Prince George Citizen October 17, 2024

SCRAP THE CARBON TAX

Make life affordable for the middle class by reducing grocery bills and fuel costs.

RUSTAD REBATE

The largest tax cut on housing in BC history. $3,000 per month of rent or mortgage will be exempt from provincial income taxes.

CRACK DOWN ON CRIME

Stop the Revolving Door Justice System and keep violent criminals behind bars.

END EBY'S DRUG SUPPLY

Prioritize treatment and recovery for those addicted instead of handing out free drugs.

BUILD HOUSING FASTER

Approve homes in months, not years. Reduce red tape.

FORESTRY FOR THE FUTURE

Create jobs and save this vital industry with a historic investment. Implement a “One Project, One Permit” process.

STOP ER CLOSURES

Increase healthcare funding and keep emergency rooms open and fully staffed.

STAND UP FOR SENIORS

Expand tax credits for caregivers, provide financial coverage and supply 5,000 long term care beds.

KIEL GIDDENS

PRINCE GEORGE-MACKENZIE

MEET KIEL GIDDENS:

Kiel Giddens is a dedicated father of two and a community leader in Prince George, where he and his wife, Elyse, strive to create a bright future for their children. With over a decade in the LNG industry, he has built partnerships and economic opportunities across Northern BC. As a former President of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce and a board member for the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, Kiel advocates for small businesses and job creation. He aims to enhance community safety, improve healthcare, and support families, driven by a vision for growth and prosperity in Northern BC.

ELECTION DAY IS OCTOBER 19TH

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Involuntary care could be a BC reality

It’s a campaign issue with two major parties pledging to expand mental health care in the province

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

On Sept. 15, David Eby announced a plan to expand involuntary care for people with mental health issues and substance addictions issues, and to open highly-secure facilities to detain high-risk people under the Mental Health Act.

If re-elected, the NDP plans to set up mental health units in all correctional facilities in BC and will establish regional long-term care and housing programs to treat people suffering mental health/ addictions issues, Eby said at the time.

“As a province and as a society, we must do all we can to help ease the pain of mental health illness and end the tragic deaths from the poisoned drug crisis taking place in our communities and homes,” said Prince George Valemount NDP candidate Clay Pountney. CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Friday, Oct.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Hope Miller (left), Corinne Woods and Robert Goats hold signs protesting the NDP’s plan to expand involuntary care for people with brain injuries, mental illnesses and severe addictions if re-elected during a rally in front of the courthouse

11.

Prince George hydrogen plant proposal called off

CITIZEN STAFF

Australian energy giant Fortescue Ltd. has cancelled plans for a hydrogen generating plant in Prince George.

Andrew Vesey, Fortescue’s North America president and CEO, wrote a Sept. 26 letter to project assessment director John Antill, who works for the BC government’s Environmental Assessment Office.

In it, Vesey outlines the company’s decision to forego any further work on the project and formally withdraws what was called Project Coyote from the environmental assessment process.

“Fortescue recently completed an evaluation of our global project portfolio, with an aim to prioritize the projects in locations with favourable green energy policies and affordable and reliable renewable energy,” he wrote.

“We have focused our energy project portfolio to include a pipeline of

commercially viable projects to carry us forward and meet future demand, while acting in the best interests of our shareholders. With that, we have decided to put on hold our Project Coyote in Prince George until we are able to secure more favorable power pricing and availability.”

The $2 billion Project Coyote was announced by Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest during a visit to Prince George in September 2023.

Described then as one of the largest green hydrogen and green ammonia projects in Canada, it would have employed up to 100 people.

However, it started looking like things wouldn’t proceed back in July, when word broke that Fortescue was planning to scale down its green hydrogen ambitions to focuses on those with better economic viability, particularly green hydrogen projects in Australia, the U.S., Norway and Brazil.

Ronald McDonald House raffle benefits sick kids

CHRISTINE DALGEISH Citizen Staff

Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon is excited to announce the launch of its 50/50 province-wide raffle campaign in support of families with seriously ill children.

The fundraising goal is $250,000, half to be collected by the winner with the remaining funds directly contributing to supporting the Family Rooms that help keep families close to their sick children undergoing urgent medical treatment in the hospital.

The two new Family Rooms in Kamloops and Prince George are set to open by the first quarter of 2025. These expansions will dramatically increase the number of families served across the province, providing vital support to even more families travelling long distances to access specialized medical

care and allow parents and siblings to stay close, rest, and heal better together.

The Family Room in Prince George will be housed in the Pediatric Unit of the University of Northern BC and will be about 1,200 sq. ft. and will feature three sleeping rooms and one admin space, a living room, dining room and kitchen.

There were 27 families from Prince George that accessed Ronald McDonald House services in 2023 with an average length of stay of 27 nights. The three top diagnoses were made at oncology, NICU and neurology and the longest stay was 365 days.

There are 45,500 tickets available for sale, single ticket is $10, three pack is $20, 10 pack is $50, 25 pack is $100. Final sales deadline is Thursday, Oct. 31. To help support the cause visit https://rmhbc.rafflenexus.com/a/pr.

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

Petition for psychiatric centre gathering momentum

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

A petition to convince the B.C. government to establish a psychiatric hospital to serve the northern half of the province continues to gain traction.

Prince George psychiatrist Dr. Barb Kane, head of the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia’s psychiatric ward, says the needs of northern B.C. patients with mental health and substance use issues go far beyond the capacity of existing hospital facilities and mental health agencies.

B.C. is the only province in Canada without a psychiatric hospital and it hasn’t had one since Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam closed in 2012.

Kane has suggested the province should consider the 61-bed former Prince George Youth Custody Centre west of the airport that closed permanently last March as a potential psychiatric hospital site.

“That’s the quickest and probably the cheapest option,” said Kane.

Kane says community resources, such as Northern Health’s mental health and substance use program, are not equipped to handle difficult mental health patients, especially those who become violent.

On Sept. 4, a 34-year-old man with a history of mental health issues attacked two strangers in downtown Vancouver with a knife, leaving one dead and the other with a severed hand. That prompted an outcry from the community which highlighted the danger of not having a mental health hospital.

PROOF

With no mental hospitals in the province, police are called to bring violent

people to a general treatment facility such as the University Hospital of Northern BC, which lacks the capacity and the ability to effectively treat those patients.

“That leads to overcrowding in the hospital and they’re not getting the right care they need,” said Kane. “When you have a psychiatric hospital they have their own emergency response teams.

I’m pretty sure Riverview never called police when they had a violent patient because they had systems and they knew how to look after the people when

they got violent.

“Community resources are not big enough and they’re not allowed to do what you could do in a psychiatric hospital when someone gets violent. They’re allowed to use some force but you’re not allowed to do that in a community resource, so they have to call the police,” she said.

“I think we want to get people well enough in psychiatric hospitals that they can be managed in community resources, but that’s not really what we’re doing right now.”

Kane went public with her hospital campaign in a story published in The Citizen on Aug. 15 and the word is spreading.

As of press time there were 3,100 respondents to Kane’s change.org petition - Develop Psychiatric Hospital for Northern BC Communities - which is backed by 23 community agencies.

Kane has gathered another 400 signatures on a paper petition circulating around the city.

Karen Neal of Prince George cited her reasons for signing the online petition.

“This has been much overdue since Riverview hospital closed, leaving all types of patients with complex needs on neverending wait lists, drugs and homeless with no hope to get better,” she wrote in her comments on the petition.

“A psychiatric hospital for some that have overdosed so many times, are psychotic, or are schizophrenic, either from drugs or hereditary, need a safe place to land with their daily needs met and hope to get better and be trained. They never should have closed this facility. Our homeless addicts and such are beyond helping themselves and need a push into treatments.”

Melanie Young wrote in her petition comments: “We should be advanced enough as human beings to recognize that many people with serious mental health and/or addiction issues are not able to care for themselves and are highly vulnerable. We need to stop believing they are capable of making good decisions when they are so sick (ie. that they can just choose to get help) and clearly need outside intervention.”

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO One idea for a

Youth Custody Centre.

Conservatives, NDP both support involunatary care

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

“That includes providing secure, supportive and dignified care for people in BC whose struggles with brain injuries, severe mental illness and addiction require intensive care,” he said.

“We’re taking action to keep this group of people safe. That includes creating new secure care facilities across the province, secure care units in correctional facilities, and more mental health beds in hospitals.

Pountney pointed to the new $1.579 billion patient tower planned for University Hospital of Northern British Columbia which will have 83 beds designated for mental health and addictions treatment.

Once construction is complete, sometime in 2030, the tower will offer 11 youth psychiatric assessment beds, four brief-intervention beds, 36 adult psychiatric beds and 32 withdrawal management beds.

In mid-August, Prince George psychiatrist Dr. Barb Kane launched a petition to create a psychiatric hospital to serve northern BC communities that now has more than 3,100 signatures.

Pountney said he fully supports looking into any option that would expedite the creation of a psychiatric hospital for the region.

“If elected, I’ll work closely with our municipalities and experts to get a secure care facility for people in Prince George,” Pountney said. “As we work to identify a suitable location, all options, including the YCC, should be considered.”

The Citizen also reached out to other election candidates in the three local ridings to ask them about their positions on this issue. Most did not reply.

Following Eby’s announcement on forced confinement, BC Conservative leader John Rustad said his party will advocate involuntary care for individuals, youth and adults, who are severely addicted to substances.

The Conservatives also support building low-secure facilities to treat people who pose a risk to themselves or others, as well as crisis response/

stabilization units for targeted care for people plagued by severe addictions or mental health crises.

Sheldon Clare, Conservative candidate for Prince George-North Cariboo, said having those facilities would reduce the strain on existing hospital emergency wards where difficult mental patients are now sent and that would lead to better outcomes for those in need.

“It’s pretty apparent that people are losing times for surgeries or getting treatment because mental health and addictions (patients) are taking over surgical facilities and beds that should be allocated to people who have been on waitlists for surgeries and other treatments.

“When we have people who are in need of long-term forensic psychiatric care and there are no facilities for them we’re going to have to look at involuntary treatment for some of them. But it has to be done on an individual case-by-case basis, it can’t be a blanket approach, like the NDP has been doing for everything.”

The provincial Mental Health Act allows the province to detain a patient in a psychiatric facility provided a doctor deems it necessary for that person’s health and safety and to prevent that person from harming members of the public.

The province has earmarked the Surrey Pretrial Centre to serve as the first dedicated mental health/addictions treatment facility, with plans to also open a regional mental health unit at the Alouette Correctional Centre in Maple Ridge.

BC is the only province in BC that lacks a mental health hospital and it’s been that way since 2012, when Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam was permanently closed.

“Shutting down long-term forensic psychiatric care has been a mistake,” said Clare.

“There weren’t community supports available for people who were suddenly released. Some have gotten incarcerated, some are out on the streets and some of them are being handfuls for

their families. There needs to be a serious look at it to actually solve the problem rather than continue doing the same things over and over again that have been proven failures.”

Clare criticized the government’s safer-supply policy, which provides prescribed alternatives to illicit drugs to try to counter the opioid crisis which kills on average six British Columbians per day.

“The concept of safer supply was never intended to be a blanket approach, it was intended to be targeted at specific individuals in specific situations,” said Clare. “But it’s been turned into a ‘let’s get everybody on drugs program,’ with the government as the biggest drug dealer. That clearly has to stop.

“Decriminalization has taken an important tool away from enforcement officials and they’re just watching it go crazy. You have to start charging the small stuff if you want to stop the big problem.”

Green candidate claims opponent hiding lobbyist work

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

James Steidle, the BC Green Party candidate for Prince George-Mackenzie in the Oct. 19 provincial election, is calling for stronger conflict-of-interest regulations and says he fully supports his party’s policy to require lobbyists to serve a mandatory two-year standdown period before they can run for office.

Steidle took aim at his BC Conservative Party opponent, Kiel Giddens, a former lobbyist for TransCanada Energy, who he says has been listed 29 times in the BC Lobbyist Registry from 2021-23. Steidle says Giddens does not include his lobbying work in his campaign profile and is calling for mandatory disclosure of those activities to prevent what he perceives as Giddens’s lack of transparency.

“Our focus is on rebuilding trust in our political system,” said Steidle, in a media release.

“Kiel Giddens’ lobbying work, much of it recent and tied to the oil and gas industry, highlights why this reform is necessary. We need to close the revolving door between lobbying and public office to ensure candidates are truly working for the public, not for corporate interests.”

The Green Party created its policy on lobbyists to prevent unchecked corporate influence in government from newly-elected individuals who become part of the governing party. Giddens says he has nothing to hide from his past as an advocate for the

A man with a message

oil and gas industry, which he says is a vital component of BC’s economy.

He was with Trans Canada Energy during the time of construction of its Coastal GasLink natural gas pipeline from Dawson Creek to Kitimat that will soon be exporting natural gas to Asian markets and vows he will continue to push for developing the province’s natural resources to create jobs and tax revenue to benefit British Columbians.

“I’m proud to have worked on the largest private sector investment in Canadian history,” Giddens told The Citizen.

“That work has included engaging with local and provincial government officials, post-secondary institutions, Indigenous training organizations, labour unions, construction associations, chambers of commerce, and citizens across Northern BC from the Alberta border to the coast.

“When engaging with provincial officials, there is a registration process for businesses, non-profits, chambers of commerce, and stakeholder associations. Groups like the Dairy Farmers of BC, the YMCA, the BC Chamber of Commerce or businesses making multi-billion dollar investments all have to register under the BC Lobbyists Registry to do provincial lobbying. Part of my role as a senior leadership team member in the LNG industry was to advocate for jobs and opportunities for British Columbians.

“An MLA needs to do the exact same type of work in advocating for their constituents.”

Oakes calls for improved rural post-secondary funding

CITIZEN STAFF

Coralee Oakes, former post-secondary shadow minister and independent candidate for the BC Legislature, is advocating for the introduction of a targeted operating grant for rural post-secondary institutions.

In a press release, Oakes highlighted the pressing challenges faced by rural communities, including significant labour shortages affecting sectors like healthcare and skilled trades.

She emphasized that many individuals are finding it increasingly unaffordable to leave their communities for training opportunities, saying local training is essential for creating an inclusive workforce that offers well-paying jobs aligned with local labour market needs.

She said relying on recruitment from other areas has proven ineffective.

Oakes underscored the vital role of rural colleges in fostering community resilience, particularly in light of recent mill closures.

These institutions also serve lower-income families, contributing to educational equity.

As well, 90 per cent of students from these colleges remain in their home regions after graduation, which she argues could significantly benefit local healthcare systems.

One idea would see post-secondary programs that allow licensed practical nurses to train to become registered nurses without having to leave their rural communities.

Rural BC needs sustainable, targeted funding to support small, rural post-secondary institutions, which often face higher operational costs due to their geographic remoteness and smaller populations, she said, pointing to provinces like Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, which provide similar funding to offset the challenges faced by rural campuses.

