Prince George Citizen November 28, 2024 by Prince George Citizen

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Task force looks to modular future

Mayor Simon Yu joins other BC mayors in push to boost new housing stock

COLIN SLARK

Citizen Staff

The mayor of Prince George is one of five municipal leaders to join a new task force aimed at streamlining the development and approval of modular homes as part of the effort to boost BC’s affordable housing supply.

Modular BC, a non-profit advocacy group, announced the task force, which includes Prince George Mayor Simon Yu, in Kelowna on Friday, Nov. 22.

Modular homes are built in a factory-like setting rather than constructed on-site. The separate components, or modules, are then transported to the home’s site and assembled.

“Municipalities across British Columbia are increasingly being called upon to

deliver critical housing supply at prices people can afford,” said Modular BC spokesperson Paul Binotto in a release.

“With the BC Mayors Task Force, we are ready to support the province and make BC a North American leader in

delivering a high-quality, fast, affordable modular housing program in communities across the province.”

According to Binotto, modular homes can be built in a couple of months instead of a year.

The members of the task force are Yu, Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley, Pentiction Mayor Julius Bloomfield, Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog and Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor.

The task force has been given the goal of streamlining the design, construction and approval of modular homes.

The non-profit said in a media release that modular homes can be built more quickly than traditional construction methods and can be less wasteful to build.

Yu told The Citizen on Monday that the task force was Hurley’s idea and that the conversation over its formation goes back two or three months.

MODULAR BC PHOTO

Prince George Mayor Simon Yu (second from right) speaks during the introduction of a new provincial mayors’ task force aimed at promoting modular homes in Kelowna on Friday, Nov. 22.

Bursary honours Willow River 8

Gerald Van Caeseele (left), Gaetano Mauro, PGSS principal Randy Halpape, Lori Dennell and Dan Robin celebrate the launch of a new bursary fund in memory of the Willow River 8, teens who died on the river 50 years ago, remaining an indelible part of Prince George’s history. On Nov. 21, members of the PGSSS Class of ’74 Reunion team presented a cheque for $21,000 to Halpape to establish the Willow River 8 Memorial Bursary Fund. See the story on Page 20.

Modular homes still face red-tape related challenges

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The mayors involved represent municipalities of different sizes from a variety of regions, but Yu said that more importantly, Hurley was looking for mayors with experience dealing with construction and building trades.

As an engineer, Yu said he has previously worked in panelized construction, building homes in Indonesia in the aftermath of a tsunami.

Hurley is a carpenter by trade, Bloomfield has worked in real estate, Rathor has been involved in the lumber industry and Krog understands provincial government as a former MLA.

On top of that, Yu said, Hurley was looking for mayors with experience dealing with Bill 44, the provincial government’s legislation promoting the construction of small-scale, multi-unit housing.

“I believe (Hurley) wants to see if we can collectively find a way to work with industry to find some standard designs that municipalities can pre-approve the design, the zoning so people can shorten their application process and use these designs through various prefab modular manufacturers.”

Yu said he hopes that increased local modular home construction won’t just benefit those who assemble the homes, but the forestry industry and trades who assemble plumbing, ventilation and other systems.

At this point, Yu said he’ll be the only one from the city working on the project, though he said zoning changes relating to modular homes may need to come before council in future.

He said he’ll also be speaking with local members of the modular housing industry.

Prince George is home to multiple modular home dealers as well as a manufacturer, Winton Homes & Cottages.

At one of those dealers, Pine Ridge Modular, operations manager Andrew Cuthbertson said modular homes can be up to 30 per cent cheaper to buy than traditional homes.

Pine Ridge gets the modular homes it sells from SRI Homes BC’s Kelowna factory.

One of the biggest obstacles Pine Ridge encounters, Cuthbertson said, is that financial institutions can be hesitant to grant mortgages for modular homes.

“Banks haven’t caught up to the fact

that we don’t build them like we used to in the ‘60s and ‘70s,” he said. “The other (roadblock) is, especially in Prince George, there’s still lots of areas ... that don’t allow modular into their new developments.”

Compared to those past decades, Cuthbertson said, modular home builders have to follow far more regulations and still meet the same standards as any other homes.

He said you could walk into any of the homes they sell and not know that it was built in a factory.

Beyond single-family homes, he said modular homes can be built with multiple stories and with multiple dwelling units.

Recently, Pine Ridge delivered a modular daycare up to Chetwynd.

“You see places like Burns Lake who have jumped on board with modular and it’s amazing what they’re doing out there and we’re hoping the same thing can happen in Prince George,” Cuthbertson said.

Reached by phone from Burnaby, Binotto said work on the standardized designs is already underway.

He said modular homes can be made faster than so-called stick-built homes

because they’re essentially made on a production line. Standardized designs will make the permitting process easier and being made inside means construction can take place regardless of the outside weather.

“And most of the build occurs in the factory, so when we come there and we put the units together, the site’s already done,” Binotto said. “Instead of a year or so, we’re talking a couple of months.”

Comparing the cost of a modular home to other types is difficult, Binotto said, because of the number of types of homes. However, he said that the prices of modular homes aim to remain consistent.

Some people think modular homes are the same thing as trailers, Binotto said, but there’s a difference.

