Prince George Citizen October 10, 2024

Mr. PG stays put until more people have their say

City councillors send staff proposal back with a request for broader public consultation NEWS

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

Mr. PG’s big move is on hold.

City council had plenty of questions for city facilities director Andy Beesley and Civic Centre manager Debbie Haywood on Monday night.

Heywood appeared before council to outline the plan to move the iconic Mr. PG from his current location at the intersection of Highway 16 and Highway 97 to a new spot downtown.

Heywood outlined how city staff had determined that Mr. PG would have more of an impact on local tourism by being in a more accessible location at the new visitors’ centre at Canada Games Plaza.

She said people could easily access him, whether to take selfies or just see him up close – something that has become difficult at his current location because of new residential and commercial construction around him.

When there are major sporting events, trade shows or conferences in town, that’s thousands more people getting to see him, she explained.

Beesley told council that the planned move would cost “in the tens of thousands, not the hundreds of thousands.”

Coun. Brian Skakun said it sounded like the plan was a done deal, adding that he was concerned that council hadn’t had more of a say in the process.

“People in the community are not happy with this,” Skakun said.

Beesley agreed that staff had intended to start moving ahead with the plan. “We’re subject to the will of council,” he said.

“In lieu of direction, this is a decision that we’ve made.”

Skakun put forward a motion to send the report back to city staff with a request for broader public input.

Coun. Cori Ramsay suggested an amendment to that motion calling on city staff to carry out a study of the state of the steel-and-fibreglass statue. “He’s a little old,” she said. This incarnation of Mr. PG is closing in on 40 years old.

“I think there can only be one,” he said. “I think it takes the magic away if we start duplication.”

Council approved Skakun’s motion, sending the plan back to staff for more public consultation on the move. This was passed unanimously.

Polillo’s motion, to have staff draft a report on having two Mr. PGs, passed 5-2, with Sampson and Coun. Tim Bennett opposed.

Mr. PG was created by Harold Moffat, former Prince George mayor and owner of Northern Hardware, in the late 1950s when he decided the city needed its own mascot to promote the forestry industry and the city.

He and sawmill owner Hans Roine created the first wooden version of Mr. PG in 1960.

The first Mr. PG was just a metre and a half tall and stood outside the former Simon Fraser Hotel downtown on Quebec Street.

His popularity grew, and so did he; the city commissioned an 11.6-metre-tall version of Mr. PG to enter into parades around the province.

“What happens if he’s not structurally sound?”

Beesley said the councillors’ requests were reasonable. “We’d be happy to bring back a more detailed report,” he said.

Coun. Ron Polillo suggested that city staff consider going with two Mr. PG statues, one near its current location at the busy highway intersection – he acknowledged that some kind of move is required - and another downtown.

“Why can’t we have the best of both worlds?” he asked, suggesting a further amendment to Skakun’s motion calling on staff to report on the cost of adding a second Mr. PG.

Coun. Susan Scott agreed, saying she liked the idea of one Mr. PG “for visual purposes” and a second “for interaction.” She noted that the current statue’s position at the southwest corner of the intersection is “diminishing,”

particularly since apartment buildings were built close by.

“I keep expecting the tenants to reach out from their balconies and change the flag,” she said, laughing.

“After 64 years, maybe Mr. PG is lonely,” joked Mayor Simon Yu. “Maybe it’s time for a Mrs. PG.”

Coun. Garth Frizzell brought up the damage once done to the city’s Terry Fox statue, saying he feared the same thing could happen to Mr. PG if he’s moved downtown.

“It is something we’re looking at with additional security,” said Haywood, adding that things are improving around Canada Games Plaza. “It’s getting better.”

After Coun. Trudy Klassen suggested a two-dimensional Mr. PG could be added to the Prince George sign at the same intersection after the statue is moved downtown, Coun. Kyle Sampson disagreed.

In 1961, Mr. PG won first place in the Kelowna Regatta and second prize in the Pacific National Exhibition parade. Two years later he gained national attention when he appeared in the 1963 Grey Cup parade in Vancouver.

That Mr. PG was later installed outside the downtown Chamber of Commerce office.

In the 1970s, the city rebuilt Mr. PG and installed him at the tourism office at the junction of Highway 97 and 16, where he stayed until the mid-1980s when he had to be replaced with an eight-metre-tall steel and fibreglass version.

That version was later moved across the intersection when the visitors centre moved, which is where he is today, pending his possible move back downtown.

He’s known country-wide. In fact, Mr. PG was made into an official Canada Post stamp as part of its 2009 roadside attraction series.

- With Citizen files

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Eric Depenau and daughter Amora take a closer look at Mr. PG on Sunday, Oct. 6, the day before city council discussed a report that recommends moving the huge figure downtown. Depeneau is the city’s director of administrative services.

Council clarifies new $200K arts funding plan

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

City council voted to make a change to its agreement to increase arts funding to four local organizations in order to clarify its language Monday night. At issue was the phrase “… on an ongoing basis,” which is part of Resolution 2024-421. Approved unanimously by council on Sept. 25, the resolution states: “Resolution 2024-421 states: “That council approves the request from the Community Arts Council, Prince George Symphony Orchestra, Theatre Northwest, and Prince George Folkfest Society to increase their annual funding by $200,000 allocated proportionally between the four organizations, effective January 2025 an on ongoing basis.”

In 2024, the city gave the four organizations $267,528 in total, divided proportionately.

The four also received $354,276 from the federal government and $310,160 from the province.

The additional city funding would be allocated proportionately based on the existing funding amounts between the four organizations, with future funding being administered under the Multi Year Funding Grants Council Policy.

“In Resolution 2024-421, the words ‘… on an ongoing basis’ has caused some uncertainty among city staff regarding council’s intention in relation to the new approved Multi Year Funding Grants Council Policy,” wrote Andy Beesley, the city’s facilities director, in the report to council.

The report had two options for councillors to consider.

One assumption may be that Resolution 2024-421 means that $200,000 will be added to the current 2024 funding amount, divided proportionately between the four organizations based on the current distribution of funds, and that moving forward future funding will be administered under the new

approved Multi Year Funding Grants Council Policy, the report states.

Beesley suggested that if that was council’s intent, then administration recommends council approves Option 1 to rescind Resolution 2024-421 and replace it with a new one.

A different interpretation, Beesley writes, is that four organizations’ funding does not fall under the new multiyear funding grants policy and should be handled differently, possibly as a standing regular annual budget item.

If that’s what council wanted, staff recommended it take Option 2 and direct staff to amend the grants policy to exclude the four organizations and develop a new process to approve their annual funding.

Council went with Option 1 via a motion put forward by Coun. Cori Ramsay, who said she was concerned that the language in the original resolution means that any group that qualified for funding now would not be permitted to re-apply in four years.

“That council amend the section in the policy under the duration of multiyear funding, adding a third bullet that would allow organizations to re-apply for both standing grants and limited-duration operating grants at the expiry of the current term,” she proposed.

“I think we all want to be very clear. The funding starts, committed, guaranteed, 2025. And what we’re doing tonight is we’re guaranteeing that four-year term tonight,” said Coun. Kyle Sampson.

“The intent with the motion two weeks ago was that we support the arts, we want to support them in a greater way starting in 2025, and we want to do so on an ongoing basis. I’ll stick my neck out and say I’m going to approve this on a four-year term when it comes to us.”

City facilities director Andy Beesley said city staff will begin working with the four arts groups to prepare new letters of agreement for the four-year term.

VOTE IN THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION

The 2024 Provincial General Election is on Saturday, October 19, 2024. There are many ways (and many days) to vote.

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.

WHERE AND WHEN TO VOTE

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.

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.

WHERE TO VOTE

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

NEW ELECTORAL DISTRICTS

There are new electoral districts for the 2024 provincial election. To see a map of your new electoral district, enter your address at elections.bc.ca/mydistrict.

Voting Places for Prince George-Mackenzie

Voting Places for Prince George-North Cariboo

Voting Places for Prince George-North Cariboo

Barlow Creek Comm Hall

3801 Trembley Rd, Quesnel, BC

Best Western Plus Prince George

3387 16 Hwy W, Prince George, BC

Big Lake Comm Hall

4056 Lakeview Rd, Big Lake, BC

Bouchie Lake Comm Hall

1975 Centennial Rd, Bouchie Lake, BC

Buckhorn Volunteer Fire Dept

5645 Buckhorn Lake Rd, Buckhorn, BC

Correlieu Sec School

850 Anderson Dr, Quesnel, BC

Dragon Lake Elem School

2671 Quesnel-Hydraulic Rd, Quesnel, BC

Hixon Elem School

378 Lockyer Rd, Hixon, BC

Horsefly Elem-Jr Sec School

3045 Boswell St, Horsefly, BC

Kersley Comm Hall

4829 Edwards Rd, Kersley, BC

Lakeview Elem School

1525 Beryl St, Quesnel, BC

Likely Comm Hall

6281 Rosette Lake Rd, Likely, BC

McLeese Lake Comm Hall

6178 Forglen Rd, McLeese Lake, BC

Miocene Comm Centre

3511 Horsefly Rd, Miocene, BC

Nazko Valley Comm Centre

9560 Nazko Rd, Nazko, BC

Parkland Elem School

5016 Bjornson Rd, Ten Mile Lake, BC

Candidates for Prince George-North Cariboo

Candidate’s Name: Financial Agent:

Denice Bardua

BC NDP

Sheldon Clare Conservative Party

Coralee Oakes Independent

Randy Thompson BC Green Party

Karen Cooling 320-34 West 7th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Y 1L6 (604) 430-8600

Gary Blair PO Box 22, Hixon, BC, V0K 1S0 (250) 552-2848

Robert Norman 137-1702 Dyke Rd, Quesnel, BC, V2J 6A4 (236) 424-0440

Randy Thompson 162 MacDonald Rd, Quesnel, BC, V2J 6J4 (604) 220-8065

Quesnel Arts & Rec Centre

500 North Star Rd, Quesnel, BC

Quesnel Elks #298 202 Anderson Dr, Quesnel, BC

Southridge Elem School 7300 Southridge Ave, Prince George, BC

St. John the Divine Anglican Church 465 Kinchant St, Quesnel, BC

Vanway Elem School 4509 16 Hwy W, Prince George, BC

Wells Comm Hall 4269 Sanders Ave, Wells, BC

Wildwood Volunteer Fire Dept 4253 Wildwood Rd, Williams Lake, BC

École Red Bluff Lhtako Elementary 1533 Maple Dr, Quesnel, BC

District Electoral Office

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

VOTE IN THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION

Voting Places for Prince George-Valemount

Election Day Voting Places (open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time on Saturday, October 19, 2024)

Avola School House

6366 Avola Village Rd, Avola, BC

Blackburn Elem School

2222 Blackburn Rd S, Prince George, BC

Blue River Elem School

5917 3rd Ave, Blue River, BC

College Heights Baptist Church

5401 Moriarty Cres, Prince George, BC

Dome Creek Rec Centre

13741 Dome Creek Rd, Dome Creek, BC

Dunster Comm Hall

7085 Read Rd, Dunster, BC

Elks Hall

172 Holdway St, McBride, BC

Rosalyn Bird Conservative Party

Gwen Johansson

BC Green Party

Clay Pountney

BC NDP

Here’s a look

CITIZEN STAFF

Posted on the City of Prince George website is a whole host of traffic disruptions that will be ongoing while upgrades and repairs can be made to the city’s infrastructure.

John Hart Bridge southbound lanes closed, 24 hours a day, until Thursday, Oct. 24 for the installation of a new

Ferndale Tabor Volunteer Fire Dept

16315 Giscome Rd, Ferndale, BC

First Baptist Church

483 Gillett St, Prince George, BC

John McInnis Centre

3400 Westwood Dr, Prince George, BC

Pineview Elem School

8515 Old Cariboo Hwy, Prince George, BC

Pinewood Elem School

4140 Campbell Ave, Prince George, BC

Prince George Civic Centre

808 Canada Games Way, Prince George, BC

Prince George Sec School

2901 Griffiths Ave, Prince George, BC

Eric Phillips 8691 Kelly Rd N, Prince George, BC, V2K 2W7 (250) 255-0140

Jason Sanders 1784 8th Ave, Prince George, BC, V2L 3R5 (250) 981-9848

Peter MacMillan 6824 Fairmont Cres, Prince George,

(250) 613-9166

sanitary forcemain. Detours will be in place. Emergency vehicles will NOT have access.

Second Avenue/Crossing Street between Victoria Street and Vancouver Street: The left, westbound lane & sidewalk, will be closed until Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for the replacement of the sidewalk. Emergency vehicles WILL have access.

Sinclair Mills Comm Hall

37832 Upper Fraser Rd, Sinclair Mills, BC

St. Mary’s School

1088 Gillett St, Prince George, BC

Trinity United Church

3555 5th Ave, Prince George, BC

Valemount Comm Hall

101 Gorse St, Valemount, BC

Van Bien Elem School

311 Wilson Cres, Prince George, BC

Westwood Elem School

2633 Vanier Dr, Prince George, BC

Willow River Comm Hall

55 Willow St, Willow River, BC

Prince George-Valemount

770 Brunswick St

Prince George, BC (250) 649-2881

Hours of Operation (local time)

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

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jason Sanders 1784 8th Ave, Prince George BC, V2L 3R5

Hammond Avenue Alleyway between Kelly Street and Hammond Avenue is intermittently closed until Thursday, Oct. 31 for the installation of a new sanitary forcemain. Emergency vehicles will NOT have access.

Hart Highway Frontage Road between Austin Road and Turner Road trail will experience closures until Friday, Nov. 15 for the installation of a new storm

sewer main and manholes. Detours will be in place. Emergency vehicles WILL have access.

Quebec Street between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue & 3rd Avenue between Quebec Street and Dominion Street will be closed every Saturday until Oct. 26 from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for the Prince George Farmers’ Market. Detours required.

OPINION OPINION

Canfor closures are a ‘shock’

OPINION Forget NIMBY and support the people trying to help

that we all

saw coming

Falcon’s surrender cost us an excellent representative

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

them

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

Is this one of the strangest elections in BC history?

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.”

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.

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.

United supporters left stranded after Falcon tore their hopes from the sky, bringing their party’s campaign to the ground.

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.

It’s definitely in the running. In fact, it could be considered one of the strangest in Canadian politics. The idea that the Official Opposition party would fold and withdraw its candidates right before the writ drops is remarkable. Today it’s more important to look at the overall picture as we close in on Oct. 19 and consider how Kevin Falcon’s move affects not his candidates, but our local Prince George voters.

Before that happened, they knew where their votes were going. They knew their candidates, one of whom was longtime MLA Shirley Bond, the other was Coralie Oakes, and had no doubts about where they’d mark their ballots.

We’ll talk about voter apathy in a moment. For now, let’s consider the BC

Voters can expect the electoral unexpected on Oct. 19

matters, as we’ll get to.

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.

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.

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.

We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada.

Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

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.

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

and recovery.

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.

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.

But that was taken away, and the field is far more polarized than it was with BC United in the mix.

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

Others, likely fewer, may consider voting NDP or Green simply because they lean more left of centre (or because of the more extreme views of some of John Rustad’s Conservative candidates). There are still a lot of people who aren’t sure.

Consider another oddball election in BC.

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

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.

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.

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.

Some BC United voters will no doubt move to the rising BC Conservatives, as did some of their BC United candidates (locally, that includes Kiel Giddens).

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.

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

For these voters, knowing who’s on the ballot is important, especially considering that of the 11 candidates in our three ridings, only one is an incumbent: Coralie Oakes, and she’s running as an independent this time, after being elected three times as a BC Liberal MLA.

We have to urge those unsure voters against skipping the vote altogether because of the situation. Your vote

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.”

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

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.

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.

The 1996 vote came after Premier Mike Harcourt resigned in scandal, leading Glen Clark to lead the party to the polls against Gordon Campbell, who had taken over as Liberal leader after Gordon Wilson had resigned in scandal. It was a scandalous time, apparently. That year, the NDP took 39.45 per cent of the popular vote and the Liberals 41.82 per cent, but the NDP still formed a majority government with 39 sears over the Liberals’ 33. Fewer votes, but more seats.

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.

In other words, it’s BC politics, and anything can happen Oct. 19.

Kennedy Gordon is The Citizen’s managing editor.

Kennedy Gordon is The Citizen’s managing editor.

Kennedy Gordon is The Citizen’s managing editor.

OFFICE (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

OFFICE (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

OFFICE (8:30a - 4:30p)

505 4th Avenue

505 4th Avenue

505 Fourth Avenue

Prince George, B.C. V2L 3H2

Prince George, B.C. V2L 3H2

Prince George, B.C. V2L 3H2

FRONT DESK frontdesk@pgcitizen.ca 250-562-2441

FRONT DESK frontdesk@pgcitizen.ca 250-562-2441

FRONT DESK AND CLASSIFIED frontdesk@pgcitizen.ca 250-562-2441

NEWS AND SPORTS news@pgcitizen.ca

NEWS AND SPORTS news@pgcitizen.ca

NEWS AND SPORTS news@pgcitizen.ca

PUBLISHER publisher@pgcitizen.ca 250-960-2757

PUBLISHER publisher@pgcitizen.ca 250-960-2757

PUBLISHER publisher@pgcitizen.ca 250-960-2757

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR editor@pgcitizen.ca

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR editor@pgcitizen.ca

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR editor@pgcitizen.ca

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.

With only one incumbent running across the three Prince George-area ridings, local voters will have at least two newcomers representing

in the Legislature after the Oct. 19 election.

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

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.

Mr. PG does deserve a new home, but not downtown OPINION

KENNEDY GORDON Examiner Managing Editor

Mr. PG is supposed to welcome travellers to Prince George from his spot at the busiest crossroads in Northern BC.

That’s if they notice him.

Despite the fact that he stands 27 feet tall and is usually waving a flag, the iconic symbol of Prince George’s forestry industry has been less visible in recent years, his faux-log body and big round head hard to see against the similarly earth-toned residential and commercial development behind him.

Mr. PG wasn’t always at the intersection of highways 97 and 16. The original five-foot wooden version from 1960 was so popular that a larger one (about 38 feet, still mostly wood) was set up downtown after making the rounds in a few parades. He stayed there for a fair bit (and was at one point accompanied by a miniature version that incorporated a phone booth), but when that log-bodied version started to show its

Converted motels raise safety concerns for nearby residents

An open letter to Conservative candidate Rosalyn Bird, running in Prince George/ Valemount, shared with The Citizen:

I have concerns about a lot of things, mostly about the North Star Motel on Victoria Street. I am a senior and I live near it. We have a school a block away. It’s for transitional people from who knows where, with who knows what.

There has been a fortune spent on this motel and the one on Queensway, and they’re still spending on these motels bordering on residential areas. That is putting us in harm’s way. Please take a drive by the motel and you will see what I mean.

My big question is will there be security and security cameras?

I am sick of this “free everything.” Who is accountable for the money spent? Will we ever know how much is being spent?

Nobody has the answer to my questions. City council says they can’t do

age in the 1980s, the new metal-and-fibreglass giant was installed outside the visitors’ centre at 16/97.

When the centre was moved (to make room for the casino), Mr. PG was relocated across the intersection. Fine, at first.

But then buildings started going up behind him and he became part of a crowded landscape rather than its focus.

This has not gone unnoticed at city hall. The current plan to move him, which went before council Monday night, would address the visibility issue and more, including a lack of easy access and parking for people who want to see him up close.

The staff suggestion, to move him to a spot near the current visitors’ centre downtown, would deal with those concerns, but in a minor way. He’d be more distinctive and easier to get to on foot, but in a less-than-ideal location.

Moving Mr. PG to Canada Games Plaza would be a mistake. He’d be an open target for late-night vandals, but

LETTERS EDITOR to the

anything, it’s the province. Please look into this.

Helen Robertson

Prince George

Thank you to The Citizen for giving readers the full story

I want to offer my thanks to the owners and staff of The Citizen for the quality newspaper we now have. The editorial content is balanced, in depth and thought provoking.

Radio and TV are doing a good job in our city but their coverage provides only a snippet of the real story. The Citizen is providing the full story.

My concern and the reason for this letter is the business community and those who spend advertising dollars need to step up to the plate to ensure the success of the paper.