Oakes is running against Sheldon Clare of the Conservative Party of BC, Randy Thompson of the BC Green Party and Denice Bardua of the BC NDP.

Steidle

Giddens

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Mark Makela holds one of his anti-NDP election sign as cars pass by on Highway 16 East in front of Mr. PG. Makela, who lives near Dawson Creek, is a registered third-party advertiser who places his signs around northern BC during each provincial election.

John Hart Bridge lane closures continue until Oct. 24

The city considered leaving one lane open each way but MOTI said it would cause problems

CITIZEN STAFF

Soon after the southbound lanes of the John Hart Bridge were closed Oct. 9, motorists had started to figure out alternate routes from the Hart Highlands into the city.

The busiest of the three bridges across the Nechako River has been undergoing partial closures while a sanitary sewer forcemain is being repaired. Both southbound lanes are closed, and will be until Oct. 24.

This leaves drivers southbound on Highway 97 having to exit via an offramp to get onto North Nechako Road, turning either west to get to the Foothills Bridge or east to get to the Cameron Street Bridge. It’s on the approaches to the other two bridges that delays are happening, according to motorists who make the commute daily.

Drivers who usually get from the Hart to the Bowl via North Nechako Road are also hitting the delays, with additional volume coming from commuters who usually use 97 but are, this week, choosing the more western route to get to the Foothills Bridge.

One question has been raised: Why not reduce the John Hart Bridge to one lane in each direction, rather than closing the southbound lanes altogether?

In years past, the city has removed the concrete dividers running down the middle of the bridge, separating its northbound and southbound lanes. Doing this allows for one lane in each direction.

While there would still be delays, some motorists would be able to head south via that bridge.

It turns out the city did consider that option.

“That was our original proposal but (the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure) wasn’t in favour because of the impacts it would have had on northbound traffic,” said project manager Adam Mathison in an email response to The Citizen.

“During peak times traffic would have backed up to 5th Avenue, 10th Avenue,

and possibly 15th Avenue or farther, and this would have triggered further disruption to the system. The current plan was chosen to complete the project in the shortest possible time frame with the least amount of impacts.”

Crews are installing a permanent forcemain bypass line under the bridge, running about 1,300 metres from lift station PW117 on Richard Road to the intersection of Highway 97 and 5th Avenue where it will tie into the existing line.

The pedestrian and bike paths under the bridge will be closed until Saturday, Dec. 7, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Detours will be in place.

Other road closures, delays

• Ferguson Lake Road from Belmont Road: Closed 24 hours from Monday, Oct. 21 to Wednesday, Oct. 30, for permanent bridge installation at Ferguson Creek

Crossing. Emergency vehicles will not have access.

• Quebec Street between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue & 3rd Avenue between Quebec Street and Dominion Street: Closed every Saturday until Oct. 26, 6:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m for Prince George Farmers’ Market. Emergency vehicles will not have access.

• Hammond Avenue alleyway between Kelly Street and Hammond Avenue: Intermittent closures until Thursday, Oct. 31, for new sanitary forcemain installation. Emergency vehicles will not have access.

• Ontario Street between 4th Avenue and 5th Avenue: Closed 24 hours until Fri., Nov. 1, for new watermain installation. Emergency vehicles will not have access.

• Ontario Street between 2nd

Avenue and 4th Avenue: Minor traffic disruption until Fri., Nov. 1, for watermain project. Emergency vehicles will have access.

• 3rd Avenue between Queensway and Ontario Street: Minor traffic disruption until Fri., Nov. 1, for watermain project. Emergency vehicles will have access.

• Hart Highway Frontage Road between Austin Road and Turner Road Trail: Closed until Friday, Nov. 15, for storm sewer main and manhole installation. Emergency vehicles will have access.

• 1215 Lethbridge Street: Pedestrian traffic and parking closed for parkade construction until May 2025. Pedestrian re-routing will take place; traffic will not be affected.

• Quebec Street between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue: Sidewalk remains incomplete and closed.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Signs are up warning commuters of lane closures on the John Hart Bridge. Both southbound lanes are closed until Oct. 24, forcing commuters to find alternate ways to cross the Nechako River.

OPINION

OPINION

OPINION OPINION

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

Forget NIMBY and support the people trying to help

Involuntary care should be considered as a last resort

Falcon’s surrender cost us an excellent representative

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

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.

When both David Eby and John Rustad are proposing similar takes on the same idea, you know the odds are it will happen, regardless of the election results Saturday.

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

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

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

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

Both the NDP and the Conservatives are talking about some form of involuntary care for mental health and addiction patients. It’s an old-school way of thinking; we used to “commit” people to psychiatric hospitals against their will, usually for the right reasons, but not always.

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

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.

There’s already been some opposition to this idea, most visibly last Friday when a group protested the idea outside the Prince George courthouse. But there’s also support.

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.

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.

Whether you agree with the idea or not, you have to acknowledge that British Columbia is grappling with an escalating mental health crisis, and it’s clear that our current approach is insufficient.

“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.”

mental health facilities first. Involuntary care should be the last resort, not the only resort.

and compassionately.

who are working to help others recover from addiction and homelessness deserve council support, we suggest today.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Controversial? At the time, yes. Successful? Also yes. People are working steady, high-paying jobs again.

prioritize investment in mental health facilities that can provide comprehensive care, including inpatient treatment, outpatient services, and ongoing support. This includes building more mental health hospitals, expanding crisis intervention teams, and enhancing community-based services that focus on prevention and early intervention. The goal should be to create a system where individuals feel safe seeking help voluntarily, reducing the need for involuntary measures.

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

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

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.

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.

Whoever wins on Saturday, the province must take decisive action, not only to support individuals in distress but also to ensure that they receive the care they desperately need. This necessitates a nuanced discussion about involuntary care, which is a controversial yet potentially vital component of a comprehensive mental health strategy. However, any move toward involuntary treatment must be predicated on the establishment and funding of robust

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

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.

Involuntary care, often perceived as a draconian measure, can be a lifeline for individuals experiencing severe mental health crises who are unable to recognize their need for help. Many suffer from conditions like schizophrenia, severe depression, or bipolar disorder, which can distort their perception of reality and impair their decision-making abilities.

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

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

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

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

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

We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada.

du Canada.

When left untreated, these conditions not only jeopardize the individual’s safety but can also endanger the well-being of those around them. However, resorting to involuntary care without a supportive framework can lead to further trauma and stigmatization, making it crucial that any such measures be implemented thoughtfully

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.

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

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. 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

Owner / Publisher

and recovery.

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

The province’s mental health system is overwhelmed and underfunded. Many people seeking help are met with long wait times and limited resources. Our hospitals are often ill-equipped to manage the complexities of mental illness, and community-based supports are trying and struggling to meet the demand, particularly after youth and adults who are first dealing with mental health issues are released from care before their medication dosage can be evaluated and balanced.

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.

Also, any discussion around involuntary care should be anchored in a framework of respect for human rights and dignity. This means ensuring that individuals receiving care are treated with compassion and understanding, and that their voices are heard in the process. Clear guidelines and protocols must be established to prevent misuse of involuntary treatment, including regular reviews and oversight to safeguard against potential abuses.

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

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

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

If we are to consider involuntary care as a viable option, we must first ensure that adequate facilities and services are in place to handle the influx of individuals who might require such interventions.

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.”

This is where funding becomes critical. The provincial government must

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

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?

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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 have to approach the idea of involuntary care with caution and compassion. It is essential that we first establish well-funded, accessible mental health facilities to ensure that individuals in crisis receive the comprehensive care they deserve. Only then can we consider involuntary care as a last resort, implemented with the utmost respect for individuals’ rights and dignity. Let us commit to a future where mental health care is prioritized, and where every British Columbian can find the support they need, voluntarily or otherwise.

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.

Kennedy Gordon is The Citizen’s managing editor.

Kennedy Gordon is The Citizen’s managing editor.

Kennedy Gordon is The Citizen’s managing editor.

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CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

BC’s current health-care system falls short when it comes to dealing with mental health and addictions.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

The Moccasin Flats encampment on Lower Patricia Boulevard is seen from the Millar Addition in this file photo. People

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Cameron Stolz Owner

Terresa Randall-Stolz Owner

Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

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

OPINION

On Oct. 19, it’s important that you know what you’re voting for, not just what you’re voting against

As

I See It

Signs for local Conservative candidates in the provincial election have “Conservative” in big bold letters and “Party of British Columbia” in very small print. Driving by you would need to slow down to read the latter. This is likely deliberate. The animosity towards the federal Liberals right now has generated a surge in support for the federal Conservative Party and the BC Conservative party is riding the coattails of Pierre Poilievre and his fellow conservatives, hoping for a victory in the provincial election based on nothing more than a general distrust of federal Liberals and NDP.

But John Rustad is not Poilievre. And the BC Conservative party policies do not necessarily align with the federal party.

On some issues, yes, such as axing the carbon tax. I am not and have never been a fan of the carbon tax as it has been implemented in BC. I think the BC Liberals didn’t really think through the whole picture and funneling revenues directly back to the corporations generating carbon dioxide emissions was mis-guided.

As social engineering goes, though, it has been effective. It moved the dial on climate change. BC was seen as a world leader, as is Canada, in the fight against excess emissions.

We live in a country which recognizes the harm caused by climate change directly. The melting permafrost, burning forests, and drought conditions are causing a fair share of our economic difficulties.

Both the federal and provincial Conservative parties would remove the tax but would they replace it with

Will Conservative Leader John Rustad’s proposal of a tax break on rent and mortgage payments make a difference as British Columbians, including voters in the three Prince George area ridings, go to the polls Oct. 19?

something? If so, what? And what are the implications? Before anyone votes, perhaps we should know what we are voting for and not just what we are voting against.

Typing “BC Conservative Party policies” into Google leads to a platform which claims it wants to hear from ordinary people on what policies should be implemented.

It does provide examples of some policies although many are incomplete or do not provide enough detail to know how or what implementation will mean.

For example, the “Rustad Rebate” would see the first $3,000 per month in rent or mortgage exempt from BC

income tax.

I think that means your rent or mortgage will result in some form of tax credit at 5.06 per cent (according to the site – the lowest marginal tax rate). For a year, the total for rent or mortgage is $36,000 and 5.06 per cent of that is $1,821 or about $150 per month.

No one is going to turn down $150 per month, even though it will result in a $900 million hit to the provincial government’s revenue and mean there is less money for other important areas, such as healthcare.

But is $150 per month really going to make a difference in affordability? And you only get that amount if you are

paying more than $3,000 per month. If your mortgage or rent is less, you get a smaller tax cut.

How does this help with housing affordability? Or housing for those who are in the lower quintile of income and living on less than $30,000 per year?

A much better policy, in my opinion, would be to exempt the first $30,000 of everyone’s income from taxation and change the upper tax brackets accordingly to take up some of the lost revenue.

That would certainly help those in need much more than a “Rustad Rebate.”

Todd Whitcombe is a chemistry professor at UNBC.

TODD WHITCOMBE

OPINION

Council wants to hear more from the public before Mr. PG is sent downtown

I doubt it matters what we say, I believe it has been decided and political consideration has been taken care of...

Mr. PG has been at the at intersection forever. If you got to move it move it to the north west corner, developers shouldn’t need that space for awhile...

bcracer

Council wants to hear more from the public before Mr. PG is sent downtown

Will council actually listen to PG citizens? I think not- their track record supports this. Moving it downtown is a waste. It’s our city’s welcoming mascot. If it needs to be moved, move it across the intersection beside the PG sign. It will still be at the intersection to welcome guests and there is room for pictures.

Quit wasting $ when there are more dire things such as our downtown.

Jennifer Lussier

Council wants to hear more from the public before Mr. PG is sent downtown

No one believes that Mr. PG should be moved to the Canada Games Plaza but I fully expect to see him there one day as I have a feeling that council won’t listen to public opinion. I’d like to be pleasantly surprised if they do listen though.

Tanglewood

Council wants to hear more from the public before Mr. PG is sent downtown

The moving of the Quesnel Gold Pan sign was a contentious issue, garnering more than 500 signatures from people opposing the relocation to “….attract more visitors to the downtown core.”

But the move went ahead anyway, regardless of what the citizens wanted. The sign has lost its significance having been at the crossroads for so long and it looks half as impressive in its new spot.

Will Prince George council listen to what the citizens of Prince George really want with regard to Mr. PG? I am hoping that this isn’t going to be the same scenario as what happened in Quesnel. Their citizens were betrayed, in my opinion.

The original location of Mr. PG at the highway intersection was perfect. I wonder what the owner of Prestige would think of having him there again?

The casino already has a lot of tourists stopping there from what I can see.

As for having more than one Mr. PG - why not? I have a photo from 25 yrs ago of a friend using a Telus/Mr PG public phone, lol!

Erika Kovannin

Council wants to hear more from the public before Mr. PG is sent downtown

Why was it moved there in the first place, knowing full well that there would be residential development eventually happening there?

And, sorry, but does anyone seriously think that you are going to get tourists, in RVs, to go downtown just to see Mr. PG?

Besides, having tourists going into our downtown area is definitely not going to get rave reviews on what PG truly has to offer.

Have you seen our downtown recently? Come on people, think!!!!

jrcnobody

Council wants to hear more from the public before Mr. PG is sent downtown

Well, since we are looking at “nice to haves” like moving Mr. PG downtown to the tune of 100s of thousands of dollars, that must mean that the parkade debacle has been paid for, our sewer and fresh water pipes must all be replaced and working fine, and the mess at the LPBE has been solved. Awesome!

Oh wait...It’s not??? Well then what in the world are we doing looking at what can only be described as a make-work vanity project?

Does anyone really think that putting Mr. PG downtown will magically solve the issues in the downtown core?

Give me a break!

Robert Barwise

Council wants to hear more from the public before Mr. PG is sent downtown

If Mr. PG is to be moved, the best place would be across Highway 97 Northbound near the Welcome to Prince George sign. Move him carefully; the fibreglass could be a little brittle, as it was reconstructed in the early 1980s, like 82 or 83. I knew the man in charge of the project.

Canada Games Plaza is so unappealing, it’s terrible how much it has deteriorated over the years.

What has Mr. PG done to be relegated to such squalor? How could he maintain his smile? It’s like someone in the city is ashamed of Mr. PG and wants to put him in the closet as a form of constructive annihilation, only to be a faded memory of years gone by.

Ed Denicola

Council wants to hear more from the public before Mr. PG is sent downtown

They should put the tourist info thing with it where tourists can stop for info with a trailer and get turned around and be on their way.

Probably the north west corner and don’t sell the land it sits on this time. This proposal has to be one of the dumbest yet, you are putting tourists into contact with the worst of our population.

Rosco P.

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Blackwater Gold mine construction close to complete

The site has an estimated 8 million ounces of gold reserves, 60 million ounces of silver reserves

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Despite two wildfire events that set back the Blackwater Gold mine project by six weeks, construction is now 95 per cent complete.