“It’s not (a trailer),” he said. “These homes have won awards. They’re beautiful homes. You could walk by many of them and you wouldn’t know it’s a modular home.”

The goal isn’t to prevent the construction of other types of homes, Binotto said, but to promote a made in BC industry that could benefit sectors like forestry and serve as a source of employment.

Judge finds licensed teacher guilty of sexual assault

BC Supreme Court found Brendan Tomas Boylan’s evidence ‘implausible, not credible and untruthful’

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A B.C. Supreme Court judge convicted a 38-year-old licensed school teacher of sexually assaulting a woman he lived with in 2018 in Prince George.

In a Nov. 20 verdict, Justice Simon Coval found Brendan Tomas Boylan committed the offence beyond a reasonable doubt.

During the trial, which began in April

2023 and sat intermittently until Sept. 27 of this year, the court heard that while having consensual sex with Boylan, the victim said it hurt and she wanted it to stop, thus withdrawing her consent.

Boylan claimed that he stopped as soon as she asked, but the victim said he did not. Instead, the victim testified, Boylan held her down on the bed and forcibly continued, causing her injury.

The parties met in 2017 and Boylan began living with the woman after a month. They lived together until the incident.

The victim, identified as Ms. X in Coval’s ruling, said the assault occurred on a Saturday morning in May or early June 2018. However, the Crown accepted the defence statement that the incident happened on the morning of May 26, 2018.

Boylan alleged that the victim fabricated the assault and he took steps in 2020 to recover money he said he lent her during the relationship.

The victim then reported the incident to police.

“She testified that, having not reported it before because of shame and not wanting to think about what had happened to her, once the accused sued her she felt she had no option but to deal with it,” Coval wrote.

Boylan was charged Nov. 19, 2020.

Three witnesses testified and another gave evidence via an agreed statement of facts.

One of the witnesses, whose identity is covered by a publication ban, testified finding the victim “in almost a catatonic state.”

Coval found aspects of Boylan’s

evidence implausible, not credible and untruthful. He said he found the victim clear, credible and persuasive.

“The credibility of her evidence that she suffered the alleged traumatic assault was circumstantially corroborated by the evidence of (the three witnesses) regarding her extreme emotional upset, fear of the accused and being at home and her changing of the locks, all within a few days of the events in question,” Coval wrote. “In my view, none of that conduct was consistent with the accused’s version of what occurred between them.”

The B.C. government’s online registry of teachers says Boylan has signed an undertaking not to practise, “pending resolution of a matter before the commissioner or a hearing panel under Part 6 of the Teachers Act.”

Cuts coming to CNC as international enrolment drops

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

New rules that cap the number of international students and make it more difficult for them to work in Canada while they’re studying and after they graduate are having a detrimental effect on post-secondary school enrolments across the country. Cutbacks to programs and staff are imminent.

The College of New Caledonia anticipates very few international students will arrive in the new year and unless changes are made, the college is expecting an operating deficit for the 2025-2026 fiscal year due to the decline in student enrolment.

To tighten its purse strings, the college plans to eliminate vacant positions deemed non-essential and will consider cutting some programs. CNC also plans to revise enrolment targets and adjust program capacities to help balance the budget, and that could mean layoffs across the board for all employee groups who work at the college.

“We know we will have less international

students and so that’s what we’re working on, we don’t have a definitive plan, we’re still doing that and meeting with all our budget managers looking for efficiencies and ways that we can reduce the budget,” said Shelley Carter-Rose, CNC’s vice-president, student affairs and acting vice-president, academic.

“Our enrolment in January is down significantly but we’re just opening enrolment for fall 2025 and this is the

2025-26 budget,” she said.

“We really need to be mindful that we will have to provide supports and services and education and so where can we reduce and where can we cut, we’re trying to be student-centred. We still have returning international students and returning and new domestic students and it’s a balancing act in terms of where we can find efficiencies.”

The changes for international

students, first announced in mid-January 2024, mean some programs are no longer aligned with the classification of instructional programming (CIP), which ultimately dictates whether or not they can work in Canada after they graduate.

On Oct. 4, the federal government announced 966 academic programs that qualify for post-graduate work permits. The approved programs were largely based on occupations in which Canada is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers and the broad list included agriculture, healthcare, science/technology/engineering/mathematics (STEM), trade and transport.

Excluded programs for international students now ineligible for post-graduate work permits are business programs of any kind, tourism, hospitality, general arts and social sciences. Graduate international students are also required to meet language requirements to obtain a work permit.

Carter-Rose said the federal CIF list does not recognize regional needs for workers, but there’s no way to adjust it. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

The College of New Caledonia has been anticipating cuts to programs and reducing staff numbers due to new restrictions on international student coming to Canada.

Council approves new citizen awards medal program

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

City council has approved a plan to establish an annual citizen recognition medal program.

The award, which will be limited to five recipients each year, will recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the community in areas such as arts, sports, volunteerism, philanthropy, social services or heroism.

City employees and council members will not be eligible.

Councillors Kyle Sampson, Tim Bennett and Cori Ramsay, in a letter to council, said the Freedom of the City award is the highest honour council can bestow on someone, but it is rarely bestowed, reserved for unique circumstances.

“That doesn’t mean there aren’t folks who are regularly making our community better in all sorts of ways that shouldn’t be meaningfully recognized,” said Sampson, in a report presented at Monday’s council meeting.