There are some ongoing advertisers but it seems to me there needs to be a

worse than that, he’ll lose his audience of tourists.

It’s also unreasonable to expect travellers to detour from one of the most efficient urban highway networks in the province to wind their way downtown for a look at him.

lot more. We need a paper so we can access non- biased, balanced journalism with what is happening in our city.

Please consider directing some of your advertising budget to our community’s paper.

John Warner

Prince George

Why no discussion of treaty claims on campaign trail?

In 2014, the Supreme Court of Canada determined in the Tsilhquot’in case that provincial laws of general application do not apply where Indigenous title has been established.

The court recognized the claim of the Tsilhquot’in to five per cent of their traditional territories (which was all that they were asking for).

People in Prince George seem to agree. Our online poll asking readers to weigh in came back with decisive results: The majority want him to be moved back across the street to what’s now the casino parking lot, where he’d be more visible and more accessible. A few others say it’s time to get rid of him (not happening) and a few think he should stay where he is.

There is a possible compromise. Remember that little phone-booth version? The city could revisit that idea and install a new, smaller take on Mr. PG at the visitors’ centre. Put him up high, where he’d be visible but safe from harm. Meanwhile, make a deal with Treasure Cove and move the big guy back where he belongs so people can stop and say hello. That’s probably far less costly than getting him downtown, as well.

We think this is the most reasonable solution. But no matter what, something has to be done. Mr. PG should be clearly visible and accessible, not blending into the background like he is right now.

Since that time, because of overlapping claims, First Nations throughout the province have asserted title claims to 150 per cent of the land area of British Columbia. Vast sums are being spent on archeology to establish these claims.

Recently, the provincial NDP government has tentatively concluded negotiations over Haida Gwai in the Rising Tide agreement.

This will see Indigenous title recognized to the entirety of Haida Gwai, although the Haida nation is still pursuing other remedies in court against the province.

Locally, the Lheidli T’enneh rejected a proposed treaty in 2018.

With all of this background, why is there virtually no discussion of the implications of these developments in the provincial election? Politicians are making the typical spending promises as if nothing changes.

If the Rising Tide agreement is a template for resolution of other claims, how (without a land base) will the province be able to fund its expenses?

Will there even be a Province of British Columbia?

James Cluff

Prince George

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

OPINION

Prince George mascot Mr. PG could be on the move

Why not move across the intersection to where the PG sign is?

Lots of room and still at the intersection of the highways.

It should be visible to travellers not just people attending events.

Jennifer Lussier

Prince George mascot Mr. PG could be on the move

The argument is that you’re going to make Mr. PG more visible by moving him to the Civic Centre?

That intersection is the most visible location hands down.

If access to him is a problem because of development in the area, which the city approved, how about returning him to the Casino corner of the intersection?

There’s lots of greenspace, access from the highway and the casino might support it because of the people it would draw in.

Nothing good is going to happen to Mr PG downtown.

PG Local

Share your views on our stories at

Prince George mascot Mr. PG could be on the move

Knowing that the city council has a history of making blunderous mistakes especially with the visitor centre I fully expect Mr. PG to be moved to some obscure part of the city, then leaving city council wondering why nobody goes to see it.

If you want people to see Mr. PG make an intelligent decision and buy a section of the casino parking lot and place the statue there, but then again refer to my first sentence.

Dearth

Prince George mascot Mr. PG could be on the move

First of all, Harold Moffat was the owner of The Northern Hardware store, a PG institution that lasted almost a hundred years, and was not a sawmill owner.

Second, the intersection of Hwy 16 and 97 is the highest visibility area for every RV tourist passing through PG.

Even with new signage, I highly doubt RV tourism traffic will attempt to navigate its way into downtown PG.

If the City of PG had any foresight and planning skills they would have constructed a large pullout and parking area adjacent to Highway 16 and Highway 97 with a tourism PG centre and Mr. PG where RV tourists could stop, get info, and have pics taken with Mr. PG.

Too late for that common sense idea now, though.

BGeez

Who’s on the ballot in Prince George and area?

After every two general elections, a three-person, independent, and nonpartisan elec-toral boundaries commission is established. The commission proposes changes to the area, boundaries and names of British Columbia’s provincial electoral districts. This ensures that each MLA represents a similar number of people.

The Legislative Assembly reviews the commission’s proposals and votes to approve them, reject them, or approve them with alterations. If the commission’s proposals are approved or approved with alterations, the government must introduce them as a Bill.

The last electoral boundaries commission was established on October 21, 2021. The Commission tabled its final report to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia on April 3, 2023, and legislation establishing the new boundaries was passed on May 11, 2023. The new boundaries will come into effect when the next provincial general election is called.”

Lou Maurice

Northern Lights Estate Winery set to produce its one millionth bottle

What an interesting article, glad their business is thriving! The wine is delicious as well and I feel good about supporting a local business when I reach for a bottle of wine. Its good for the community

Zangief

Council shows leadership with arts funding decision

Great article, and the sports comparison is spot on! The PG arts scene is doing incredible work and deserves our support. With more funding, they can continue to encourage more people to enjoy live local entertainment and support the local economy (TV subscriptions mostly benefit companies outside Canada). Let’s keep investing in what makes PG unique!

S Goods

BC Green candidates launch campaigns in Prince George

I am not saying the Greens will get my vote, but if anyone watched the CKPG News broadcast forum on Thursday, Oct 3 at 7 p.m. you would have seen that James was the clear winner.

He is thoughtful in his responses, informed and confident.

I attended the UNBC forum the previous night, expecting to see all Prince GeorgeMackenzie candidates and Mr. Steidl was the only one in attendance.

It’s difficult to make an informed decision when candidates don’t show up.

iDonnaB

Spruce Kings pick up defender Sollied

What a GREAT add to the Team. He is big and strong and not afraid to hit and get in the corners. I also seen him claim some of our other players so they would not get penalties. Here for the Beer

BEAR LAKE LOCAL COMMUNITY COMMISSION

Notice of Election By Voting

Public Notice is hereby given to the electors of the Bear Lake Local Community that an election by voting will be held on Saturday November 2, 2024 to elect one (1) Commissioner for Bear Lake Local Community Commission and that the persons nominated as candidates for whom votes will be received are:

Commissioner – Bear Lake Local Community Commission – one (1) to be elected

Surname Usual First Name Jurisdiction

McClure Sandy Bear Lake, BC

Meakings Tony Bear Lake, BC

Watson Dave Bear Lake, BC

General Voting Day is open to qualified electors of the Bear Lake Local Community on:

• Saturday November 2, 2024 from 8 am to 8 pm at Bear Lake Community Hall, 461 Hart Lake Road, Bear Lake, BC

Advance Voting Opportunities is open to qualified electors of the Bear Lake Local Community on:

• Wednesday October 23, 2024 from 8 am to 8 pm at the Regional District of Fraser Fort George, 155 George Street, Prince George, BC

Mail Ballot Voting is available to qualified resident and non-resident electors. If you receive a mail ballot you are not able to vote in person. Mail ballot applications are available online at rdffg.ca, in person or by contacting the Chief Election Officer at 250-960-4400 or election@rdffg.bc.ca. Applications for mail ballots in the prescribed form will be received by the Chief Election Officer on October 8, 2024 at 9 am until October 25, 2024 at 5 pm. It is the responsibility of the person applying to vote by mail ballot, to ensure that the mail ballot application is received by this date and time.

Elector Registration

There is no need to pre-register to vote as the registration of all electors for these elections will take place at the time of voting. You will be required to make a declaration that you are:

• 18 years of age or older on general voting day (November 2, 2024)

• Canadian citizen

• resident of British Columbia for at least six (6) months immediately before the day of registration

• resident of, or registered owner of the real property, within the voting jurisdiction for at least thirty (30) days immediately before the day of registration

• not disqualified by the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualified by law from voting

• for non-resident property electors only: not eligible to register as a resident elector

Non-Resident Property Electors cannot vote more than once within a voting jurisdiction regardless of the number of properties owned. If more than one person owns the property, the person wishing to cast the vote for the property must provide written consent from a majority of the property owners at the time of registration. Consent forms are available online at rdffg.ca, in person or by contacting the Chief Election Officer at 250-960-4400 or election@rdffg.bc.ca.

Voter Identification

Resident Electors are required to produce two (2) pieces of identification (at least one with a signature). Picture identification is not necessary. The documentation must prove both residency and identity.

Non-Resident Property Electors are required to produce two (2) pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) to prove identity (picture identification is not necessary), proof they are entitled to register in relation to the property and, if there is more than one property owner, written consent from the majority of the property owners

Classes of documents accepted as evidence of identification are: British Columbia Driver’s Licence, BCID card, BC Services Card, ICBC Owners Certificate of Insurance and Vehicle Licence, British Columbia CareCard or GoldCareCard, Ministry of Social Development and Economic Security Request for Continued Assistance Form SDES8, Social Insurance Card, Citizenship Card, Real Property Tax Notice, Credit Card, Debit Card or Utility Bill.

Maureen Connelly, Chief Election Officer

Arts funding: Community Arts Council plans to use increase to hire an arts and culture co-ordinator

“To have a person who could be really focused on bringing together opportunities for artistic collaboration, coordinating cultural events in the community, being out there making connections so that we really have an optimized and enhanced city wide arts and culture scene and that one person who would serve as that resource of knowing what’s going on, what’s coming up, finding ways of improving scheduling of events, finding those opportunities for enhancement and collaboration. With our additional funding that’s going to allow us, in part, to create that position and support it in an ongoing way.”

Very often in the arts a position like this would only get temporary funding to help get it established.

NOTICE OF

Public Hearing Meeting

Chilako River-Nechako Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2593, 2010, Amendment Bylaw No. 3321, 2023 and Zoning Bylaw No. 2892, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 3322, 2023

Subject property: 18706 and 18710 Hughes Road

Purpose: amend the Official Community Plan Housing Policy and Zoning Bylaw to permit three residences on the property

Next steps: attend an in-person public hearing meeting October 24, 2024 at 7 pm at Beaverly Fire Rescue Hall

For more details visit rdffg.ca/landuseapps

The Community Arts Council will use its share of $200,000 in new city funding to add a key new position.

Eli Klasner, executive director of the Community Arts Council, said he was pleased with the positive result of a Sept. 25 delegation to city council to request the increase in funding.

“What I’m really excited about and this has been my goal for the city – we need an arts and culture co-ordinator,” Klasner said.

“Most cities have that person on staff at municipal government and we don’t here. I feel there’s an opportunity now for the Community Arts Council, with this additional funding, to create that position.”

Klasner added that the person could also focus on membership coordination as members encompass the entire spectrum of arts and culture here in Prince George.

“There’s value of that position to the City of Prince George, as well,” Klasner said.

“And this is great because this is now ongoing funding,” Klasner said. “So I think the financial value for the city is pennies on the dollar because we’ll be able to have that position and financially support it much more cost effectively than if it was a city position.”

The unanimous support from council is a good start,” Klasner said about the funding.

“As our presentation to council stated, we have work to do to on supporting something like arts and culture which is key, an integral part of our ability to attract people to come and live here, to attract tourism, to attract investment, so it’s not just about what our groups need as far as funding. This is about what our entire city needs to focus on.”

Four local arts organizations sent representatives to council to ask for a boost to their annual funding on Sept. 25.

The council vote was unanimous. In addition to the arts council, the delegation included Theatre Northwest, the Prince George Symphony Orchestra and the Coldsnap Music Festival, all of which have shared their plans for the increase in funding.

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Eli Klasner, executive director of the Community Arts Council, tours an exhibit at Studio 2880 in May.

Arts funding: Free shows still cost money to put on

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Council’s unanimous vote Sept. 25 to increase local arts funding pleased Sue Judge, executive director of the Prince George Folkfest Society.

“We were all so pleased with council’s reaction and their pledge of support,” said Judge

“This is huge for all of us as all of our agreements are up for renewal this year so they all have to be renegotiated. And I was really pleased to hear that they are very supportive of an arts strategy. That came up during the meeting and they were all very supportive of that and I think it’s super important for this city.”

Judge said that she doesn’t know exactly what the boost will mean to the Coldsnap Music Festival, which the society organized and presents each year.

“But all the money we ever get from anybody always goes back into programming,” Judge said.

“And we’re changing things up a little bit with the format of Coldsnap to be more shows in a little more compact fashion. We’re also trying to do more shows throughout the year and just announced the Dak’et, Shun Inli 2024, Music in the Fall show.”

The show is presented in the Dakelh language and, with support from Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, the Prince George Folkfest Society is celebrating arts on Lheidli T’enneh Territory with an evening of live music Saturday, Oct. 26 at Knox Performance Centre. It features Juno-award winning artist and Coldsnap alum Celeigh Cardinal and AV and the Inner City.

Judge noted that during many events in the city, including Coldsnap, there are free-to-attend events included in the programming.

“That is certainly the case for Coldsnap that is set for Feb. 5 to 9,” Judge said. “There are lots of event that are free to attend but not free to present. We rely on those tickets sales from the main events and lots of support

from funders and sponsors to do that and all of us do that. It’s important to note how important arts is to the social fabric of the community. It’s not just about entertainment, it’s about sharing stories and communicating and educating. That’s what we’re all about.”

For more information about the Coldsnap Music Festival visit www. coldsnapfestival.com/.

Four local arts organizations came together to ask for a boost to their annual funding Sept. 25, with city council approving an additional $200,000 to be divided proportionately between the four. In addition to the Folkfest Society, they included the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, the Community Arts Council of Prince George & District and Theatre NorthWest.

The Sarah Smith Trio performs at Knox Performance Venue during

Arts funding: Theatre Northwest plans to boost new kinds of programming with additional city support

DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

NOTICE OF

Public Hearing Meeting

Zoning Bylaw No. 2892, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 3364, 2024

Subject property: 47267 and 47283 Hart Highway

Purpose: rezone the subject properties from Commercial 1 (C1) to Commercial 2 (C2)

Next steps: attend a public hearing meeting in-person or by conference call on October 23, 2024 at 7:30 pm at the Regional District Board Room

For more details visit rdffg.ca/landuseapps

When city council unanimously voted in favour of a financial boost for four local arts organizations, Theatre Northwest artistic producer Marnie Hamagami said she was a bit shell-shocked.

“In that moment I was obviously thrilled and so happy but it was also one of those surreal moments when you’re thinking ‘is this happening? What’s happening?’” Hamagami said. “It was really wonderful. It was so exciting to feel supported in that way.”

Theatre Northwest has many projects on the go and extra funding will contribute to many of them, she added.

“So things like our outreach to disability in the arts,” Hamagami said. “We do relaxed performances for every show where we invite our friends and partners at AiMHi and also various other community organizations to come and see an adaptive performance of the play we have running and this performance is wildly

popular. It has been running for seven years now and in the last three years we’ve hired an accessibility co-ordinator whose entire job is focused on accessibility inside the building from an artistic, business and physical space perspective.”

The entire front row of theatre seats can be converted to accommodate wheelchair seating because the relaxed shows have become so popular, Hamagami added.

“Part of the money will go to support the continuation of that programming,” Hamagami said.

“Another place where the money will land is our Stage Reading programming, which is one of the rare gifts that came out of COVID-19. So Stage Readings are sort of stripped-down versions of a play and I loosely describe it as the audiobook version of a play. You have actors on stage and they are reading the script. They are still acting and still giving a performance but they are on book, haven’t memorized the whole play and they generally don’t move around.”

Stage Readings gets local artists performing, giving them stage time in front of a live audience, Hamagami added.

“So it’s helping to develop and nurture skills in local performers and it is a pipeline directly to our mainstage,” she said.

“So performers and directors who started in our Stage Reading program are being hired regularly on to our mainstage. It helps to sharpen the skills of the actors and it’s been a real gift.”

For more information about Theatre Northwest and its upcoming shows visit www.theatrenorthwest.com/.

The four local arts organizations came together to ask for a boost to their annual funding, which city council approved to the tune of an additional $200,000 on Sept. 25.

The four organizations included Theatre Northwest, the Coldsnap Music Festival, Prince George Symphony Orchestra and the Community Arts Council of Prince George & District.

CHRISTINE

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Audrey, played by Calgary actor Tayo Gbalajobi, sees some hope ahead with Seymour, Regina’s David Michael Juma, in Theatre Northwest’s rendition of the Broadway classic Little Shop of Horrors.

Arts funding: Symphony aims to grow its audience

The conversation about the

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Prince George Symphony Orchestra executive director Ken Hall said he’s grateful to have city council’s support.

“We don’t have concrete plans just yet,” Hall said about the Sept. 25 vote to increase city arts funding by $200,000, to be divided between four local organizations.

“One of the main things I want to be doing with it is to increase our audience development and our communications. I think that’s an area that we’re deficient in and could really stand to get someone in the office to focus on audience development and patron care and those kinds of things and be a little bit more directed about things – like letting families know about family events. And for audience development if we see someone come to a show for the first time, we don’t want to send them an email asking them to join our board. We want to send them an email that says ‘thank you for coming, please come back to this show. We think you’d like it.’”

The Prince George Symphony Orchestra would like to encourage a stronger relationship to the symphony.

“We’d like to invite new people in and once they get here, take care of them and make sure they would like to come back,” Hall explained.

The conversation about the importance of arts in Prince George is shifting, he added.

“This council is recognizing that the arts is important to the fabric of this town and the future of it,” Hall said. “I think the Mayor even commented that we want to grow and one of the things we have to do to grow is to make sure we have a thriving arts community and that’s something we all agree with. We’re really grateful to see the conversation moving the way it is and really happy the city values what we do.”

It’s not like the city wasn’t funding the Prince George Symphony Orchestra before, Hall was quick to say.

“But this is a huge help,” Hall said. “It will help, hopefully, to move us from

importance of the arts in Prince George is shifting, says Ken Hall

struggling to keep the staff from burning out to feeling like we’re making head way.”

For information about the PGSO shows including those geared to families, more intimate shows and the big production of Sweeney Todd coming up in November visit www.pgso.com/.

When four local arts organizations came together to ask for a boost to their annual funding, city council unanimously approved an additional $200,000 on Sept. 25, 2024.

In addition to the symphony, the arts organizations taking part in the Sept. 25 delegation to council included the Community Arts Council of Prince George & District, Theatre NorthWest and the Coldsnap Music Festival.

In 2024, the four organizations received $354,276 from the federal government, $310,160 from the province and $267,528 from the city, far lower than what is provided in other BC cities, they pointed out.

Council voted to increase the amount they receive from the city by $200,000, to be divided under the same proportions as existing funding.

Preferred Nutrition

Creatine

• Increases lean muscle mass when used in conjunction with resistance training

• Improves strength and performance in repetitive bouts of brief, high intensity physical activity

• Neutral taste, mixes easily into liquids, and allows for flexible dosing

• Vegan, nongmo, glutenfree, ISURAcertified

Preferred Nutrition PEA

• Helps relieve chronic pain and discomfort

• Offers analgesic, neuroprotective, and antiinflammatory

• Benefits adults with chronic pain, acute pain, and nerverelated pain syndromes

• Safe in combination with common pain medications

• Non habit forming with little to no reported side effects

15% Off until October 29th Welcome all trick-or-treaters with delicious allergy-friendly and organic treats! variety box includes a tasty mix of Giggles, Gummy Fruits and Pops! These tasty treats are classroom-safe and perfect as an afternoon snack, Halloween trick-or-treat sweet, boo bag or an on-the-go snack!

CITIZEN

The Prince George Symphony Orchestra performs during Pops in the Park this summer at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park.

Local Green Party candidates launch campaigns

BC Green Party supporters and candidates, including Gwen Johansson, who is running in Prince George-Valemount, and James Steidle, running in Prince George-Mackenzie, wave campaign signs on River Road at the launch of the BC Greens Campaign Thursday, Oct. 3 at Cottonwood Island Park. Randy Thompson is running in Prince George-North Cariboo.

PG Community Foundation offers new local funding

NOTICE OF

Public Hearing Meeting

Crooked River-Parsnip Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2425, 2007, Amendment Bylaw No. 3359, 2024 and Zoning Bylaw No. 2892, 2014, Amendment Bylaw No. 3360, 2024

Subject property: District Lot 5164, Davie Lake

Purpose: permit the subdivision of the property into two approximately 15.7 ha lots

Next steps: attend a public hearing meeting in-person or by conference call on October 23, 2024 at 6:30 pm at the Regional District Board Room

For more details visit rdffg.ca/landuseapps

CITIZEN STAFF

The Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF) has announced new funding opportunities for local social leaders.