The open-pit gold/silver mine 160 kilometres southwest of Prince George remains fully funded and is on target for its first pour before the end of the year.

In an update sent to The Citizen, Artemis Gold of Vancouver reports the 135-km 225-kilovolt transmission line between the mine site and BC Hydro’s Glenannan substation is now complete and was successfully energized with renewable grid power.

The tailings storage facility will be completed later this month, and the initial mining fleet commissioned to Blackwater has begun pre-stripping the mine. Construction of the haul roads is well advanced, with the first ore expected to be received at the run of mine pad within the next month.

Blackwater’s operations camp has been built and operational staff have moved into the facility.

Wildfire events over the past 17 months forced evacuations of the construction site and resulted in delays that halted construction during some of the most productive weeks of the build, resulting in increased fixed overhead costs and deferred operating cash flows for the lost construction days in that 1 ½-month period.

To make up for that lost time, mine management took measures to speed up schedule timelines, which added to the cost of construction.

Artemis has updated its initial capital guidance cost estimate from $730 million to $750 million. The projected cost of construction up to the first pour has increased close to seven per cent, from $780 million to $800 million.

The initial capital guidance estimate excludes other corporate cost variances including the impact of delayed first revenue, higher market interest rates on loaned facilities and other non-capital items.

This

the

tailings area.

“I am proud of the fact the project team has managed to limit the impact of the wildfires, two force majeure events beyond management’s control, to only a seven per cent increase in initial capital guidance,” said Artemis Gold chairman/ CEO Steven Dean.

“This is testament to the team’s financial discipline and deep project development experience. The additional standby funding provided by one of the company’s existing relationship lenders provides us with the financial flexibility to absorb the financial impact of these events, while managing project schedule targeting first gold pour in late Q4 2024 and ramp-up of operations beyond.”

Artemis has worked out terms of a loan from the National Bank of Canada to provide as much as $65 million in additional stand-up debt funding as well as a $10 million unsecured loan to cover capitalized interest and fees.

That’s in addition to the company’s existing $360 million project loan plus capitalized interest of up to $25 million, as well as cost overrun funding of $40 million.

The Blackwater site has an estimated

eight million ounces of gold reserves and 60 million ounces of silver reserves. Gold mining during the first year of operation is expected to yield 381,000 ounces of average annual production, increasing to 438,000 ounces by Year 3.

ARTEMIS GOLD PHOTOS

aerial shot shows the plant site of the Blackwater Gold mine 160 km southwest of Prince George. Below is a shot of

mine’s

Moccasin Flats residents face uncertain future

The city intends to dismantle the encampment after returning to the BC Supreme Court

People rest in the “coffee area”outside the AWAC warming shelter at Moccasin Flats on Friday, Oct. 11. The warming centre is open from 8:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.

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

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Long before Moccasin Flats became notorious as the centre of Prince George’s homeless community, Bell was there, stoking his fire to keep warm.

He was the first one to pound down stakes in a place that’s since become a lightning rod for the troubles of drug abuse, poverty and violence that continue to plague the downtown core. Before it came to that, Bell had a fulltime job as a jack-of-all-trades handyman for Pace Realty, a job that ended in 2020 during the pandemic, when nobody wanted anyone to get close to them in their apartments.

Bell didn’t want to live in a shelter and for seven months he set up camp in the bush on the north side of the Nechako River until the following spring, when a city bylaw officer came by and told him he had to leave.

Bell asked where he would suggest moving to and was told he could go up the hill near the airport or to the strip of land at the end of Patricia Boulevard.

That’s where he settled and he’s been there ever since.

With rents in the city rising quickly, the homeless population grew and eventually Bell had neighbours in the Flats.

When somebody new arrives, he’s usually at the head of the welcome wagon. Some come directly from jail up the hill at the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre and Bell lets them stay in one of the shelters he has on the site until they can find their own space.

“I see a lot of people with just a sense of loss, they’re right at the bitter end and they usually wind up at my place, and I try to help as best I can,” said Bell, who declined to give his surname. “They don’t have a place, they’re just cut loose and a lot of them are from other communities. For whatever reason they hear about who I am and they just show up and introduce themselves and I just try to set them up. A lot of folks just need to be heard.”

Bell, 58, grew up on the north coast in Dease Lake and Telegraph Creek, and he’s never been on the wrong side of the law.

But he’s been a target twice at his camp - once with a steel rod that just missed his friend Terry as it ricocheted off his belongings, once with an arrow shot from the top of the berm overlooking the camp that hit a cooking pot. He also had someone toss rocks at his shelter in the middle of the night.

In January, a man was shot in the face in the camp’s warming centre and later died in hospital.

Bell knows the dark side of street life and has met people from families who have lived that lifestyle for as much as five generations.

“I’ve helped out mothers and daughters, mothers and sons, that were on the street together and it’s just normal for them, but it’s weird for me,” he said. “There’s still hope for this place as far as giving people a place to go to. If I can, I’ll try to provide that.”

‘Pretty much the bottom-line scariest place:’ Resident

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Angel F. came to Moccasin Flats in July to be close to her “street daughter,” who also lives in the camp with her husband. They started out sheltering in the building at the west end of the Flats that now serves as the Association Advocating for Women and Community (AWAC) warming/feeding centre and eventually moved to one of the donated tiny homes on the site.

Angel says the people of the Flats like having space that separates them from their neighbours and most have high anxiety thinking about a move to BC Housing’s adjacent 46-unit Third Avenue transitional housing complex. After three months living in the encampment with her boyfriend she’s not sure how she would react to having all her belongings packed into a single one-room unit next to 45 other shelter spaces.

“Everybody wants their own space, we’re all human and we need to feel we’re treated as human and not as animals,” said Angel. “Some people do want to go to a place like that and they want that structure. But there are some people who think like Bell and he doesn’t need that harsh structure. He has his structure and it’s working for him.

“For us, this is a stepping stone. We want a permanent place where we can have a back yard again and I can have a kitchen and bathroom and won’t have to pee outside. Just safety is what I want.”

Angel, 47, grew up in McBride and spent much of her adult life working in restaurants serving food. She’s well-educated and likes to engage in conversation, but now feels like an outcast as a result of her own drug dependency.

“I’m a people person, I love helping people and when I was a server I was really good at my job and got paid very well and I miss doing it,” she said. “I would go back to it in a heartbeat, absolutely, but I’ve been blackballed from working in this town, right from when I moved here in 2015, and I’ve been going downhill ever since.

“People now have prejudgment of me,

Once filled with up to 100 people camping

the

Flats, there are now areas of the encampment that

they know who I am when I walk into a store,” she said. “I don’t have a problem with authority, I’ve never been to jail, I’m not a criminal of any sort, which doesn’t mean that I feel any better than anybody else, I never have.”

The Third Avenue housing complex is fenced and will have somebody there at all hours of the day at the site providing security. Although each resident will have a private room, Angel and her best friend Colin are concerned about the Big Brother factor if that’s where they end up living.

“I want to not feel like I’m being watched 24-7 by everyone around me –that’s an indignity I’ve already felt, for a long time,” she said.

“I want to feel like I’m safe and I can have maybe a bigger space and a cooking facility so I can cook for the two of us. I can’t cook for this guy (in the camp). He’s dealing with the after-effects of cancer and he’s doing amazing, but he’s losing weight and he‘s losing trust and a lot of faith in our environment.”

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

in

Lower Patricia Boulevard area that has come to be known as Moccasin

are empty of shelters following fires throughout the summer and fall.

City plans to seek court approval to shut down the Flats

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

At 61, years of fighting his disease and dealing with addiction to “the down” have taken a toll on Colin. He and Angel were living with a friend on Victoria Street until they were suddenly told to pack their belongings and leave and they had nowhere safe to go. Nobody wants to rent a room to people with drug habits.

“To find a place to live beyond this place is next to impossible,” said Angel. “Look at how we look. We can clean up, but you can’t really hide the fact of what we do. People take one look at us and go “Yup, welfare bum.’ And they won’t rent to us.

“We can’t hide our addictions because we have the face of it. It really makes me feel I don’t want to go anywhere. I don’t want people to look at me and to feel uncomfortable around me. I’ve never thought of myself as unapproachable but lately I have been feeling that I need to stay here because I smell.”

Her daughter Shae’s connections in the Flats led Angel and Colin to one of the 17 tiny homes that have been donated to Moccasin Flats. More than half of them have been burned, most in what are alleged to be targeted arsons. Angel and Colin have so far avoided that kind of trouble and feel fortunate to have a roof over their heads, small as it is.

But as a woman living in a place frequented by drug dealers and unsavoury characters, safety is always a concern.

“If I didn’t have him I would not be able to be down here, I’d be way too scared,” she said.

“We’ve been through many different situations and this is pretty much the bottom-line scariest place. I don’t get a lot of sleep down here. I sometimes don’t sleep for days.”

As much as Moccasin Flats and its residents are the target of scorn from city residents who see it as a den of drugcrazed criminals who steal to support their habits and should be locked up, there are people who look beyond the stereotypes and show they care about them when they bring them food or a

Lawrence Lychak has been living in Moccasin Flats since losing his basement suite in a fire on Quince

Lychak is one of an estimated 8-14 residents left in the encampment.

hot cup of coffee.

“Lots of people drive through here and on hot days they offer Freezies and Popsicles and water,” said April. “The people of Prince George are amazing.”

At the Oct. 7 city council meeting, the city announced it intends to go back to the BC Supreme Court by the end of the year to request the end of the ban on evictions from the site, now that the majority of Flats residents have moved on.

Shelter spaces have been made available in the Victoria Street shelter at 15th Avenue and the former Knight’s Inn on Dominion Street. BC Housing’s Third Avenue transitional camp project is nearly ready and the Flats is expected to be fenced off and declared off-limits as a permanent campsite.

Moccasin Flats and how it was handled by the city was the subject

of a precedent-setting court ruling in October 2021 that’s protected the rights of its residents to live there ever since.

In late November 2021, the City of Prince George applied for a court order to have the encampment permanently shut down, which would have given occupants 10 days notice to remove all structures and belongings and vacate the site. After that, city workers would be allowed to move in and clean up what’s left and RCMP would have authority to arrest anyone who remains there.

The petition seeking the order was to be served to Bell and two other residents of the Flats who were being represented by Darlene Kavka and Melanie Begaika, two lawyers from the Indigenous Justice Centre who defended their rights in October 2021 when the BC Supreme Court denied the city’s

application to shut down the camp. The city appealed on Feb. 23, 2022 and lost when Justice Simon Coval ruled against a second request to close the encampment, citing insufficient shelter space and a lack of daytime facilities for people without permanent homes.

By demolishing much of the encampment on Nov. 17, 2021, Coval said the city was in breach of Justice Christopher Hinkson’s October 2021 ruling which allowed Moccasin Flats to remain open until sufficient housing and daytime facilities were available.

In March 2022, a month after losing its appeal, the city apologized for the trauma it caused residents who lost their shelter, clothing, and irreplaceable personal items like the ashes of loved ones when the camp was dismantled.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Street.

Social worker outlines challenges affecting residents

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

At its height, in the summer of 2021, there were more than 100 people living at Moccasin Flats and it was often a violent place as competing drug dealers fought for control of the illicit drug traffic.

Former lawyer Mary MacDonald was a social worker with Northern Health at that time and recalls how difficult it was during the pandemic to find places for her clients to live.

“In 2021 people were scattered across the city, we had a lot of people because of COVID because BC Housing stopped accepting applications; they said it was too dangerous for people to move in, and a whole bunch of other apartments didn’t take applicants,” said MacDonald.

“I just saw there were more and more homeless people on the streets all the time during COVID.”

A year later, the Millennium Park camp at First Avenue and George Street was also full, until September 2022 when that camp was dismantled by the city.

This past summer there were between 30 and 40 Flats residents, but many camp structures and tiny homes have been destroyed by suspicious fires that have reduced the numbers. A fire Sept. 19 burned three tiny homes and a trailer and there are now about 20 people living at the Flats. City crews have been busy this week removing the debris left behind by the fires.

The pending closure of the site is not sitting well with some of the residents, who say they don’t like the idea of becoming forced to move to a shelter. As harsh as it is to be living in a rough campsite in third-world conditions under tents or tarps without electricity, running water or sanitary services, where they bear the brunt of cold and wet Prince George weather, they choose to live in the Flats because they do not want to give up the freedom it brings.

MacDonald, a former College of New Caledonia sociology instructor who now works for the B.C. First Nations Health Authority, has gotten to know Moccasin Flats residents and says many of them

don’t trust the authorities. They fear the change of living in a place where they will be forced to follow house rules.

“Some of them are survivors of inter-generational trauma from residential school situations and anything to do with institutions is going to be very traumatizing,” said MacDonald.

“If they don’t feel safe they’re not going to heal from their trauma, and they’re not going to heal from their addictions if they can’t work through the trauma. To have something imposed on you that feels very controlling is going to retraumatize people who already feel unsafe.”

MacDonald said managers from BC Housing and Northern are making decisions on where to send Moccasin Flats residents for housing without actually speaking to them and that is breeding mistrust of the authorities, one of the reasons many are reluctant to move into shelter spaces.

“They have never had these people’s lived experiences, and this is an intelligent group of people here, and that’s my concern,” said MacDonald. “You get these top-down decisions made by people who don’t have a clue at the top. They throw lots of money at these things and waste a lot of money because they don’t know what the actual needs are.

“I’ve worked with a top-down organization (Northern Health) and they don’t even listen to the frontline workers, so you have all these people who don’t have a clue and they’re making the big

bucks and big decisions that are going to have direct implication on these people’s lives. A lot of money is wasted because some of the ideas that come up that are not grounded in what’s actually needed and what’s actually going to support the people in an effective manner.”

Drug addictions are prevalent in

homeless communities and one of the most pressing concerns is the lack of treatment centres for people who decide they want to stop using substances. MacDonald says there’s a dire shortage of detox beds in the city and she says it’s next to impossible to get into the chronically short-staffed detox centre on Second Avenue.

“I do believe people are told to phone there to ask for a bed and they’re usually told there isn’t, so call back,” said MacDonald.

“Detox is the first step that people need to go to before they can be medically stabilized to then be able to access treatment. A lot of these services are pretty fragmented, so the person could potentially go to detox and land back on the street waiting for treatment. You don’t get that continuity of support. You have to go in to detox on your own, deal with it on your own, and it’s all on you, and you’re already in survival mode.”

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Denni Mortensen has been living in Moccasin Flats off and on, often returning to obtain his drug of choice from dealers there.

Former diversity director sues Northern Health

Amy Blanding refused to apologize for showing support for the rights of Palestinian civilians

CITIZEN STAFF

The former director of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility at Northern Health has filed a wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the organization.

Amy Blanding is alleging violations of her human and Charter rights, as well as defamation. She announced the lawsuit Wednesday in Vancouver, at a press conference on the steps of the Vancouver Law Courts.