“An annual recognition medal program would give the City of PG the opportunity to consistently celebrate and acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of those who go above and beyond, often without expecting anything in return. This program would be designed to shine a spotlight on those folks who truly embody the spirit of Prince George and inspire others to get involved, make a difference, or simply

excel at what they do.”

Council directed administration to establish a select committee that includes four council members and three members of the public to develop a framework and plan for an annual City of Prince George citizen recognition program. Administration is to provide a draft term of reference, and the committee will present a report to council by the third quarter of 2025, aiming to launch the program in 2026.

Council also passed a vote asking staff to review and enhance its existing employee service recognition awards for long-serving city employees.

Mayor Simon Yu and councillors Trudi Klassen and Brian Skakun voted against both proposals.

Yu acknowledged that it’s important to recognize “the silent heroes of the community” who volunteer their time because they want to and not for the

recognition. He said the city already has awards programs established by previous councils to recognize outstanding youths, and major contributors to recreation, sports and cultural programs as well as the Freedom of the City award. But those awards have not been handed out since 2018.

He also mentioned he sits on the board of the Prince George Community Foundation that annually selects a citizen of the year, but has yet to do so this year.

“Shouldn’t we just find out how the existing programs are going right now before we try to reinvent another medal program?” said Yu.

“Second of all, the recommendation that council directs administration to review and enhance existing employee service recognition awards program, I thought we already have five-year, 10-year and 15-year service awards

already. To enhance something that already exists, I feel it’s overreaching by the council.”

Skakun was concerned about the amount of staff time that will have to be devoted to administering the awards program and pointed to the frequency of notices of motion from each council meeting referred back to an already overloaded administration task list.

“At what point when we start talking about all of these notices of motion and directing staff does staff decide what falls off the table to satisfy the requirements of these many notices of motion?” said Skakun.

“There’s a lot of people in this community that do not want to be recognized for the work they do. They quietly go about their tasks. But there is staff time taken for these. We can’t simply ignore it and say there’s no dollar value on it, but there’s a value on what staff does and the workload of staff with the committee.”

City manager Walter Babicz responded, saying the council’s strategic plan will be returned to council in December which will help determine priority items to help administration build its workplan. The notices of motion council approves will be the priority of administration and the leadership team will discuss how much is possible with the current staff resources. After that, if resources become too strained within defined timelines, staff will make suggestions on what programs and projects will be dropped from its list.

City, two CUPE locals ratify new three-year agreement

CITIZEN STAFF

City council and the two Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) locals representing city workers have ratified a new three-year contract.

The contract between the city and CUPE Local 399, which represents the city’s outside workers, and CUPE Local 1048, which represents council’s inside workers), is retroactive to Jan. 1, of this year and is in effect until Dec. 31, 2026.

“CUPE members take great pride in delivering quality public services to the community, and we look forward to continuing our work with the city to serve the residents, businesses, and visitors of Prince George,” stated Tyler Ezelyk, president of CUPE 399, in an announcement released by the city.

The locals represent 600 city workers. Negotiations began in January.

“We’re pleased to have negotiated an agreement that acknowledges the

essential services CUPE members provide in Prince George. This deal improves conditions for our members and enhances the services residents rely on daily,” stated CUPE 1048 president Karen Welch in the announcement.

Key terms of the agreement include annual wage increases for workers:

• Five per cent general wage increase retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024

• Five per cent increase effective

Jan. 1, 2025

• Four per cent increase effective Jan. 1, 2026

The retroactive increase for 2024 has already been factored into the city’s current budget, the city states in its announcement.

“This agreement provides a fair deal for our staff and aligns with recent contracts negotiated in other cities across the province,” stated city manager Walter Babicz.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Councillors got into a lengthy debate about the idea of a new annual citizen awards program at a meeting Monday, Nov. 18

International enrolment for January is half of fall’s NEWS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

“We were surprised that there was very little consultation, so making decisions for the entire country in terms of labour market needs, we all know every community has different needs in terms of employment,” she said.

CNC was not sure of the implications of the new regulations until the start of November when deadlines for program applications were reached.

International student enrolment for January is half of what it was for the fall term.

That translates to about 100 fewer international students. Carter-Rose says students are either not applying or are not finishing the application process.

“One of our challenges is the Canadian reputation has been harmed, so students are deciding even if they’re accepted whether they’re coming or not,” said Carter-Rose.

The tuition revenue stream makes up about a quarter of CNC’s $97.7 million budget for 2024-25.

International students pay more for their tuition. While tuition increases for domestic students have been capped at two per cent annually since 2001, international tuition is up to the discretion of the schools.

Carter-Rose said CNC’s overall tuition costs ranks fourth-lowest out of 11 BC colleges.

“When we interview international students they consistently tell us the reason they come to CNC is because of our affordability,” said Carter-Rose. “The college has been very international about not increasing (tuition) as high in some schools as 10 and 12 per cent. We’ve stayed at four per cent and we’re gong to stay at four per cent for the next two years.

‘We also have the opportunity to build investment in our domestic students and we have seen increases there and are looking forward to that continuing. We know we had to build more capacity with our domestic through COVID

and we were silent in our community because we couldn’t engage with our high schools and that relationship with the three school districts has increased and improved immensely.”