A new round of grant-supported coaching will be available through the Impact & Leadership Development Program (ILDP), aimed at social enterprises, charities, and nonprofits seeking to enhance their impact and grow sustainably.

Selected organizations will receive six to 12 months of personalized coaching from Purppl, a team of experienced social impact professionals.

Applications for the ILDP will be accepted through the PGCF online portal until Oct. 11.

Additionally, PGCF is offering the Community Impact Grant, which provides up to $100,000 in total funding for

larger-scale projects that significantly benefit the local community. Organizations interested in this grant can apply until November 1, 2024.

The foundation is also seeking new members to join its board of directors.

Community-minded individuals interested in making a difference in the philanthropic sector are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates can submit a cover letter and resume to info@pgcf.ca by the Oct. 16 deadline.

The PGCF emphasizes the importance of community contributions. By leaving a legacy gift, donors become part of a dedicated group committed to building a better community for future generations.

For more information about these initiatives and how to get involved, please visit the Prince George Community Foundation website.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Campaign promise: NDP commits to UNHBC helipad

Long-awaited

commitment

comes as the hospital sets out on a $1.579B expansion

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

Air ambulances will be able to land and take off from the University Hospital of Northern BC under a new NDP campaign promise to build a helipad for the facility.

The hospital in Prince George has been without a helipad since 1993. Currently, air ambulances are based at the Prince George International Airport, with patients transported from there to the hospital by land ambulance.

This follows the announcement Aug. 9 of business plan approval for the hospital’s new patient care tower. The 11-storey building will cost $1.579 billion, with construction expected to get started in the fall of 2026 and be ready by the summer of 2031.

At that time, then-Health Minister Adrian Dix told The Citizen there was no plan for a helipad.

But that has changed. Eby told The Citizen in an interview Tuesday, Oct. 1 that he made the decision after meeting with Mayor Simon Yu and members of council at the Union of BC Municipalities convention in Vancouver Sept. 16-20.

“They really underlined the need for the helipad,” he said. “It made a lot of sense to me.”

He noted that UHNBC services a vast, remote area and provides care to people in need of emergency surgery, acute care and assistance with difficult births. Having faster access to the hospital via an on-site landing pad is the right call, he said, particularly when lives may be at risk.

Eby said the planning for the helipad would be folded into the existing business plan for the tower. Other than that, he said there’s not much more he can confirm at this early stage. That includes information on the actual location of the proposed pad.

“Some are suggesting it should go on top of the tower, some (saying) ground level,” he said, adding he would like to see it “sooner rather than later.”

A military rescue helicopter is met by B.C. Ambulance Service paramedics who attend to a highway accident victim brought to a field on the south side of 15th Avenue adjacent to Prince George Regional Hospital on Sept. 23, 1993, the last time a helicopter was used to transport a patient directly to the hospital.

This early uncertainty includes cost and the funding model. “We’ll figure that out,” he said. The tower is being funded both by the province and the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George. Former Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond, a longtime advocate for both the surgical tower and the helipad, said on Tuesday, Oct. 1 she was glad to hear the NDP’s commitment, adding that she had always seen a level of support from Eby and Dix in discussions about the subject. She said she’s optimistic but will have to see how the plan unfolds should the NDP be re-elected.

“Our concern is that it’s fully funded and it doesn’t delay the expansion of the hospital,” she said, calling on her successor and other elected representatives to make sure the helipad stays a priority.

“The MLAs that are elected here in the north will have to keep the pressure on,” she said.

BC Conservative Leader John Rustad said the helipad makes sense.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that the health care in Prince George is in desperate need of improvement,” he told The Citizen.

“There are things that have been needed for a long, long time.”

As Prince George is a regional hub, it only makes sense that its only hospital has a helipad, he said. However, he’s wary of the NDP’s health-care strategy.

“The NDP is promising to build facilities across the province, but facilities don’t provide health care,” he said. “People provide health care.” And there’s no real NDP plan to address

significant health-care staffing shortages in the province, he added.

Eby said local air ambulance service will see improvement long before the helipad is built.

The area will have a new Leonardo AW169 helicopter in service, based at the airport, in the months ahead.

With a longer range and requiring fewer refuelling stops, the Leonardo

is suited for trips into more remote sections of the province.

Also on Oct. 1, Eby made two other health-care promises. One would lead to improved access to out-of-town medical care, while the other would extend job protection for people fighting serious illnesses.

Eby said the NDP would expand the Travel Assistance Program to allow mileage claims for road trips for medical reasons where flights are either not available or not feasible. The program would cover the cost of mileage and pay it up front.

As well, saying nobody should worry about losing their job while dealing with serious illnesses like cancer, he said a re-elected NDP government would extend job protection for people in medical crises from eight days to 27 weeks. This would be in line with current federal standards, he said.

TOYS • COMICS • GAMES

Stats reveal ‘mixed picture’ of public safety downtown

CITIZEN STAFF

A recent report from the city’s Standing Committee on Public Safety highlights trends in fire and law enforcement responses in Prince George, focusing on common file types generated by the fire service, bylaw officers and the Prince George RCMP.

The report, presented to council Monday, Oct. 7 by administrative services director Eric Depenau, was described as being part of an ongoing effort by the city to refine the city’s communication tools regarding social health issues.

Fire and rescue statistics

Data from 2023 indicates that Prince George Fire Rescue responded to a total of 9,863 calls, with medical emergencies making up approximately 62 per cent of these incidents.

In the downtown area alone, including Moccasin Flats, firefighters dealt with 173 burning complaints, 21 fires and 152

medical aid calls between January and April 2024.

City-wide, there were 349 burning complaints and 843 medical aid calls in the same period.

RCMP crime trends

The report also details crime statistics from the RCMP, revealing a mixed picture of safety in the downtown region.

Over the past few years, the crime severity index has fluctuated, with 2023 showing a slight decrease in the overall crime rate. Key offences noted include disturbances, mischief, and calls for well-being checks, with a total of 1,339 cases in 2023, which the report calls a notable rise from previous years.

Between 2020 and 2023, the total number of RCMP files in Prince George decreased by one per cent, from 44,881 in 2022 to 44,000 in 2023. In the downtown area, however, files increased by 11 per cent over the same period, rising to 8,397.

Social health initiatives

The report also outlines ongoing social health initiatives, including the tenanting process for the Victoria Street Supportive Housing facility, which is currently accommodating 20 individuals. The city operates 151 shelter beds.

A transitional facility is scheduled to open in fall 2024, providing 24/7 staffing and various support services, including health care referrals and life skills training.

“Largely, this is a message that things are on track,” Depeneau told council Monday night.

The report encourages committee members to provide feedback on the depth of detail and organization of the presented data, which aims to improve communication with both council and the public.

In a note accompanying the report, the committee states that most recent information regarding the Lower

Bylaw enforcement officers make their morning rounds in downtown Prince George. City council heard a report Monday that outlined crime and fire statistics from 2023.

Patricia Boulevard Encampment, or Moccasin Flats, is that roughly 12 people are occupying the site, down from 20 mentioned at one point in the report.

“It is important to recognize that occupancy is fluid on this site,” the message states.

Hoferkamp roadblock

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

RCMP officers stop and search vehicles while blocking access to Hoferkamp Road on Monday, Oct. 7 as a helicopter circled overhead. Access to the road was closed at about 4 p.m. Police said at about 6 p.m. that a suspect or suspects had been located and the road soon reopened.

Man taken into custody after incident at local bank

A man is led out of the CIBC branch at Spruceland Mall on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Prince George, BC. A police dog can be seen heading into the building at left. RCMP officers, including some in tactical gear, were called to the busy shopping plaza at 12:14 p.m. to deal with what is described as “a serious incident.” Several cruisers were stationed in the lot. Staff at stores in the mall were told to stay inside, with no order to evacuate. Police said later in the afternoon that nobody was hurt, this was an isolated incident and there was no further threat to the public. The incident is under investigation.

RCMP has new commander

Insp. Darin Rappel receives a promotion to superintendent as he steps into role

CITIZEN STAFF

Darin Rappel has been promoted by the RCMP from inspector to superintendent, and will take over as the new officer in charge of the Prince George detachment.

The selection process for the new officer was a collaborative effort involving the City of Prince George, underscoring the community’s role in law enforcement leadership decisions, states the announcement.

Former detachment commander Supt. Shaun Wright retired earlier this year.

Rappel has been with the RCMP for 23 years, dedicating much of his career to northern communities.

Since early 2017, he has served as the officer in charge of plainclothes services at the Prince George detachment.

His early career included a post in Wil liams Lake, where he gained experience in small-town policing.

He later served at the Kamloops

in Prince George and look forward to collaborating with the members of the Prince George Detachment and our partners throughout the community to prioritize public safety,” said Rappel. Rappel and his wife live in Prince George.

SHOP EAT EXPLORE THRIVE DOWNTOWN

Rappel

Northern Lights close to producing its millionth bottle

The popular Prince George business makes the best-selling fruit wines in the country

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Northern Lights Estate Winery, which makes Canada’s best-selling fruit wines, took the top spot at this year’s Calgary Stampede wine competition.

“We are incredibly honoured to win these awards including the best fruit wine in Canada at the Calgary Stampede wine competition,” said Doug Bell, operating partner and developer at the winery. “One of the things that’s interesting as we continue to win awards internationally, nationally and regionally in British Columbia is that it seems that we’re being recognized not just because fruit wines are great quality but because fruit wines have changed over the years. They are now suited for all flavour profiles and taste palettes where historically they were more of a dessert-style wine. The thing that makes us different and fruit wines today different is that they are really similar to grape wines in that they have the same body, acidity, tannin and structure – just more flavour profiles.”

When Northern Lights Estate Winery first opened, the owners imagined it would be a boutique winery, Bell said.

So plans were to plant orchards for a maximum of 4,000 cases of wine a year, he added.

“We actually grew a lot quicker than that and are currently producing over 10,000 cases of wine,” Bell said.

“As a matter of fact, we’re actually going to produce our one millionth bottle in 2025, only 10 years after we opened. As we’ve grown and are making different wines throughout the year, we haven’t been able to keep up with demand on many of the wines.”

Christmas Crush, a cranberry rhubarb wine, at times has sold out in less than a week.

“And there’s probably about 10 wines that we release throughout the year that sell out within a month,” Bell said. “So a good problem and a bad problem to have as customers enjoy some of these wines.”

Recently Northern Lights Winery made a huge amount of a Golden Hour wine, an apple rhubarb blend, that has a similar taste profile to mainstream white grape wine.

It was set at a lower price point and sold for under $15.

“We expected it to be available right up until December and it actually sold out in July,” Bell said.

“So that tells you something about the popularity of that wine,” he laughed.

This year Northern Lights Estate Winery has more orchards resulting in its largest production year yet.

“We harvested close to 30,000 pounds of just rhubarb alone,” Bell said. “With

people who have not harvested their fruit effectively, Bell noted.

“This happens especially in the north where we have a lot of crabapple trees and fruit that people don’t always use to its full capacity, and that happens when people leave their apples and other fruit on the trees,” Bell said. “The fruit falls and eventually rots, attracting bears into the area. The bears become habitualized and are eventually often destroyed.”

The winery has collected more than 200,000 pounds of apples and often collects 30,000 to 40,000 pounds a year.

“And those apples are used to make a delicious selection of our wines,” Bell said.

“We also make significant donations that vary year to year to the Northern Bear Awareness Society and the Northern Lights Wildlife Society in Smithers who rehabilitate orphaned bears. It’s a great program that continues to grow and it always makes for delicious wine.”

Being an estate winery Northern Lights is required to produce a substantial amount of their own fruit for their wines and 100 per cent of the fruit they use has to be from BC, Bell said.

“We’re always sourcing fruit from partner farms from across the province and in particular we try to focus on the north where possible,” Bell said.

that it allows us to continue to increase our production and supply more customers with requests coming from Alberta and The Yukon within the liquor store systems and have also increased our direct-to-consumer components where we ship wines to provinces where allowed. We ship all the way to Newfoundland.”

In 2015 the winery started a program in partnership with the Northern Bear Awareness Society to help reduce bear attractants in Prince George.

Of the 22,000 calls that are put into the BC Conservation Service annually about problem bears 98 per cent of them are for two reasons: People who have not contained their trash or

A minimum batch is more than 1,000 pounds of fruit so the winery needs to make sure they can source fruit that will offer the right flavour profile to their valuable customers, he added.

“The first thing has been to increase our production supply from our farms and that will allow us to make more wine and as we come up to capacity we will probably have to increase our facilities’ sizes as well and the amount that we can produce from a bottle stand point. From there we will continue to grow in British Columbia and in Canada and we expect to be able to significantly increase the number of bottles consumed and enjoyed across the country every year.”

Northern Lights Estate Winery Pink Knight and Bell Reserve took top spot in the All Canadian Wine Championships 2022.

Navrati festival celebrates the light

Members of the local Hindu community celebrate Navratri, an annual festival observed in honor of the goddess Durga, with Aarti (Celebration of Lights) held outside the Northern Sports Centre as they take a blessing from the goddess Friday, Oct. 4. The event also included dancers circling the shrine of Durga after it was carried into the facility. There are four Navratri celebrations throughout the year with the autumnal one coinciding with the celebration of Durga’s victory over evil.

Wine is just part of what this local business offers

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Right from when Northern Lights Estate Winery opened they wanted to be known as a community-based winery, not just a place for adults to go, Bell said.

“So we really focus on families when bringing events to the community,” Bell said.

They’ve got Light Up the Orchard in November and December where people can walk a path of Christmas lights and special feature displays where people can stop for photos along the way.

The Pumpkin Walk is held in October ahead of Halloween and the most recent addition to the events list is the Sunflower Festival at Foreman Farms on the Fraser River.

“These attract a lot of families and we try to make them really affordable

so everyone can enjoy them and it’s also great from a tourism stand point because it’s bringing people to Prince George, especially from the regional areas like Quesnel and Mackenzie, McBride and Vanderhoof, and even Terrace and Burns Lake,” Bell said.

“We also find a lot of people travelling north from the lower mainland and other provinces and even other countries who really enjoy these events. So I think it’s bringing a great notoriety to Prince George, showcasing some of the best of the North and exposing more people to our beautiful scenery and this is the type of thing we will continue to grow as we encourage all families to come to the winery – it’s the community’s winery not just the Bell’s winery.”

For more information about Northern Lights Estate Winery visit www.northernlightswinery.ca/.

Special Guest Speaker: Jasmit Phulka

Canadian Freestyle Wrestler Medal Winner from both Pan AM and Commonwealth Games

Historic Barkerville names new general manager

CITIZEN STAFF

The Barkerville Heritage Trust has announced the appointment of Carrie Chard as the new general manager of Barkerville Historic Town and Park, including Cottonwood House Historic Site.

This change follows the departure of Kate Cox, who is leaving her role as CEO to accept a new position with the archaeology branch in the BC Ministry of Forests.

“Carrie’s promotion to general manager is a positive step for the trust,” said Al Richmond, chair of the Barkerville Heritage Trust. “Her leadership will ensure that Barkerville continues to thrive as we evaluate our management structure for the future.”

Chard, who has served as Barkerville’s manager of operations and protection services since 2019, has played a vital role in the site’s upkeep and safety, the announcement states.

Her responsibilities have included overseeing the maintenance of the historic buildings and complex infrastructure, including essential water treatment and sewage systems. She also successfully navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing necessary measures to safeguard both staff and visitors.

In 2024, Chard faced additional

Site C reservoir filling is underway

BC Hydro is filling the Site C reservoir between Fort St. John and Hudson’s Hope. Water levels are rising between 30 centimetres and three metres per day.

The public is strongly urged to stay off the reservoir and its tributaries, specifically the Halfway River. Please use extreme caution near the shoreline, as there may be new hazards including:

○ Submerged hazards

○ Floating vegetation debris

○ Unstable shoreline and erosion

BC Hydro is monitoring for debris and slope stability.

All public boat launches on the reservoir are closed. New boat launches will open when the reservoir is deemed safe, which will be at earliest Spring 2026.

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

7255

challenges when the Antler Creek Wildfire led to a five-day evacuation and a 12-day closure during Barkerville’s peak tourist season. In response, she, along with Cox, spearheaded fire suppression upgrades, including the installation of a rooftop sprinkler system across the site. This proactive measure proved crucial in protecting Barkerville’s more than 140 wooden heritage structures from potential damage during the wildfire.

Barkerville has been a significant part of my life since my parents began our annual visits during my childhood,” said Chard.

“I am excited and honoured to lead Barkerville through these critical next steps, especially as we focus on site management and risk reduction to protect against future threats. The wildfires this summer underscored the importance of preserving this magical place.”

For more about Barkerville Historic Town & Park, visit barkerville.ca.

Protest against involuntary care set to happen Friday

CITIZEN STAFF

In response to BC NDP Leader David Eby announcing on Sept. 15 that if he is re-elected, his party plans to expand involuntary care for people with brain injuries, mental illnesses and severe addictions, the PG Solidarity group is organizing a protest rally in front of the Prince George courthouse to say ‘Care is Not forced!’ on Friday, Oct. 11 at noon.

In an email, PG Solidarity stated that telling Eby, Conservative Leader John Rustad and Prince George city council that their intention is a “dangerous and un-empathetic approach that will create more stigma, fear and criminalization of already marginalized populations.”

“Amid the toxic drug crisis, the housing crisis, a strained healthcare system, and a lack of voluntary care beds, the expansion of the Mental Health Act

will inevitably lead to more harm being inflicted on vulnerable people,” the statement continued.

Involuntary treatment includes interventions such as forced medication and institutionalization.

Several organizations have already spoken out against the plans to expand involuntary care, including the BC Association of Social Workers, Canadian Mental Health Association, BC division, BC Civil Liberties Association and First United Church.

Community organizations are advocating against involuntary care and calling for a review of the current Mental Health Act and its effectiveness.

Eby’s plan is to use correctional facilities to house individuals apprehended under the Mental Health Act and some city council members have proposed lobbying the government for a secure mental health facility in town.

BARKERVILLE HISTORIC TOWN AND PARK PHOTO

Carrie Chard is the new general manager of Barkerville Historic Town & Park and Cottonwood House Historic Site.

The Citizen asks your candidates six questions that matter to Prince George and area.

Prince George - Mackenzie

Prince George - North Cariboo

Prince George - Valemount

Kiel Giddens Conservative Party of BC

James Steidle BC Green

Rachael Weber Independent

Shar McCrory BC NDP pull out section

Sheldon Clare Conservative Party of BC

Randy Thompson BC Green

Coralee Oakes Independent

Denice Bardua BC NDP

Rosalyn Bird Conservative Party of BC

Gwen Johansson BC Green

Clay Pountney BC NDP

Kiel Giddens, Conservative Prince George-Mackenzie

The withdrawal of BC United has left many of their supporters as well as undecided voters who hover in the middle of the road, uncertain about how to cast their vote in this polarized atmosphere. How will you encourage these voters to cast their ballots for you?

Well, certainly the seismic shift in BC politics was unexpected, but I’ve been campaigning now for more than a year, and what I heard from voters is that they’re ready for change.

They’re ready for a big shift in politics from the NDP’s politics of division to a new party system in British Columbia. So we did see that there was a lot of unhappiness with the former vote split. I was one of those candidates that was invited over to the Conservative Party to help the free enterprise come together again for a united front to defeat the NDP and actually have a chance of forming government.

I think there are a lot of people who are excited about the chance that this Conservative Party is a new movement. It started grassroots, but with the experienced candidates that have come over, we have a real shot at forming government now, and it’s exciting. There’s a lot that we need to do to fix the problems under the NDP.

John is building a team. He’s building a platform that I think speaks to those who are on the fence. They are looking for something new and different and for change in this election.

So with that, we have a government that is not providing the critical services to British Columbians, whether that’s the fact that one in five don’t have a family doctor right now. We’ve had a 60 per cent increase in food bank usage under the NDP. We need to do better for British Columbians. For taxpayers, we need to make sure that we’re using taxpayers’ dollars wisely and supporting those critical services that we need.

