditional folk songs. At one point I go out and do some of these marching songs like the Happy Wanderer where I go into the audience and get people to follow behind me and the line gets longer and longer and we wind our way through the hall.”

At about 10:30 p.m. there is a luncheon provided featuring traditional German foods.

“There’s sauerkraut, warm potato salad, and those big soft, salty pretzels, a very nice spread that’s quite substantial, I find,” Burtenshaw described.

Beth Bresette and Burtenshaw are the organizers of the event and they will both be in their beautiful, traditional dirndl dresses.

“We’ll be wearing our dirndls but the guys? Sometimes it’s not so easy to get them into lederhosen!” Burtenshaw laughed.

Everyone is welcome to dress traditionally or in their regular clothing.

“The choice is yours,” she added. “Everyone is welcome to come and relax and enjoy the evening. The music won’t just all be traditional German music. There will also be some country and old-time rock ’n’ roll for people to enjoy. We’re just hoping to spread some happiness and cheer.”

The music is presented by the live band Sound of the North.

Oktoberfest PG goes Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Prince George Seniors Activity Centre, 425 Brunswick St.

Tickets are $40 in advance for anyone 19+, and are available by e-transfer to Oktoberfestpg@gmail.com or in person at 425 Brunswick St.

Marie Taylor Award for Northern Health dietitian

It’s named for a ‘visionary champion’ of the profession and advocate for seniors’ well-being

COURTENAY HOPSON Northern Health

The Marie Taylor Award for Excellence in Long-Term Care, Seniors Nutrition and Dietetic Practice was established by Dietitians of Canada to recognize dietitians across Canada who carry on the legacy of Marie Taylor as a “visionary champion for the dietetic profession and advocate for the rights and well-being of the elderly.”

I am thrilled, once again, a Northern Health dietitian has been selected for this honour. Erin Branco is a visionary champion and this award is very well-deserved.

Erin completed her UBC Dietetic Internship with Northern Health in 2015 and has brought passion and creativity to her work ever since. Although she began her career working with adult inpatients at UHNBC, her focus has been in long-term care where she has held her current role as the dietitian for Gateway Lodge, Parkside Care Facility, and Jubilee Lodge since 2016.

Erin strongly values people and relationships. She strives to enrich the lives of those around her through the work she does every day.

This applies to the people she serves and those she works alongside on the interprofessional team.

Erin loves to connect people in longterm care with food, both in the dining room and in the garden.

She has been instrumental in the development of a garden project, including a garden club, where people in long-term care are able to plant, grow, tend to, and harvest food on-site. The project continues to grow with the recent donation to Northern Health of hydroponic green walls to grow food year-round, inside some care homes across the region.

As well, because of her involvement in the development of a Northern Health policy, sites across the region are now able to serve food grown on-site to

of food in long-term care homes. She shares her learning with colleagues and is inspiring others in the region, and across Canada, to try similar things in their settings.

She participated in a research project through UNBC and co-authored a publication in 2022, focused on the benefits and feasibility of garden programs in long-term care. As well, she has presented on these garden initiatives with her colleague, Robyn Turner-Klopper, across Canada.

Most recently, they co-presented at the International Congress of Nutrition and Dietetics, which was hosted in Toronto, in June of this year.

Erin is seen as a resource to other dietitians in the health authority when it comes to seniors’ nutrition care. She is a wealth of knowledge and encourages others to continue to learn, grow, and provide the best care possible to the people they serve.

Through her leadership as the Chair of the Northern Health Long-Term Care Dietitian Community of Practice, she has enabled the dietitian group to standardize and update various processes around nutrition assessment, documentation and diet ordering, and liberalization. She is passionate about the work dietitians can do around seniors’ nutrition and enjoys spreading that passion to other dietitians, students, and health care colleagues.

Here are some things Erin’s colleagues had to say about her:

“Erin is a great team player with all aspects of her role as a dietitian in longterm care. She is always looking at ways to improve the care to the people she serves.” - Stefanie Finch, Manager – Food and Nutrition Systems

patients and people in long-term care.

People get to enjoy the taste of fresh herbs and vegetables, that they helped grow, in some of their meals and snacks

throughout the year.

Erin is a real champion of this work and continues to think of creative ways to expand the growing and harvesting

“Erin is so personable which makes collaborating with her a joy! She’s smart and passionate and has been an innovator in her profession.” - Judy April, Dietitian with the Allied Health Resource Team for Older Adults

Congratulations Erin, on this recognition of all your hard work on behalf of Northerners!

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO

Northern Health dietitian Erin Branco accepts her award in March. She has been the dietitian for Gateway Lodge, Parkside Care Facilit and Jubilee Lodge since 2016.

Children 11 and under can now sign up for HealthElife

HAYLEE SEITER

NORTHERN HEALTH

Parents and caregivers can now sign-up children aged 11 and younger for their own HealthElife account. This means parents or caregivers will have access to their child’s health record and some health services online, such as booking a lab appointment.

I spoke to Nicole, a mother of two in Quesnel BC, about her experience using HealthElife and creating accounts for her children.

“Signing up was extremely easy. I printed the form online, filled it out, and then brought it to the medical records

Nicole shared that sometimes it’s a 3-4 week wait to be able to see their family doctor.

Plus having access to her children’s records means she can better prepare any questions she might have for her health care provider.

“When my son had croup, I could see his chest x-ray online. It was normal which was nice to see. If there was an abnormal value, I could ask ahead of time.”

HealthElife gives parents easier and faster access to their child’s health records.

Nicole shared that creating HealthElife accounts for her son and daughter means their health information is more easily accessible.

“Health records aren’t readily available, even if you are requesting them. They are paper records that can take weeks to get. With HealthElife, you can view your records on your phone or computer. It’s nice to have it all in one

portal where it’s laid out by labs or x-rays. Everything is under their own tab.”

Tips for signing up kids for HealthElife

When signing up for HealthElife, there are a couple things to keep in mind. Parents/caregivers must have their own HealthElife account.