Joining Blanding at the news conference were Vash Ebbadi-Cook, former executive director of workforce sustainability, quality and innovation at Northern Health, who resigned in protest of Blanding’s dismissal.

Blanding’s lawsuit follows her May 10 termination from Northern Health after she declined to apologize for expressing support for Palestinian human rights while on her personal time, she states. That came after several community members accused her of bigotry, she said.

“Allegations of racism are distressing for anyone, but particularly harmful to the professional reputation of a person working in the fields of accessible organization education or IDEA,” she states in the notice.

Blanding’s notice states she was “constructively terminated,” which is defined by Employment and Social Development Canada as a situation where the employee has not been directly fired, but rather the employee left because the employer either failed to comply with the contract of employment in a major respect, unilaterally changed the terms of employment or expressed a settled intention to do either thus forcing the employee to quit. It’s sometimes called “disguised dismissal” or “quitting with cause,” and can be treated as an unjust termination under federal law.

She’s asking for financial damages for her termination, aggravated damages for breach of good faith and fair dealing, punitive damages, damages for defamation, Charter damages, costs and

interest.

Northern Health has not filed a response to the notice of civil notice, and none of Blanding’s claims have been tested in court.

Blanding outlined the details of her lawsuit on the Vancouver courthouse steps Wednesday, saying she was asserting her constitutional right to express support for human rights and to oppose war.

In the notice, Blanding states that she worked for Northern Health from 2018 until May 10, 2024. The notice outlines her career path at the health authority, which she joined after she was recruited out of her position at the University of Northern British Columbia. Originally hired to be the health authority’s regional manager of organizational education and training, the notice states, her work developing ways to combat anti-Indigenous racism in the health-care sector led to the development of a new position for her, director of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA). Ebbadi-Cook, who had been her supervisor, was also part of this process, she writes.

The notice states that Blanding is also a well-known singer-songwriter who advocates for social justice through her music. On April 6, 2024, Blanding performed a song alongside a local choir at a community event. “She was not

at work at the time,” the notice states. “She did not perform the song in her professional capacity but rather in her role of folk music singer.”

The song’s lyrics advocate for peace and freedom, and do not mention any specific place, people or group, the notice states.

Blanding wore a shirt with a map of Israel and Palestine with a watermelon image during a dress rehearsal, but not at the performance itself. “The dress rehearsal was not open to the public,” the notice states.

The watermelon has become known as a symbol of support for Palestinian human rights. Blanding wore one during her press conference Wednesday.

Blanding later posted a video of her performance to Instagram, with a caption referencing civilian deaths in Palestine in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terror attack in Israel and Israel’s response: “Divisive is complacency as Israel murders 33,300 civilians, over 14,000 of them children. Political is using starvation as a weapon of war.”

The notice states that four people wrote a letter to Northern Health on April 24, 2024, demanding that action be taken against Blanding on the basis of the song, her Instagram post and her T-shirt. The letter alleged that Blanding was anti-Semitic, anti-Israeli, pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas. She states that

Northern Health knew this was untrue. Among the claims in the letter were that Blanding made a “blatant, visual call for genocide” by wearing the T-shirt, and that she engaged in “hateful, ignorant rants” and “directed her attacks exclusively at Jews.” There’s also an allegation that she showed “a total failure to carry out the kind of research in which a person in her position is obligated to engage.”

A photo of Blanding wearing the T-shirt at the dress rehearsal was included in the letter.

The notice alleges that after receiving the letter, Northern Health chose to demote Blanding without speaking to her or investigating the letter, but later decided to speak to her first.

“In internal discussions, Northern Health executives stated that the context and accuracy of the letter were irrelevant to their decision,” the notice states. “Northern Health’s priority was risk management, not doing the right thing. Northern Health did not follow its own guidelines concerning complaints from the public.”

It’s alleged that Northern Health consulted with a crisis management communications firm, but did not consult with experts on human rights, employment law or constitutional law.

AMY BLANDING/YOUTUBE

Amy Blanding announces her lawsuit against Northern Health in Vancouver on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024.

Farmers Market shoppers enjoy sunny skies for Downtown Fallfest

Blanding denies ‘false’ claims of antisemitism

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Blanding was then instructed to post a statement confirming that her actions had negatively affected community members, with an apology to the Jewish community, to her personal social media.

She refused.

Northern Health demoted her and placed her on administrative leave with a letter stating that the T-shirt, her public comments and her refusal to post the statement were the grounds for the decision.

She later learned that Northern Health allegedly wrote to the original four letter-writers, stating that the health authority agreed with their position that Blanding had made people unsafe and unwelcome at Northern Health, particularly Jewish people.

“Her employer of seven years, who

had always told her she was doing an excellent job, told people it ‘agreed’ that she was bigoted, incapable of performing her position and supportive of violence, and had conveyed to the public that it was necessary to remove her from her position for these reasons,” the notice states.

Blanding writes that she has been unable to find work and has suffered “extreme mental distress, complications related to her disability exacerbated by stress, and injury to her dignity. She has experienced psychiatric symptoms, sleep disruptions, appetite loss and other harms to her health.”

“This case highlights a troubling trend where individuals face job losses for expressing their views on sensitive issues,” Blanding said. “I believe it is crucial to stand up for the right to free expression, especially in matters of human rights.”

Thursday November 28th, 2024 8:00 am •

Special Guest Speaker: Jasmit Phulka

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

Guest Speaker Sponsored by:

Andrea and Scott Emmons pick up their Thanksgiving produce from P&R Organics at Saturday’s Farmer’s Market at Third and Quebec. Prince George enjoyed a mild long weekend, with sunshine on Saturday as people took part in Downtown Fallfest, which also included a pancake breakfast and Specialty Avenue shopping.

What’s happening in PG

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 campfire 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.

High Road album release party goes Saturday, Oct. 19 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Underground Lounge, 1177 3rd Ave. Come celebrate Glaziers album release party. Featuring a great opening lineup of local rap/hip hop artists. Show starts at 8 p.m. 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.

Chilliwack Chiefs at Prince George Spruce Kings at Kopar Memorial Arena goes Saturday, Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. Tickets at www.sprucekings.bc.ca.

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 newto-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.

Sawyer Brown’s 40th anniversary concert goes Monday, Oct. 21 at CN Centre. Sawyer Brown, the iconic band known for their ‘life songs,’ celebrates 40 years of success with a high-energy performance in Prince George. For more information and tickets visit https://ticketsnorth.evenue.net/sawyerbrown.

Kym Gouchie Album Release Concert goes Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. in downtown Prince George. Join Kym Gouchie and her

six-piece band as they celebrate the official release of Kym’s newest album, Shun Beh Nats’ujeh/We are Healing Through Songs. An evening of interactive music to delight all ages, perfect for the entire family. Experience her impact through music and storytelling to bridge cultural divides. For tickets visit www.bandsintown.com/kymgouchie. Halloween Haunted House – Creepy Hollow 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.

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CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Pumpkin Express is Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum.

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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.

Victoria Royals at Prince George Cougars goes Friday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. at CN Centre. Tickets at https://chl.ca/whl-cougars/.

Halloween Festival goes Saturday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Northern Sport Centre up at UNBC. Kick off Halloween week with a day of spooktacular activities including bouncy castles, carnival games, spooky track tour, bubble machines, dance party and more. Wear a boo-tiful costume for tricks and treats. Purchase tickets at the front desk. For 18 years and under $10, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. 19+ is $5, family rate is $40 for two adults and up to four children who are under 18 years old.

Pal-oween! The Burden with July Crowd and Madbomb goes Saturday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. This will be a spooktastic time with the region’s best alternative, punk, hardcore performers. Come out for the costume party. For more information and tickets visit www. bandsintown.com/paloween.

Pumpkin Express goes Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum, 850 River Road, for a family friendly spooktastic time. Put on costumes, join in the spooky yet family-friendly Halloween scare. Board the Pumpkin Express Train, pick up a free pumpkin, do a craft and take a

storywalk stroll. Regular admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors 65+ and students, children three to 12 are $7 and children under two are free. Mini train rides are $4 each. For more information visit https://pgrfm.bc.ca/news-events/ halloween/.

Artisans in the Greenhouse goes Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Art Knapp, 4411 Kimball Rd. There will be exceptionally talented local artisans featuring their handmade jewelry, pottery, unique home décor where one-of-akind items will be on display.

Halloween Eve goes Wednesday, Oct. 30 and Moran Manor’s Halloween goes Thursday, Oct. 31 from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at 309 Moran Crescent. Celebrate Halloween by visiting the spooky set up, animatronics, live actors and haunted maze. Donations are accepted and non-perishable food items are welcome. Non-scary visit goes from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and scary version goes from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Flashing lights and fog machines are used during this event.

Haunted House on Sussex goes Thursday, Oct. 31 from 4 to 9 p.m. at 2857 Sussex Place. This is for brave souls only and features live actors, strobe lights and fog machines. Anyone wishing to safely go through without

Fireworks from 7 to 7:30 p.m.

Halloween Fireworks goes Thursday, Oct. 31 at 8:15 p.m. at College Heights Recreation Park. Presented by the College Heights Community Association this annual events offers fun for the whole family.

being spooked please seek out the witch. Anyone holding the witch’s hand is off limits. Organizers want everyone to have a safe and fun Halloween.

Halloween Fun at the Museum goes Thursday, Oct. 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 pm. At The Exploration Place, 333 Becott Pl. Explore a world of festive excitement and don’t forget to wear a costume. Schedule includes 9:30 a.m. Fizzy Pumpkins Experiment; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bat Craft; 1:30 p.m. Pumpkin Slime Experiment; 2:30 to 4 p.m. Spiderweb Craft; 5 p.m. Pumpkin Lava Experiment; and from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mummy Craft. For all the details visit https:// theexplorationplace.com/event/ halloween-fun-at-the-museum/

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CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Watch the fireworks on Halloween Night, starting at 8:15 p.m. at College Heights Recreation Park.

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Victoria Grizzlies at Prince George Spruce Kings goes Friday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. at Kopar Memorial Arena at 6 p.m. Tickets at www.sprucekings.bc.ca/tickets.

St. Mary’s Craft Fair goes Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Mary’s school gym, 1088 Gillett St. There will be 47 tables of goods from a variety of vendors including knitting and sewing, leather goods, produce and meat, baked goods and handmade chocolate. At the concession there will be breakfast sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers and homemade soups.

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.

Wilson Square Community Farmers’ Market goes every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Courthouse until Oct. 12 where local food producers fill the street as musicians play their instruments and visitors start their weekends with a round of breakfast sandwiches and hot coffee. Traditional farm fresh meat and produce is available alongside wild-foraged seasonal fiddleheads and morels, rounded out by a selection of local arts and baked treats.

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

Craft & Chat at the main branch of the Prince George Public Library goes every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the magazine corner, second floor, where fibre artists are invited to bring their latest projects to share, vent frustrations, brag about successes, get and give help

and join in lively discussions. Snacks provided. This event is in partnership with Great Northwest Fibre Fest.

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

Story Walk at Duchess Park is open to the public. Each story panel is facing the paved walking path and is not located in the dog park itself. The program is available rain or shine so participants should dress for the weather. The

story is changed on a monthly basis to keep it fresh and exciting.

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

Omineca’s Coffee House Open Stage is every Sunday, 369 Victoria St., from 3 to 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to step up and share their talents, stories and art forms of all kinds including

but not limited to musical, literary, comedic and performative expressions of our diverse community. Refreshments and snacks by donation. Sign up is on-site. There are some house instruments provided but feel free to bring your own creative tools for expression. First timers and emerging artists are encouraged to experiment and collaborate with others. Please share and invite friends and family to build audience, engage and cheer on local artists in a fun, relaxed and safe environment.

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

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

St. Mary’s Craft Fair is Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Mary’s school gym, 1088 Gillett St.

OK to be different, author writes in new book for kids

Gale Riding tells the story of a green moose named Mylo who happens to be a little different

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Mylo is 29 years old. He’s green, soft and cuddly, but that’s a little weird because he’s actually a moose and he’s a toy.

Because he is such an unusual colour, it got his owner thinking that the oddity might make for a good children’s book about fitting in and being kind.

It all started when Gale Riding and her husband Stephen and his brother, Ian, went to the fair back in 1995.

Ian played the darts-popping-the-balloon carnival game and told Riding she could pick her prize.

“I picked out Mylo and have had him ever since,” Riding said.

Mylo looks good for his age.

His eyes are full of mischief and his antlers are just as perky as when he was brand new. The greeny-blue of his coat is what really stands out. Let’s face it, a green moose makes you take notice.

“So I wrote the story for my son Nicholas and then as my kids got older I learned that children learn better when it’s in rhyme,” Riding said. “So then I wrote it in rhyme. The book went in the drawer for about 25 years and then I decided to pull it out and so here it is.”

She got a storyboard made from her original handwritten story and her working title was Mylo Isn’t So Different After All but the publisher made her change it to Mylo Makes a Friend. She inscribed a message to herself in the first copy of the book.

“Don’t keep your dreams in a drawer,” it says in cursive.

As a result of that reminder, Riding has continued Mylo’s story in a series and three more tales are as yet unpublished.

In the first book Mylo, whose name means merciful, is born and on wobbly legs the little green moose begins to explore the world only to find there are some challenges that come with being different.

“The book is about kindness and friendship,” Riding said. “His mom teaches him how to walk, how to talk

and what to eat and then he wants to know why he’s different.”

In the book Mylo asks the frogs and they tell him to go away, he looks at himself in the water and sees what others see, he talks to a deer and a bunny but no one wants to play, Riding added.

“So then Mandi the Moose comes along and she doesn’t care that Mylo is different,” Riding added.

“Milo and Mandi spend time each day together, in rain or sunshine – no matter the weather, they told each other their secrets and dreams and the two of them are part of a team,” Riding quoted from the book.

“So then he has a best friend and everyone realizes that they’re not going to turn green if they play with him and so they want to join in because Mylo and Mandi are having so much fun.”

The book is based in fiction with facts laced throughout as each animal is introduced and information is included about what they really eat and where they really live.

The book is at Studio 2880 in the Book Nook, at Books & Co., 1685 Third Ave., and at Coles at the Pine Centre Mall.

For more information about the book visit galeriding.com/ or www.mylofindsafriend.com/.

TOYS • COMICS • GAMES

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Gale Riding, Prince George author, has written a children’s book geared around Mylo the Moose and the challenges he encountered because he’s a little different.

Open-air market, year-round rink planned for plaza

The space will be revamped after the seating is demolished

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Demolition of the seating at Canada Games Plaza got underway last week as Tourism PG revamps the space for more outdoor use.

Tourism PG has announced an openair container market will be located at the plaza outside of the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre as a way to enhance the space. It will be in place in time for the Festival of Trees, which begins Nov. 27.

There will also be a skating rink installed using synthetic panels allowing for year-round enjoyment.