Moccasin Flats is a stark example of the addiction, mental health and poverty issues affecting Prince George. What would you do to address these issues in your riding?

Well, the toxic drug crisis is absolutely devastating for families. Families have lost loved ones, including aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters. It’s absolutely devastating.

What we’ve seen is a government that has enabled the unfortunate cycle of addictions. Under the NDP, of course, they brought in decriminalization of hard drugs. This has been an absolute disaster.

In the 2023 budget, they allocated $184 million to safe supply and decriminalization programs. This is not working. Feeding more drugs into the system is not breaking the cycle of addictions.

What we need is treatment options that currently don’t exist. When I was the president of the Chamber of Commerce, we advocated for a rebalancing of the model from the NDP’s one-sided focus on harm reduction to rebalancing to get back to prevention, treatment and enforcement of the law. I think that is really important. We need a rebalancing. That starts with addictions treatment here in the North. I’ve recently met with mental health professionals here in northern BC. There is a petition circulating in Prince George for a psychiatric care mental health and addictions facility. That’s something that we need to focus on to actually get results, to get people out of their cycle of addictions, to break that and to get the crime off of our streets. What’s going on in Moccasin Flats right now, where there’s a fire department there every day, police there every day, it’s not working. We need results and a new approach.

This part of BC has always relied on the resource sector for good jobs, but

changes like Canfor’s latest closure announcement put these jobs at risk. What will you do to advocate for new resource sector jobs in Prince George and in your riding?

For most of my career, I’ve worked in the resource sector, both in government and in the private sector. This is something that’s critical for northern BC. The last 11 years working for the Coastal Gas Link pipeline, I’ve traveled the north, listening to the concerns and aspirations of people within northern British Columbia about our resource sector.

We’ve had an opportunity with five major projects that were started before the NDP were in government in our resource sector, so Site C, the LNG projects, as well as the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. All of these projects are coming to completion, but the NDP have not planned what’s next for our resource sector economy. The major projects are one thing.

Within forestry, within mining, within oil and gas, all of that requires certainty for industry. That’s something that’s lacking right now under the NDP. They’re creating division on the land base, creating uncertainty for investors.

What we need is to get back to British Columbia being a place that is attractive to investors. We’re losing mining investment, for example, to Ontario right now. We have 17 mines that are in a stage of development, many of those in northern BC, that we have an opportunity to actually develop those, but that capital is not choosing British Columbia right now because we have a government that is, quite frankly, overtaxing our industries and making it very difficult for investment decisions.

Providing that certainty with one project, one permit, is critical for these projects to succeed. If we form government, the Conservative Party will focus on our resource sectors and provide opportunities.

The relationship between the provincial government and BC’s Indigenous people is evolving. If elected, what approach do you plan to bring to your work with area First Nations, including the Lheidli T’enneh?

Certainly, we’re so fortunate to live on the territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, the traditional territory. They have been such supportive partners. I thank Chief Logan and her council for really welcoming all in Prince George, as well as newcomers to the region.

It’s critical for reconciliation that we work together in partnership. It’s a long-term process of reconciliation to right some historical wrongs within Canada, but we have to do that work together. A big focus, I think, that I will bring to the table is a focus on economic reconciliation.

I’ve worked within the resource industry and coastal gasoline pipeline, working with 20 nations across northern BC. Complex relationships, but we worked in partnership to find solutions to really find economic opportunity for young people. Here in Prince George, we have groups like the Prince George Nachako Aboriginal Employment Training Association.

I’ve worked with groups like that to find Indigenous employment and training opportunities to find hope for young people. I think that’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous. We want the same thing.

We want opportunities for our kids and we want a better quality of life overall. I think that’s what working together in partnership in reconciliation really means. It’s providing hope for the next generation and also respecting each other and walking a new path of reconciliation.

Our area’s population is aging. What is your top priority when it comes to addressing issues facing seniors and why?

It used to be that Prince George was a working town where people would retire elsewhere, maybe to the Okanagan. Well, people are choosing to stay in Prince George because of the amazing community that we have.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

James Steidle, BC Green Party

Prince

The withdrawal of BC United has left many supporters of their supporters as well as undecided voters who hover in the middle of the road uncertain about how to cast their vote in this polarized atmosphere. How will you encourage these voters to cast their ballots for you?

I think that the B.C. Green Party is your only true alternative this election. I think that the history of the B.C. liberals in this region has been a disaster for our economy, it’s been a disaster for the local ownership of things like our forest industry, and the B.C. Green Party is... Let me just back up a little bit, I’ll just elaborate on what the NDP has done, which is nothing different from what the B.C. liberals did. They’ve basically put everything on autopilot as to what the B.C. liberal policies and priorities were, and we are left with a disaster for our economy here in this town. The Green Party is the only party that represents a different path from sort of the corporate agenda of the B.C. liberal politics and the bureaucratic kind of corporate agenda of the B.C. NDP.

The Green Party is independent from these two major influences in our society, and only the Green Party can balance the needs of corporations and bureaucracies, because let’s make no mistake, we need both of those things, but we need to balance their interests with the interests of the public.

And I think one of the things we’re seeing in this election is that we’re not seeing that balance, we’re not seeing the public being prioritized in public policies. And the Green Party, if you look at their platform, I think they run a really good attack between those two extremes of the political spectrum, and we have a solid set of policies in place to deal with things like, well, locally in the forestry we want to see more commercial thinning of the plantations.

The NDP has been reluctant to

George-Mackenzie

issue permits for that, and that’s a very practical thing where the Green Party wants to see that type of forestry being prioritized.

Moccasin Flats is a stark example of the addiction, mental health and poverty issues affecting Prince George. What would you do to address these issues?

The issues facing Prince George are not unique. These issues of homelessness and drug addiction are prevalent across the continent. They’re prevalent from Canada all the way down to the United States, and fundamentally this is a crisis of housing, and it’s a crisis of hopelessness in our society.

So I think, you know, at a big level we need to create an economy that is inclusive, that provides people with opportunity and provides them with hope. In Prince George and across British Columbia and Canada, we used to have policies of non-profit housing models that were brought in in the post-war era that basically wound up in the 1990s, and we have not been building non-market housing in any number since that time. So the Green Party, what we want to see happen is an expansion and revisiting of those old policies that we used to have on the books.

So the Green Party is proposing building 24,000 non-market housing units every year, and I’ve lived in non-profit housing governed by a non-profit housing model. They work, they can be financed publicly, but at no cost to the public, in that the cost of building that housing would be recovered through rent.

And the only difference being that the developers and the financiers wouldn’t be there to take their share of the profit.

And these models are effective, have a proven track record of success, and we want to see that model being brought back again to help people get off the streets. And also we want to make sure we have local jobs. We had

a lot of local sawmill jobs that kept people off the street.

We need to get those kind of jobs back in place and give people hope and give people meaning and have jobs where they can hold down a family, they can hold down friends and have a social life and have a good job as opposed to going off into a camp, for example.

This part of BC has always relied on the resource sector for good jobs but changes like Canfor’s latest closure announcement put these jobs at risk. What will you do to advocate for new resource sector jobs in Prince George?

I think forestry has been the history of Prince George and it has to be the future of Prince George. And there’s a lot of things. I’ve talked about the forestry issue for a long time.

One of the big mistakes of the BC Liberal, BC Conservative politics, and let’s not make the mistake of pretending that John Rustad was not the minister of forests under the BC Liberals for a period of time and the fact that he never fixed the problem, which is that we got rid of appurtenancy. The appurtenance clause required the local logs to support the local community. And when we got rid of that, we created this situation where these large corporations believe that they don’t have to provide local benefits to the public, even though they’re relying on public timber for their operations.

So I think there’s a number of practical things we could do. We could have a requirement for these tenures if these corporations want to hang on to their timber harvesting rights. So within a certain period of time, they need to get some production happening again locally.

If they can’t provide the sawmills, then that tenure should be transferred to somebody who will. So John Brink is an example of somebody who’s, you know, stepped up to the plate and

said, you know, if I can provide those jobs, let’s get the tenure in my hands and I can build the mills and get the jobs happening again. I don’t think we want to replace Canfor with, you know, one individual.

I’d like to see multiple John Brinks kind of step up to the plate. There are specific things in the regulations that prevent small sawmills from operating, you know, not only exclusive timber tenures that prevent local operations from happening, but also like the red tape that prevents, it makes it very difficult for small one or two person sawmill operations to get logs to their sawmill site. So there’s a lot of restrictions on, you know, you have to like require a timber mark on, you know, five logs, for example, from somebody’s private property to transfer those logs legally on a public highway.

Let’s create some changes there to make it easier for small sawmills to get going.

The relationship between the provincial government and BC’s Indigenous peoples is evolving. If elected, what approach do you plan to bring to your work with area First Nations, including the Lheidli T’enneh?

Indigenous rights are critical and a key component of the Green Party platform.

We live in a society that respects the rule of law. And the rule of law has been interpreted to mean that Indigenous rights are fundamental.

We never signed treaties with our local First Nations all across the interior of British Columbia.

This was an unfortunate decision of the leadership of British Columbia back in the 19th century, which strayed from the common practice of British common law that was practiced everywhere else across Canada. And so that’s a reality that we have to face. We have to recognize Indigenous rights. We have to make sure that economic development is respecting those rights, that is being done in accordance with their wishes and their legal claims and rights.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

KIEL GIDDENS CONTINUED

I think it’s incredible that seniors have given back and we need to make sure that we are supporting our seniors. We have some amazing seniors network support groups in Prince George. I’ve spoken to many of them and we do need better supports for seniors.

I’m on the board of the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation and I recently toured UHNBC as part of that. It’s so disheartening to see the hallway medicine that we have right now that the NDP have enabled. We have seniors who are in long-term care within our hospital, so that’s actually their home right now.

That’s unacceptable. We need better

JAMES STEIDLE CONTINUED

But, you know, I want to add that we can’t just because somebody has rights, you know, doesn’t mean that you can infringe on somebody else’s rights. So there’s always going to be limitations on rights. You know, if one Indigenous First Nation has the rights to build a mine in a certain area, you know, that can’t infringe on another First Nations downstream who’s like fisheries or ability to hunt would be impacted by that right.

So, you know, rights always come with responsibilities. And I think that’s one thing we have to recognize. We also have to recognize that rights, you know, can’t be used by these large corporations as a backdoor means to get what they want and, you know, contradict the overall public interest.

And I think there’s a lot of examples where this imbalance of power between small communities, small indigenous communities, and these large corporate interests can compromise everybody’s interest locally. Holy shit, you were short on one. Number five.

Our area’s population is aging. What is your top priority when it comes to addressing the issues facing seniors and why?

The issues facing seniors are huge. I

long-term care options. Recently, there is a dementia care facility by Providence Health that has been proposed.

I firmly support that project actually. We need to, as someone who, my grandmother had dementia and Alzheimer’s in her latter years. Really, I know how difficult that was on our family.

We need proper care and long-term care for those suffering from diseases like Alzheimer’s, but also all of our seniors deserve the respect and dignity of a good home and a good quality of life. We need to make sure that we are supporting and respecting our seniors.

Some MLAs excel in the legislature while others become known for their constituency work. In a huge

mean, seniors are on fixed incomes.

This is something that I’ve always, you know, worried about and paid attention to. It’s stuff that we’ve talked about on our radio show time and time again. You know, senior citizens on fixed incomes are facing the crunch of these rising prices.

They have rents that are being jacked through the roof. They’re getting evicted, right? They’re having to move. Prince George was a place that had affordable housing, and that’s just not really the case anymore.

So seniors are bearing the brunt of this economy that we’re facing with, like, the price of food going up twice as high and rents just skyrocketing. This is a huge complex issue. There’s a lot of things we can do, like getting more affordable housing for seniors is one thing, making sure we have good health care for seniors, making sure that they have, you know, that we’re having effective care being provided to seniors.

And there’s a lot of things in the Green Party platform that deals with these issues. Right now across Canada, almost 19 million hours of doctor time is being wasted on paperwork. So one of the things the Green Party is bringing to the table is this focus on efficiency and service delivery by government.

I think that’s kind of forgotten by

riding with a mix of urban and rural communities, what kind of MLA will you be?

I worked in the legislature for six years, both for private member MLAs versus the job that a purely urban MLA has that has a tiny riding. It’s very complex to navigate representing a riding that’s the same size as many European countries. What we need to do is ensure that Victoria knows that the North matters.

That is something that is often missing. We always talk about the fact that the government often forgets about whatever’s beyond hope. We need to stop that.

We need to make sure that we have an MLA who will stand up both in the legislature, in the community,

the NDP. I mean, they’ve brought in an incredible amount of bureaucratic waste in the delivery of health care. We’ve got, you know, more vice presidents and administrative kind of managers than we’ve ever had before.

If you look at the Dogwood model that the Green Party wants to bring in, this is a concept of basically taking the administrative responsibilities away from government and giving that to the administrators and making sure that doctors and health care providers can focus on delivering service for the people.

And I think those are a couple of critical ways that we can help our senior populations. Thanks.

Some MLAs excel in the Legislature while others become known for their constituency work. In a huge riding with this mix of urban and rural communities what kind of MLA do you think you’re going to be?

I think if you watch the – if folks watch the debate that we had on the CKPG, it was taped, I think you’ll realize that when it comes to performance in the Legislature, I’ll be able to think off the cuff and, you know, deliver and communicate important issues well.

It’ll be apparent that I’ve looked into these issues, that I’ve researched these issues, that I’m able to balance the philosophical questions of, you

shouting from the rooftops if we need to, to get what we deserve, our fair share.

A lot of the resource wealth that really goes to the critical public services in our province is actually produced here right in northern British Columbia. We need our fair share, a lot of that money coming back to northern BC.

That’s what I’m going to be fighting for is our fair share type of MLA. I will focus on being someone who cares and connects with our community, but I’m also going to be someone vocal in the Legislature to try to find change, try to be a voice for all those in northern British Columbia who need our voice represented down in Victoria.

know, the balance between personal freedoms and the public interest in the role of government. These are all things that I’ve thought a lot about, and I care about our community. I’ll fight hard for the people of the North. You know, I grew up here in northern BC, and I love northern BC, and I’ve also had experiences in Victoria, and I recognize that we need to get more power away from Victoria and up here into the North. So I want to fight for a change in the institutions, basically, a change in how government is carried out.

And I think these are – this is a core question that goes beyond, you know, my effectiveness as an MLA or a community advocate. I think the bigger question at play here is how can we get Victoria to serve the people and how to prevent Victoria from micromanaging all facets of the decision-making that affect our region and to allow people in Prince George and people in Mackenzie to have a bigger say over the institutions that govern us.

Because, you know, from the school district issues up in Mackenzie, where they’re not being responded to by the school board to issues of, you know, pertinency and forestry, we are not being recognized by Victoria.

Our problems are not being taken seriously by Victoria.

Shar McCrory, BC NDP Prince George-Mackenzie

The withdrawal of BC United has left many of their supporters as well as undecided voters who hover in the middle of the road uncertain about how they will vote in this polarized atmosphere. How will you encourage these voters to cast their ballots for you?

Well, I think first and foremost that that has left a lot of people in a difficult situation. It’s also left some of our local politicians in difficult situations as well.

For myself, I think that the BC NDP platform, which has recently been released, supports people and it supports communities. I think that we have a proven track record of bringing services and supporting services in our communities and to working with the communities to ensure that the needs are met of the communities. I would further say that there have been some candidates in the riding that have changed and I find it difficult to understand how someone could change their core values.

I’m running for the BCNDP because my values align very well with that party and what they stand for, which is supporting people and supporting community services. I think that it’s important to stand with your values and I question that for some of the candidates that have not shown that consistency.

Moccasin Flats is a stark example of the addiction, mental health and poverty issues affecting Prince George. What would you do to address these issues in Prince George and the rest of your riding?

I actually was in Mackenzie last night and they have some of the very same issues there that we have here. What I would say is that we need to work with our community partners. I was at the Prince George Native Friendship Centre this morning and met with Barb there and learned about some of the initiatives that they have for

housing and supported housing.

I think the BC NDP have done a good job of bringing housing and supportive housing for people who live in the Lower Patricia area into the community and will continue to do that. But we can’t do that alone. We need all the partners at the table to be able to do that together and we need to work as one.

One of the other initiatives that I learned about from the Prince George Native Friendship Centre is a supportive mental health unit that goes out to support folks and they work in partnership with the local RCMP. And I think we need to do more of those sort of programs in partnerships and supporting mental health and addictions partner groups in the communities. This part of BC has always relied on the resource sector for good jobs, but changes like Canfor’s latest closure announcement put those jobs at risks. What will you do to advocate for new resource sector jobs in Prince George and the rest of your riding?

Yeah, I know that the recent mill closures have left really hard impacts on families and that’s really unfortunate. I think we really need to look at our forestry practices and how we can improve that and work with our communities to support better, better securities in our communities to make infrastructure sustainable and when corporations come in to support communities as well as the resources that they are taking out of the communities. I also think that I’ve been involved personally.

I worked at a sawmill in my lifetime and the sawmill shut down and I lost my job. So I really can relate to people and the impacts that that has and how important resources are. I’ve met with Mayor Yu and know how important that is in a kind of like not only for Prince George, but for the North in general.

We are so rich with resources. We really need to ensure that we can export those however that is, but keep the jobs in our communities and ensure that corporations are supporting our communities and our people.

The relationship between the provincial government and B.C.’s Indigenous people is evolving. If elected, what approach do you plan to bring to your work with area First Nations, including the Lheidli T’enneh?

I think the current DRIPA is really important and I think that in truth and reconciliation we certainly are not where we need to be, but we need to carry on that conversation and we need to carry on those commitments. The federal government made 94 calls to action and we need to ensure that we are practicing that every single day and that everyone in our communities is working together. I come from, I lived 30 years in a Northwestern community, Hazleton, which is predominantly Indigenous.

My children went to school on reserve and I loved having the honour of raising my children in a community where traditions and cultures were honoured and I really strongly support the path that we’re on to support Indigenous peoples and truth and reconciliation, as well as supporting, looking at diversifying and looking at business supports within First Nations communities.

Our area’s population is aging. What is your top priority when it comes to addressing the issues facing seniors? Why? I think that we need to do more for our seniors.

I think the BC NDP and the new platform is supporting seniors in a variety of ways by improving the provincial allowance that we give to seniors, as well as one of the things that we’re doing is we’re supporting transit to be free within non-busy hours, so like 9:30 to 3:30 every day. And we need to ensure that our communities are

accessible for our seniors and that they’re supported. Seniors live on a fixed income and we need to ensure that we can support and they are able to sustain themselves and to provide programs so that they have supports within their homes if needed and that they have a social network as well.

So I think, I come from a family of nine kids, I’m the youngest, so most of my siblings are seniors. So they share a lot with me as to what the needs are and where there are gaps in communities. So I think we need to work with our seniors better because they are our knowledge holders as well.

Some MLAs excel in the legislature while others become known for their work in the constituency. In a huge riding like this with a mix of urban and rural communities, what kind of MLA are you going to be? I hope to be an MLA for the people.

I hope to support the communities that I will serve and I hope to be able to find the balance to be an excellent advocate when I’m in Victoria, but also support and listen to the constituents that I represent.

I think it’s really important that you don’t forget as an MLA, or I won’t forget, that every community has unique needs.

I’ve lived rural remote most of my life and now I live urban in Prince George and so I know the needs of those communities are completely different and I also know that we have to support all the people within those areas. The North needs advocacy throughout.

We don’t want to be forgotten and every single community within the North has the needs that are different and so that’s what I think that I will do well. I would like to model myself a little bit like Shirley Bond who has never forgotten where she came from and has always been a person of the people and I admire her for that and that is the kind of, although we’re not party particular, that is the kind of MLA I would like to be. That I always remember where I come from and I always remember the people that I support and I listen to the needs of those people.

Sheldon Clare, Conservative Prince George-North Cariboo

The withdrawal of BC United has left many supporters of their supporters as well as undecided voters who hover in the middle of the road uncertain about how to cast their vote in this polarized atmosphere. How will you encourage these voters to cast their ballots for you?

I think it’s pretty straightforward that voters who are trying to consider where they should place their vote this election need to ask themselves, are they happy with what’s going on? And if they’re happy with what’s going on, they probably want to vote for the status quo.