CNC currently has about 3,200 fulltime equivalent students at its campuses in Prince George, Burns Lakes, Fort St. James, Vanderhoof, Quesnel and Mackenzie.

Carter-Rose said CNC has purposely been reducing its ratio of foreign students the past three years to fall in line with provincial guidelines which call for 70 per cent domestic students and 30 per cent international.

The college is now closer to 60:40 ratio and had planned on meeting provincial targets in the next three-five years. Now, with the new restrictions, that mitigation target will be much sooner attained.

The licensed practical nursing program in Quesnel for the fall term was cancelled last spring due to a lack of enrolment.

Despite the demand for nurses, Carter-Rose said just two students applied for a program that was targeted for eight students.

On Friday, Nov. 15 restrictions took effect on the number of hours foreign students are allowed to work off-campus. That’s now capped at 24 hours per week while classes are in session.

To work off-campus without a work permit, international students must be studying full-time in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program, or a vocational training program at the secondary level that lasts at least six months and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.

Those eligible to work off-campus are allowed to work full-time during breaks in their academic calendar, such as the summer break between school years or the winter break between semesters.

International students are also required to apply and be approved for a new study permit before changing schools.

Newly appointed labour critic Kiel Giddens says stimulating private-sector jobs crucial to BC economy

Sheldon Clare will be the Conservatives’ deputy whip while Rosalyn Bird becomes shadow minister for citizens’ services

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Now that he’s been announced as the Conservative shadow minster for labour, Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Kiel Giddens vows he will fight for workers’ rights and will pressure the provincial government to create a business-friendly environment that makes it easier for entrepreneurs and small business owners to thrive.

It’s now the rookie MLA’s job to be the party’s critic to Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside, the former advanced education minister and New Westminster-Coquitlam MLA who takes on a new role in the NDP government after two years as minister of mental health and addictions.

“Labour is a critical file both for workers and for employers so I’m going to be pushing for a labour-relations system that really makes sense,” said Giddens. “My job as a critic is to really dig into these files and to find solutions and also really question the government’s current policies, I think we can do much better than they are now.

“The NDP used to claim they were the workers’ party, but it really seems under the NDP that they’ve abandoned private sector workers with no private sector jobs to speak of. Really, they’re shutting down private sector jobs in favour of special interest groups and their own activists.

“I’ve talked to lots of private sector unions during the campaign and in my previous roles and they’re all worried about where their next paycheque is coming from these days. We need to get back to supporting workers and I want to go back to a private sector-led

economy.”

Giddens says he intends to fight for employers and workers in BC struggling to survive the harsh economic climate and increasingly difficult working conditions brought on by labour shortages, especially in the healthcare sector.

“During the campaign I heard from many groups, including nurses, firefighters and paramedics about how working conditions are so unsafe right now,” said Giddens.

“That’s something within the WorkSafe BC program that we really need to look at how to make things more safe for our workplaces.”

The two other Prince George MLA’s, Sheldon Clare (Prince George-North Cariboo) and Rosalyn Bird (Prince George-Valemount) were also named to shadow cabinet posts. Clare becomes the deputy whip, while Bird is shadow minister for citizens’ services.

“Our shadow cabinet is a diverse and experienced group, committed to

restoring prosperity, public safety, and affordability for every British Columbian,” said Rustad at the time of the announcement of the shadow cabinet.

“With experts in every field, we are focused on delivering real solutions for the challenges our province faces.”

John Rustad’s Conservatives came out of the Oct. 19 election with 44 seats, the strongest opposition representation in BC history.

“With the talent and dedication of this caucus, we will hold David Eby to account for his government’s out-ofcontrol spending and ongoing failures in healthcare, public safety, and addictions,” Rustad said.

With 47 seats, the NDP has the slimmest of majorities and Giddens says that will make for interesting times at the Legislature.

It’s expected Premier David Eby will announce that Raj Chouhan will remain the speaker of the Legislative assembly and Giddens says the election results

They really gave everyone in our caucus a critic role to make sure that every aspect of government was being properly scrutinized.’

will put the government in a precarious position.

“They will rely on (Chouhan) to break tie votes, unless they have some other arrangement with the Green Party,” said Giddens.

“This parliament is going to be pretty challenging for them. It is the largest opposition caucus in BC history. They really gave everybody in our caucus a critic role to make sure that every aspect of government was being properly scrutinized.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Kiel Giddens is sworn in as MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie by Legislative Assembly clerk Kate Ryan-Lloyd, witnessed by Conservative leader John Rustad on Nov. 12 in Victoria.

New Barkerville gold mine wins provincial approval

CITIZEN STAFF

The Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals has announced that Barkerville Gold Mines, a subsidiary of Osisko Development Corp., has been granted an operating permit under the Mines Act for the Cariboo Gold Mine in Wells, located southeast of Prince George.

The underground mine is expected to employ about 634 workers during the construction phase and generate further investment, with an initial $137 million injection and an additional $918 million over the mine’s expected 16-year lifespan.

“Receipt of the construction and operating permits for the Cariboo Gold Project is a major milestone and monumental achievement for Osisko Development and its stakeholders,” said Sean Roosen, founder, chairman and CEO, in a statement issued by the company. “It is the culmination of almost five years of extensive discussion and consultation with provincial regulators, Indigenous nations and host communities in ensuring the project becomes a model for responsible mine development and environmental stewardship that redefines mining for a better future.”