“What’s going to happen to start is there will be four shipping containers,” said Colin Carson, chief executive officer, Tourism Prince George.

“So the one we’ve been operating all summer as our visitor centre will remain and then there will be three more up against the plaza building so that’s why the seating is being removed. From a space standpoint that’s what needed to happen.”

Carson said that after talking with partners who use the plaza, they knew they needed to make sure that it still allowed for events to take place.

“Hopefully the market adds to these events and makes them better,” Carson said. “ To do so we needed to make sure

New STEAM gallery for Exploration Place

we weren’t putting the containers right in the middle, allowing for things like stages to come in so that’s why the seating needed to be removed.”

On the practical side, the containers can access power from the plaza building.

“So it will be four shipping containers and the artificial ice that will all be in by the end of November,” Carson confirmed.

“The rink will see plastic tiles go into the current footprint of the rink.”

He outlined the plans for the market.

“The open-air container market, once it’s up and running, will be a rental container, so we’ll have skate rentals. As well, in the summer we’ll lend out bikes and fishing gear,” he said.

“For the other two they will be collaborative containers, we’re calling

CITIZEN STAFF

Work on The Exploration Place’s latest gallery is set to begin in January.

The new permanent STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) interactive gallery, which will be aimed at young children, will feature hands-on activities designed to inspire curiosity and learning, according to a press release.

them, where it’ll be a variety of locally produced goods and things like that. It will be offered as a low barrier for artists and creators here in Prince George to have their stuff showcased.”

Carson said they want the plaza space to be available year-round so there will be additional lighting placed around the plaza and the skating rink as it gets dark so early during the winter.

As the situation with the unhoused in the community continues, Carson said Tourism PG, which spent the summer in the middle of the plaza, had only positive interactions with users of the space.

“We’re looking to have the space be welcoming to everyone,” Carson said. “And we’re looking for everyone to essentially follow a code of conduct like you would see at the Public Library.

The interactive exhibits will combine education with play, creating a space for families to explore together and addressing the community’s demand for more child-friendly activities in Prince George, states the announcement.

It’s being funded in part by a donation from the Y.P. Heung Foundation.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Y.P. Heung Foundation for their continued support in bringing these educational

We want to make sure people are being respectful and it’s a safe environment because we want everyone to use the space.”

This is a big opportunity for Tourism PG as the new visitor centre is put in place at the rotunda between the Civic Centre and the library. It will be ready to welcome the public into the space at the same time the container market opens.

When big events come into the Civic Centre, to be able to activate the space outside is invaluable, Carson added.

“The people visiting the space won’t only spend more money because the market is right here but hopefully it will also leave them with a really positive feeling about Prince George and hopefully attract some return visits because of it.”

experiences to our community,” stated executive director Alyssa Leier.

“This new space will not only enhance our offerings but also reinforce our dedication to listening to community needs and making The Exploration Place a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages.”

The Y.P. Heung Foundation previously supported the museum’s 2021 renovation, transforming it into a space dedicated to arts and culture.

Preparations are underway at Canada Games Plaza to make way for a new skating rink and open-air container market that will open in time for the Festival of Trees.

Grants ‘trade show’ connects providers, applicants

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

The City of Prince George hosted a drop-in grants “trade show” Thursday, Oct. 10 at the Civic Centre focused on funding available for local non-profit organizations and charities.

Groups offering information on available grants during the event included Four Rivers Cooperative, Northern Development, the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, Sport PG, City of Prince George, Interior Savings, Iren, Prince George Community Foundation, and the United Way.

“Where this idea came from is the non-profits themselves,” Sarah Brown, said supervisor of civic initiatives and partnerships at the City of Prince George. “One of the things we asked during engagement was what else can the city do and one of the things we heard was we could offer the opportunity of networking – bringing funders together with the not-for-profits so they can meet each other and learn from one another to find out more about the grants and what’s required.”

Brown said she also oversees MyPG grants and there will be a launch in January of additional grant streams.

“And we’re really excited about that,” Brown said.

“We heard from non-profits that they were interested in operating grants and multi-year funding so we’re exploring that to see how we can better respond to not-for-profits and support them with the service delivery they provide to the community.”

Joann Smiley, centre manager of the Elder Citizens Recreation Association, said she’s never seen anything like the gathering of grant providers and grant applicants in one room.

“There’s been nothing like this ever before and I am pleased to say that as an experienced grant-writer even I got tons of information today,” Smiley said.

“There are about eight grants in that room that I didn’t even know existed. The organizations talked to me about their grants, what I am eligible for and where to apply. They’ve all been just

phenomenal. It’s so impressive and this was just what the city needed.”

Four Rivers Co-Operative Community Support Fund has expanded its capital funding to $150,000 and applications are being accepted until Nov. 15, 2024. Registered charities, non-profit organizations and community groups that depend on funding to complete or start their projects, as well as enhance their facilities and services, are invited to apply. For more information visit https://www.fourriversco-op.crs/sites/ fourrivers/local/detail/150000-in-funding-available---2024-community-supportfund-

Northern Development Initiative

Trust has nine different avenues of grant access including recreational infrastructure, the northern industries innovation fund, cultural infrastructure and more. For more information visit https://www.northerndevelopment. bc.ca/apply-for-funding/

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George addresses the needs of the more outlying areas in the region, including community grants in aid; recreation grants; arts, culture and heritage grants and Fraser-Fort George endowment grants. For more information visit www. rdffg.ca.

Sport PG offers a hosting grant for those organizing a multi-day event that

will attract a significant number of outof-town participants. For more information visit www.princegeorge.ca/grants.

City of Prince George Celebrate PG Grants helps non-profits create new events or improve existing events to boost community pride and bring visitors to the city. For more information visit www.princegeorge.ca/Grants

The Interior Savings Community Investment Fund provides one-time financial support to help launch sustainable programs that empower people in communities with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to achieve their potential. Eligible projects must have a far-reaching, positive impact on the community and a plan to be self-sustainable.

The intent of the fund is not to cover operational or capital costs but to help get new programs off the ground, at times by purchasing the necessary equipment.

Allocations typically range between $3,000 and $15,000 depending on the scope and scale of the project and the anticipated impact on the community and surrounding areas. For more information visit https://forms.interiorsavings.com/community/info/cif

IREN Group runs leading next-generation data centres powered by 100 per cent renewable energy and offers

non-profits $100,000 a year in grants in Prince George up to a maximum of $10,000 to an organization for Community Participation and Pride, Community Sustainability, Community Safety, Diversity, and Use of Technology for Community Benefit. For more information visit https://iren.com/community-grants-program-prince-george

Prince George Community Foundation has a whole host of funding programs that benefit the community. The Foundation offers grants through the annual grant program to charitable organizations delivering important projects that enhance quality of life in Prince George.

The community foundation shared some good news on its website, stating many organizations have requested assistance with operating funds. Going forward, in the winter grant cycle, instead of allocating 12.5 per cent of funding to operating costs it has now been increased to 50 per cent. For more information visit https://www.pgcf.ca/ pgcf_annual_grant_program.

United Way was in attendance showcasing their many programs including those for kids and youth, food security, communities, emergency response, helpline services, and seniors. For more information visit https://uwbc.ca/ campaign/united/.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

People check out a grants-related ‘trade show’ at the Civic Centre on Thursday, Oct. 10. The City of Prince George brought together organizations providing grant opportunities and those wishing to access those grants under one roof.

Gladys and Al Thorp celebrate 70 years of marriage

This lovely couple radiates light from another era with their everlasting love for each other

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Gladys and Al Thorp have been married for 70 years.

Gladys is 92 years old and Al is 93 and every 10 years on their Oct. 2 anniversary they take their wedding garb out of storage.

Gladys slips into her demure lace dress with the million buttons up the back and Al puts on the heavy, top quality wool suit.

Words like regal and elegant come to mind when Gladys raises her head with pride, and one look at Al’s secret smile shows a dapper gentleman standing guard over his beautiful bride.

This lovely couple radiates light from another era and you know they have truly shone through the test of time. It wasn’t always easy but they’ve had a good life and it is so very apparent they have an everlasting love for each other.

Maybe the secret to 70 years of marriage is just that simple: enduring love. At the end of the photo shoot, Al reached into his pocket.

“I had a cold when we were getting married so I had peppermint candies in my pocket – I have one left,” Al said, holding the 70-year-old candy in his hand for a moment and then dropping it right back into the same pocket. Al also had on his original tie and tie clip.

“I’m going to go get changed and my dress will go right back into its original box,” Gladys said.

Their 70-year journey together started one fateful day as Al’s band, Hub City 4, was playing at a wedding in the early 1950s and Gladys was the bridesmaid.

“There was another fellow making time with Gladys but I decided to make a play for her,” Al said, who was the band’s drummer.

“Then Al came to the Bluebird Café where I worked and he always asked for a milkshake with an extra scoop of ice cream,” Gladys said.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Gladys, 92, and Allan Thorp, 93, celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary. They were wed on Oct. 2, 1954 at Knox United Church.

COMMUNITY

The couple met when his band, the Hub City 4, played at a wedding where she happened to be a bridesmaid

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

“It was vanilla,” Al recalled with a smile.

During their three-year courtship Gladys continued to work at the Blue Bird Café, located next door to W.D. West studio, near Northern Hardware on Third Avenue.

The couple was married at Knox United Church on Oct. 2, 1954.

Gladys and Al have four children including Candace, Darold, Gordon and Melvin and eventually came the grands and greats, Gladys said.

Gladys and Allan lived at 690 Carney Street for 30 years.

“Then we moved ‘south’,” Gladys said, which means they moved further down the street and have lived in their current home for the last 40 years.

During their married life, Al worked at Doc’s Radio Clinic, Rose’s Ice Cream Shop, the Prince George Bakery and Canadian Propane, then moved on to Westcoast Transmission in 1957 that changed to West Coast Energy, Spectra Energy and eventually Enbridge where Al spent 37 years growing his family and career.

He retired from his southern district manager position where he was responsible for 14 compressor stations, six pipeline crews, about 150 people and 2,000 km of pipeline that went from Chetwynd to the U.S. border.

Gladys worked at Hughes and Rutledge ladies wear, was a swim instructor with the school district and a phone operator for Northwest Telephone Company.

Gladys was an extraordinary volunteer as president of the local branch of the Canadian Cancer Society, on the board for the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada and was known for her gingerbread houses donated to local charities to be raffled off during fundraisers. Gladys also volunteered with the Terry Fox Run.

When their children were school-age,

Gladys has such fond memories of whisking the children away to their Summit Lake cabin for the whole summer.

“It’s my favourite spot in the whole wide world,” Gladys said. “I loved it out there. The nature, the seclusion – I liked the seclusion. We were all by ourselves. There were six cabins past us and nobody would come out – maybe only once a month. There was no road so we took the boat and we were isolated. So I had the four kids and the bears, squirrels and the grouse and lots of huckleberries. It was a good life for the kids.”

In her retirement Gladys took up painting scenery and historic buildings in water colour, acrylics and oil.

When Al retired in 1994 he joined the Old Time Fiddlers and the Forever Young Chorus, the drama club and was a member of the Country Cuzzins at the Elder Citizens Recreation Centre.

And the secret to 70 years of happy marriage?

“You got to live a long time,” Al deadpanned.

“You give and you take,” Gladys said. “I took my wedding vows very seriously.”

“And I learned you have to say you’re sorry,” Al said.

“I wasn’t always very good at that,” Gladys said, her eyes sweeping to her beloved groom.

“When I was mad, I was mad,” Gladys said.

“But you gotta mean it when you say you’re sorry,” Al nodded.

Always the musician, Al’s button accordion found its way into his hands and he played.

His song choice was most appropriate.

As Al looked into the eyes of the woman he has spent 70 years with he began the sweetest song - Que Sera, Sera – Whatever will be, will be, The future’s not ours to see, Que Sera, Sera.

years.

THORP FAMILY PHOTO

This is the photo hanging on the wall in Gladys and Al Thorp’s home of 40

Ghostly image caught in photo taken at Barkerville

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

It’s fall and thoughts turn to the changing seasons, the blustering wind playing with the leaves bringing cooler temperatures as a reminder that winter will soon be here.

But first there’s a spooky, thrillfilled season that invites fans of Halloween a glimpse into other-worldly quandries like mind-bending images evoking questions left mostly unanswered.

Just ask Don Fitzpatrick who went on his annual family trip to Barkerville in 2021 and came back with something undeniably mysterious.

“I was just taking some photos as I hadn’t been there for a while,” Fitzpatrick recalled.

“When I looked into a room I didn’t see anything other than the boots and the bed and the display so when I got home I looked through the photos and I said ‘Well, this is really weird. What is this?’”

When he zoomed in on the photo there was more than what first met his eye.

“I saw what looks like an imprint on the bed of somebody sitting there and then legs going down into the boots and I thought ‘Wow! This is weird.’ So I contacted Barkerville and they said everything in that room is from or is as close to the actual time period. So it’s possible that it was the ghost of somebody who wore those boots or was in that room or something. So that’s very interesting.”

So is he a believer?

“You kind of have to be when you see that photo,” Fitzpatrick said. “You have no choice because that photo is very compelling. How can I deny that?”

This isn’t the first time Fitzpatrick had a close encounter of the creep-factor kind.

Years ago he worked at Shooter’s Restaurant, the downtown location that was once home to the famous Vienna Schnitzel House, 611 Brunswick St., that burned down on Oct. 10, 2021.

“When I was working there it was late night and I was cleaning up, finishing up my shift and I went down to the basement,” Fitzpatrick recalled that fateful night.

“I heard a noise and I looked and there was a person – a man – standing in the hallway. And I thought ‘This guy isn’t supposed to be here - what the heck?’ I was supposed to be the only one here so I started walking towards him and he just disappeared. So I thought ‘OK, I just saw a ghost.’ I talked to other people and they said it’s not the first time that people have seen something in that building. It was rumoured that the building had been used for Satanic worship back in the day and there was an actual Pentagram still painted on the floor of one of the basement rooms. Very creepy. They had tried to paint over this Pentagram many times and it just kept coming through the paint. So weird.”

Happy Halloween!

If you have a local ghost story to share, reach out by emailing cdalgleish@pgcitizen.ca.

SCHEHERAZADE

Don Fitzpatrick took his family to Barkerville in 2021 and came back with a surprising image. If you look closely, you can see what appears to be a ghostly figure putting on the boots beside the bed.

Throwback Thursday: Week of October 17

Oct. 16, 1975: Darcy Edgar tells John McInnes Secondary School students all about photography as part of the travelling BC Photographers Show sponsored by the Vancouver Art Gallery. The show features about 50 prints by young BC photographers as well as a simple lecture on the technical aspects and application of photography. It was on display at Prince George Senior Secondary School.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY LEN TENISCI

Oct. 17, 1988: Using a toy animal named Alf and a stuffed nurse, veterinarian Dr. Trudi Roberts of the Prince George Veterinary Clinic explains pet dental procedures to Sara Laundy during an open house held at all four vet clinics in the city to mark the beginning of Animal Health Week. Many residents took advantage of the opportunity to tour the clinics and learn more about caring for their pets and farm animals.