Each HealthElife account must have a unique email address.

Nicole recommends parents/caregivers create an email address for their children that they can use in the future.

“I included their first name and birth year so they can use it when they’re older,” she shared.

Where to sign up

Parents and caregivers interested in signing up their children can find detailed instructions online.

“It was super easy, even when you sign up for yourself. I think anyone could do it,” shared Nicole.

department at GR Baker and gave it to them [the medical records department]. Then they gave me a link and PIN to create a HealthElife account.”

Why one parent signed up her kids for HealthElife

Nicole’s son, who is 4, has had a couple ER visits and having access to his records has helped her as a parent.

“It’s good to have that information because it isn’t easily accessible unless you make a follow-up doctor appointment. If you’re at the ER and you’re treated, even if they say everything looks normal, you can still view the results online.”

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO

Nicole and her two children. She was recently able to sign them up for their own HealthElife accounts and get online access to their health records.

New energy upgrades enhance comfort and efficiency at Gateway Lodge

Upgrades represent an investment of approximately $750,000 towards long-term care improvements

ASHLEY PANOZZO Northern Health

In a significant step towards sustainability and improved efficiency, Gateway Lodge in Prince George has recently undergone a series of energy upgrades and improvements.

These enhancements include the installation of a new chiller, upgrades to kitchen ventilation systems, optimization of heat recovery, LED lighting upgrades, and improvements to building controls.

These improvements are set to reduce the facility’s carbon emissions by 50 per cent.

The chiller replacement project began in May 2024 and was completed by midJune 2024.

The energy and lighting upgrades are still under way and will be completed in the fall.

These upgrades represent an investment of approximately $750,000 towards long-term care improvements. This initiative is funded by the provincial Carbon Neutral Capital Program and the Fraser-Fort George Regional Hospital District.

The new chiller replaced an outdated unit that was about 15 years old and was no longer supported by replacement parts.

The new system offers better cooling capacity, ensuring improved comfort for both residents and staff.

For our residents, these upgrades mean a more comfortable environment with enhanced lighting.

For staff, the benefits include reduced operating costs and improved comfort, contributing to a more efficient and pleasant working environment.

Northern Health’s facilities

Upgrades at Gateway Lodge include a new chiller, improved kitchen ventilation systems, optimization of heat recovery, LED lighting upgrades, and improvements to building controls.

maintenance team will continue to operate the new equipment, with no need for additional staff or training.

These upgrades mark a significant milestone in Northern Health’s

GoHealth BC campaign wins awards

MIYA FAST Northern Health

Northern Health and GoHealth BC recently won national and international awards for the program’s rebranding and marketing campaign.

In 2022, NH’s Travel Resource Program, which provided travel nurses for communities experiencing short-term staffing challenges, was expanded to provide service to communities all over BC.

This required a complete rebrand and marketing campaign, with the program being renamed “GoHealth BC” in the spring of 2023.

Members of the GoHealth BC and NHGo Health BC IABC award communications teams came together to meet the challenge of promoting the program across Canada by developing branding and graphics, social media accounts, and a website to help recruit travel nurses.

For this work, NH won “Canadian Health Care Campaign of the Year – Bronze” at the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Awards of Excellence. NH also received an Award of Merit in the Marketing, Advertising, and Brand Communication category at the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Awards.

The GoHealth BC campaign has been an effective recruitment tool, promoting awareness of the program to travel nurses from all over the country.

In May 2024, there were approximately 276 nurses in the program, up from 11 in January 2023.

commitment to sustainability and efficiency, ensuring that Gateway Lodge remains at the forefront of providing high-quality care in a comfortable and eco-friendly environment.

The hours worked by GoHealth BC nurses have also steadily increased each month: in June 2024, GoHealth BC nurses provided 23,682 hours of service, almost triple the 9,230 hours worked in June 2023.

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO

Throwback Thursday: Week of September 26

Sept. 26, 1960: Lots of silverware was captured at the Prince George Rod and Gun Club trap shoot by Humphrey Fripp of Endako. He captured the Shield’s Trophy in the 25 doubles and the Grand Aggregate title. His 12-year-old son Mike, winner of the under-18 title in the Pacific Northwest Open in Vancouver that summer, failed to capture anything. Mrs. Fripp will place her husband’s trophies on the mantelpiece. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY HAL VANDERVOORT

SEPT. 26, 2005: It was definitely an uphill battle as the Pepsi Relay for Charity saw teams running to raise money for various charities. The race took place on a three-kilometre course that went from the bottom of University Way to UNBC. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY BRENT BRAATEN

Sept. 25, 1970: Under the very dated headline ‘Girl probation officer,’ The Citizen profiled Sally McEwan, 25, who had become Prince George’s first female probation officer. With a caseload of 17, most of them men 18-24, she said her goal was to help them access services and resources to help prevent them from re-offending. She also noted that most people are more surprised by how young she was than the fact that she was a woman. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Sept. 26, 1985: Rock music will never die – or so it appears as the band Platinum Blonde struts its stuff in concert at the Coliseum. All but four of the 3,500 tickets were sold for the concert. Crowds started lining up outside the Coliseum several hours before showtime, but the only incident involved one female fan who collapsed from heat exhaustion inside and was removed by security personnel. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY

LISA MURDOCH

Local Sports Lifetime achievement award for track athlete, 79

‘Inspiration’ decathlete Tuomas Ukonmaanaho honoured by Prince George Track and Field

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

The first ever Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Tuomas Ukonmaanaho, 79, during the Prince George Track & Field Club awards ceremony on Monday, Sept. 23 at Masich Place Stadium.

“Tom is an amazing source of inspiration to all of us at the track,” said Bryce Gladdish, Prince George Track & Field Club president.

“We are so fortunate that he shares his time with us and that we are able to see him train and compete. He stretches our minds about what is possible, is an absolute pleasure to have around, and is a true ambassador for the sport.”

Ukonmaanaho, who took up athletics in earnest in 2005 after a 30-year hiatus, has World Masters Championships gold medals, countless Canadian Masters Championships gold medals and the same goes for BC Masters Championships gold medals.