The permit follows a 13-month permitting process which included a comprehensive technical review conducted by a team of experts in collaboration with First Nations.

The project received the approval of Lhtako Dené Nation and the Williams Lake First Nation. As the process unfolded, nearby Xatsull First Nation called on the government and the company to halt the project until their concerns could be addressed and they grant consent.

“The Cariboo Gold Project represents a significant opportunity for Lhtako Dené Nation and we are pleased that it has received its BC Mines Act permits,” said Lhtako Dené Nation Chief Clifford Lebrun. “The mine and its surrounding infrastructure is firmly located in our core traditional territory, and we have been active participants at every stage of the project from mineral exploration

to the Environmental Assessment and the BC Mines Act permit.”

Xatsull First Nation issued a statement after the news of the ministry approval was announced, expressing disappointment with the decision to grant an operating permit without first meeting with Xatsull leadership or obtaining their consent.

Xatsull raised concerns about what is described as “inconsistency” in the government’s approach, noting that while the Ministry of Environment and Parks agreed to hold a consensus-seeking meeting with the First Nation on Environmental Management Act permits, the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals did not.

“This discrepancy highlights troubling inconsistencies in how the Government of British Columbia engages with First Nations and signals a lack of commitment to the principles of UNDRIP,” the statement reads.

The statement also notes that Xatsull First Nation, which is considering legal options, is willing to support sustainable resource development in its territory but insisted that any development must be conducted properly, with respect for their rights and laws.

The mine will have the capacity to process 1.1 million tonnes of gold-bearing ore per year and will involve underground mining operations, milling at the Quesnel River mine (58 km southeast of Quesnel), and waste rock storage at the Bonanza Ledge Mine near Barkerville. A new transmission line from the Quesnel area to the mine will also be part of the infrastructure.

A formal investment decision and the engagement on a project financing package would allow for full-scale construction to commence in the second half of 2025 with a targeted completion date at the end of 2027, the company reports.

Additionally, the Cariboo Gold project is awaiting approval for an Environmental Management Act (EMA) permit, which is expected in the weeks ahead. The EMA permit will regulate waste discharge and pollution control measures, ensuring environmental and public health protections are in place as part of the project.

This map shows where Osisko Development Corp. and its Barkerville Gold Mines subsidiary are currently mining and conducting exploration to further develop BC, historic gold-mining district.

OPINION OPINION

Falcon’s surrender cost us an excellent representative

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

OPINION Forget NIMBY and support the people trying to help

Not everything deserves a lengthy council debate

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

Our elected officials should focus on the big issues rather than unnecessary efforts

KENNEDY GORDON

Citizen Managing Editor

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

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.

The Freedom of the City award, while seldom granted, exists as the highest honour council can bestow. Let’s not forget the city’s longstanding employee service recognition awards.

These initiatives already provide ample opportunity to recognize the unsung heroes of our community.

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

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.

Council spent an hour last week debating and then approving something that didn’t belong on the agenda in the first place. A newly proposed Citizen Recognition Award program.

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

Even the Prince George Community Foundation has a long history of hosting the “Citizens of the Year” fundraising dinner.

chosen that’s concerning. Instead of simply asking staff to add an additional award for the city’s annual volunteer recognition dinner, these three councillors, with the approval of the rest of council, have formed yet another committee, complete with staff support, and wasted an hour at the last council meeting, not to mention the meetings, muffins, and minutes to come.

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.

Put forward by councillors Kyle Sampson, Tim Bennett and Cori Ramsay, the new award’s proposal asked that the city establish an annual recognition medal program.

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.

This program would honor up to five people each year for significant contributions in areas such as arts, sports, volunteerism, philanthropy, social services, and heroism.

“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.”

The question, then, is why add another layer to the already existing programs, particularly when it stretches our city’s staff even thinner?

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

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

While the driving intent is laudable — to highlight our community members who go above and beyond — the fact remains that this proposal should never have made it to the council agenda in the first place.

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

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.

This discussion, like a similar debate regarding mental health facilities a few weeks ago, raises questions about priorities and the inefficiency of this council’s processes.

The city already has a volunteer recognition event in place alongside other programs designed to celebrate outstanding community contributions.

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.

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.

We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada.

Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

challenges our city is facing with Moccasin Flats, each demanding city staff attention. Now staff are being directed to draft yet another report for council outlining the structure and staff support for a new recognition committee. It is a poor use of city resources.

This is not an isolated issue. A few weeks ago, a similar situation occurred when competing councillors introduced two separate notices of motion, each calling on council to support the push for a new local mental health facility that is desperately needed in our community.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

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

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

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

The idea that sparked this debate is that the current recognition system is too limited. The concern is that it does not capture the many individuals who regularly contribute to our community’s success without seeking acknowledgment.

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.

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.

There’s no denying that these contributors deserve recognition. However, one must wonder if this could be achieved without implementing yet another set of bureaucratic hoops to jump through.

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

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

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

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.

In the end, after an hour of debate, council directed staff to create a report on the proposed recognition program, including a framework for the committee and a plan for implementation. They also asked for a review of the city’s existing employee recognition awards.

The result? The potential launch of a new citizen recognition medal program in 2026.

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.

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.