Oct. 17, 1960: New teachers in School District 57 were admitted to the BC Teachers’ Federation at an induction ceremony in the Hotel Simon Fraser. Some of the newcomers are pictured here, but not named. The teachers pledged themselves to follow the ethics of the teaching profession and received federation membership certificates. It was the first time a formal induction ceremony has been carried out in the area.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY HAL VANDERVOORT

Oct. 17, 2008: It’s fiendish fun as Brennan Lepine, 11, puts together a Halloween yard display while Sam Brodie, 4, and his brother Miles, 7, wonder what to do with a stray foot outside the Lepine home on Willard Place.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVID MAH

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVE MILNE

Northern Health showcases hidden gems of British Columbia’s north in photographs: #SnapsByStaff

HOLLY HUGHES

NORTHERN

HEALTH

Northern Health staff not only work in our facilities, they also live, learn, and play in Northern communities. While some were born and raised here, many have come to the region

from other places for work, for the lifestyle, and for the opportunities for themselves and their families.

Living in the North comes with a special sense of community and pride in the villages, towns, and cities we call home.

It’s not unusual to run into

people you know when you’re visiting another Northern town, travelling through the “Northern” wing of Vancouver International Airport (if you know, you know!), or when you’re just out and about. That’s the beauty of Northern living.

We’re celebrating the great North

through our #SnapsByStaff campaign, where we’re encouraging staff to send us their own snapshots, so that we can share them once a week and shout out the hidden gems of the North.

Here’s a roundup of some of the ones we’ve shared so far!

KAIT GREER PHOTO

The scenic Rearguard Falls in the Fraser River near Tete Jaune Cache taken by Kait Greer, lead, information governance.

DANICE RIGETS PHOTO

A stunning view of Harvey Mountain in the Babine Mountains, from Danice Rigets, specialty education registered nurse.

KRISTA POPWELL PHOTO

A lovely floral scene in Fort St. John taken by Krista Popwell, medical lab assistant.

KYLE MUNRO PHOTO

The majestic Seven Sisters mountain range in Kitwanga taken by Kyle Munro, nurse practitioner.

‘We’re doing it!’ One remote Northern family’s experience feeding their tongue-tied baby

EMMA LORE For Northern Health

This is my family’s story about feeding our first child, Soren. Feeding was not as easy as I had anticipated. With the support of our local midwife, my dedicated partner, and a lactation consultant, we were able to reach our goal of feeding him my milk directly from my breasts.

I hope this story can inspire others to ask for support when you need it, and accept it when it comes your way. Breastfeeding doesn’t always look exactly how we imagined it would be, but it can be a beautiful journey nonetheless.

Keep baby fed, milk flowing, and baby close

I had nipple pain from early on. A few days after birth, Soren’s poop hadn’t changed colours the way it shouldinstead of turning yellow, it was bloody.

We were in contact with our midwife, sending daily poo pics and questions to her.

She promptly came to see us for an assessment. Something was preventing him from getting the milk he needed, so we started on our first feeding plan:

• Keep the baby fed: a combination of my breast milk and formula was needed

• Keep my milk flowing: I tried hand expression and pumping to increase my milk production

• Keep baby close: we held Soren skin-to-skin as often as possible

As we learned to navigate this feeding plan, we suspected that Soren had a tongue tie.

Tongue ties can make it difficult for a baby to breastfeed, and can cause nipple pain for the mother. La Leche League Canada explains tongue ties as follows:

Everyone has a thin membrane of tissue (lingual frenulum) that holds the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.

Double breast pump and finger feeding baby Teamwork at 10 days old –double-pumping and finger-feeding

In some people it is visible, and in others it is not.

A visible lingual frenulum is not always a sign of a tongue-tie. A tongue tie is present when the lingual frenulum is tight and/or thick enough to restrict normal tongue movement.

This caused me quite a bit of nipple pain. Something I learned is that diagnosing tongue ties is out of scope for midwives.

So, we needed to explore options for diagnosis and treatment.

Lean on your team

My partner Alan and I were a team from the start. We started off fumbling to find a rhythm, but by the end of a month, we were a well-oiled machine! Alan helped to prepare our supplies before each feed. When I pumped, Alan finger-fed Soren my expressed milk and formula.

We usually finished pumping and feeding around the same time and then we moved to the next step of the dance:

cleaning!

I thought milk volumes would increase quickly. This wasn’t the case for our family. We continued pumping and supplementing as a team until we could see a specialist. My milk supply caught up with Soren’s feeding demand after about three weeks of our feeding plan.

Access specialized supports (sometimes it’s needed!)

There are a few specialists who can diagnose tongue ties, including physicians and dentists with special training. The best decision for our family was to see a dentist.

After a thorough assessment, Soren was diagnosed with tongue tie. While not all babies need treatment, releasing the tie was best for us.

Though we were able to increase my milk supply, my nipple pain was not improving.

After Soren’s laser treatment we met with a lactation consultant. This follow

up is recommended for families after a tongue tie is released, because it can help transition back to feeding at the breast.

With her support, I was finally able to feed my baby directly at the breast. This was such a huge milestone for our feeding journey!

“WE’RE DOING IT!”

I look back on this experience and am in awe of all the supports we had to get us to our feeding goal.

Early on, Alan and I started saying to each other and others when asked how things were going: “We’re doing it!”

This phrase has stuck; even now, with two more kiddos added to the family, we meet each new challenge as it comes.

It’s so important that families know where to go if breastfeeding becomes a challenge.

Sometimes it can be hard to find the help you need, though resources are available.

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO

Emma with Soren at one week old. Soren was born with a tongue tie, which made feeding difficult.

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO

Finger feeding baby with a milk syringe Alan finger feeding Soren, four days old.

Local Sports

Gale Russell dedicated his life to youth soccer

He’s being remembered for his efforts to spur exponential growth of the sport in Prince George

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Gale Russell never wavered from his vision to grow youth soccer in Prince George.

Back in the early 1990s there was no shortage of kids interested in playing the world’s most popular sport. They just needed a bigger, better place to play, and as chairman of the Prince George Youth Soccer Association, Russell helped make that happen.

He was one of the movers and shakers leading a joint City of Prince George/ Prince George Rotary Club project to create an eight-field facility at Exhibition Park – a lush green jewel of youth soccer humanity that would become the envy of the province.

“Gale did so much for the game, he loved kids and he did a lot of work at the beginning when we needed him the most,” said longtime soccer goalie/ referee Gaetano Mauro, who co-founded the PGYSA in 1961 with his father-in-law John de Silva.

“When you talk about promoting the game, with our facilities you couldn’t do it and that was his main thing that he did. Thanks to the Rotary, but I mean somebody had to do the groundwork and we’re grateful for what he’s done.”

Russell died peacefully in Prince George Hospice House on Aug. 31 after a four-year illness. He was 78.

Born and raised in the Montreal suburb of West Brome, Que., Russell moved to Prince George in 1967 and earned his living as a self-employed businessman with Allen’s Bottle Depot, Northern Ice Supply, Spruceland Emporium and his legacy lives on in many Prince George restaurants for the supplies he sold as owner of Northern Food Equipment. He and wife Debby had two sons, Terrol and Bree, and Gale stepped up when his boys needed a soccer coach. As president of the Quinson Community

Association he helped start an indoor soccer program for kids and in the early 1980s he joined the PGYSA as a house league coach.

Despite never having played the game himself, he found he loved coaching kids and wore his coach’s hat from 1980-98. He signed up for every coaching course available and shot up the ranks into the city’s all-star program, using his newly-acquired expertise to guide Prince George teams to two boys BC crowns and one girls provincial title. He also got involved as a referee and his persistent pleading with the BC Youth Soccer Association led to the city attracting several high-level coaching and officiating clinics.

First elected to the PGYSA board of directors in 1986, his efforts were instrumental in development of the mini-soccer program, which got hundreds

of kids honing their skills at an early age playing on small fields where ball touches were frequent. As head of the all-star program, Prince George teams reaped an unprecedented number of provincial medals.

Russell served on the PGYSA executive for 18 years and was chair of the board from 1994-2003. Under Russell’s watch as PGYSA chairman he brought the largest youth tournaments the city has ever seen to what was then known as New Rotary Stadium, which hosted the Rocky Mountain Cup and the U15/U17 girls all-star national championships in 2001.

He also served as youth soccer’s liaison to the city’s adult soccer leagues, then called the Prince George Women’s Soccer Association and North Cariboo Senior Soccer League, and was involved as a director in the women’s Blackburn

Cup and men’s Prince George Invitational tournaments.

He also organized the Northern Capital Sports Society and its annual golf tournament, which raised money for UNBC’s soccer programs and the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame, of which he served on the nomination committee. In 2003 he was inducted into the PG Hall under the builder category.

“His over 35 years of involvement was a true testimony of a man who played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the PGYSA,” said longtime friend Shafeed Rahman, who preceded Russell as PGYSA chair.

“His leadership paved and cemented the organization to be second to none in this province. The growth from 800 kids to 3,300 was an unreal achievement.” PLEASE SEE ‘RUSSELL’ ON PAGE 34

Price George Sports Hall of Fame member Gale Russell and his thick crop of hair were front and centre when he spoke at the 2019 induction ceremony. He died this year on Aug. 31 at age 78.

‘Sturling’ is a new way to enjoy

the popular sport

Ruth Meger works on her delivery under the watchful eye of Gary Sheransky as she tries her hand at Sturling, stick curling, at a Sturling open house at PGG&CC Saturday, Oct. 12. If you find it hard to deliver a curling rock in the time-honoured traditional method, sliding while crouched, there is a new way to enjoy the sport that opens the way for seniors and others that can’t manage the slide Sturling is a game with two-person teams open to anyone using a stick or the traditional slide to deliver or throw the rock.

The name was chosen to represent stick-or-slide delivery with a two-person instead of four-person team. There is no sweeping until the rock reaches the hog line at the destination end, which is then handled by the second member of the team. Prince George Golf and Curling Club has both Monday and Wednesday sturling draws as well as Sunday Sturling draws open to anyone who would like to try their hand at the sport.To pre-register or for more information contact Tenille Mohr at 250-563-0357 ext. 102 or email gsh@telus.net.

Spruce Kings’ centre Cummings signs with Dartmouth

Make it a baker’s dozen for the Prince George Spruce Kings.

The B.C. Hockey League team announced Tuesday that 19-year-old centre Brock Cummings has signed a scholarship commitment to Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.

He becomes the 13th player on the current Spruce Kings roster to commit to an NCAA Division 1 school.

“Being able to get an Ivy League education and play NCAA Division 1 hockey at the same time is something I’ve dreamed of doing for a long time,” said Cummings, in a team release.

Cummings, a native of Mississauga, Ont., joined the Spruce Kings in

June, along with 20-year-old defenceman Eddie Ramano, in a trade from Cowichan Valley that sent forward Luca Primerano and future considerations to the Capitals.

Cummings has two assists in four

games with the Kings this season, coming off a 16-goal, 34-point season in 54 games as a BCHL rookie with the Capitals.

“We are very proud of Brock. He and his family are very deserving of this achievement,” said Spruce Kings head

coach Alex Evin. “We look forward to working with him to develop his skills as a player to prepare him for college hockey.”

The Spruce Kings played their first BCHL regular season games against Alberta teams last weekend when they visited the Okotoks Oilers (Friday) and Brooks Bandits (Saturday). The Bandits and Oilers are among five former Alberta Junior Hockey League teams who have joined the BCHL this season.

The road trip continued at the BCHL Showcase on Abbotsford, where the Spruce Kings played the Blackfalds (Alta) Bulldogs on Thanksgiving Monday, followed by a date with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs on Tuesday.

The Spruce Kings return to Kopar Memorial Arena on Saturday, Oct. 19 to face the Chilliwack Chiefs.

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

VICKI BROWN PHOTO

Spruce Kings centre Brock Cummings has signed a commitment to play NCAA Division 1 hockey at Dartmouth College.

Too many overagers means a trade for the Cougars

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Carlin Dezainde got caught up the numbers game that limits WHL rosters to a maximum of three 20-year-olds.

As a result, he’s been traded by the Prince George Cougars to the Swift Current Broncos.

The Cougars sent Dezainde and a ninth-round draft pick in 2025 to Swift Current for 2005-born forward Van Eger, a second-round draft pick in 2025 and fourth-round pick in 2027.

Eger, a 19-year-old native of Willow Bunch, Sask., had three goals and three assists in 31 games with the Broncos in 2023-24. He was held without a point in two games this season playing for Swift Current.

Eger played 19 games last season in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League for the Notre Dame Hounds, scoring six goals and 14 points.

Dezainde was part of a three-team trade on Dec. 28, 2021 and came to the Cougars from the Medicine Hat Tigers. In 160 games with the Cats he scored 40 goals and collected 96 points.

This year through seven games he had a team-leading six goals and 10 points.

WHL teams are allowed to carry more than three 20 year olds and can swap them in and out of the lineup while dressing no more than three in each game until the mid-October deadline.

The return of right winger Koehn

Ziemmer, sent back to Prince George Monday by the Los Angeles Kings, left the Cougars with four overagers, including defenceman Viliam Kmec and forwards Dezainde and Borya Valis.

“Dez (Dezainde) has turned himself

into a real good WHL player that could help any team,” said Cougars general manager and head coach Mark Lamb, in a team release. “It is not a trade we wanted to make but with Ziemmer coming back, the business part of the game comes into play.”

Russell to be honoured by BC Soccer at November AGM

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

Rahman said while Russell sometimes rubbed people the wrong way with his boisterous personality he had a heart of gold and there was never a dull moment when he was around him.

“He called a spade a spade and his straightforward attitude and honesty was admired by friends and political foes alike,” said Rahman. “The man loved life and gave helping hands to many needy people.

“During his reign there was real progress because this guy was a worker and he put a lot of time, effort and money to promote the league. He became the voice of the Interior at all levels of the BC Soccer.”

Keith Liddiard, a former executive

director of the BC Youth Soccer Association, admits he was no fan of Russell’s when he first came face-to-face with him at the BC Youth Soccer AGM in 1993.

“When I first met him, I couldn’t stand him,” laughed Liddiard. “He was a fairly loud individual, very opinionated and he questioned everything that came up in the agenda. There was just something about him, he was one of those personalities.

“But the one thing about him that I discovered early on is he always had his facts right and his opinions were based on solid information and his thought process was very concise and clear. I found him to be that way most of the years I got to know him. He’s a blunt individual who doesn’t mince

words and doesn’t take fools lightly and as a consequence he could turn a few people off, but that was just a first impression.”

Liddiard came often to soccer events in Prince George from his home in Kamloops and it didn’t take long for him and Russell to become good friends.