However, if they have concerns with the rising cost of food, with the deterioration of our medical system, with the access of health care to seniors, with the various problems with the fentanyl crisis, addictions, mental health. And the whole host of problems that have been brought to bear under this particular NDP government, if they’re concerned about those things at all, then they need to be voting for the Conservative Party of British Columbia.

Because the Conservative Party of British Columbia is representing a common-sense approach and serious significant change to what’s been going on already. We’re not here to keep doing the same things and be making the same mistakes. What we want to do is represent... We want to represent a significant shift in public policy that benefits the people of British Columbia, returns us to an atmosphere of prosperity and a time in which all British Columbians can look forward to the future. We want to stop people telling us that they want to leave British Columbia if the NDP wins.

Well, we want to make sure the NDP doesn’t win. And if you don’t want the NDP to win, you need to vote for the Conservative Party of British Columbia.

Moccasin Flats is a stark example of the addiction, mental health and poverty issues affecting Prince George. What would you do to address these issues?

The Moccasin Flats situation requires a serious investment in health care. Because what has happened... What I’ve seen happening is the addictions crisis, mental health crisis, multi-diagnosis problems that are resplendent there, as long with people who are legitimately economically homeless, is creating a terrible burden on our health care and public services.

So, in my opinion, what needs to happen is triage of individuals, making sure that they are treated for the condition or situation they have, and have some follow-up with that. In addition... In addition, what we really need to see is the construction of some long-term forensic psychiatric care facilities in this province that will properly treat, or properly diagnose, properly treat, and make sure that the people who are in need of these services get them, and that they are not in a situation where they are causing problems for the general population and to the businesses in the downtown area.

It is important to work collaboratively with the city and local people, local businesses, to ensure that the needs of the community are being met, as well as the need to make sure that the people who need help to get off of their addiction, or to have their mental health problems treated, are getting what they need.

This part of BC has always relied on the resource sector for good jobs but changes like Canfor’s latest closure announcement put these jobs at risk. What will you do to advocate for new resource sector jobs in Prince George?

Well, I think the curious problem is, how did we allow this to happen in one of the most resource-rich

provinces in Canada? What really needs to be dealt with in this particular situation is access to a smooth permitting process. We need to take a lot of the red tape away, and make sure that it’s a one permit, one permit process for resource extraction, whether it be mining, forestry, or other requirements, while at the same time respecting environmental and community concerns with regards to resource extraction. We need to do value-added projects to make sure that we can do that, that work efficiently.

But again, the big thing is to smoothen the permitting process, which has slowed down dramatically under the NDP government. And also to deal with things like stumpage and revenue sharing appropriately, so that it is worthwhile for companies to stay in British Columbia and not leave, so that they can hire, employ, and add to the communities in which they live.

Access to fibre is a key component of forestry, and right now you have mills that are bringing fibre from great distances in order to meet their requirements.

When I was at one of the major mills, I noticed they only had a few weeks of fiber supply left to process. And when people talk about things like housing, they need to understand that logging gets the wood that builds the houses that are needed for British Columbians to have roofs over their heads.

So there’s an awful lot to be done to make this province work that has not been getting done under the previous few governments.

The relationship between the provincial government and BC’s Indigenous peoples is evolving. If elected, what approach do you plan to bring to your work with area First Nations, including the Lheidli T’enneh?

Well there are many First Nations groups in this region, and the big thing to do is to build strong personal relationships with leaderships and people

of the various bands, including the Lheidli T’enneh. Yeah. the bands in Nazco and those in Tsay Keh Dene, for example. I’ve been meeting with representatives of Tsay Keh Dene recently to discuss these very questions.

And it’s important to meet on a level of mutual respect and understanding and to cut back on the pandering and virtue signaling, which is characterized in governmental and native relations. Those types of relations are critical to building an environment that allows industry and recreational users, community users, to work with First Nations in sharing the resources and the lands in which we all live. It’s important to build mutual respect.

That’s really got to be the focus. Governmental and Indigenous relations. And with mutual respect, you get trust and you get honest and frank discussions about what needs to happen and how it needs to happen.

Our area’s population is aging. What is your top priority when it comes to addressing the issues facing seniors and why?

Seniors are facing a whole host of problems, some of which are federal, some of which are provincial. Fixed incomes are not helped by things like the carbon tax and the heavy tax burden that all British Columbians are facing. Access to affordable health care is an issue for everyone, but especially hit seniors quite hard.

One of the things I realized was a problem when I attended a seniors meeting in Quesnel was that getting back from health care in the Lower Mainland, is a serious concern for many seniors. T

here are means of getting them to health care, but once they’re treated it’s very reliant on their resources and their family’s resources to get them back to their community. Ideally, seniors need to be able to stay in their homes for as long as they can.

But you need to have the medical resources, the health resources in their communities to best serve their needs, as well as the needs of everyone else.

Randy Thompson, BC Green Party

Prince George-North Cariboo

The withdrawal of BC United has left many supporters of their supporters as well as undecided voters who hover in the middle of the road uncertain about how to cast their vote in this polarized atmosphere. How will you encourage these voters to cast their ballots for you?

I was actually shocked when the whole thing just kind of fell apart at the last minute.

And Coralee Oakes went from Liberal to United and then the possibility of jumping to the Conservatives. And that’s like, federally, those are, it’s a wide span.

So I think that people think the Green Party is leftist but it’s more of a centre-left. It’s not way out in left field and people want to paint it that way.

We deal with science-based, evidence-based policies and ways of looking at things that have the broadest appeal to the human being.

Because a lot of times when we look at things, I say that politics is like a religion.

So you have a belief system and you take it on and your friends tell you what to think.

And you’re kind of stuck in this position when you really, we’re all humans and we all have things that we need and things that basic common sense type things.

I think in some ways it allows people to strip some of that party loyalty away and just listen to the person.

Moccasin Flats is a stark example of the addiction, mental health and poverty issues affecting Prince George. What would you do to address these issues?

Living in Quesnel, I don’t know the actual Moccasin Flats. We have similar issues in Quesnel.

There is a lot of pain in the First Nations community, middle schools. And there’s a lot of angst, trauma

carried on through generations.

As far as First Nations, the Green Party always treats people with respect, fairness and looking at the people.

And it’s the sort of thing that if we treat everybody like humans, they’ll respond like that. And if we treat them like less than human, they respond again in that.

If you have an argument with somebody and you yell and scream at them and they yell and scream back, you’re just lowest common denominator. If we treat everybody like a human being with dignity.

This part of BC has always relied on the resource sector for good jobs but changes like Canfor’s latest closure announcement put these jobs at risk. What will you do to advocate for new resource sector jobs in Prince George?

Forestry is something that’s home for me. I drove truck for Arrow for 10 years.

I’ve been to many mills in BC and I did a lot of work. Pinnacle Pellet, going from Dunkley to Pinnacle Pellet. I know the mill situation and I know what’s been going on in BC for a very long time.

You can’t use up a finite resource that takes a long time to come at breakneck industrial speed and expect it to last forever.

We’re kind of reaching the end of forever.

There’s been a lot of work done in just forestry itself to clearcut a large amount.

What the Greens’ position is to have stopping whatever the last of the old growth is and primary forests, and work on value adding and community. We have to start taking the power away from the corporations.

And redoing the tenures. Create more local community for us. Try to return the resource back to the

people. Instead of being taken by corporate greed.

The relationship between the provincial government and BC’s Indigenous peoples is evolving. If elected, what approach do you plan to bring to your work with area First Nations, including the Lheidli T’enneh?

The position of the Green Party, I was kind of touching on it before about cultural respect. It’s unceded territory.

I always think it’s kind of funny when you say it’s, you know, like we’re respecting their territory and then what they’re for us. A lot of stuff has been bowled over. A lot of First Nations have been sort of pushed to the side even though we say it’s unceded.

The Green Party’s position is more of reconciliation by respect and looking at the resources that are within First Nations territory. And I understand they have a right to, you know, a good share of that.

Like there’s a 50 per cent sort of figure that I have seen. So the idea of treating First Nations like they don’t know what they’re doing is that’s … we have to treat them like full partners.

Treat them with respect. And make sure that they’re full players at the table. It has to be done. And it hasn’t been done since the beginning of Canada, really.

Our area’s population is aging. What is your top priority when it comes to addressing the issues facing seniors and why?

Housing, really. I’m lucky enough to have 150 acres right on the Fraser River.

I don’t have a pile of money. I just happen to have a big piece of land. And I see the possibilities of small mini homes.

And creating communities. Almost village-type things. Where people, just because somebody’s old

doesn’t mean they’re frail and, you know, ship them off to the old folks’ home.

People want to live in a community. They want to live in a place that has people in it. You know, like, so if we could create some housing options that are not old folks’ homes.

And give them a chance to live with dignity. And, you know, I’m not saying shift.

It’s just that give them a housing that’s comfortable. A way that they can be a part of the community. And a part of their own community.

Some MLAs excel in the Legislature while others become known for their constituency work. In a huge riding with this mix of urban and rural communities what kind of MLA do you think you’re going to be?

My position from the beginning is I’m not a politician.

And there’s a real distrust of politicians. Just because of the getting elected by, oh, we can’t do that. I’m a very personal, like, get along with people. I joke around. I treat people with respect. My thing has always been treating people like to be treated myself.

I’m just a person. I’m trying to get elected to do a job. But I’m not going to become, I’m still going to be the person that I’ve always been. I’m very open to communicating with people.

I used to work in radio. I worked in the film industry. I’m a farmer. I grow garlic. I have a line of honey garlic hot sauces. I’m at the market all the time at events.

So I know how to communicate with people. And it’s a skill that not everybody has.

I have a tendency to put people at ease when I’m discussing things with them.

I’ve had a lot to do with native spiritualities. I’ve done a lot of sweat lodges.

Talking to the chiefs and bands and communities in First Nations is something I’m actually looking forward to. Because it’s healing circles.

Coralee Oakes, Independent Prince George-North Cariboo

The withdrawal of BC United has left many supporters of their supporters as well as undecided voters who hover in the middle of the road uncertain about how to cast their vote in this polarized atmosphere. How will you encourage these voters to cast their ballots for you?

I think it’s important that people know that I’ll continue to work hard, that one of the benefits that has, I’ve found on the doorstep, is that people have been far more willing to share important solutions to some of our most significant challenges, and I’m going to use health care as a perfect example.

I’ve been meeting with nurses and doctors about what the challenges are, and solutions to how we can move forward and improve our local health care, and I think that has been critically important. I’m sure I’ll be asked that question later on, so I can go into greater detail on what has been shared with me.

The other important thing that I share with people, as an independent incumbent, I have the experience within the legislature. I will continue to have opportunities for question period, to present private members bills, to debate bills, all of the same opportunities I had as an opposition MLA, I have as an independent, and actually this time I think our voices, Prince George North Caribou, has the potential to hold far greater ability to move a legislation that matters to our riding forward, because I believe that we’ll hold the balance of power.

So I’m encouraging people to trust the fact that I’m a qualified candidate, that I have experience, and I’m confident that my legislative experience will enable the voices of Prince George North Caribou to be brought forward.

Moccasin Flats is a stark example of the addiction, mental health and poverty issues affecting Prince George.

What would you do to address these issues?

One of the most important things, and I talk with a lot of families throughout the riding, is that we just don’t have alternative levels of support in the region. For example, I looked into Baldy Hughes, the therapeutic community. I know many people have benefited from the services of the therapeutic community.

I also went online and looked for opportunities for somebody that is looking for that continuum of care in our region, and we just do not have those services.

So the first thing I would do is deliver a very strong message to Victoria that we need equitable services in Prince George and our region to support people in need.

The second thing is it is a dangerous situation, and I am concerned about the people that both live around the area as well as the residents that are in Moccasin Flats.

I don’t think it’s a safe situation. We need to find homes for people, and I just do not support heading into winter that we continue to see the challenges both with the public of Moccasin Flats and the residents.

This part of BC has always relied on the resource sector for good jobs but changes like Canfor’s latest closure announcement put these jobs at risk. What will you do to advocate for new resource sector jobs in Prince George?

Modernizing and expediting permitting is critical for our region and for British Columbia in general.

There is so much opportunity when you look at the critical minerals capacity, especially for this region and for projects to move forward.

The most recent estimate it could drive $36 billion in new investment, create 300,000 person years of employment, and generate $11 billion in tax revenue that we could then use

towards health care and housing.

We have to do a better job as government in allowing natural resource projects to move forward, and my experience as the minister responsible for reducing red tape right across ministries, I feel confident that that experience will help drive the next government on how you can streamline, ensure that all of the, that you still have all of those safety measures are in place, but we have created such a large bureaucracy with so much red tape that it’s impacting us, especially in the north, and we need those major projects to move forward, not only for an energy transition green, or energy transition opportunity, we need these jobs.

Forestry is going to remain a critical component to the housing supply, so we need to be supporting our forest sector, ensuring that we continue to see a vibrant forest sector in our region.

The relationship between the provincial government and BC’s Indigenous peoples is evolving. If elected, what approach do you plan to bring to your work with area First Nations, including the Lheidli T’enneh?

The first thing that is critically important is that you need to build relationships, you need to build respect, and that takes time, and my approach has been, with all of the Indigenous peoples in our region, is to make sure that we are taking the adequate time to get to know them, to get to know the people, to get to know the elders, to listen, to understand their concerns.

I will say, having met with Chief Logan, I will be a strong advocate on their need for critical infrastructure, such as the bridge connecting the two parts of their community.

I did that work when I was the minister of local government, working with the federal government to ensure that infrastructure projects that

mattered to Indigenous communities were also included in programs such as Build Canada, critical infrastructure programs for both local governments and how we can equally support our Indigenous communities.

I was successful in our riding and getting a bridge for Lhoosku’uz Dene. I also was successful in supporting ?Esdilagh First Nation with critical road infrastructure. The West Fraser Road was critical to that community, and I advocated for two years and were successful at $104 million for that road. So again, I will continue to work closely with our Indigenous communities, listen to their needs, and advocate on their behalf.

I’ve had some significant success in moving those projects forward in our riding.

Our area’s population is aging. What is your top priority when it comes to addressing the issues facing seniors and why?

Again, we do not have the same level of services as our urban counterparts do.

And I think it is critical that we start addressing the inequity that people living in northern and rural communities are experiencing. So some of the solutions I’ve heard on the doorstep include a need for mixed housing options in the region.

So that is one of the things that has been brought forward. Another, of course, home support has to be reviewed because it’s not meeting the needs of rural people and we just do not have the services. And finally, health care.

The fact that our health care is in such a dire crisis, the people that are most impacted by that is our seniors. And I’ve certainly heard some solutions on how we address our health care system and I hope I get asked that at a later date.

Some MLAs excel in the Legislature while others become known for their constituency work. In a huge riding with this mix of urban and rural communities what kind of MLA do you think you’re going to be?

City residents will vote in three electoral districts

CITIZEN STAFF

Residents of Prince George have the opportunity to vote in one of three provincial ridings. Two of these ridings have remained unchanged since the last election, while the third has been restructured and given a new name ahead of this year’s vote.

Prince George-Mackenzie

This riding covers the northern portion of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, located in central British Columbia.

It includes the town of Mackenzie and the northwestern part of the City of Prince George.

Like Prince George-Valemount, the boundary within the city follows the Fraser and Nechako Rivers on their north wides to the John Hart Bridge, then south along Highway 97 and west along Massey Drive.

The boundary then moves south along Ospika Boulevard until Ferry Avenue, cutting west near the University of Northern British Columbia, before running south down Tyner Boulevard and out of the city along Highway 16.

SHELDON CLARE CONTINUED

And we are seeing a real problem with doctors and nurses leaving their communities for brighter areas because of the problems that are associated with our economy, with the drug addiction, fentanyl, mental health crisis, which is taking up hospital beds and taking up space that would be otherwise allocated for surgeries, for the needs of people who are aging and have to have medical treatments, or those just having emergencies. So the seniors issue is part of a greater problem or a series of problems in the province that needs to be looked at holistically.

CORALEE OAKES CONTINUED

I continue to be focused on ensuring our constituents are supported. I think that I am proud of the team I built around me that have created a responsive, supportive approach to supporting our constituents because they’re, again, with inequity of services, whoever the next MLA will be for this riding, there are challenges that are new that I didn’t experience in

College Heights residents will vote in the new Prince George-North Cariboo riding on Oct. 19. The riding was created after a 2021 realignment of electoral boundaries.

Prince George-North Cariboo

This newly created riding emerged during the 2021 British Columbia electoral redistribution, combining most of the former Cariboo North with part of Prince George-Valemount.

Some MLAs excel in the Legislature while others become known for their constituency work. In a huge riding with this mix of urban and rural communities what kind of MLA do you think you’re going to be?

Well that’s a great question. I like to think of myself. I think of myself as someone who is connected with my communities and is going to be able to represent them well in the legislature.

And that will be a big part of what I’m doing. I think when you have good staff in offices located in key population areas, like I’m going to have an office in Quesnel, I’m going to have an office in Prince George, we may talk about a

2013. And going back to case in point around health care, I cannot believe the amount of health care files that I have had to address as an MLA.

The concern is that these are life and death challenges for so many of the constituents that come to our offices. And the bureaucracy has become so challenging, so few services that it is critically important that you have an MLA that is able to confidently

Prince George-North Cariboo includes regions within the Cariboo Regional District and the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, stretching from the northern municipal boundaries of Williams Lake to parts of the City of Prince George, primarily College Heights.

Communities in this district include Quesnel, Wells and several unincorporated communities to the southwest.

Prince George-Valemount

This riding encompasses the southern portion of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, and includes the communities of Valemount, McBride, and the southeastern part of Prince George.

The boundary within the city follows the Fraser and Nechako Rivers to the John Hart Bridge, then heads south along Highway 97, west along Massey Drive, and south along Ospika Boulevard until Ferry Avenue.

From there, it goes west, just south of the University of Northern British Columbia, and continues south on Tyner Boulevard before following Highway 16 out of the city.

shared office or something, but people need to have access to help. The main role of an MLA is to help people with their problems in dealing with the provincial government and to guide them to where the resources are, if those are not the areas in which that MLA has responsibility.

I think I could provide a great service to my community, both in the legislature and in the community.

I know this area well. I was born here, I’ve lived here my whole life. I have hunted and fished. I have played bagpipes. I have climbed mountains. I have gone to the mountains. I have hiked. I’ve been greatly involved in

navigate that very complex system to get services for our constituents. The second piece, I’m very confident in the legislature.

I think that people, again, can trust the fact that the years of experience that I’ve had have enabled me to be able to proficiently do my job in the legislature to debate bills.

I encourage you to go on my YouTube channel to review a lot of

my community and I know the people who are here and I’ve been building relationships to make sure that they know me better.

Traveling throughout the riding and meeting the diverse needs of this community is critical. And this riding in particular is very much a microcosm of the whole province with its mix and urban contained within it. And my view is that I have to represent. I have to represent everyone. And I have to make sure that I’m hearing those voices, hearing those concerns and where there are conflicts, trying to do what is best for the majority without harming the minority.

the debates I’ve had in the House on important issues such as public safety, on health care, on labour shortages, all of those things critical to small business and how we can better support our small businesses. I’m confident that I’m able to do the job both in the legislature and be responsive to constituents.

And I will say that technology has certainly improved that ability.

Rosalyn Bird, Conservative Prince George-Valemount

The withdrawal of BC United has left many supporters of their supporters as well as undecided voters who hover in the middle of the road uncertain about how to cast their vote in this polarized atmosphere. How will you encourage these voters to cast their ballots for you?

In this election in particular it’s very important to help voters understand what the issues are and what the different parties are bringing to the plot to the table

It’s important to me to understand what particular issue that particular voter is concerned about so I’ve had a lot of more intimate conversations than I actually anticipated having as a candidate. You know we have some huge issues across this province, whether it’s health care whether it’s young parents concerned about education, whether it’s about people working in the resource sector that you know can see their jobs at risk.

So depending on who the voter is I speak very specific to that issue and then I actually encourage them to look beyond what’s going on, what they’re doing as a platform and to align their decision and to align their vote on what works with their values, their ethics and what it is they would like to see moving forward in the province.

Moccasin Flats is a stark example of the addiction, mental health and poverty issues affecting Prince George. What would you do to address these issues?