Ukonmaanaho also held at least 47 Masters records that he achieved between the ages of 65 and 79, including individual outdoor, individual indoor, and because he knows the value of teamwork he also has earned indoor and outdoor relay records, which includes two indoor world records.

Within these records there are at least 29 current records including the world relay records for 4x400m and 4x800m. And Tom’s a sprinter.

Most of his individual records are held in the 200m sprint.

During the awards ceremony at the track on Monday night Elena Thomas, past president of the local track club, presented Ukonmaanaho with the award.

“We wanted to award this athlete the Lifetime Achievement Award, the first of its kind for our club and I want you all to realize that everybody can work

towards being this athlete,” Thomas said.

“It’s never too late to start, to improve, to keep training. This is an athlete who got faster and faster as they got older and older. This athlete is going to be 80 this year and he continues to break records.”

When Ukonmaanaho made his way to Thomas to accept the award, he was honoured with a standing ovation from his teammates.

“Tom, you continue to inspire us all - young and old,” Thomas said. Then Thomas turned to the audience.

“Because you know you all want to be as fast as Tom.”

Ukonmaanaho accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award and a framed list of all his records graciously.

“If you do it long enough, you’re just about the only one taking part so it’s

easy to break records,” Ukonmaanaho laughed.

Gladdish then added a few words.

“That’s another thing that got left off the list is Tom is probably the most fun out of anybody at the track club and he is consistently out there, pushing us all to have a better time and to push our times better as well. Thank you, Tom, very much on behalf of the entire Prince George Track & Field Club.”

Ukonmaanaho has been gifted with a lifetime membership at the club.

Decathletes are said to be the greatest athletes in the world and the contest sees the athlete compete in this order of events as a test of strength, speed and endurance.

The 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump and 400 metres on the first day, then the 110m hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw and 1500m that

sees the toughest challenge at the end of the competition.

Ukonmaanaho is the current M75 Canadian Decathlon record holder and achieved this feat when he was 76 years old in 2021 with a score of 5297. This is also a BC record for men between the ages of 75-79 and it beat the previous BC record by more than 2,000 points. An achievement almost unheard of in the field of athletics.

Ukonmaanaho continued to defy the odds in recent years. It’s almost impossible for any sprinter to get faster after a certain age. Eventually masters athletes will peak at a younger age and then decline.

The most memorable moments in Ukonmaanaho’s athletic career came from the Indoor World Championships hosted by the Kamloops Track & Field Club in 2010. Ukon Tom was 65 and was asked to join the men’s team of 65 to 69-year-olds in the 4x200m relay team.

The Canadian team was up against the US, Great Britain and Germany.

“They were not pushover countries, these were fast teams and I went into the race thinking if we beat just one team we could medal,” Ukonmaanaho said. “And in the end we beat them all. I like that medal.”

He ran the first leg of the race and the U.S. runner was on the outside lane right beside him. Ukonmaanaho kept pace with him for the first 100 metres.

“Then I put the pedal to the metal and came in ahead of every other runner,” he said. During the rest of the race it was a challenge but in the end the team was victorious.

The Canadian team was crowned world champions, finishing the race in 2:01.80 with Germany coming in a full second behind at 2:02.87, US at 2:03.87 and Great Britain at 2:03.89.

Editor’s note: Reporter Christine Dalgleish is a member of the Prince George Track & Field Club.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Tuomas Ukonmaanaho, 79, receives the Prince George Track & Field Club’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from past president Elena Thomas at Masich Place Stadium on Monday, Sept. 23.

A new season begins for the Prince George Cougars

CITIZEN STAFF

The Prince George Cougars hit the ice for hometown fans again last weekend, opening their season with a Friday-Saturday double-header against the Spokane Chiefs at the CN Centre.

After an overtime loss Friday (which still earned the team a point), the Cougars rebounded Saturday night with a 3-1 victory over the Chiefs.

The Cougars finished their season-opening weekend in the win column, besting the Spokane Chiefs 3-1, Saturday at the CN Centre for their first win of the season.

Jett Lajoie, Carlin Dezainde, and Matteo Danis scored for the Cougars, while Josh Ravensbergen had his first win of the season with 23 saves on 24 Spokane shots.

The team opened the season Friday with a tough 4-3 overtime loss against the Chiefs.

Matteo Danis, Jett Lajoie, and Ephram McNutt scored the Cougar goals, while Josh Ravensbergen made 34 saves on 38 Spokane shots.

Next up for the Cougars is a road trip south to take on the Vancouver Giants at Langley Events Centre, Friday at 7 p.m.

After a Saturday off, the Cats head to Wenatchee for a 4 p.m. game Sunday against the Wild at the Town Toyota Centre.

They’re on the road again in the first week of October, playing the Rockets in Kelowna on Oct. 2 and the Thunderbirds in Seattle on Oct. 4 before taking on the Portland Winterhawks, the team that ended their thrilling playoff run last season, on Oct. 5.

They’re back home for a rematch against Portland at the CN Centre on Oct. 8 at 7 p.m.

Just before the season opened, the Cougars signed a new four-year license agreement with the city for the use of the CN Centre.

“The Prince George Cougars are deeply woven into the fabric of the CN Centre, Prince George, and Northern British Columbia,” said Glen Mikkelsen, CN Centre manager, in a joint

announcement from the team and the city. “We are fortunate to have a team that values partnership, and we look forward to the excitement they bring to our community.”

Under the terms of the new deal, the city will receive an annual flat fee based on ticket sales, along with commissions on additional ticket sales and food and beverage revenue.

The city will also share in 50 per cent of private suite rental fees.

The agreement, which extends through 2028 with an option for an additional four years, comes after the previous contract with Edgepro Sports and Entertainment Ltd., the Cougars’ owner, expired on July 31.

The WHL team has been in Prince George since 1994 and has called the CN Centre home since 1995.