“He’s just an amazing guy, he’s a real character and I really enjoyed being in his company,” said Liddiard. “He came on the scene provincially in 1993 and he could be a pain in the side because he was so blunt and because he was so well-informed and I just came to respect the man so much. The amount of time he put into it and the experience he brought to the organization, he was a good speaker and I just came to love the guy.

“He had an unbelievable sense of humour. He didn’t tell jokes, but he was just funny with the stuff he put into conversations. There were times he was just on, and the humour didn’t stop. He had lots to say, he was never short of words and I often thought to myself if I ever got stuck on an island somewhere and needed someone to be with me it would be Gale because he wouldn’t stop talking. He’d keep you entertained, he was knowledgeable and he was so funny.”

BC Soccer will recognize Russell’s accomplishments with a special award to be announced at its annual general meeting in November.

A memorial service was held Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Coast Inn of the North.

STEVE DUNSMOOR PHOTO

Cougars winger Carlin Dezainde rubs shoulders with Kelowna Rockets winger Luke Schelter during a playoff game last spring in Kelowna.

Life Events

Glen Carl Baber passed away on September 29, 2024 at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, after a short, grim battle with cancer. His family were with him, along with his last doggy buddy, Lizzie.

Glen was born in 1946, in Lemberg, SK, to Elsa and Rudolph Baber, the middle child of five. There remains a large extended family in Saskatchewan, with whom he enjoyed occasional visits. When he was 16, the family moved to Creston, where he completed high school, and began his work in forestry. Glen went on to BCIT and began working with the BC Forestry Service. He worked in Victoria, Williams Lake, Horsefly, Riske Creek, Revelstoke, Williams Lake and Prince George. His happiest work times may have been managing the forest fire fighting in the Cariboo-Chilcotin – he maintained an ongoing interest in fire response and behaviour. Otherwise, Glen was happiest outdoors, and loved skiing, running, bicycling, travelling, dog walks, and shared cooking projects with Heather.

Glen is survived by his partner Heather Myers, and his two sons, Chris (Jen) and Mike (Michelle), and grandchildren, Lena, Reece, Anika, and Nathan. He is also survived by his sisters Bernice and Diane, and his brother Wes. Their oldest brother Ron passed away in 2011.

Glen was interred on October 12, 2024 at Hillside Cemetery in Kamloops

Condolences may be expressed to the family at cypressfuneral.ca

Trina Gatzke - Botrakoff

March 15, 1970 - October 16, 2021

Three years ago, today Alzheimer’s took you away

There is not a day that goes by

That your name is not spoken

We look to the sky to say HI

You are dearly missed

Your smile, your laugh even your hugs and kisses. You may not be here with us today

But we feel your presence around us everyday.

Trina you are greatly missed by all your family.

Velma “Gayle” Roberts

July 30, 1956 – October 2, 2024

Velma “Gayle” Roberts passed away on October 2, 2024 at the age of 68 years.

She is survived by her loving husband Floyd Roberts, son: Adam (Melissa), step-son Clifford (Delaney), three step-daughters: Ashley (Will), Sam (Kris), Teal, seven grandchildren: Lexi, Josey, Cameron, Toccara, Mia, Rome, Isley, her brothers: Rick (Debbie), Craig, her mother Theresa Rodgers, Floyd’s brothers and sisters and many relatives.

She is predeceased by her father Bruce Kohorst and her aunt Carol.

There is no service by request.

Donations may be made, in Gayle’s memory, to the Prince George Rotary Hospice House.

Maria Matilda Federucci

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.

Rosaire Joseph Duperron

July 24, 1932 - October 1, 2024

Rosaire Joseph Duperron passed away peacefully in Prince George, B.C.

At 92 Rosaire lived a full and vibrant life. His life was marked by his dedication to his family and friends.

email: frontdesk@pgcitizen.ca or call

Rosaire was predeceased by his wife, Olive Goyer Duperron. He is survived by his children: Diane, Laurier (Maria), Eileen, Ben (Susan), and Lionel (Angela). His legacy continues through his 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

A service will be held on October 24th at 1 pm at St. Mary’s Church. After which an Internment will take place at the Mausoleum for those who wish to attend.

Following the funeral there will be a Friends & Family gathering to be held in the St. Eugene Room at St Mary’s at 3 pm, celebrating his life and the memories that we all shared.

Rosaire will be held dear not just by his family, but by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Glen Carl Baber

Peter Morris Sherba

October 18, 1934 - October 7, 2024

Peter Sherba passed away peacefully in the early hours of October 7, 2024 with his loving wife, Sylvia, by his side. His family is deeply saddened at having to say good-bye to a kind and wonderful man.

Peter is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sylvia, his daughter Terri (Rick) Kovach, Peter Jr. (Brenda) and Scott (Sherry). His grandchildren, Ed (Ashley) Kovach, Kate (Darren) Rowland, Ethan and Alex Sherba, Taylor, Logan, Sydney and Brooklyn Sherba. Great grandchildren, Isla, Jameson, Violet and Brayden.

He is survived by his sister Betty-June Gair (Don Bryce), brothers-in-law, Victor Litnosky Sr. and Clarence Calyniuk and sister-in-law Anne Sherba.

Peter was born October 18, 1934, in Vernon, BC, the second of 5 children born to Peter and Sophie (Shamanski) Sherba. He shared his birthday with his father, also born on October 18th and left us on his great-grandson’s birthday, October 7th.

He is pre-deceased by his parents, his brother William “Bill” Sherba, sisters Rosemarie Litnosky and Darlene Calyniuk, and brother-in-law Elarry Evasin.

ln the late 50’s, as a young man, Peter moved from Vernon to Prince George, BC. First, he worked for BC Hydro and later, started an electrical business with his brother-in-law, Vic Litnosky. In 1961, Pete and Sylvia were married and moved to Fort Nelson, BC. It didn’t take long for Peter to realize that Prince George was booming and so they returned to Prince George. A businessman at heart, Peter also founded Shopper’s Wholesale Foods and the Mr. G Stores with his brother, Bill Sherba. In 1991, Peter founded Westcana Electric Ltd with his son, Peter Sherba Jr. Soon, his other son, Scott Sherba, joined the company. His nephew, Mike Gair, worked along side his Uncle Pete and cousins and his sister BJ Gair managed the office. Truly, a family business.

He served as President and board member for the PG Construction Association and was widely recognized for his contributions to the construction and electrical industries. In fact, he was inducted into the Electrical Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Rotary Club and participated in and donated to many local charities. Curling was a passion for Peter and he went to the Brier twice, in ‘69 and ‘71, with Kevin Smale. Incredibly he managed to achieve at least 18 holes-inone as golf was his other well-loved sport.

In the early 70’s, Peter and Sylvia bought a lot at Cluculz Lake. Pete built most of the cabin himself and the whole family enjoyed many years spent out at “the lake”. He was a very energetic person who loved hunting, fishing and snowmobiling with his buddies and sons. In his semi-retired years, he and Sylvia travelled to Mesa, Arizona for the winter months, enjoying warm weather, golf and socializing with their many friends.

The last few years were difficult as Peter was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. A huge thank you to Drs. McLeod, Carter and Mytting and all the caring and compassionate staff at Gateway who found Pete to be a “character” and enjoyed his wonderful personality.

Thank you to all our family for their loving support and to Peter’s many buddies who kindly helped get him through these past few years. We are truly grateful.

Join us as we celebrate the life of Peter Sherba on Sunday, October 20th at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club. It will be an Open House event from 2:00 to 5:00. Refreshments and food provided.

In Memoriam

Gudrun Pettersen

October 16, 1924 - August 13, 2004

Forever in our hearts. Loved and missed.

Dag, Mikeala, Jesse, Karin & Family, Tore & Family

Kyle Lee James Tschampa

August 29, 1984 - September 28, 2024

We are saddened beyond measure to say that our strong, brave, courageous, incredibly loving, handsome, funny and resilient Son, Brother, best Uncle, Grandson, Nephew, Cousin and friend departed our world September 28, 2024 after facing MDS head on.

Kyle was born on August 29, 1984 and was raised in Prince George. He grew up playing hockey and soccer, while also enjoying spending time outdoors fishing and hunting. One of his favorite hobbies was going out to get firewood in the fall with his Dad! Kyle lived life to the fullest. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved volunteering for the Prince George Spruce Kings Hockey Organization, which he started in spring of 2002. He had some amazing friends he made during and after high school. Kyle was so social! Always out for dinner, coffee, a walk, or having the family over for Chinese food on a BC Lions game day. For work, Kyle started out at Home Depot after high school, and then was hired at Walmart in 2007. He took so much responsibility and pride in his job, ensuring his work area was clean and tidy.

Kyle is forever loved and remembered by his Parents Joe and Carol Tschampa, Sister Kristin Smith (Damian), Brother Brett Tschampa (Samantha), Nieces Finley and Sawyer Smith, Nephews Jensen and Declan Tschampa, Grandfather Rudy Tschampa, and numerous Uncles, Aunts, Cousins and Friends.

A Celebration of Kyle’s Life will be held at the Hart Pioneer Centre in Prince George on Sunday October 20, 2024 from 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm. In Kyle fashion, please feel free to wear your favorite sports jersey or shirt!

Our Family is forever grateful for the care and compassion the Physicians and BC Cancer Centre for the North Staff showed Kyle and our Family over the past year.

Please donate to the BC Cancer Centre for the North, if you so wish.

Kyle, we will forever love and miss you. You will always be remembered.

Niels Ejler Beach (The Barber)

December 21, 1942 – September 29, 2024

We are saddened to announce the passing of our father and grandfather, Niels passed away peacefully with his family by his side. Niels was born in Sarslev, Denmark, immigrating to Northern British Columbia with his parents Ivan and Asta at the age of six. Niels grew up at Summit Lake, where his parents owned and operated a sawmill, and later attending Duchess Park Secondary School. He was involved in Army Cadets, then the Rocky Mountain Rangers. Niels chose a career to become a Barber graduating from British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Niels met, Josie, the love of his life in 1965. They were married in 1967 and remained married to this day. Niels and Josie raised their three Children in the home they built west of Prince George. He took pride in raising his family, along with running his Barbershop at Spruceland Mall for 47 years. Many members of the Prince George community will remember getting their first hair cut from Niels and he was always there in the window to give you a friendly wave to as you strolled by the barbershop.

Niels was also an avid outdoorsman, being a member of the Prince George Retriever Club, Prince George Rod & Gun Club, and Ducks Unlimited. Niels held many fond memories of hunting trips and field trials with his friends and family. He also enjoyed packing up the camper and boat and heading out with this family, to one of the many lakes in the area to try and catch that elusive trophy rainbow trout. In his later years he spent time cheering on his Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Blue Jays.

Niels leaves behind his beloved wife Josie, children Belinda (Ken), Glenn (Niki), Eric (Ali), grandchildren Kyle, Ryan, Kadin, Rylee, Nora, Freya and his beloved black lab Duke to carry on his legacy. Our father is gone but never to be forgotten with much love and always remaining in our hearts

No service will be held by request, private internment.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ducks Unlimited.

A future celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com

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

Leila Violet Johnston (nee Fawcett)

September 10, 1932-October 9, 2024

Leila was a long time resident of Prince George but retired with her husband to Kelowna in 1982. Leila left us peacefully in the early morning hours of October 9th.

To say Leila was a high achiever was to state the obvious. She was good at most everything she tried, winning awards for fastball, bowling, curling and golf. She also produced high quality ceramics that could have been sold in a high end shop. Leila was a fierce competitor, during her fastball days, and she won MVP’s, highest batting average, top pitcher, she was also part of two provincial fastball championship teams. In her curling career she won too many zone titles to count and was a provincial senior winner in 1989 for BC. Leila never met a cookie or a cake she didn’t like, and ice cream certainly was a food group. She leaves behind to mourn her son David and her daughter in law Candace. Her two grandchildren Ruth and Darrell and their partners James and Kayla, as well as four great grandchildren, one of them that was born just hours before she passed. Leila had one great love in her life and that was Keith her husband and soulmate, he passed away in 2000 and she never went a day that she didn’t miss him, they are finally together.

There will be no big service by Leila’s request, but there will be a family and close friends get together at a future date yet to be determined.

Sharon Joan Dezell

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.

Honouring those who have touched our lives

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OFFICE SPACE NEEDED

Looking for small office space (80-100sqft), needed for Nov 1st. Reasonable rate, preferably no stairs. Call 250.962.2993

WE BUY GUNS

We will be in Prince George on October 25th for the Prince George Gun Show to buy guns. Please call Ken Steinhauer, before Friday, October 25th, to set up an appointment or for any questions. Phone: 780-289-6346

Dead Man’s Fingers

If these fungal growths are found in mulch or dirt, they are likely not of much concern and can be removed easily; but make sure that as you do so you remove all the soil or mulch around them, and then sanitize any tools, gloves or shoes that come in contact.

If they are found at the base of trees such as apple or crabapple trees, the growth may be infecting the tree, causing black root rot. Any tree thus infected should be carefully removed, including the stump, the surrounding soil and as much of the root system as possible. - Brenda Weaver Source: hort.extension.wisc.edu

WAREHOUSEMAN’S LIEN ACT

Whereas the following are indebted to Ace Auto Wrecking Ltd., dba NC Ron’s Towing, for towing and storage of personal property, and ought to have been paid, and are still unpaid, notice is hereby given that the said properties will be sold to pay the outstanding debt, plus costs of seizure, advertising and sale, two weeks from the date of this notice on the 31st day of October, 2024, at 1360 Foley Cres, Prince George, BC

Name Year/make Model VIN Debt

Brandon Peters 1995 Chevrolet 1500 2GCEK19KXXS1113536

Areeb Ahmad X Muhammad 2003 Kawasaki Motorcycle JKBZXJB103A003435

Kenneth Rothenburger 2006 Ford Fusion 3FAFP08136R221772

Dirk Katerberg 2017 Harley Davidson Motorcycle 5HD1KHCA8HB679380

Gary Brown 2005 Ford Freestyle 1FMZK02125GA64977

Jonathan Harmer 2003 Chevrolet Impala 2G1WH55KX39328720

Veronique Deschamps 1996 GMC 2500 1GTGK29R0TE521071

Kappil Contracting on Deman 2003

Singh X Satnam 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 3VWG57BU2MM028925

The Prince George Citizen is hiring!

The Citizen is seeking an Advertising Manager. This position would include the following responsibilities:

• Co-ordinating the efforts of our existing sales team, including setting budgets, goals and plans to reach and exceed targets

• Developing marketing plans for new and existing clients, utilizing our first-party and third-party audiences

• Analyzing existing features and projects and introducing new products and solutions

• Networking within the community and acting as an ambassador and champion of The Citizen and our marketing solutions

Qualifications:

• A proven track record in sales and sales management

What we offer:

A base wage plus commission, with full benefits

How to apply: Please email owner@pgcitizen.ca

Who we are:

GET NOTICED

Add photos to your Classified ad to sell your item faster.