Moccasin Flats and the addictions and mental health issues here are major issues. I mean, we have seen our downtown turn into what, in some places, actually literally looks like a war zone.

And it’s something that we need to address, but it’s something we need to work with all levels of government. So we need to build relationships with the federal government, provincial government, you know, the city and

the council, as well as the regional district. And we need to have stakeholders come to the table, and we need to find solutions that are going to empower people that are living in situations that, you know, nobody wants to see them living in.

Currently, we have policies in place across the province that are actually enabling people and keeping them in a perpetual cycle of addiction. And we need to remove those types of policies, and we need to put things in place like recovery, supported recovery, supported housing. And we need to, at some point, we actually, if there’s interest, if there’s individuals that are really struggling with those issues, then we need to get them the help, whether it’s voluntary or involuntary.

I don’t believe leaving somebody living in a situation like Moccasin Flats is humanizing at all. And when somebody is at a point of addiction and struggling that they aren’t able to help themselves, then I think the human aspect is to help them help themselves. So focus on recovery, focus on skills, and focus on empowering people.

This part of BC has always relied on the resource sector for good jobs but changes like Canfor’s latest closure announcement put these jobs at risk. What will you do to advocate for new resource sector jobs in Prince George?

Well, we have a very robust resource sector here in BC, and unfortunately, over the last few years, or last few governments, there’s been a lot of roadblocks and bureaucracy put in place that haven’t allowed those sectors to actually flourish at the capabilities that they have.

So as a Conservative party and as a candidate, I want to make sure that, you know, we’re moving forward to break down the bureaucracy and to enable processes and permitting and communications, relationships with

First Nations, various levels of government to reduce the roadblocks so that those resource sectors can actually flourish.

That includes forestry, it includes mining, and it also includes agriculture, actually, which is, which is a sector that is often undervalued, underestimated and underappreciated. So as a candidate, those are things I’m actually really looking forward to growing and helping flourish, because there’s no reason that the resource sectors in this province, you know, the potential there is extreme.

We have tremendous potential to grow our economic stability, particularly in this province, particularly up here in the north. And so I will be focusing on ways to make that happen.

The relationship between the provincial government and BC’s Indigenous peoples is evolving. If elected, what approach do you plan to bring to your work with area First Nations, including the Lheidli T’enneh?

Relationships with First Nations are extremely important for a number of reasons. Of course, because of the extraction of resources, particularly in the north, we need to make sure that those relationships are strong. We need to make sure that those relationships are respectful. And we need to ensure that there is a number of things that we take into consideration when working on any project, which includes respective traditional practices, ecological and biodiversity sustainability and protection.

And we need to make sure that all of the individuals working on projects, whether it’s resources or promoting of culture or promoting of relationships, that those things are done in a mechanism that everybody, there’s value brought to all of the stakeholders. I would like to see First Nations communities and, you know, nations, tribes, whoever you’re working with across the province, I would like to see

them, again, I would like to see them empowered. I think there’s huge and tremendous potential in First Nations community having economic stability. I think it makes the community stronger. makes them feel like they are self-sustaining. And that’s what we all want. We all want to stand on our own two feet. And we all want to be empowered. And that includes First Nations. And I’m looking forward to helping them move forward and attaining those goals.

Our area’s population is aging. What is your top priority when it comes to addressing the issues facing seniors and why?

There’s two things I would like to see happen with seniors. First of all, we need to find mechanisms to help them put more money in their pockets. And the party has put forward in their policy that they would like things like hearing aids, eyeglasses, prescriptions, vaccines that aren’t covered through MSP to have those types of things covered. If they’re not forking out or they’re not paying for those types of things, it does put more money back into their pocket for day-to-day expenses, groceries, rent, mortgage, that type of thing.

The other thing we need to do is we need to make sure that, you know, So the next thing that is a huge issue here in Prince George is actually having seniors housing. Whether it is assisted living or if it’s long-term care, there is a shortage of that in this area. And that is something that I am committed to working on and bringing forward.

The party has announced that they would like to see 5,000 beds across the province in the next few years. And in Prince George, that is imperative. We have a huge percentage of people living and are living at the hospital currently. You know, any given day, there’s approximately 20 per cent of the individuals that are in the hospital are waiting for care outside of the hospital. And those facilities and those supports just aren’t there. So I am committed to working towards that here in Prince George.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Gwen Johansson, BC Green Party

Prince George-Valemount

The withdrawal of BC United has left many supporters of their supporters as well as undecided voters who hover in the middle of the road uncertain about how to cast their vote in this polarized atmosphere. How will you encourage these voters to cast their ballots for you?

Well, to start with, that was a very undemocratic process and I’m worried about democracy in our province because those people had in that constituency had gone with a democratic process to select their candidates and then one person was able to destroy that whole democratic process and just went and draw them. So I think that that’s something that I object to and the Green Party objects to and we need to maintain our democracy if we’re going to keep it. And they should vote Green because we are a democratic party.

Moccasin Flats is a stark example of the addiction, mental health and poverty issues affecting Prince George. What would you do to address these issues?

The Green Party has a very comprehensive program for health, mental health and addiction and it’s based largely on the work that was done by Jane Philpott when she was Minister of Health at the federal level. And it depends on setting up a system where there is, it’s sort of like a school board system where when you take your kids to a new community, you don’t have to worry about whether you’re going to get them into school. These clinics would be set up a similar fashion that they would be obliged to take on any people that are within that clinic’s boundaries and provide them

with a family doctor and the care that is needed. And these clinics would be, they would be manned by all of the federal, all of the medical health people within that one clinic.

So it would be a 100 per cent service to all the people in that community. And so that’s what I would suggest that would be the Green approach to the problem in Prince George and the surrounding areas. The small communities are not immune from this.

This part of BC has always relied on the resource sector for good jobs but changes like Canfor’s latest closure announcement put these jobs at risk. What will you do to advocate for new resource sector jobs in Prince George?

I think the biggest problem with the resource jobs is that these corporations come in, they take out the resources. They’ve finished and taken the major profits. They’ve skimmed off the top, then they leave. And so that’s the situation we’re in with the forestry in Prince George. And so I think what we need to do, we’ve got some forest left there, not much, but, you know, there’s some left and we need to be trying to get value added.

We should stop sending logs to other places. The other thing that’s happening is that we’re starting to see the value added industry, and we have some things happening on that, but we also need to start to take care of the forest themselves.

The clear-cutting experiment didn’t work. And so we need to try and use the science that is emerging on forestry and do things like, for instance, let some of the deciduous trees come up with the evergreens, so that that

makes it more fire-resistant for one thing. That’s a much superior method because you’re working with nature as opposed to trying to fight it all the time. We should we also need to stop spraying the forest so that we kill out that those broad-leaved plants that that the big corporations sort of look on as weeds.

The relationship between the provincial government and BC’s Indigenous peoples is evolving. If elected, what approach do you plan to bring to your work with area First Nations, including the Lheidli T’enneh?

Well the Lheidli T’enneh today, as with all of the different Indigenous peoples across the land, have lived here for thousands of years and they have some claims and those claims have been approved by the superior courts and so we need to work with them and we have to start our consultation process very very early. It can’t be just the drive-by - if you drive through the lands and call that consultation, we can’t do that anymore. I think we have to involve them right from the very beginning and if they decide to say that some mine or some project is not in the interest of their land and the people in general in BC then - you know, they shouldn’t have an absolute veto but they certainly have the right to demand certain conditions that need to be enforced.

Our area’s population is aging. What is your top priority when it comes to addressing the issues facing seniors and why?

Being as I’m one and I feel the need to be near medical facilities, so we need to have housing if it’s necessary, but most of all, I think we need a

program to try and keep people within their homes. And so, as seniors, we feel more at home when we are at home, and rather than moving to a totally different system of existence where you have many people into one little area in rooms and so on.

Some of them, you know, it works out very well, some people adjust very well, but for those people who want to try and stay in their homes, I think we need to encourage them. And I think it also is more economical for the government.

So we need to make sure that there are medical facilities available with staff that are understanding of people who have short memories or whose memories are elapsing a little bit. And I think that we need to have housing that’s available for those who can’t remain in their homes, but a program that encourages people to stay in their homes.

Some MLAs excel in the Legislature while others become known for their constituency work. In a huge riding with this mix of urban and rural communities what kind of MLA do you think you’re going to be?

Well, I have a very excellent example to follow. I mean, Shirley Bond was an excellent MLA, community MLA, and worked very hard for her constituents, and that’s what I would be trying to do, because I have a lot of empathy for the small communities. I grew up in a small community. I’ve always lived in the small communities around the province, and I think that you can do that. You don’t have to be part of the government in order to do that.

And I think that Vicki Huntington proved that when she was an independent MLA, because she worked to serve her constituents, and she worked a lot with the staff people in order to get the problem solved. So I would aspire to be an MLA that represented my constituents.

Clay Pountney, BC NDP

Prince George-Valemount

The withdrawal of BC United has left many supporters of their supporters as well as undecided voters who hover in the middle of the road uncertain about how to cast their vote in this polarized atmosphere. How will you encourage these voters to cast their ballots for you?

For ourselves up here we had Shirley Bond for a very long time so she was a big piece of our community and leaves a big empty space for sure and the fall of the BC United kind of pulled the wool out from underneath a lot of candidates which is a terrible thing. For myself I believe that the Conservatives are very right-wing and they support very odd pieces sometimes like such as like 5G and things like this.

I think the NDP have been doing a very good job moving forward with pieces like social housing and things that the communities need that support everybody instead of just the few up top.

Moccasin Flats is a stark example of the addiction, mental health and poverty issues affecting Prince George. What would you do to address these issues?

Well, already in the last two years we’ve already brought in 200 social housing houses to help alleviate some of the people on the streets as well as putting a lot of supports out there to kind of help people transition off the streets.

So pieces like this are huge. I know when you cut funding it exacerbates

ROSALYN BIRD CONTINUED

Some MLAs excel in the Legislature while others become known for their constituency work. In a huge riding with this mix of urban and rural communities what kind of MLA do you think you’re going to be?

I have full confidence in the party leader to determine what skills each individual brings to the legislature, having

the problem so that’s not a direction to move into. I think to keep those supports going and to keep that those pieces that these people need to transition out it will you’ll start seeing that problem shrink over time.

This part of BC has always relied on the resource sector for good jobs but changes like Canfor’s latest closure announcement put these jobs at risk. What will you do to advocate for new resource sector jobs in Prince George?

Right now we’re in a very crazy time because in forestry we had the pine beetle epidemic and that’s run its course so we’re running out of that type of timber. Also, there are huge tariffs at the border. We have to work with the federal government to get rid of that if they’ll work with us which they should be.

And also looking at all resource sectors so if we have all resource sectors pieces firing like oil and gas, forestry and mining all together the resourcebased jobs are plentiful. We need to hire people, we need to train people to have these good high-paying jobs and we need to cut some of the red tape and kind of fast-track if these big companies have a good, like within mining, if these companies have a good plan to fast-track certain pieces and work with all the community to make sure that it’s a good project and it’s a safe responsible project within our areas.

For forestry we need more value-added timber. We need to work with the logs better and we need to

never been heavily involved in politics before. I haven’t put a lot of thought into what a job or a specific job within the Legislature may or may not look like. I have confidence in John to determine which MLA should be working in which areas. What I do know is that I am passionate about Prince George and the Prince George-Valemount area, and that I will be a dedicated and very committed

look at a more sustainable forestry system.

The forestry system that we’ve had previous was based on the beetle kill and everything else but now we have to look at what’s sustainable so we don’t have these jobs that just come and go and go up and down. They ramped up everything for about 20 years.

They knew, the powers that be, they knew this was going to run out at some time. Forestry workers knew this as well, talking to a lot of people on the doorstep so it’s looking at the sustainable pieces to ensure that we don’t have these ups and downs in our areas.

The relationship between the provincial government and BC’s Indigenous people is evolving. If elected, what approach do you plan to bring to your work with area First Nations, including the Lheidli T’enneh?

Well, being First Nations, the NDP have actually been working in a very good direction already it’s very inclusive they’ve included us in a lot of these major projects.

There has been so much work that’s been done to get us to where we’re at right now and I believe John Rustad and his Conservatives are creating a big divisiveness from the work that’s been happening.

To move forward we need to move forward together with everybody, First Nations, the keepers of the land, communities and government and I believe the Conservatives are using it

MLA and that I will work hard and I will advocate. For issues across the North, but specifically for my riding.

I’m an honest and I’m a candid person and relationships are actually very important to me. So opening up the communication between constituents and their MLAs is also important to me to be available and to listen to the concerns that people have is also

as almost a divisive ploy and it’ll set us back decades in the work that has been done for so many people. Our area’s population is aging. What is your top priority when it comes to addressing the issues facing seniors and why?

There’s a lot of priorities with seniors cost of living is a major one it’s trying to alleviate the costs as much as we can on them and provide the supports they need which is a lot to do with health care.

We’re looking at building this hospital, training the doctors, training the nurses to put this project together. I know we’re working on a lot of different things also you know like I said cost of living, hydro rebates, busing transportation to help seniors in any way we can.

Some MLAs excel in the Legislature while others become known for their constituency work. In a huge riding with this mix of urban and rural communities what kind of MLA do you think you’re going to be?

I think I will try to be a very good listening one and a very good voice in Legislature.

A big piece of the MLA’s job is essentially being the loud microphone to ensure that the constituents voices are being heard within the riding, and the riding is a very big riding - it’s about six hours of driving across - but everybody deserves to be heard and every community has different needs and wants.

So it’s listening, putting that into action and bringing it down south to ensure that the voices are heard from up here and working together, hopefully with a majority government with NDP and having an NDP MLA up here we can get more done.

something that’s important to me. And I would like to rebuild the trust that constituents have with the government, because I think it’s been damaged over the last 5-10 years.

I think there’s an idea out there that the government thinks that we work for them and I want to reverse that and make sure people understand that I work for them, they don’t work for me.

What’s happening in PG

Grants Tradeshow goes Thursday, Oct. 10 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre, 808 Canada Games Way. Non-profits and charities in Prince George and surrounding area are invited to discover local grant opportunities. Meet grant providers and learn how to apply. Network with organizations. Free admission. Drop in event. Coffee and refreshments provided.

Sunny Phono & frens goes Friday, Oct. 11 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 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.

Downtown Fallfest Markets goes Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Prince George Farmers’ Market, Third Ave, & Quebec St., from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hosted by Downtown Prince George the event sees live music and treats from food vendors. This is a family event with fun activities for children from pumpkin decorating to hayrides. Rooty the carrot mascot will be in attendance. There’s also a pancake breakfast at the PG Legion, 101-1116 6th Ave. from 8 to 11 a.m. Adults are $12 and children under 12 are $6.

Prince Albert Raiders at Prince George Cougars goes Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. at CN Centre. Tickets at https://chl.ca/whl-cougars/ Old Time Fiddler’s Dance goes Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Elks Community Hall, 663 Douglas St. Live music performed by members of BC Old Time Fiddlers. Tickets $10 available at the door, includes an ice cream treat. Families welcome; children under 18 free with parent. Some called group dances. Coffee, pop, chips available by donation. For more information email pgfiddlers@ gmail.com.

Megafauna: To the Land of Ghosts: The Nosferatu goes Saturday, Oct. 12 from 8 p.m. to midnight at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. MEGAFAUNA is an experimental artist from Hazelton with a love of horror and this film in

particular. Tickets are $5 in advance at syrupmooserecords@gmail.com or $7 at the door. Popcorn for $2, unique merch, and a door prize.

Thanksgiving Turkey Trot goes Sunday, Oct. 13 at 9:30 a.m. at Caledonia Nordic, 8141 Otway Road. Celebrate Thanksgiving with fresh air, friends and family. Walk or run a loop then enjoy a tasty Thanksgiving treat, take a photo at the booth. Turkey Trot – 5 km walk or run out on Fingers and back on One Flats, Turkey Leg is a short route great for little ones or anyone looking for the shorter route called Teardrop loop. Registration is by donation before the Turkey Trot, suggested donation is $5. This is a fundraiser for the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club race team to support their exchange with Skinouk Ski Club in Gatineau, QC. For more information email cara.granberg@gmail.com

Huble Homestead’s Season-End Celebration goes Sunday, Oct. 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit the historic site for the last weekend of the regular season, and enjoy traditional fun like scarecrow making, crafts, and games. Learn how homesteaders prepared for winter during heritage demonstrations, try the special seasonal lunch menu, and take a browse through the General Store before the park closes for winter. Huble Homestead Historic Site is located 40km north of Prince George, just off Highway 97 on Mitchell Road. For more information call 250-564-7033 or visit www.hublehomestead.ca/.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

Fall Book Sale presented by the Friends of the Prince George Public Library goes Friday, Oct. 18 from 3 to 5 p.m. for members ($5 gets you a membership at the door of the sale) at the Bob Harkins Branch and the sale is open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please note that the sale is cash only. Bring a bag to hold all your new-found treasures.

Craft Fair Bake and Book Sale goes Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elder Citizens Recreation Centre, 1692 10th Ave. There will be several vendors on hand during this event. For more information visit the office at ECRA or call 250-561-9381.

Nightmare Market goes Saturday, Oct. 19 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Studio 2880, 2880-15th Ave. and presented by the

Community Arts Council of Prince George & District. A haunted gallery with ghostly spectres, scary camp fire stories, and a slew of unworldly artisans await you for this year’s bigger and better Nightmare Market. Explore the spooky grounds of Studio 2880 and enjoy this Halloween community event. Vendor registration open. For more information visit  https:// www.studio2880.com/programs/ artisan-markets

Finding My Self in the Shadows book signing goes Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at Books & Co., 1685 3rd Ave. Come say hello to local author Roland Lepitre. With his book Roland shares his ideas about self-love. Folks are often too hard on themselves as the try to keep up with the world. Roland believes that we must take care of ourselves first; when we feel taken care of, we will be able to help others better.

19+ must show 2 pieces of ID at the door. Cash only event. $25 cash at the door or presale tickets are $20 at  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ glaziers-high-road-album-release-party. Scheherazade presented by the Prince George Symphony Orchestra goes Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. at Vanier Hall, 2901 Griffiths Ave. Rimsky-Korsakov’s dramatic musical setting of the 1001 Nights comes to life with visual by Ehsan Mohammadi of Two Rivers Gallery. PGSO 2024 Young Artists’ Concerto Competition Winner Luke Chen joins the PGSO to perform the first movement of Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The PGSO also performs Canadian composer Elizabeth Raum’s Mirror Image in this spectacular season opener. Tickets are at https://tickets.pgso.com/tickets/ scheherazade

Hunniford Gardens Harvest Day Market goes Sunday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bringing together local produce, food, art and craft vendors. There will be a variety of food trucks on site.

Puzzle Fair Fundraiser goes Sunday Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kool Cats Kid Care, 6989 Gladstone Dr. Donate gently used puzzles and get a discount toward the purchase of new-to-you puzzles, plus early shopping or just come shop. Puzzle drop off goes from 10 a.m. to noon. Early shopping for those who donated is 1 to 1:30 p.m. and open to all from 1:30 to 3 p.m. All proceeds go toward the Halloween fireworks. For more information call or text Lisa at 250-612-9531.

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.

Halloween Haunted House – Creepy goes Thursday, Oct. 24 to Sunday, Oct. 27 and Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m. and is a Halloween garage haunt that was a finalist of the Best Canadian Walkthrough in the Canadian Haunter’s Association 2023 Home Haunter’s Award category. Terror on Tofield is a spooky fundraiser for youth groups in Prince George. Geared for those eight and older. Tickets are by donation for Oct. 24 to 27, with Halloween as a no ticket, drop in by donation, event. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.com/cc/ the-terror-on-tofield.

Pumpkin Walk goes Friday, Oct. 25 from 7 to 10 p.m at Northern Lights Estate Winery, 745 Prince George Pulp Mill Rd. Other dates are Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27 from 3:20 to 9 p.m. Explore the glowing pumpkin path. Halloween Fall selfie booth. Snap fun photos around the winery. There is a goat petting area. Frankenweenie hot dog bar, debit/credit only and a concession. Friday live music from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun. carnival games and kids craft stations. Tickets online only in advance. Adults are $9 each, two and under free. For tickets visit www.northernlightswinery.ca/ pumpkin-walk.