The team is coming off its most

successful season yet; in 2023–24, the Cougars set franchise records with 49 wins and 102 points, entering the playoffs as the top-ranked team in the CHL.

In a thrilling run, the Cougars made it to the Western Conference final for the first time since 2007, but lost in six games to the Portland Winterhawks.

“We’re eager to give everyone more to cheer about in the coming years,” said Taylor Dakers, director of business for the Cougars.

The team also announced this week that fast-food restaurant Carl’s Jr. in Prince George will be their uniform sponsors this season.

The restaurant’s logo will appear on players’ helmets and jerseys. Carl’s Jr. will also continue sponsoring the Replay of the Game, the 50/50 draw and Game Highlights.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT Kian Coole, 7, watches closely as Cougars defenseman Vojtech Vochvest, 18, signs a puck for him at the Cougars Season Kick-off Barbecue at CN Centre Wednesday, Sept. 25.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

The Spokane Chiefs’ Kaden Allan tries to block a shot from Cougars player Matteo Danis during season opening game at CN Centre Friday, Sept. 20.

Men’s Timberwolves score their first win of season

UNBC ATHLETICS

The young UNBC Timberwolves have their first victory of the 2024 Canada West season and it came in thrilling fashion.

Sunday afternoon in Saskatoon, the UNBC Timberwolves men’s soccer squad captured their first victory of the 2024 season – a 3-2 decision over the Saskatchewan Huskies.

Mehdi Bounaaja (1G, 1A) and Isaac Tate (2A) each had a pair of points for UNBC while James Jordan and Connor Lewis also found the scoresheet.

Saskatchewan got their goals from Daler Tokhirov and Ethan Cabral. Logan Pierce was sharp in the TWolves net, making 10 saves, placing him at the very top of the Canada West saves list.

The urgency and energy was evident from the jump for Steve Simonson’s club as they appeared hellbent on leaving the Prairies with a positive result.

In the ninth minute, Isaac Tate’s skill and creativity were on full display. After gathering the ball at midfield on the left-wing, Tate flipped the ball over the Huskie defender to himself and then raced in on the goal. With a Huskie defender nearing from behind, he slid a pass to his right to the wide open Mehdi Bounaaja. From there, the rookie from Surrey one-timed the feed into the open net for a dazzling first career

Canada West goal.

The Huskies stormed back in the 29th minute when third-year midfielder Daler Tokhirov finished off a wonderful individual effort that started at midfield. After receiving a pass from Ryan Ko, Tokhirov made a spectacular onetouch move to his left to beat a UNBC defender, and then from just outside the penalty area, he chipped a perfect ball between two more defenders and past Logan Pierce to tie the game.

In the 37th minute, UNBC snagged their lead back after a terrific three-way

passing sequence between Mehdi Bounaaja, Connor Lewis and the eventual goal scorer James Jordan.

Bounaaja forced a pass up the middle to Lewis, who alertly spun his body around and found Bounaaja again. Bounaaja then snuck a spectacular pass through the Huskies defense to the open Jordan, who did the rest, converting on his first career goal.

The TWolves took that 2-1 lead into the break.

In the 64th minute the Huskies once again got on even terms when Ethan

Cabral was awarded a penalty kick after a defensive tackle from Koss Nystedt inside the penalty area was deemed foul-worthy from the official. Cabral then placed a perfect ball just between the diving Pierce and his left post.

Luckily Steve Simonson’s club had one more strike up their sleeve.

In the 70th minute, the TWolves sent a deep ball into the Huskies end of the pitch. Isaac Tate sprinted down the left-wing and kept the ball from going out of bounds beside the Huskies goal by launching a high lob to the far post.

Connor Lewis anticipated the ball brilliantly and used perfect positioning to deflect a header just inside the post and the Huskies goalkeeper George Arnold. It was Lewis’s second goal of the season.

In the 74th minute, the Huskies came oh so close to tying things up for a third time. But defender Luke Graham planted himself on the goal line and made a header save to keep things in favour of UNBC.

Despite the final shots-on-target tally reading 12-5 for Saskatchewan, the TWolves were more opportunistic on Sunday, and held on to earn their first victory of the season.

The TWolves will now return home to the friendly confines of Masich Place Stadium to battle the Trinity Western Spartans on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

Hinsche sets personal record in loss to Trinity Western

UNBC ATHLETICS

Third-year goalkeeper Brityn Hinsche continues to shine in the goal for the UNBC Timberwolves. Sunday afternoon at Masich Place Stadium, the third-year goalkeeper from Williams Lake set a new personal single-game record with 17 saves in a 3-1 loss to the visiting Trinity Western Spartans. The nationally ranked Spartans got goals from Payton Izsak and Charity Field and caught a lucky break in the second-half with a UNBC own goal. The Timberwolves goal came off a header from Claire Turner in the 58th minute –her second of the season.

After an early strike from Izsak in the seventh minute put Trinity Western up 1-0, Hinsche followed with four saves to keep the hosts within striking distance. Tilly James, Erin Stewart, Mansha Sidhu and Charity Field were all thwarted by Hinsche.

The persistent Spartans increased their advantage to 2-0 in the 20th minute when Charity Field collected a rebound and struck for her third of the season. Hinsche turned aside the three remaining shots fired her way in the half, and also got help from Blake Plummer and Maleah Fernie who made defensive saves of their own in front of her.

Hinsche collected eight of her 17 total

saves in the first half.

The second half was similarly busy for Hinsche and the TWolves on their side of the pitch as the Spartans kept the pressure coming. Hinsche though, true to form stayed positive and resilient, stopping nine Trinity Western opportunities in the back-half of the game.

The lone ball to cross the line on Hinsche in the second was an unfortunate case of bad luck in minute 57 as a Trinity Western cross deflected off a TWolves defender and in for an owngoal and a 3-0 Spartans advantage.

Shortly thereafter the Masich Place Stadium crowd came to life when fifthyear forward Claire Turner responded

offensively for UNBC. Turner secured her second goal of the season off a header that came as a result of a wonderful crossing feed from Maleah Fernie. Fernie for her efforts at both ends of the pitch received the Mr. Mike’s Player of the Game honour for UNBC.