It’s easy to imagine that this debate, like many others, was driven by the ambitions of a few councillors eager to make their mark — or their case — on a hot topic before a larger audience

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.

It’s not necessarily “grandstanding”, as some might suggest. After all, they are pushing for a change that could make a difference for the community. However, it is the process they’ve

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

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

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

Cameron Stolz Owner

Terresa Randall-Stolz Owner

and recovery.

However, instead of working together to bring the best recommendation back to council from the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, set up for this very purpose and which both councillors sit on, they presented dueling motions at council.

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

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

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

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.

And the result? Council spent valuable time spinning its wheels before staff finally intervened and recommended combining both notices of motions into one motion.

One of the most glaring concerns about the proposal for a new awards program is council’s priorities for city staff.

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.

There are the Official Community Plan, and Civic Core Plan underway, an incredible number of active capital projects, and the work of the Public Safety Committee, plus the additional

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

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

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

Unfortunately, for all these vision

Kennedy Gordon Managing Editor

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

This reveals a lack of strategic focus within this council. Councillors should focus on the big issues and avoid bogging down in well-meaning but ultimately unnecessary initiatives. They should be ensuring that the city’s resources are used in the most effective and efficient way possible.

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.”

The discussion surrounding the new recognition program was a reminder of what happens when processes and priorities are not carefully considered.

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.

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

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

As this council enters the second half of its term, it’s time for them to refocus, streamline their decision-making processes, and ensure that their efforts are concentrated on the issues that truly matter to the residents of Prince George.

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

He deserves council’s full attention and consideration.

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

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

Have your say with a letter to the editor: editor@pgcitizen.ca.

Kennedy Gordon is The Citizen’s managing editor.

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

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

Cameron Stolz Owner / Publisher

Terresa Randall-Stolz Owner

OPINION

Canfor Leisure Pool: We’re getting what we paid for

The Back Story

Our new Canfor Leisure Pool is failing and it gives new significance to the pool designer’s statements made back in 2020.

“This project for us has never just been about a swimming pool,” Nebraska-based design firm HDR vice-president Mark Hetze told the Prince George Citizen at the time. “(What) we really wanted to build and express was the values and character of Prince George.” What, we are bad with money, bad with our architecture, and bad with being authentic?

If the city were true to its roots it would never have clad the exterior with cheap New Zealand pine. We would have showcased our own wood. Nor would a serious, working-class city have given up serious oversight of the mechanical and architectural drawings

that have routinely failed us on recent public projects.

Of course, we don’t have much choice when we no longer have in-house mechanical, architectural and engineering expertise. I hear we have only a single skilled engineer on staff. We don’t have the capacity to design or manage bigger projects even if we wanted to. It all gets farmed out to the lowest bidder nowadays.

When it comes to faulty design, superfluous architectural statements and incoherent drawings, we get what we pay for, and it’s not just the pool I’m talking about. That silly curved roof on the new firehall is another great example. It’s part of the governance paradigm of our time: Only the private sector and the consultants can design and deliver big projects. Only profit-motivated firms can be trusted to put the public interest ahead of private gain and architectural ego. The public service is best left starved of responsibility, morale and self-confidence.

City hall is so committed to this

philosophy we even privatized building inspections of large projects, effectively stripping city staff of their critical role in protecting basic public safety.

As far as I know, city inspectors were not even allowed to inspect the new pool to catch the long and growing list of deficiencies.

By implementing their extreme version of a professional reliance model, the city sidelined the expertise and experience of in-house building inspectors and other professionals, cutting them out of the review process entirely. All we have now is after-thefact litigation if things go sideways.

This sparked a letter of protest last year from the city’s building inspection team that is well worth revisiting.

“Building officials are no longer permitted to review plans for complex buildings or perform on-site inspections for complex building or plumbing inspections,” the letter read. “We would like to express our concerns for this new change in process, and other changes that have occurred within the department and

division within the last couple years.” It’s like we haven’t learned anything from this same experiment in forestry. Privatization in the woods means we now rely on external consultants and “experts” employed by logging companies to manage our public assets, leaving key safeguards and oversight — once integral to ensuring the public interest — in the hands of private actors with little to no direct accountability to the public.

Look at how well that’s worked out.

And yet this tune of neoliberalism, Thatcherism, the New Public Management, whatever you want to call it, continues to lull us to slumber.

For once we thought we’d found the right recipe in tearing down a recently renovated hotel and offloading the responsibility of spending $35 million dollars through a privatized design, delivery and management model. The city could sit back and not do any work, not even safety inspections.

What a rude awakening we are in for. James Steidle is a Prince George writer.

From stage to sports, our community spirit shines

Some days, I marvel at the sense of community spirit and caring in Prince George.

It is not that I don’t expect it to be there but rather it is a pleasure to see the support and encouragement this town provides. This was evident last week at the UNBC Timberwolves Legacy Night. More than 450 people turned up to support Timberwolves athletics and to hear Brian Burke regale us with tales from his life.

It was amazing to see citizens from all walks of life in the room. Not just UNBC staff and faculty but business people, city council, friends and family, and

even some visitors to our town from other cities. I am sure everyone came away understanding just how great the people of Prince George are. It was a fun evening.