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. 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

Celeigh Cardinal headlines a night of music for the fall

CITIZEN STAFF

The Prince George Folkfest Society’s fall event, Dak’et, Shun Inli 2024, translates to “Music in the Fall” in the Dakelh language.

In collaboration with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, this event will celebrate arts and culture on Lheidli T’enneh territory with an evening of exceptional live music.

Scheduled for Oct. 26, the concert will feature JUNO Award-winning artist Celeigh Cardinal and Edmonton-based supergroup AV & The Inner City. The evening promises an mix of soul, roots and blues, showcasing artists who are redefining musical boundaries, the society states.

Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show commencing at 7:30 p.m. at the Knox Performance Centre (1448 5th Ave.) in downtown Prince George.

Tickets, priced at $35 plus taxes and

fees, are available for purchase online at www.coldsnapfestival.com.

AV & the Inner City, known for their soulful roots sound, formed during the pandemic and the opioid crisis in Edmonton.

They recently released their debut single, Low and Lowly, followed by Music Always in May 2024.

Cardinal, recognized for her engaging stage presence and emotional depth, was awarded the 2020 JUNO Award for Indigenous Artist of the Year.

She has also received numerous nominations from the CBC Music Awards, Western Canadian Music Awards, and Edmonton Music Awards.

This concert serves as a precursor to the upcoming Coldsnap Winter Music Festival, scheduled for Feb. 5 to 9.

Attendees can expect to hear some details about Coldsnap during Dak’et, Shun Inli.

Alex Cuba to perform Nov. 9 at UNBC’s Thirsty Moose

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is set to host a free concert featuring musician Alex Cuba on Nov. 9 at 8 p.m.

The intimate performance will take place at the NUSC Event Space/Thirsty Moose.

Organized by the President’s Office, this event provides a unique opportunity for attendees to enjoy Cuba’s award-winning fusion of Latin rhythms, pop, and soul in a personal setting.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr.

Alex Cuba back to UNBC,” said UNBC president Geoff Payne. “His music reflects the diversity and connection that our community embodies. This concert will not only showcase his incredible talent but also highlight the importance of shared experiences in fostering community spirit.”

Cuba, a multi-award-winning artist,

is celebrated for his distinctive sound that intertwines his Cuban heritage with modern influences. This performance marks his first visit to the Prince George campus since he received an honorary doctor of laws degree from UNBC earlier this year.

Cuba is currently touring Spain, and returns for a series of dates in the U.S. before his Prince George show.

“I’m honoured to return to UNBC, a place that holds a special place in my heart,” said Cuba, who lives in Smithers with his family.

“Music has a unique power to bring

people together, and I look forward to sharing that connection with the UNBC community during this intimate performance.”

Tickets for the concert will be available for free starting at 10 a.m. on Oct. 10. Due to limited availability, the university recommend fans secure their tickets promptly to avoid missing out.

For more details and to reserve tickets when they become available, please visit www.unbc.ca/our-stories/ story/office-president-host-free-alex-cuba-concert.

INDIGENOUS MUSIC.CA/FACEBOOK

Celeigh Cardinal performs in Prince George on Saturday, Oct. 26.

CITIZEN STAFF

Prenatal hand expression: A chat with Dr. Strydom

LISE LUPPENS Northern Health

Meet Dr. Jacobus Strydom, a family doctor in Terrace, BC, with a passion for maternity care. I recently talked with him about a technique called prenatal hand expression.

Strydom learned about this from another doctor, Dr. Prollius, an obstetrician-gynecologist who spent some time in Terrace.

Now he talks about it with his clients at their 32-week prenatal visits and checks in about it again at later visits.

He tells his clients about the More Milk Sooner website, which provides helpful info and videos.

Usually, clients with low-risk pregnancies can start hand expression at around 36 weeks. The key thing is for clients to practice this skill, even if they can’t collect any of the first milk (colostrum).

Why is prenatal hand expression helpful?

For many, it can make breastfeeding easier. But that’s not all. The breast and nipple stimulation resulting from hand expression releases a hormone called oxytocin, which might help reduce the need to induce labour in some cases. This is especially helpful for pregnant clients with certain risk factors, such as:

• Over 35 years old

• Diabetes or gestational diabetes

• High blood pressure

That said, it’s not for everyone. There are some situations when expressing milk in pregnancy is not advised. Providers and clients should discuss this option together.

What do clients and colleagues think?

It’s not just Strydom who’s on board with prenatal hand expression. Local midwives, obstetricians, and other colleagues at the Terrace prenatal clinic also recommend it (as do physicians in Prince George, such as Dr. Christine Brenckmann).

In fact, Perinatal Services BC advises that care providers should “discuss

antenatal hand expression routinely” in the third trimester (see Lactation and newborn feeding support – third trimester).

Strydom says that clients have shared positive feedback, noting that it has helped to get breastfeeding off to a good start.

Nurses who help during birth, and afterwards, have also shared how helpful this practice is. Clients who’ve already learned hand expression need less coaching on breastfeeding after

often see clients later in pregnancy, they could share this information earlier.

That way, expectant parents would hear about it a few times, and they might be more likely to practice hand expression before the end of their pregnancies.

birth, which is a great help in a busy time.

Strydom told me about one pregnant mom who brought five tiny syringes of frozen colostrum to the hospital. She felt comfort in having it on hand just in case her baby needed it after birth.

What’s next?

Strydom wants more people to know about prenatal hand expression, and he’d like to share this info with more family doctors. Even though they don’t

Strydom is also thinking about sharing this information in clinic and hospital spaces by way of posters, handouts, and colostrum collection kits like the one shown above.

He’s interested to know how many pregnant clients are practicing prenatal hand expression, and what they think of it.

“We know that it makes a difference, yet at the moment we don’t have an easy way to measure the impact,” he says. “This could be a potential quality improvement project.”

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO

Dr. Jacobus Strydom regularly speaks with his pregnant clients about prenatal hand expression. He wants more people to know about this practice.

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO

A colostrum collection kit with tiny 1 mL syringes. However, the key thing is for clients to practice hand expression, even if they don’t collect any colostrum.

Healthy North

NH Careers

Are you a dedicated medical professional looking for a rewarding career? Join the Northern Health team!

A career with Northern Health means access to continuous learning, development opportunities, and work-life balance in affordable communities.

We’re hiring emergency nurses, LPNs, Pharmacy Techs, and more! Right now, most professionals can take home a $30,000 recruitment incentive!

Join us in providing exceptional care and making Northern BC a healthier place for all. View opportunities at Jobs.northernhealth.ca.

Throwback Thursday: Week of October 10

Oct. 9, 1959: Dated language alert: Part of the women’s program at the big forestry convention in Prince George was a sherry party held at the Civic Centre. Shown, from left to right, are Mrs. Harold Lynum of Terrace, Mrs. L.A. DeGrace of Prince George, Mrs. A.B. MacBean, wife of the chief forester for MacMillan-Bloedel, Mrs. Neil Wylie and Mrs. Ralph Robbins, both of Prince George. Back then, women were identified by their husband’s name. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Oct. 10, 2007: A deer visits with people at Cottonwood Island. The deer was not afraid of humans, dogs or anything in the park. It was later spotted swimming across the Nechako River to the other side. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY BRENT

Oct. 12, 1971: Firefighter Don McNeil takes an incoming alarm call and chalks its location. This photo was one of several included in a full-page feature about the local fire service. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY RICK HULL

Oct. 8, 1988: Bev Smith dishes up some vegetables for Edgewood Elementary students during the annual Thanksgiving dinner prepared and served by the students’ parents. During the lunchtime meal, the students gobbled up more than 60 pounds of turkey plus all the trimmings and, in thanks, performed a skit for their parents. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVE MILNE

BRAATEN

Local Sports

Riley Heidt named captain of Prince George Cougars

CITIZEN STAFF

Riley Heidt is the new captain of the Prince George Cougars.

The forward, a Minnesota Wild prospect, is the 30th captain in franchise history.

“First off, it’s an honour,” he said in a press release from the team issued Wednesday, Oct. 2. “I just want to thank my teammates and the staff for believing in me. I’ve been here for four years and now my fifth year and learned what it has meant to be a Cougar and wear this jersey. We have been making steps in the right direction and where we want to go every day. I am super grateful, and this is something I don’t take lightly.”

Celebrate

National Forest Week

He made his debut with the ‘C’ on his jersey Wednesday, Oct. 2 in Kelowna against the Rockets.

Heidt has skated in 221 games in his WHL career, with 280 points in that span (85-195-280). Those 280 points and 195 assists are a Cougars franchise record.

Alternate captains are Bauer Dumanski, Borya Valis and Carlin Dezainde.

Other Cougars are part of the leadership group but won’t wear a letter. These include Viliam Kmec, Terik Parascak and Josh Ravensbergen.

Previous team captains include:

• Hudson Thornton (23-24)

• Ethan Samson (22-23)

• Jonny Hooker (21-22)

• Jack Sander (20-21)

• Josh Maser (19-20)

• Josh Curtis (18-19)

• Dennis Cholowski (17-18)

• Sam Ruopp (14-17)

• Troy Bourke (13-14)

• Dan Gibb and Brock Hirsche (12-13)

• Brett Connolly (10-11)

• Garrett Thiessen (09-10)

• Art Bidlevski (09-10)

• Cameron Cepek and Dana Tyrell (08-09)

• Greg Gardner (07-08)

• Eric Hunter (06-07)

• Myles Zimmer (04-06)

• Chris Falloon (03-04)

• Blake Robson (02-03)

• Dan Hamhuis (01-02)

• Justin Cox (00-01)

• Tyler Bouck (98-00)

• Andrew Luciuk (97-98)

• Brad Mehalko (96-97)

• Geoff Lynch (95-96)

• Clayton Catellier and Rob Butz (94-95)

The team is coming off three straight against the Winterhawks, with a game in Portland on Saturday, Oct. 4 before two games at home on Tuesday, Oct. 8 and Wednesday, Oct. 9.

The Cougars stay home for a game Saturday, Oct. 12 against the Prince Albert Raiders before heading out on the road on Monday, Oct. 14 to play the Calgary Hitmen.

The road swing continues with games in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, Oct. 16 and in Lethbridge on Friday, Oct. 18.

The team then has six days off before two games at home against Victoria on Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26.

NATIONAL FOREST WEEK 2024 “WALK IN THE WOODS TOURS” CARIBOO SECTION SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Richart Cran JD Little Forest Centre

Kevin Smith Treasure Cove Casino

Karen Robinson & Bus Drivers Diversified BC Operations

Staff of JD’s Kitchen and Catering

Aaron Baumbach Prince George Citizen

Tracy Henderson & staff FM 99.3 Rewind radio

Caden Fanshaw CKPGToday

Dennis Chapman Minut Media

Barry Wong UNBC Copy Services

Michael Hall Forest Professionals BC

Peter Forsythe, R.P.F.(retired) Huckleberry Forestry, Tour Guide Coordinator

Anna Monetta, R.P.F. (retired) Event Coordinator

Volunteer Guides

John Mainville- Aleza Lake Research Forest • Al Wiensczyk-Trout Cr. Collaborative Solutions

Lauren Phillips-OVERhang climbing gym • Brittany Coulter-BC Government

Rick Weisgerber-BC Government, retired • Nick Dormaar-Meraki Resources

Melissa Mjolsness-CNC Research Forest • Shudao Ni-College of New Caledonia

Ed Morrice-R.P.F. (ret.) CNC • Heather Cullen-BC Government, retired

Michael Schulz-Edgewater/Environmental mats • Andrea Erwin-College of New Caledonia

Cory Redden-Dunkley Lumber • Rebecca Bowler-BC Government

Frank Caffrey-BC Government • Jada Gratton-Erafor Forestry • Adam Lloyd-BC Government

Stephanie Sundquist-BC Government • Kessie Konwicki-BC Government

April Bilawchuk-BC Government • Nichola Gilbert-BC Government

Tyler Percy-BC Government • Ashley Sutherland-University of Northern BC

Andy Upson-BC Government • Kevin Charlston-Canfor •Alena Charlston-BC Government

Shannon Carson-BC Government, retired

PRINCE GEORGE COUGARS PHOTO

Riley Heidt, second from left, has been named the new captain of the Prince George Cougars. Alternate captains are Carlin Dizainde (left), Borya Valis (second from right) and Bauer Dumanski (right).

Spike it! Senior high school boys challenge for volleyball supremacy

Teams from across the area compete at two local schools

Prince George Secondary School and Cedars Christian School hosted the senior boys’ volleyball tournament last weekend, with games beginning Friday and continuing Saturday.

• Pool A included D.P. Todd Secondary School, College Heights Secondary School, D.P. Todd Red and Prince George Secondary School Blue.

• Pool B was Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary School, North Peace Secondary School, Cedars Jr. and Ebenezer Canadian Reformed School.

• Pool C had Cedars, Correlliu Secondary School, Chetwynd Secondary School and D.P. Todd.

CITIZEN PHOTOS

BY CHUCK NISBETT

LEFT: Cedars Christian School Eagle Ben Claus leaps up to block a spike by Andreas Schneider of the NPSS Grizzlies in their game Friday night in the senior boys volleyball tournament held at PGSS.

ABOVE: CHSS Cougar Angus MacFarlane attempts to block a spike by D.P. Todd Trojan Zac Kynoch.

BELOW: CHSS Cougar Brendan Charlston hits one past D.P. Todd Trojan Christian Lindsay.

ABOVE LEFT: D.P. Todd’s Gilbert Kawessi slams a spike off the blocks of CHSS Cougars Christian Lucarelli and Mitchell Costley.

ABOVE RIGHT: Andreas Schneider of the NPSS Grizzlies fires a ball into the blocks Ben Claus and Mali Norton of the Cedars Christian School Eagles.

BELOW LEFT: PGSS Polar Owen White spikes through the blocks of DPSS Condors Joel and Patrick Strasdin.

RIGHT: PGSS striker Hunter Anderson swings into a spike against DPSS.

Timberwolves vs Thunderbirds, two nights in a row

The UNBC men come home from Vancouver after losing twice to the division leaders

UNBC ATHLETICS

The UNBC Timberwolves dropped a 3-0 decision to the UBC Thunderbirds Saturday night in Vancouver, one night after a 1-0 loss on the same pitch. After a scoreless first half Saturday, the ‘Birds rattled off three goals in the second-half courtesy of Henri Godbout, Jost Hausendorf and Patrick Braun. UNBC goalkeeper Logan Pierce ended the match with six saves, further extending his conference lead in that category.

Two changes were made to Steve Simonson’s starting 11 as Trevor Scott and Charlie Stewart drew in for Mehdi Bounaaja and Koss Nystedt. Scott returned to the TWolves lineup after serving a one-game suspension for too many yellow cards, which is the precise reason why Koss Nystedt was unable to dress for UNBC on Saturday.

At 24 hours removed from one of their best defensive efforts of the season, Steve Simonson’s club started out strongly once again on Saturday, keeping the division leaders to just a single shot on target through the opening 19 minutes.

The collective defensive effort of the Timberwolves forced a lot of indecision from UBC and a major catalyst for that indecision came courtesy of Hagon Kim. The defensive stalwart for UNBC would eventually be named Mr. Mike’s Player of the Game for his defensive efforts on Saturday.

In the 23rd minute, Logan Pierce made his first “wow” save of the night when he dove skyward to his left to deflect a Joven Mann shot away from harm.

Mann had another promising look in the 40th minute from outside the box which forced Pierce to extend upward to keep the ball out.

The best chance for UNBC came two minutes later Bennett McKay punched a Conner Lewis cross directly forward where Colin Stauffer was waiting outside the penalty area. Stauffer let a bomb go with his right foot, but it sailed

‘just’ over the bar.

At half the score was deadlocked at nil-nil with UBC holding a 3-0 edge in shots on target. It marked the third solid half of soccer in a row for the TWolves who had every right to feel encouraged and galvanized with how the first half had unfolded.

Simonson paid his team the ultimate compliment to start the second half as he elected not to make a single substitution at the halfway point. The only substitution in the first half saw Mehdi Bounaaja enter the game in place of Charlie Stewart in the 14th minute.

The biggest threat for UNBC continued to be Mann who made a superb deflection with his right leg off a cross from the left-wing that ‘just’ narrowly missed the inside of the post to Pierce’s left.

In the 61st minute, UBC’s offensive

fortunes changed when Connor Mrazek’s cross from the left-wing took an unfortunate bounce off a UNBC defender and right to the waiting Henri Godbout who headed the ball home from in close – staking the home side to a 1-0 lead.

The TWolves were undeterred. In the 64th minute they forced a pair corner kicks in fast succession, but unfortunately no equalizer occurred.

A tough break for UNBC in the 69th minute as defender Adam Korduner, who had been such a steadying presence for UNBC throughout the weekend was assessed a red card for a slide tackle that occurred near the sideline. It meant for that for the second time in as many games that the TWolves would be forced to play a man down.

Jost Hausendorf followed quickly with an insurance marker for UBC in the 73rd

minute when he found the ball amidst traffic in the penalty area, spun to his left and wired a shot to the left of Pierce.

First-year Thunderbird Patrick Braun subbed into the match in the 82nd minute, and then snagged his first Canada West goal two minutes later in transition, which pushed UBC’s lead to 3-0.

Isaac Tate and Trevor Scott both had late chances in stoppage time, but Bennett McKay did well to stop Tate’s attempt before Scott rifled the rebound over the bar.

Friday night in Vancouver, the UNBC Timberwolves put forth one of their defensive efforts of the season to date in a nail-biting 1-0 loss to the division-leading UBC Thunderbirds. The lone goal of the night came in the 16th minute from UBC’s Oliver Hebert while goalkeeper Bennett McKay earned the clean sheet. Logan Pierce was solid in goal for UNBC.

JACOB MALLARI/UBC THUNDERBIRDS

Defender Hagon Kim (left) of the UNBC Timberwolves evades UBC Thunderbirds midfielder Joven Mann on Friday, Oct. 4 at Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver. The teams had a rematch Saturday night, also in Vancouver.

Life Events

June 7, 1939 - October 6, 2022

A daughter, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend to many.

Loved and missed greatly by her family. We try to live as she would have wished but her absence leaves a great gap in our lives.

It is with great sadness that the family of Phillip E. Teskey announce that he tragically passed away on September 1, 2024.

Phillip was very loved by his family; wife, Roberta; son, Devin; brothers Kenneth and Morris; sisters Rose (Rick) and Barbara (John) and numerous other family members and friends.

He was predeceased by parents Ernest and Myrtle Teskey and brother Ernest.

Phillip grew up in Nukko Lake and was an avid outdoors person. While he worked for many years at PG Sawmill, he always had many projects on the go, including carpentry and farming. He will be greatly missed by everyone.

A memorial will be held at a later date.

Shirley Briggs (Barford)

Shirley Briggs born in Peterborough England July 21 1930 passed away peacefully Sept 15, 2024 at 94 years old in Victoria BC.

She is survived by her children Sarah, Holly (Lu Verticchio) Geoff (Margot) and 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Shirley will be remembered by her family for her kindness, humour, strong faith, her dislike of waste and the best butter tarts ever.

Condolences can may be offered at www.sandsvictoria.ca

It is with heavy hearts and much sadness that we announce the sudden, peaceful passing of our Mom and Nona, with her family by her side, on September 16th, 2024 at the age of 93.

Mom was born in Slovenia and leaves behind 4 children; Alexandra (Michael), Ida (Dan), Mario (Nicole) and Mira; 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Her funeral mass was held at Immaculate Conception Church in Prince George, on September 27, 2024. We would like to express our thanks for the kindness and support we received during this time. Mom, you will be greatly missed.

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

Darlene Gauthier

January 9, 1949 to October 7, 2023

One year and I am still waiting for a knock on my door and hear you call my name to see if I am a wake. I miss you my dear dear Sister. The saying goes you never know what you have until it is gone and now I know how much you meant to me.

I know you knew that I loved you and you loved me but I wish I could have told you more often how I felt. I hope when it is my turn you are there waiting for me.

Miss you and I will love you forever

Your baby Sister Candee

Phillip E. Teskey

Sharon Joan Dezell

Maria Matilda Federucci

Daniel Thomas Camps

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel Thomas Camps on September 27, 2024.