When the final horn sounded, the Spartans were able to celebrate a 3-1 victory on the strength of 23 shots on target, and 31 total shot attempts.

On Friday evening at Masich Place, the UNBC Timberwolves (1-4-0) dropped a nail-biter to the visiting University of the Fraser Valley Cascades (2-4-0). The lone goal of the 1-0 game came in the 16th minute from the Cascades’ Jaya Bains.

HARSH BANGA PHOTO

UNBC Timberwolves midfielder Isaac Tate moves in on the Saskatchewan Huskies on Sunday, Sept. 22 in Saskatoon. UNBC won the game 3-2.

Life Events

Happy Birthday

To granddaughter, Nicole Megan Kapphahn, who was born Sept 27 at 2lbs, 30 years ago at Children’s Hospital. She’s a great smart lady. Love Grandpa & Oma

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Karen Else Nielsen on September 17th 2024.

She is predeceased by her husband, Knud, and leaves behind 6 children, Kurt (Linda), Allan (Deb), Carol, Linda, Susan, and Glenn; 8 grandchildren, Cori (Justin), Terrence (Kristy), Nikki (Clayton), Eric (Sonya), Karl (Genevieve), Paul (Marcie), Robbie, and Christopher (Anneke); and 5 great grandchildren, Max, Caesey, Kendal, Addison and Isla.

Mom followed her husband and immigrated from Denmark in 1956 raising her family at Cluculz Lake, all while keeping in close touch with the local Danish community. She was very artistic and is well known for her petit point, egg decoration creations and handmade greeting cards. She was very welcoming and rarely went shopping without getting or receiving hugs from her extended family.

A big thank you goes out to the staff at Gateway Lodge who became her extended family. Our family so appreciates all you did to accommodate our mother with her crafts.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3517 Bellamy Road, Prince George on Sunday, September 29th 2024 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm for her family and friends.

Anyone wanting to make a donation in her honor, please do so to the BC Cancer Society. Mom, you will be greatly missed.

After a long battle with cancer, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Glen Hill at the young age of 64 on September 4, 2024.

Glen was born on November 21, 1959 in Prince George to parents Dennis and Shirley. Glen and Brenda were married and had Chad in 1980, and Jamie in 1983. Glen loved his family, was always the joker of the party, was always tinkering on various vehicles (generally to keep going for Chad and Jamie), spent many weekends making memories at hockey tournaments and BMX races, years of May long weekends in Kamloops, and good old Western movies.

Glen is survived by his children Chad (Kirsten) and Jamie, grandchildren Carson, Haven, and Dawson, his good friend Fuzzy, and beloved pet and confidant Chevy. He is predeceased by parents Dennis and Shirley, brothers Randy and Rick, and brother in-law Ken.

A special thank you to Brenda and Darrel for all your hard work and dedication. And also, a thanks to the Hospice House for their care and hospitality.

When the sun hits that one flower growing in the field- I think of you.

When I see that “Mom” looking so lovingly at her grandchildren- I think of you. When I look in the mirror and catch you staring back at me at times- I think of you.

When the leaves fall and display a beautiful path of vibrance- I think of you. When I look at craft supplies in any store I think of you. When I am cooking- I think of you. When I am having a good day- I think of you. When I am having a bad day- I think of you. I will always think of you I am part of you I miss you.

Love you dearly and miss you endlessly, Karyn

Karen Else Nielsen

To my Mother (Toni Kazakoff) who is and will always be missed.

Glen Edward Hill

Patrick Louis Byrne

Januarry 24, 1944 - September 17, 2024

It is with profound sadness to announce the passing of Patrick Byrne. He passed away peacefully in Kelowna at the age of 80 with his beloved wife, Stephanie, by his side.

Patrick is survived by Stephanie, his daughter and angel girl Eilish, and his faithful shadow, Nanook. Patrick is also survived by his niece Kathy Byrne (Christian), his grandniece Lauren, and his grandnephew Liam, his nephew David (Tara), and his cousin Margot Pilley (Andrew Gauthier).

Patrick is predeceased by his mother Patricia, father Anthony, brother Michael and his son, Patrick Thomas Byrne.

Patrick was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB and later in life lived in BC, making a home in Prince Rupert and finally, Prince George. Patrick earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and became teacher. He was an extremely articulate person and a gifted mathematician. He taught math for much of his teaching career, most recently in Prince Rupert from 1998-2007 and Prince George at CNC from 2008-2022 and finally retired at the age of 78! He especially loved teaching at CNC and always described ending his teaching career there as a joy. He loved the staff and the students.

Patrick was a lover of music and an active musician up until his passing. He played guitar beautifully and also had skills as a keyboard player. He often shared his musical gifts in service to others, playing and singing at nursing homes and at church.

Patrick was extremely patient and empathic. He was keenly aware of people in society who were differently abled and made a huge personal commitment to promote inclusion and diversity. Those who knew Patrick will greatly miss his kindness, thoughtfulness, his ability to persevere through life’s challenges and his unique and witty sense of humour. Even during the most difficult times in life, he still maintained this humour and had a wonderful ability to lift others when they needed it most.

In accordance with Patrick’s wishes, there will not be a public funeral or memorial service, and will be remembered in a private memorial next summer with family instead.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Prince George Humane Society would be preferred.

Patrick had a love of all things in the animal world and always said that when he went to heaven, he would take great joy in reuniting with all his pets!

Horst Sander

It is with much sadness that the family of Horst Sander announces his passing into the arms of the Lord on September 9, 2024.

Horst was born on May 29, 1933 in Wuppertal, Germany and after growing up during WW II, he left Germany as a young man to experience more of the world first-hand. He eventually found himself in northern B.C., and he and his new bride Helma made Prince George their home in 1963.