The support for the Timberwolves carries over into their games. I used to referee soccer games at UVic a long time ago, and we would be lucky to see 50 people in the stands. The Timberwolves soccer games – even towards the end of the season when it was getting colder – saw crowds well in excess of that number. People get out and cheer in PG!

And yes, I do have a bias towards the university as it has been my home for the past three decades. But it is not only the university where we see community spirit.

The recent production of Sweeney Todd produced by Judy Russell and the

PGSO played to sold-out crowds. It was a fantastic production with a very modern staging. And despite being about a serial murderer and cannibal, it did have a sense of humour and romance.

Or consider Miracle Theatre which puts on a play each year to sold-out crowds and extra performances. All in support of charitable donations to worthwhile causes. There is no question that the citizens of Prince George support these shows and our community.

Then there are our two local hockey teams. Both have good fan support – although the talent on the ice does affect the numbers in the stands. But both teams enjoy broad, solid support throughout the community and have a steadfast, loyal fan base. Similarly for other organizations – Theatre Northwest, the PGSO, the

Kodiaks, the shows at the Multiplex. Prince George gets out and supports Prince George.

I mention this because over the years in talking with many people, I have often heard what I would call “an inferiority complex.” People expressing the sentiment that Prince George doesn’t measure up. We aren’t as good as, say, Kamloops or Kelowna, let along Vancouver or Victoria.

But I would argue that while we may be smaller than these other cities and certainly located well away from the lower mainland, there is much to be proud of in Prince George. And perhaps more to the point, this city has great community spirit.

Just attend some events and see for yourself.

Todd Whitcombe is a chemistry professor at UNBC.

JAMES STEIDLE

OPINION

Letter to the editor: Time to rethink our approach to the environment

The comments about how trees defend themselves is on point, However, the assertion: “the pine in the south where such cold never happened would have been wiped out eons ago.

Instead the infestation began in colder north-central BC and spread south to warmer climes” is off the mark.

There have been large infestations in the rocky mountain states in the U.S. and other places.

Historically, the cycle has been such that there have been infestations wherein forests have been infested and then destroyed by fires, etc. Although there were indeed fires started, the majority were naturally occurring. The cycle of regeneration then started over.

The challenge we have is that we have interfered with the cycle when we have not properly understood it.

We have made decisions about harvesting without adequate knowledge (albeit not necessarily. with the intention of destroying the resource).

Nevertheless, here we are. We can’t keep doing the same thing, as painful as this may be.

OldFatGuy

Prince George Mayor Simon Yu part of new modular home task force

Why can’t we build smaller homes? 700 to 1000 square feet. Take a walk along Burden Street for example and see the small post-war homes that have sheltered occupants for almost a hundred years.

We need to get back to reality when building housing. Small homes can go up a lot faster than waiting for modular homes to be delivered.

These big houses being built today are ridiculous and become unaffordable for most people.

Also, why are building lots so expensive in our city? Are we running out of room? Lower the prices of lots and build smaller and more affordable homes.

Ed Denicola

Prince George Mayor Simon Yu part of new modular home task force

I think this is a great idea. Modular homes should be encouraged in the development of all neighborhoods.

If you take a look over by Heather Park Elementary, you will see a mixture of custom built homes, single modular, and double modular homes. It’s a mixture that seems to work. The only thing that would need to be considered is insurance. Currently, insurance on modular homes is more expensive then constructed homes.

jDonnaB

Prince

George

Fire Rescue plans to convert pickup truck to medical unit

There is a fire department in College Heights or did he forget that?

Why do fire trucks go to all ambulance calls? It’s costing us big bucks, the ambulance service should look after their problems and inefficiency’s themselves.

There have been people die within blocks of an ambulance station because there was nobody there.

They have serious problems that should be fixed rather than be covered up by the fire department

RoscoP

Prince George Fire Rescue plans to convert pickup truck to medical unit

It’s a good start but needs some tweaking. We need a little more coordination with the Ambulance Service (to reduce overlap) and the RCMP to provide security when needed. Designate the Fire Department for Fire/Rescue only.

Create an associated department with the Fire Department called the “Drug Rescue” with a couple of pickup trucks equipped for the job. With the Fire Department designated as Fire/Rescue only, some employees should be freed for the “Drug Rescue Unit” and make it a bid job from among the ranks, supervised by the current management at the Fire Department. Then if more help is required consider hiring.

Bobs your uncle

Prince George council, two CUPE locals ratify new contract

City of PG municipal workers are the highest paid municipal workers in B.C. and have a much lighter workload than city workers in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Evidently, to appease CUPE and to avoid labor strife the weak City bargaining team caved to CUPE’s demands and approved wage increases in excess of inflation (2-3%).

To say that this agreement is comparable to those agreed to in other municipalities doesn’t take into consideration that those other cities, Kamloops and Kelowna, have a growing tax base while PG does not.

BGeez

Prince George council, two CUPE locals ratify new contract

BGeez while I agree with some of your comments, facts don’t support all of your opinions. Looking at the union contract from 2017 it looks like this union’s wages are way behind the cost of living and inflation for BC. Fact.

What has me concerned is the sheer number and wages of the management staff. Overtime needs to be fixed too. Way too high for a city this size.

Looking at management jobs in payroll, supervisors of one or two people it just doesn’t make sense to me why. My business would never survive if I had a $100k supervisor for every two regular workers.