Danny was in his home, surrounded by his family and in the loving arms of his wife when he passed. He had been bravely battling cancer for several years and was proud to be affectionately referred to as “A tough old bugger” by all who were involved in his care.

Born January 25, 1944, in Didsbury Alberta to Tom and Hazel Camps. Dan gave us 80 years of love, laughter and amazing memories. He was a very loving patriarch to his family and all the extra ”family” he adopted along the way.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Beth, brother Steve (Ann) Camps, all his ‘fave’ daughters, Tina (Richard) Dunsmore, Tammy (Darryl) Penner, Kathy (Mike) Wingfield, Dana (Keenan) Millner, 13 grandchildren and 23 (and counting) great grandchildren, as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

Danny was a one of a kind. This unique man will be remembered for his quick smile that lit up his eyes and entire face, hearty laugh, under the chin tickles, tickle hugs, and unwavering love for his family. We know he was welcomed with open arms and smiles by all the people who passed before him.

Cheers to you, Dan, Danny, dad, daddy, brother, uncle, grampa, papa, lil papa. Always on our minds and forever in our hearts.

No service at his request.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to either the Prince George Home Hospice program (pghpcs.ca) or the BC Cancer Centre for the

Memorial Celebration

Join us as we celebrate the life of Gale Russell Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 2pm at the Coast Inn of the North

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.

A memorial will be announced at a later date.

frontdesk@pgcitizen.ca or call 250.562.2441

or call

Gale Ernest Russell

Glen Edward Hill

I

3

BIRCH Firewood in 20 foot lengths. Delivered by dumptruck load. $1100. or bucked to length $1300 per load delivered 250- 614-6667

shale,

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.

HAY FOR SALE

Public Notice: Forest Operations Map Review and Invitation for Comment.

Public Notice: Forest Operations Map Review and Invitation for Comment.

In accordance with the Forest Range and Practices Act, OBO Forest Management GP LTD. and Spectrum Resource Group invites the public to review its Forest Operations Maps (FOM ID: 1722) in the Mackenzie Natural Resource District. The FOM describes areas proposed for Cutting Permit and Road Permit development within the next three years starting on September 15th, 2024, and ending on September 14th, 2027. We welcome your comments and feedback during the review period starting August 15th, 2024. Please submit your comments by September 14th, 2024.

In accordance with the Forest Range and Practices Act, Tse’ khene Timber Ltd. and Spectrum Resource Group invite the public to review its Forest Operations Maps (FOM ID: 1789) in the Mackenzie Natural Resource District. The FOM describes areas proposed for Cutting Permit and Road Permit development within the next three years starting on November 10th, 2024, and ending on November 9th, 2027. We welcome your comments and feedback during the review period starting October 10th, 2024. Please submit your comments by November 9th, 2024.

The map is accessible for review and comment submission online at: https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects#publicNotices

The map is accessible for review and comment submission online at: https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects#publicNotices

Alternatively, in-person review and comments can be scheduled and completed at the following location during regular office hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM): 1960 Robertson Road, Prince George, BC, V2N1X6

Alternatively, in-person review and comments can be scheduled and completed at the following location during regular office hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM):

1960 Robertson Road, Prince George, BC, V2N1X6

Comments may also be submitted by mail to the above address or submitted via phone or email at: 1-250-564-0383; etorres@srg.ca

Comments may also be submitted by mail to the above address or submitted via phone or email at: 1-250-564-0383; etorres@srg.ca

Tse’ khene Timber Ltd

Notice is hereby given, under section 6 (1) of the Tree Farm Licence Management Plan Regulation, that Canadian Forest Products Ltd. (Canfor) is seeking public review and comment on the Draft Timber Supply Analysis and Management Plan (MP 11) for Tree Farm Licence 30 (TFL 30). MP 11 is being prepared to meet the requirements of the Tree Farm Licence Management Plan Regulation. This regulation includes content requirements, submission timing and public review requirements for TFL Management Plans.

TFL 30 is located just northeast of Prince George in the Prince George Forest District. The TFL stretches from its western boundary near Summit Lake on Highway 97, eastward across the western foothills of the Rocky Mountains to slightly northeast of Sinclar Mills. The total land base for TFL 30 is 180,347 hectares, with a productive forest land base of 154,983 hectares or about 86% of the total area. Forests in the area consist of spruce, balsam, lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, cedar, hemlock, and deciduous species.

We are seeking input on the MP11 and Analysis Report which identifies the Base Case scenario and several sensitivities which will be used to inform the Chief Forester and enable them to make a new Allowable Annual Cut Determination. This document will be available for review and comment from 9 am to 4 pm from September 4 to November 8, 2024, at the Canfor office, located at 5162 Northwood Pulp Mill Road, Prince George. Alternatively, it is also available for viewing on Canfor’s website at https://www. canfor.com/responsibility/forest-management/plans (located under ‘Forest Stewardship Plans’ – ‘Prince George’).

For further information, please contact: Terry Lazaruk, RPF Strategic Planning Coordinator, Canadian Forest Products Ltd. PO Box 9000, Prince George, BC V2L 4W2 Terry.Lazaruk@canfor.com

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

• Gather seeds from your spent plantings; collect all dead and dying foliage.

• Compost any plant waste that is not diseased. If burning is permitted in your community, this will be an effective way to dispose of diseased plants.

• The autumn leaf fall can suffocate a lawn (especially any newly-established ones) if not often raked up.

• Planting cover crops, or spreading mulch over bare soil, can help prevent soil erosion over the winter. - Brenda Weaver

Sources: www.thespruce.com, wayne.ces.ncsu.edu

Make a winter training schedule for your pet

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My German Shepherd, “Dante,” is smart but stubborn, and constant training is essential. But I wanted to share a method I use to make sure I keep up with his basic obedience training and work on advanced skills year-round.

Every three to four months, I sit down with a new notebook and make a training journal for Dante. It helps me organize my thoughts around how to best train him in the late fall and winter, when going outside every day isn’t always possible, or the weather is so unpleasant that Dante won’t listen to my commands.

I write down the training goals I want to accomplish during this period. I note any behavioral or training issues that Dante has had up to now. Shepherds, like many big dogs and herders, have a lot of energy and need at least an hour per day of exercise, so I figure out the best times to do that. There are also a lot of holidays during this period, and the journal gives me a place to figure out in advance how I will handle travel, training, parties and other schedule challenges.

I hope my method will help other readers who are trying to maintain their dog’s obedience skills while having a busy life.

-- Cheryl K. in Eau Claire, Wisconsin

DEAR Cheryl: That’s fantastic advice! Thank you for sharing your journaling method. It sounds like it provides a space to write down much more information than jotting notes on a wall calendar.

Creating a training schedule and journal also is a big help in monitoring how well your dog is progressing with their training, and noting areas where improvements can be made.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19)

Your bold approach to a difficult situation turns a doubter into a supporter. Be aware, though, that you still need to dig for facts to build an even stronger case.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)

Distractions continue to nibble at your available time. Turn them off and concentrate on setting your sights on your goal. Progress might be slow, but it is steady.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) An opportunity opens up in a new field. You might not feel that it’s for you, but check it out anyway. You could be surprised; you might be able to adjust to its requirements.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A new work environment presents some difficult choices. Best advice: Be ready to defend your decisions while still keeping your mind open to suggested alternatives.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Don’t let your Leonine pride continue to jeopardize a cherished relationship. You’ve already taken too long to make that apology. Do it now before it’s too late.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22)

A friend needs assistance but fears that you might want to know more than they are prepared to reveal. Provide help without probing into the situation.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)

You face an important personal decision that could affect a family member. Have a full, frank, no-holds-barred discussion with them before you act.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Take some time out to think over the choices that have suddenly emerged in your life. Don’t be rushed into making a decision until all the facts are known.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Someone might be trying to gain your trust for their own advantage. Be wary: A seemingly friendly smile might be an exercise in teeth-baring.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A situation that emerged earlier can no longer be ignored. You

need to deal with it now so that it won’t interfere with more important considerations.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A job situation presents some problems. Deal with them one by one, and they’ll soon vanish. Meanwhile, in your personal life, a Libra would like to know your intentions.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Let your partner know how you feel about your stalled relationship. A delay will result in your swimming around in circles and going nowhere.

Thanksgiving, a time for gratitude

Thanksgiving, celebrated on the second Monday of October, is a time for Canadians to gather with family and friends to give thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the past year. This holiday has a rich history, including the fascinating story of Martin Frobisher, and is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the many things we have to be grateful for.

The Frobisher Story The origins of Canadian Thanksgiving can be traced back to 1578, when English explorer Martin Frobisher held a ceremony in what is now Newfoundland and Labrador. Frobisher was on a mission to find the Northwest Passage, a sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. After enduring a treacherous journey filled with icebergs and storms, Frobisher and his crew held a formal ceremony to give thanks for their safe arrival in the New World. This event is considered one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in North America,

dream door starts here

predating the more widely known American Thanksgiving by several decades.

A Time for Gratitude

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. Here are a few things Canadians might be especially grateful for:

Natural Beauty: Canada is renowned for its stunning landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic coastline. The changing colors of the fall foliage provide a breathtaking backdrop for Thanksgiving celebrations.

Diverse Culture: Canada is a mosaic of cultures, with people from all over the world calling it home. This diversity enriches Canadian society and is a source of pride and gratitude.

Healthcare System: Canadians are fortunate to have access to a publicly funded healthcare system, ensuring that everyone can receive medical care when they need it.

Peace and Safety: Canada is known for

its peaceful society and low crime rates, making it a safe place to live and raise a family.

Community and Family: Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and strengthen the bonds of family and community. It’s a chance to reconnect, share stories, and create lasting memories.

Abundant Harvest: The fall harvest brings a bounty of fresh produce, from pumpkins and squash to apples and cranberries. This abundance is a reminder of the hard work of farmers and the blessings of the land. Thanksgiving traditions often include a festive meal with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and all the trimmings. Many families also enjoy pumpkin pie and other seasonal desserts. Beyond the feast, some Canadians participate in outdoor activities like hiking or playing football, taking advantage of the crisp autumn weather.

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate

the harvest, reflect on the past year, and express gratitude for the many blessings in our lives. Whether through the historical lens of Martin Frobisher’s journey or the simple joys of family and community, this holiday reminds us to appreciate the beauty and abundance that surrounds us.

Back-up home heating

An alternative heat source is a worthwhile investment. To help you choose the best one for your home, here’s a look at your main options.

Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces; While a wood-burning stove is a more effective heater than a fireplace, both these options create a cozy atmosphere with their crackling flames and smoky aroma. Keep in mind, however, that you need sufficient space to store the wood, and the fire must be periodically stoked. Electric fireplaces; These appliances are simple to install and safer to use than fuel-burning devices. Electric fireplaces are particularly useful for heating small rooms. Alternatively, they can operate without emitting heat so you can enjoy the ambiance of a fire year-round.

Wood pellet stoves; This energy-efficient device can run for up to 20 hours before it needs to be restocked. Plus, the pellets are sold in bags and much easier to store than wood logs. Keep in mind, however, that all models require regular maintenance, and some can be noisy.

Oil-filled space heaters; Even after they stop drawing power, these heat-

ers continue to radiate heat for quite some time, which helps make them energy efficient. However, they’re not recommended for families with small children because their exterior gets very hot.

Portable electric heaters; This is the safest type of backup heater and the easiest to use as it only needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet. They can be easily moved around the house to supplement your central heating system.

Once you find a backup heater that meets your needs, make sure it’s installed correctly and used according to the manufacturer’s directions to prevent a fire.

Pet care: autumn safety

Autumn is a beautiful time of year, but as the weather changes, so do the potential risks to your pets. As a responsible pet owner, prioritizing your furry friend’s safety and wellbeing is essential. Here are some tips to keep your pet safe this fall: Watch out for toxic plants; Plants like mums and decorative corn are common in the fall but can be toxic to your pet if they eat them. To keep your pet safe, keep these plants out of reach or avoid them altogether. Contact your veterinarian imme diately if you suspect your pet has eaten a toxic plant. Beware of chemicals; As rodents seek shelter from the cold, the use of rodenticides increases in the fall. Unfortunately, these substances can also be toxic to pets. Additionally, antifreeze, frequently used in the fall, is deadly to pets. Clean up any spills immediately and store these items securely. Stay safe outdoors; As the days get shorter and your walks get darker, ensure your pet is visible outdoors. You can invest in reflective gear, such as collars or leashes, to help drivers and hunters see your pet from a distance. Stay away from halloween candy Halloween candy can be tempting for pets, but it can also be toxic. Chocolate,

in partic ular, can harm your pet and cause serious health issues. Keep candy and other treats safely stored away from curious noses, and dispose of any wrappers or other debris that could be ingested.

Stay up to date on vaccinations Fall brings increased exposure to wild animals, which can increase the risk of disease transmission. Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are current to protect against potential diseases. You should also consider flea and tick prevention, as these pests can be more active during the autumn season.

Pankaj

MacInnes

Advantages of smart thermostats Smart home? What’s that?

Smart thermostats offer numerous benefits that can enhance your home’s comfort, efficiency, and convenience. Here are some key advantages:

Energy Efficiency; Smart thermostats can significantly reduce energy consumption by learning your schedule and adjusting the temperature accordingly. They can detect when you’re home or away and make automatic adjustments to save energy, which can lead to lower utility bills.

Remote control; With a smart thermostat, you can control your home’s temperature from anywhere using a smartphone app. This means you can adjust the heating or cooling before you arrive home, ensuring a comfortable environment as soon as you walk in the door.

Learning capabilities; Many smart thermostats have learning algorithms that adapt to your preferences over time. They can learn your daily routines and temperature preferences, making automatic adjustments to optimize comfort and efficiency without manual input.

Integration with smart home systems; Smart thermostats can integrate with other smart home devices, such as voice assistants, smart lights, and security systems. This integration allows for seamless control of your home

environment through a single platform. Energy usage reports; These devices often provide detailed reports on your energy usage, helping you understand your consumption patterns and identify opportunities for further savings. This transparency can encourage more energyefficient habits.

Environmental Impact; By optimizing energy use, smart thermostats contribute to reducing your carbon footprint. Lower energy consumption means less demand on power plants, which can help decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

Enhanced comfort; Smart thermostats ensure that your home is always at the optimal temperature, enhancing your overall comfort. They can also maintain consistent temperatures more effectively than traditional thermostats, reducing hot and cold spots in your home.

What Exactly is a Smart Home?

A smart home is a residence equipped with a network of interconnected devices that can be controlled remotely and often autonomously. These devices, commonly referred to as smart devices, include everything from lighting and heating systems to security cameras and kitchen appliances. The primary goal of a smart home is to enhance convenience, efficiency, and security for its occupants.

Key features of a smart home automation; Smart homes can automate routine tasks. For example, lights can turn on and off based on your schedule, thermostats can adjust temperatures automatically, and security systems can arm or disarm themselves when you leave or return home.

Remote control: Using a smartphone or tablet, you can control smart home devices from anywhere in the world. This means you can adjust your home’s temperature, monitor security cameras, or even start your coffee maker while you’re still in bed.

Integration: Smart home devices often integrate with each other and with broader smart home ecosystems. This integration allows for seamless control

and coordination of multiple devices through a single interface.

Energy efficiency: Smart homes can help reduce energy consumption by optimizing the use of heating, cooling, and lighting systems. For instance, smart thermostats learn your habits and adjust settings to save energy without sacrificing comfort.

Enhanced security: Smart security systems provide real-time alerts and remote monitoring capabilities. You can receive notifications if a door is opened or if motion is detected, and you can view live footage from security cameras on your mobile device.

In summary, a smart home leverages advanced technology to create a more convenient, efficient, and secure living environment, making everyday life easier and more enjoyable.

Preparing your bathroom for painting: a step-by-step guide

Painting your bathroom can be a rewarding DIY project that refreshes the space and adds a personal touch. However, due to the unique environment of a bathroom, proper preparation is crucial to ensure a longlasting and professional finish. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare your bathroom for painting, along with recommendations for the best types of paint to use.

Clear the area; Start by removing all items from the bathroom. This includes shower curtains, towels, rugs, and any decorative items. If possible, take down mirrors, light fixtures, and any other hardware that might get in the way. Cover any remaining fixtures with plastic sheeting and use painter’s tape to protect edges.

Clean the surfaces; Bathrooms are prone to mold, mildew, and soap scum, which can affect paint adhesion. Clean the walls thoroughly with a mixture of water and mild detergent. For areas with mold or mildew, use a solution of one part bleach to three parts water. Rinse well and allow the surfaces to dry completely.

Repair and sand; Inspect the walls for any cracks, holes, or imperfections. Use a spackling compound to fill in any gaps and sand the area smooth once it’s dry. Sanding the entire wall lightly

will also help the new paint adhere better. Be sure to wipe down the walls with a damp cloth to remove any dust from sanding.

Prime the walls; Priming is especially important in a bathroom due to the high moisture levels. Use a high-quality, mold-resistant primer to seal the walls and provide a good base for the paint. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Choose the right paint; Selecting the right paint for your bathroom is crucial. Here are some of the best options:

Moisture-Resistant Paint: Look for paints specifically designed for highhumidity environments. These paints offer excellent mildew resistance and a durable finish.

All-in-One Paint and Primer: These paints combine primer and paint in one, making the process more convenient while still providing good coverage and durability.

Anti-Microbial Paint: These paints are highly durable and resistant

to moisture, making them ideal for bathrooms. They also have properties to prevent mold and mildew growth. Washable Paint: This type of paint is perfect for bathrooms as it offers a washable, long-lasting finish that can withstand frequent cleaning.

Paint the bathroom

Once the primer is dry, you can start painting. Use a high-quality brush for cutting in around edges and a roller for larger areas. Apply the paint in thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. This will ensure a smooth and durable finish.

Final touches; After the paint has dried, remove the painter’s tape and reattach any hardware or fixtures you removed. Clean up any drips or splatters, and replace your bathroom items. Enjoy your freshly painted bathroom!

By following these steps and using the recommended types of paint, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will stand up to the unique challenges of a bathroom environment.

Finding Homes for Families

Eco-tips for celebrating the fall season Prep your rose bushes for the winter weather

Here are some eco-friendly tips to help you to welcome fall responsibly: Support local farmers’ markets by buying seasonal produce, reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation. Decorate your home with natural elements like pinecones, gourds and fallen leaves instead of plastic or disposable decorations. As temperatures drop, conserve energy by sealing drafts, using a programmable thermostat and opting for warm layers instead of cranking up the heat. Use reusable bags, containers and utensils when enjoying fall picnics or packing school lunches. Before splurging on new fall attire, consider swapping or thrifting clothes. Repair, upcycle or donate items you no longer wear to extend the life of your wardrobe. Get creative with leftovers and preserve seasonal fruits and vegetables through canning, freezing or drying. Instead of bagging fallen leaves for disposal, compost them to nourish your garden or donate them to local composting facilities. Simplify fall festivities by prioritizing meaningful

experiences over material possessions. Instead of buying excessive seasonal items, host potluck dinners with friends or go on outdoor adventures. Opt for sustainable transportation methods such as biking or public transportation to enjoy fall foliage instead of driving. Join local sustainability initiatives or volunteer for fall clean-up events to make a tangible difference in your community’s environmental efforts. Making small changes can have a significant impact on the environment. This fall, do your part to celebrate the season responsibly!

Winterizing rose bushes in northern climates is crucial to protect them from harsh winter conditions. Stop Pruning and Fertilizing: About six weeks before the first expected frost, stop pruning and fertilizing your roses. This helps prevent new growth that would be vulnerable to frost damage. Watering: Ensure your roses are wellwatered before the ground freezes. This helps them stay hydrated through the winter.

Remove Leaves and Trim: After the first frost, remove any remaining leaves and trim the stems back to about a foot tall. This reduces the risk of disease and makes it easier to cover the plants.

Mound Soil: Mound soil around the base of each rose bush, covering the lower stems. This insulates the roots and lower stems from freezing temperatures

Mulch and Cover: Add a thick layer of mulch (such as straw, leaves, or pine needles) over the mounded soil. You can also use rose cones or burlap to cover the entire plant for added protection.

Protect from Wind: If your area experiences strong winter winds, consider using a windbreak, such as a burlap screen, to shield your roses. By following these steps, you can help ensure your rose bushes survive the winter and thrive again in the spring.