Horst embarked on an exciting and rewarding career in the fast-developing forest industry of that time, eventually serving as President & CEO of Northwood Inc. from 1979 until his retirement in 1990. But his commitment and passion for the development of northern B.C. went far beyond his working career, as he was deeply involved in community service. He will be remembered mostly for the vital roles he played in establishing UNBC and the Child Development Centre. He also served on the boards of UNBC, the PG Community Foundation, the PG Regional Hospital, and the BC Premier’s Advisory Council, to mention only a few. He was recognized as Prince George’s Citizen of the Year in 1999, was awarded an honourary degree from UNBC in 2000, and received Her Majesty the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.

But for all of his service and accomplishments, Horst, if asked, would say that it was his family that brought him his greatest sense of joy and satisfaction.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Helma in 2020, and is lovingly remembered by his daughters Dorothea (Patrick), Christine (Les), and Andrea (Scott), his grandchildren Jared (Megan), Kailey (Brian), Jenna and Eric, and his great-granddaughter Skylar.

Horst took a genuine interest in everyone he met and was gifted in making people feel respected and at ease.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Devan Reddy and Dr. Tom Carter, and all of Horst’s medical team, for their excellent care and attention.

A Celebration of Life and reception will be held on Sunday, October 13th at the Coast Inn of the North Ballroom, 11:30 am - 3:00 pm. Live streaming will be available for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice, or to the Sander Family Fund at the Prince George Community Foundation.

In Loving Memory

of our Son & Brother

Shayne Edward George Ryll Dec. 2/64 - Sept. 28/87 Forever in our hearts Dad, Carolyn, and Gina

Loretta Anne Bukmeier, late of Regina SK, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 5th, 2024, at the age of 72 years.

She was predeceased by her parents William and Margaret Greenley; brother, Dennis Greenley; and husband, Timothy Bukmeier.

Loretta is lovingly remembered by her sons, Michael (Mary) Ruane and Benjamin (Caroline) Ruane; grandchildren Connor, William, Lucas, and Patrick; brother Garry (Saline) Greenley; sisters Paulette Ng, and Roberta (Glen) Caston; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A private family celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Classifieds

Hay Bales For Sale

5X5 round hay bales, $275 each- net wrapped, barn stored.

250-614-6667

House For Rent

3 Bedroom house for rent near Spruceland. One bathroom.

No Smoking, No pets. $2000 per month plus add and Utilities. Call 250-596-0104

COURT BAILIFF SALE

NORTH CENTRAL BAILIFFS LTD.

www.northcentralbailiffs.bc.ca

The Court Bailiff offers FOR SALE BY TENDER, the interest of the National Bank of Canada, the Judgment Creditor, VS. Edward Thomas Harris & Tenants(s) in the property, the Judgement Debtors, numerous items will be for sale.

To view, contact North Central Bailiffs Ltd. 250–564–4900 . Sale is subject to cancellation or adjournment without notice. Sealed bids will be accepted until October 1st, 2024. Goods to be sold as is where is. Bidder takes responsibility to ensure they are satisfied with the description of unit/goods being sold. North Central Bailiffs Ltd. is not responsible for determining the correct description. Terms of sale: Immediate full payment upon successful bid, plus sales tax.

www.northcentralbailiffs.bc.ca

North Central Bailiffs Ltd.

Court Bailiff

Cassandra Ettinger

Gerald Robert Tremblay

Bucket Truck, hedging and tree removal. For FREE estimates call or text Brian

The Court Bailiff offers FOR SALE BY TENDER, the interest of the Canada Revenue Agency, the Judgment Creditor, VS. Daryl Campbell Logging Ltd., the Judgement Debtor, numerous items will be for sale.

To View contact North Central Bailiffs Ltd. 250–564–4900. Sale is subject to cancellation or adjournment without notice. Sealed bids will be accepted until mid to end of October. Goods to be sold as is where is. Bidder takes responsibility to ensure they are satisfied with the description of unit/ goods being sold. North Central Bailiffs Ltd. is not responsible for determining the correct description. Terms of sale: Immediate full payment upon successful bid, plus sales tax.

www.northcentralbailiffs.bc.ca

North Central Bailiffs Ltd. Court Bailiff

Cassandra Ettinger

OF

NOTICE is hereby given that Gerald Robert Tremblay filed an Assignment in Bankruptcy on July 25, 2024, and that John S. Beverley & Associates Inc. was appointed as Trustee. A meeting of creditors will be held on the 9th day of October, 2024 at the hour of 1:30 o’clock in the afternoon, at the office of the Trustee, 1240 5th Avenue, in the city of Prince George, in the Province of British Columbia.

Dated at Prince George, BC this 18th day of September, 2024.

PROOF

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Seizure and Sale of Vehicle

Wide Sky Disposals 1989 Ltd as the storage facility operator, hereby notifies the public that we have seized the following vehicle due to unpaid storage fees:

• Vehicle Description: Green 1994 Freightliner Tractor, Plate Number 1458JV

• VIN 1FUYFDYB2RP735333

• Location of Storage: 4501 55 Street Fort Nelson, BC

• Date of Deposit: July 1, 2019

• Owner/Depositor: Robert Lloyd McAdam

Sale Details:

• The vehicle will be sold to cover outstanding storage fees.

• The sale will take place on October 17, 2024 at 2:00 PMPST at 4501 55 Street Fort Nelson, BC.

• Interested parties may inspect the vehicle before the sale.

For more information, please contact Wide Sky Disposals 1989 Ltd 250 774 6528

Annual General Meeting - 2024

October 23, 2024

12 - 2:30 pm

Location - Italian Club, 1209 5th Ave, Prince George

Refreshments and lunch will be served.

Members of the Public and Indigenous community are welcome.