The Citizen is Locally Owned, Community Focused. We are the region’s leading source of news and information, and have been for more than 100 years. We love our community and strive to make it even better.

Highest or any bid not necessarily accepted. Viewing and bids may be submitted to 1360 Foley Cres, Prince George, BC. (250) 564-8444.

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I don’t know how it happened, because I check and trim my cat’s nails regularly. Today, “Sparks” cried out in pain when I checked his right paw, and that’s when, on closer inspection, I saw that one of the middle claws had grown around, down and into the pad of his paw! How did I miss it? And what can I do to fix this? -- Sharon in Bennington, Vermont

DEAR SHARON: Cats are very good at hiding illness and injury. Plus, some cats have longer tufts of fur growing between their claws, and this can obscure nail problems. Add that to the routine struggle of trimming a cat’s nails while they wriggle and nip at you to try and escape, and it’s surprisingly easy to miss a claw or two.

Have a partner help you by gently holding your cat in a comfortable position while you inspect his paw more closely. Use a magnifying glass to get a better look at the ingrown claw.

If the claw has not penetrated the skin of your cat’s pad -- it may be pushing against the skin -- you should be able to safely trim the nail away from the pad. Use sturdy nail nippers made for cats, and trim only a small part of the nail -- enough to release the pressure on the pad. Revisit the nail in two days to trim it back further, and monitor closely from now on.

However, if the claw has penetrated the skin, removing it can be painful and stressful for your cat. Make an appointment with the veterinarian, who will be able to numb the area slightly, trim the claw, and remove the part remaining in the pad while preventing infection.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19)

The high standards you set for yourself don’t always translate into the behavior you expect from others. A relationship problem can be resolved if you’re more flexible and less judgmental.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Not enough party bids to satisfy the Bovine’s fun-loving side this week? Go ahead and throw one of your own. Then prepare for some serious work coming up early next week.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A new and intensely productive cycle kicks in on the 30th. Be careful not to get too stressed out, though. Make time to restore your energy by relaxing with family and friends.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) This could be a good time to share some of your plans with those closest to you. Their comments could give you some added insight into how you might accomplish your goals.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) An attack of self-doubt might be unsettling for the usually super-assured Feline. But it could be your inner voice telling you to hold off on implementing your plans until you’ve reassessed them.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) This is a great time for you to reward yourself for all your hard work, specifically by taking a trip you haven’t spent months carefully planning to somewhere you never thought you’d be going. Embrace spontaneity!

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)

Some misunderstandings resist being resolved, but your sincerity in wanting to soothe those hurt feelings wins the day. By month’s end, a relationship should begin to show signs of healing.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A hectic job schedule begins to ease by the end of the month -- just in time to blow off all that work-generated steam on Halloween. Meanwhile, a family situation runs into an unexpected complication.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A cutting remark in the workplace needs to be handled with finesse. Remember, how you respond could determine the depth of support you gain from colleagues.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Once again, that Capricornean stubborn streak sets in and could keep you from getting muchneeded advice. Fortunately, it lifts by next week, just in time for you to make an informed decision.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A surprise trip early in the week could lead to other unexpected offers when you return. Word to the wise: Avoid talking too much about this until you’ve made some decisions.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Learning dominates the week for perspicacious Pisceans who are always looking to widen their range of knowledge. Looking ahead, a series of important job-linked commitments begins next week.

Staying Active Indoors During Colder Months

As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, maintaining an active lifestyle can become more challenging. However, staying fit and healthy is crucial, especially during the colder months when we tend to be less active.

Indoor exercises provide a practical and effective way to keep moving without braving the cold. Here’s a guide to some of the best indoor exercises to keep you fit and motivated all winter long.

Benefits of Indoor Exercises in Winter Consistency

Indoor exercises allow you to maintain a regular workout routine regardless of the weather. This consistency is key to achieving and maintaining your fitness goals.

Comfort

Exercising indoors means you can avoid the discomfort of cold, wet, or icy conditions. You can work out in

a controlled environment, making it easier to stay motivated.

Safety

Winter conditions can make outdoor activities risky due to slippery surfaces and reduced visibility. Indoor exercises eliminate these hazards, providing a safer alternative.

Effective Indoor Exercises

Jump Rope

A simple yet highly effective cardio exercise, jumping rope can be done in a small space and provides a great workout for your heart and lungs.

Dancing

Turn up your favorite music and dance around your living room. Dancing is a fun way to get your heart rate up and burn calories.

Indoor Cycling

If you have a stationary bike, indoor cycling is an excellent way to improve cardiovascular fitness. Many online

platforms offer guided cycling classes to keep you motivated.

Bodyweight Exercises

Push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks are all effective bodyweight exercises that can be done without any equipment. These exercises help build strength and muscle tone.

Resistance Bands

These versatile tools are great for strength training. They are easy to store and can be used for a variety of exercises targeting different muscle groups.

Dumbbells

If you have access to dumbbells, incorporate them into your routine with exercises like bicep curls, shoulder presses, and deadlifts to build muscle strength.

Indoor exercises are a great way to stay active and healthy during the colder months. By incorporating a

mix of cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility workouts into your routine, you can maintain your fitness levels and enjoy the benefits of regular exercise. Remember, the key to success is consistency and finding activities that you enjoy. So, clear some space, put on your workout gear, and get moving!

GO FOR GOLD.

Alternate ceiling materials Repair or replace hardwood floors

Do you want to give an old or unsightly ceiling a stylish new look? Here are some of the materials you can use to get the job done.

Gypsum Boards

Commonly known as drywall, this cost effective material is fire resistant and relatively lightweight. However, installing gypsum boards generates a fine dust that can be hard to clean up and risks irritating your eyes and lungs if you don’t wear protective equipment.

Ceiling Tiles

Available in a variety of materials such as mineral fibre or natural wood fibre, a dropped ceiling can be used to conceal ducts and pipes without restricting access. Plus, these lightweight tiles are easy to install and inexpensive to replace if one gets damaged.

Aluminum

This shiny material is sure to catch the eye. It’s also low-maintenance, recyclable and resistant to fire, moisture and mildew. These metal sheets can be either suspended from the ceiling or glued directly to the surface.

Panelling

Typically made of wood or PVC, paneling can be glued and nailed

in place or installed as a dropped ceiling, provided you have adequate insulation. This ceiling material can add warmth and character to a room, but it might also make the space feel smaller.

Stretch Ceiling

Made of either fabric or a glossy PVC film, this ceiling type is ideal for a modern design. Plus, it’s resistant to fire and moisture. Although stretch ceilings last a long time, they can be quite expensive and require professional installation. Keep in mind that something as simple as a fresh coat of paint or a bold wallpaper pattern can give new life to an old ceiling. For more ideas, consult an interior designer.

Deciding whether to repair or replace your hardwood floor depends on several factors, including the extent of the damage, your budget, and your long-term plans for your home. If your floor has minor scratches, scuffs, or small dents, repairing is often the best option. These issues can usually be fixed with some sanding, staining, and sealing. For deeper scratches or gouges, wood filler can be used, followed by sanding and refinishing. If you have a few warped or buckled boards, you might consider replacing just those sections. This is more cost-effective than replacing the entire floor and can extend the life of your existing flooring. Extensive water damage, widespread warping, or large areas of deep gouges might necessitate a full replacement. If the structural integrity of the floor is compromised, replacing it ensures safety and longevity. Repairing a hardwood floor is generally less expensive than replacing it. Minor repairs can be done with basic tools and materials, while more extensive repairs might require professional help but still cost less than a full replacement. Replacing a hardwood floor is a

significant investment. It involves the cost of new materials, labor for removal and installation, and potentially additional costs for subfloor repairs. However, a new floor can increase your home’s value and provide a fresh, updated look. If you plan to stay in your home for a short period, repairing might be the best option to maintain the floor’s appearance without a large investment. If you plan to stay in your home for many years, replacing the floor might be worth the investment. A new floor can provide better durability and a more modern aesthetic. Ultimately, the decision to repair or replace your hardwood floor depends on the damage and your budget.

Pankaj

Preserving your backyard harvest

As the vibrant colors of autumn sweep across Northern British Columbia, it’s the perfect time to preserve the bounty of your garden. Canning is an excellent way to enjoy your harvest throughout the year.

Here are some of the best practices for canning autumn vegetables in Northern BC.

Selecting the Right Vegetables

The first step in successful canning is choosing the right vegetables. In Northern BC, autumn harvests typically include root vegetables like carrots, beets, and potatoes, as well as hardy greens like kale and cabbage. Ensure that the vegetables are fresh, ripe, and free from blemishes or signs of spoilage.

Preparing Your Vegetables

Proper preparation is crucial for safe and effective canning. Wash all vegetables thoroughly to remove dirt and bacteria. Peel and chop them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and preservation. Blanching, which involves boiling vegetables briefly and then plunging them into ice water, is recommended for most vegetables. This process helps to preserve color, flavor, and nutritional value. There are two primary methods of canning, water bath canning and pressure canning.

Water Bath Canning

This method is suitable for high-acid vegetables like tomatoes and pickled vegetables. It involves submerging jars in boiling water for a specified period.

Pressure Canning

This method is necessary for low-acid vegetables such as carrots, beans, and corn. It uses a pressure canner to reach higher temperatures, ensuring that all bacteria, including botulism spores, are destroyed.

Sterilizing Jars and Lids

Sterilization is a critical step to prevent contamination. Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Sterilize them by boiling for 10 minutes or using a dishwasher with a sterilization cycle. Keep jars hot until they are ready to be filled to prevent cracking when hot food is added.

Filling and Sealing Jars

Pack vegetables into jars, leaving appropriate headspace (usually 1 inch) to allow for expansion during processing. Add any necessary liquids, such as brine or syrup, ensuring vegetables are fully covered. Remove air bubbles by running a non-metallic spatula around the inside edge of the jar. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a good seal, then place the lids on and screw the bands fingertip-tight.

Processing the Jars

Follow the recommended processing times and pressures for your specific vegetables and altitude. For Northern BC, adjustments may be necessary due to higher altitudes. Refer to trusted sources like the National Center for Home Food Preservation for accurate guidelines.

Cooling and Storing

After processing, remove jars using a jar lifter and place them on a towel to cool. Do not disturb them for 12-24 hours. Once cooled, check seals by pressing the center of each lid. If it does not flex, the jar is sealed. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and used promptly.

Labeling and Enjoying

Label jars with the date and contents to keep track of your preserved goods. Properly canned vegetables can last up to a year. Enjoy the taste of your autumn harvest throughout the winter months in soups, stews, and side dishes.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your Northern BC autumn harvest vegetables are safely preserved and ready to enjoy yearround. Happy canning!

Prepare your vehicle for winter driving in Northern BC

Winter in Northern British Columbia is a season of breathtaking beauty, but it also brings challenging driving conditions. Snow-covered roads, icy surfaces, and reduced visibility can make driving hazardous. Properly preparing your vehicle for these conditions is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a critical safety measure. Here’s why it’s essential and how you can get your vehicle winterready.

The Importance of Winter Preparation

Safety First

The primary reason for winterizing your vehicle is safety. Winter conditions can lead to accidents if your vehicle isn’t equipped to handle them. Proper preparation ensures that your car can navigate snowy and icy roads, reducing the risk of skidding and collisions.

Reliability

Winter can be tough on vehicles. Cold temperatures can affect your car’s battery, engine, and other components. Ensuring your vehicle is in top condition helps prevent breakdowns in harsh weather, which can be both inconvenient and dangerous.

Legal Requirements

In some parts of BC, winter tires are mandatory during certain months. Failing to comply can result in fines and increased liability in the event of an accident.

Peace of Mind

Knowing that your vehicle is prepared for winter conditions provides peace of mind. You can drive with confidence, knowing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to ensure your safety and that of your passengers.

Steps

to Prepare Your Vehicle

Winter Tires

Invest in a good set of winter tires. These tires are designed to provide better traction on snow and ice. Make sure they are properly inflated and have adequate tread depth.

Battery Check

Cold weather can reduce your battery’s efficiency. Have your battery tested to ensure it’s in good condition. Replace it if necessary to avoid being stranded in the cold.

Fluids

Check all your vehicle’s fluids, including antifreeze, oil, and windshield washer fluid. Use winter-

grade oil and ensure your antifreeze is at the correct level to prevent your engine from freezing.

Brakes

Ensure your brakes are in excellent condition. Winter driving requires reliable braking performance, so have them inspected and serviced if needed.

Wipers and Lights

Visibility is crucial in winter. Replace worn wiper blades and ensure your windshield washer fluid is rated for cold temperatures. Check all lights, including headlights, taillights, and turn signals, to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Emergency Kit

Equip your vehicle with an emergency kit. This should include items like a blanket, flashlight, first-aid kit, jumper cables, shovel, ice scraper, and nonperishable snacks. These items can be lifesavers if you get stuck or stranded.

Heating System

Make sure your vehicle’s heating system is working properly. A functioning heater is essential for comfort and safety, as it helps keep the windshield clear of ice and fog.

Drive Smart

Even with a well-prepared vehicle, driving in winter requires caution. Reduce your speed, increase following distances, and be mindful of black ice and other hazards.

Preparing your vehicle for winter in Northern BC is not just about following a checklist; it’s about ensuring your safety and the safety of others on the road. By taking the time to winterize your vehicle, you can navigate the season’s challenges with confidence and peace of mind. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in making your winter driving experience safer and more enjoyable. Stay safe and drive smart!

ROSALYN BIRD

PRINCE GEORGE-VALEMOUNT

MEET ROSALYN BIRD:

Rosalyn Bird's dedication to service began with the Sea Cadets and continued through a distinguished career in the Canadian Forces, where she served as a Boatswain, Resource Management Clerk, and Naval Logistics Officer. She supported NATO and operations in Southeast Asia and Afghanistan, serving across Canada and on various naval ships. Her values of Duty, Loyalty, Integrity, and Courage guide her political journey as a candidate for the Conservative Party of BC in Prince GeorgeValemount. Committed to positive change and public service, Rosalyn aims to build a strong, healthy, and prosperous province for future generations.

ELECTION DAY IS OCTOBER 19TH

SHELDON CLARE

PRINCE GEORGE-NORTH CARIBOO

MEET SHELDON

MEET KIEL GIDDENS:

CLARE:

Born and raised in Prince George, Sheldon Clare is deeply committed to the betterment of Prince George-North Cariboo. A father of two, Sheldon has been an educator at the College of New Caledonia since 1993, holding various leadership roles, including on the Board of Governors. His community service includes involvement with the Royal Canadian Legion, Canada's National Firearms Association, and local sports organizations. A piper and sports enthusiast, Sheldon’s diverse experiences make him a strong candidate for the Conservative Party of BC in Prince George-North Cariboo.

ELECTION DAY IS OCTOBER 19TH