If you are planning to attend, please RSVP by calling: 250-562-7928

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT OF JUDGMENT

TO: JADE A. BENNETT

TAKE NOTICE that a Judgment has been granted against you in the sum of $10,603.93, in the Court of King’s Bench Action Number 1813 00005. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that an Assignment of Judgment has been executed in favour of the Administrator Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Act. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE of your whereabouts being unknown, an Applications Judge of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta has ordered that you be served with notice of the Consent Judgment and Assignment of Judgment, as well as any other documents made necessary as a result of this Action, substitutionally through this Notice. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that you may obtain copies of the Consent Judgement, Assignment of Judgment, and any other court documents in this Action by contacting the Plaintiff’s solicitor, Nicola B. Cooper, at 201 – 8520 Manning Avenue, Fort McMurray, Alberta, T9H 5G2, or by attendance at the Court House in Fort McMurray, Alberta to receive a copy.

WANTED

STEEL STUD FRAMER

Steel stud framer for Prince George job on Bear Road, approximately 4 to 5 months Max Flynn 949 Joan Cres Victoria BC 250-818-2217 maxflynn949@gmail.com

The Citizen is seeking an Advertising Manager.

This position would include the following responsibilities:

• Co-ordinating the efforts of our existing sales team, including setting budgets, goals and plans to reach and exceed targets

• Developing marketing plans for new and existing clients, utilizing our first-party and third-party audiences

• Analyzing existing features and projects and introducing new products and solutions

• Networking within the community and acting as an ambassador and champion of The Citizen and our marketing solutions

Qualifications:

• A proven track record in sales and sales management

What we offer:

A base wage plus commission, with full benefits

How to apply: Please email owner@pgcitizen.ca

Who we are:

The Citizen is Locally Owned, Community Focused. We are the region’s leading source of news and information, and have been for more than 100 years. We love our community and strive to make it even better.

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I’m 13 years old and want to make money by being a pet sitter and dog walker. To try it out, my dad suggested that I pet sit for the neighbor who is going on vacation for two weeks. They agreed! I’m really excited. What tips do you have so I do a good job? — Austin

DEAR AUSTIN: What a great idea! You can try out pet sitting and see if you like it, and your dad is there to give support and advice. Here are a few tips:

• Bring a notebook and pen with you to every pet sitting visit.

• Talk to the pet owner before they leave. Get all of the pet’s health information. Find out what time they need to be fed and any medications they need to take. Get their veterinarian’s number and any special instructions. Find out where the food, treats and leash are stored. (Write this all in the notebook!)

• Keep to the agreed-upon time to visit and/or walk the pet. It’s important for the pet to stay on a regular schedule, and it builds trust with your customer.

• Do not feed the pet any food or treats not provided (or specified) by the owner.

• Contact the owner if you have additional questions or if an emergency arises.

These are just the basics. As you build your pet-sitting empire, you will encounter different situations and will learn the best ways to respond. Your parents can help, and so can that trusty notebook! During and after every vis- it, review your notes about the experience and think about how you can do a better job or accomplish certain tasks more effectively.

AVAILABLE TO RENT

Bachelor and One Bedroom Cabins. Fully furnished. Weekly rates. Apply in person. 867 17th Avenue.

Palidan Drywall & Plaster-TQ tradesman. Renos, additions, repairs, popcorn removal and more. (778)890-0162 or cell (604)750-0210

ARIES (March 21 to April 19)

Travel plans could be interrupted by the reemergence of a workplace problem that was never quite fully resolved. Deal with it at once, then take off on a welldeserved trip.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Aspects favor cultural activities for sensuous Bovines. Attend a concert or an art show. Better yet, create something yourself (a poem, perhaps?), and dedicate it to someone special.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Respect any doubts you might now be feeling about a new situation. They could be reflecting your inner awareness that some essential information might be missing. Check it out.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) It’s important to start the new week with as clean of a slate as possible. Either complete all those unfinished tasks, or pass them on to others who would be more than happy to take them on.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) This is a good time to cut down on expenses and tame the urge to splurge. Applying some financial discipline now could help the Big Cat ride out a possible monetary crunch later on.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22)

Money matters are dominant this week. Recheck your accounts and make sure they’re up-to-date. Also, pay more attention to personal issues before they become major problems.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)

You might be tempted to employ the same tactics as your adversary, but this could backfire. Better to use the same balanced approach that has worked for you before and could work again.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A changing workplace environment could stir up confusion as well as apprehension. Best to ignore the rumors and get the facts. You could find that the changes bring positive elements.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Communication is easier this week, as people are ready and eager to hear what you have to say. Also, check for possible technical problems before you start a new project.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Aspects favor change for the usually traditional Goat. Opening your mind to possibilities you had ignored could lead you to make decisions you once considered improbable.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Making personal as well as professional adjustments to changing conditions might be easier with more information explaining the hows and the whys of the situations in question.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20)

With a growing tide of positive reactions to buoy your confidence, this could be the right time to put the finishing touches on your new project and get it well and truly launched.

De-clutter your garage, work like a pro

Is trying to find things in your garage starting to feel like you’re doing an obstacle course or treasure hunt? Here are a few tips to make the most of this practical storage space and feel proud to show it off to your visitors.

1. SORT YOUR BELONGINGS

Group your belongings into subcategories, like tools, gardening equipment, games and toys, sports equipment, bicycles and car care products. Next, determine if any items are broken, expired, useless or duplicated. Keep only what you need. Decluttering will give you the motivation to reorganize the space and improve its functionality.

2. DUST AND CLEAN

Are your garage floors covered in dirt and grime? Are the walls littered with cobwebs and paint splatter from your latest DIY project? Roll up your sleeves and clean the space from top to bottom. If necessary, apply one or two coats of paint to the walls to freshen up the space.

3. INVEST IN STORAGE

SOLUTIONS

Shelves, clear plastic totes, metal cupboards, perforated panels and hanging platforms are just some of the furniture and accessories you can use to optimize storage in your garage. Keep the items you use most often within easy reach and lessused items safely stowed away. For safety reasons, leave the floor clear

dream door starts here

ceiling space. Visit your local home renovation and hardware stores to

GO FOR GOLD.

Preparing lawn and garden equipment for winter

As the colder months approach, it’s essential to prepare your lawn and garden equipment for winter. Proper winterization ensures your tools remain in good condition and are ready for use when spring arrives. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you winterize your equipment effectively.

Clean Your Equipment

Start by thoroughly cleaning all your tools and equipment. Remove any dirt, grass, and debris. For lawnmowers, use a hose to wash off grass clippings and dirt from the deck. For smaller tools, a brush and soapy water will suffice. Ensure everything is dry before storing to prevent rust.

Drain Fuel and Oil

For gas-powered equipment like lawnmowers and trimmers, it’s crucial to drain the fuel. Old fuel can degrade and cause engine problems. Run the engine until it stops to ensure the fuel system is empty. Ad-

ditionally, change the oil to prevent any contaminants from sitting in the engine over winter.

Sharpen and Lubricate

Sharpen the blades of your lawnmower, hedge trimmers, and other cutting tools. This not only prolongs their life but also ensures they are ready for use in the spring. Lubricate all moving parts to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.

Check and Replace Parts

Inspect your equipment for any worn or damaged parts. Replace spark plugs, air filters, and any other components that show signs of wear. This proactive approach can save you time and hassle when the growing season begins.

Store Properly

Store your equipment in a dry, sheltered place. If possible, keep them off the ground to avoid moisture damage. Use covers to

protect them from dust and dirt. For battery-operated tools, remove the batteries and store them separately in a cool, dry place.

Taking the time to winterize your lawn and garden equipment can

vextend their lifespan and ensure they are ready for action when spring arrives. Follow these steps to keep your tools in top shape and avoid costly repairs.

MacInnes

How to create a multifunctional room

Today, many people not only live in their homes but also work, play and entertain in them. Consequently, it’s become increasingly common for rooms to serve several different purposes. Here are some ideas for creating a multifunctional room in your home.

ASSESS THE SPACE

The first step is to evaluate the room’s characteristics. You must consider elements like the ceiling height and the number of doors and windows. These factors will help you decide what’s possible and how to achieve the best results.

DETERMINE THE FUNCTION

Next, consider what purposes you want the room to serve. If a living-guest room is what you’re after, you must determine what kind of bed it will have. If space is limited, a daybed or Murphy bed would be best.

However, consider a sofa bed or futon if you have more space. Furthermore, working from home has become increasingly popular in recent years. Therefore, many people want to create home offices. If you want to create a functional workspace, you can easily purchase sliding panels to partition off just about any size room.

Moreover, other hybrid room possibilities include a living room-gym or a laundry room that doubles as an office. Use your imagination to come up with what would work for you.

Visit your local hardware store to find unique ways to convert your space

Painting like a pro: 5 tips for a flawless finish

A beautiful paint job can transform your space. However, achieving a professional looking finish can seem daunting. Don’t worry! These five tips will have you wielding a brush like a pro in no time:

1.Prep is key.

Before you start, prepare your walls properly. Patch holes, sand rough spots and re move dirt and cobwebs. A clean, smooth surface ensures the paint adheres evenly.

2. Invest in quality tools. Choose highquality brushes with soft bristles and a finenap roller cover for smooth application. Use painter’s tape to create clean lines around trim and edges.

3. Master the loading technique. Avoid over loading your roller, aim for a light, even coat. Roll in smooth, even strokes, applying light pressure. When using a brush, don’t jab. Instead, use long, gentle strokes in one direction.

4. Apply thin coats

Applying two thin coats of paint is better than one thick one. Applying multiple coats allows each layer to dry properly, minimizing drips and creating a smooth, even f inish.

5. Clean as you go. Take a damp cloth and wipe away splatters or drips throughout the process. Cleaning up minor mistakes as you go saves you time and frustration later.

Visit your local paint store for advice and to get the best tools for the job.

Choosing horizontal or vertical blinds

If you’re looking for a window treatment, blinds are a practical choice because they allow you to control how much light enters your home. Here’s some advice to help you choose between horizontal and vertical blinds.

HORIZONTAL BLINDS Classic and timeless, these blinds are well suited for square or rectangular windows that are either small, narrow or high up. They’re easy to maintain and come in various styles, materials and colours. Plus, the slats can be tilted upward to provide privacy while still allowing light to f ilter into the room.

VERTICAL BLINDS The long slats of vertical blinds are ideal for hanging in front of patio doors and large windows. Unlike horizontal blinds, they can be easily opened on either side or in the middle, depending on the model. They’re also virtually effortless to clean and resistant to both heat and moisture.

Staging your home for autumn real estate sales

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, autumn presents a unique opportunity to showcase your home in its best light. Staging your home for the fall real estate market can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that appeals to potential buyers. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this beautiful season.

Embrace Autumn Colors

Incorporate the rich, warm hues of autumn into your home decor. Think deep reds, oranges, yellows, and browns. You can add these colors through throw pillows, blankets, and table runners. A well-placed vase of seasonal flowers or a bowl of autumn fruits can also add a touch of fall charm.

Enhance Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, so make sure your home’s exterior is as inviting as the interior. Rake up fallen leaves, trim bushes, and clean

gutters. Consider adding a seasonal wreath to your front door and placing potted mums or pumpkins on your porch. Good outdoor lighting is also essential as the days get shorter.

Create a Cozy Atmosphere

As the weather cools, potential buyers will appreciate a warm and cozy interior. Light a fire in the fireplace if you have one, or use candles to create a soft, inviting glow. Arrange furniture to create intimate conversation areas and add plush throws and pillows to make the space feel comfortable and welcoming.

Highlight Seasonal Features

If your home has features that shine in the fall, such as a beautiful view of changing leaves or a fire pit in the backyard, make sure to highlight them. Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light and draw attention to these features.

If you have a patio or deck, stage it with outdoor furniture and a cozy blanket to show how it can be enjoyed even in cooler weather.

Keep It Clean and Clutter-Free

While adding seasonal decor is important, be careful not to overdo it. Too many decorations can make your home feel cluttered. Keep surfaces clean and clear, and make sure each room has a purpose. A tidy, well-organized home allows buyers to envision themselves living there.

By embracing the beauty of autumn and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, you can make your home stand out in the fall real estate market. Happy staging!