CCMail

Year-to-year stats show drop in local property crime

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

While the city ponders what it can do better to prevent crimes from happening, particularly in the downtown core, Prince George RCMP Insp. Chris Riddle delivered some encouraging statistics at last week’s meeting of the Standing Committee on Public Safety, which show the overall property crime rate in the city has dropped 11 per cent from last year.

The year-to-date stats as of Friday, Nov. 15 show an overall 19 per cent reduction in vehicle theft compared to the same time of year in 2023.

Although there was a year-to-year 18 per cent increase in break-and-enters in residences, the number of businesses being burgled has dropped 24 per cent.

There have been 13 per cent fewer mischief reports in 2024, 11 per cent fewer incidents of property theft over $5,000 incidents and virtually no change in the number of thefts under $5,000. Theft-from-vehicle incidents were down 33 per cent.

The RCMP’s Boost and Bust program, which utilizes front-line officers working with retail store security to prevent shoplifting, resulted in a 10 per cent increase in shoplifting charges, which Riddle says is an indicator that the program is working.

“It is a positive change,” said Riddle. “I can’t speak specifically to the downtown core, but what I can say is that we have been exploring differently for our downtown safety unit. From the membership and from what we’ve seen, there’s not much (criminal) activity in the downtown during the hours that people think there is, because once we’re down there people aren’t doing those crimes.

“A lot of those crimes are crimes of opportunity; as soon as we’re not there the glass breaks. It takes a couple of minutes for the alarm company to call us and by the time we get back there, they’re gone. And it’s not a far distance between a lot of the shelters and the places some of the criminals may live at

Prince George RCMP are looking for a man in connection with the theft of $1,000 worth of items from a vehicle on Monday, Nov. 18 in a parking lot on the 300 block of Victoria Street. Investigators were able to obtain a photograph of a possible suspect and put out the call for tips at 250-561-3300. It’s one of the types of property crime that occur in the city.

to shelter in place when we’re around. So it is very difficult for us, without doing the surveillance, to find where they are.”

Downtown business owners are calling for the city to invest in surveillance cameras and overnight security patrols and made those concerns heard at the committee’s meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at city hall.

Riddle acknowledged how effective video surveillance can be in helping police track down criminals.

Police asked the public for video surveillance footage in the vicinity of a vacant lot across from the Victoria Medical Building in the 1500 block of Victoria Street after a man was shot and killed just before midnight Nov. 6. That was the sixth homicide of the year, compared to the 2023 total of eight.

Eoin Foley, president of the Downtown Prince George, which represents 700 properties in the downtown core, said there needs to be more of a police presence in the overnight hours from 8 p.m.-6 a.m., when downtown streets are mostly deserted.

The lack of RCMP patrols at night and in the early-morning hours can skew crime stats because officers sometimes don’t receive the reports until they start

could go 50-50 on it.”

City council initiated a discussion two years ago to look into the possibility of hiring a private security force that focuses exclusively on conducting downtown crime patrols and what the cost to downtown property owners would be. For that to be approved and added to downtown area property taxes would require 51 percent approval from property owners, assuming they represent at least 50 per cent of the total assessed value of the area.

their day shifts at 8 a.m.

“We desperately need help in the overnight hours,” said Foley. “During the day there’s lots of eyes on the ground and employees are keeping an eye on things and reporting things as needed. Block watches don’t work if nobody’s around, there are not enough residents downtown for it to be a viable option.

“I’ve been promoting the idea of overnight patrols. I recently got a quote as low as $336,000 (a year) for two cars to patrol all night long between downtown and Queensway.”

Coun. Trudy Klassen did the math and using $400,000 as an estimated cost of two overnight private security patrol cars, she told the committee it would cost each downtown property owner less than $50 per month.

Foley said because there is not much of a police presence at night and few business owners there to report property crimes, statistics don’t tell the true tale of how bad the problem is.

“I’ve been chatting with many of my neighbours and friends and on the other side of Queensway too and everyone I talk to said they would be willing to spend money towards (hiring overnight patrols), especially is it’s spread out to 700 properties,” said Foley.

“Maybe the city and business owners

Committee member John Zukowski, owner of Pacific Body Jewelry and Piercing on Fourth Avenue, said he knows of one Second Avenue business owner who had to deal with 13 window breakages. He said downtown proprietors who are tired of dealing with fires lit on their properties and vandals destroying things, all of which he says is happening at night.

“We need to turn around and put out a request to the security providers in town to come back with a quotation for roving patrols from the hours of 8 (p.m.) until at least 7 (a.m.), when we actually see some life downtown,” said Zukowski.

“I imagine we can get crime stats from the RCMP that provide administration with information as to high-crime areas, then that gives us some idea where we want to have the eyeballs and more frequent patrols. The RCMP are actively responding to calls. Mobile security checks, patrol checks can note changes in the environment quickly and give the RCMP a heads-up if there’s more activity in specific areas.

“The advantage to having security patrols is to free up RCMP time and as a deterrence. If they see a car marked security driving by, odds are really good they’re going to move along.”

Andy Beesley, the city’s director of facilities, said private security hired for events and to work in city facilities discourages unlawful behaviour such as vandalism. While security officers are not reactionary and do not physically engage with people caught in criminal activities he said having them around makes the public feel more comfortable

Judge wary of guilty Mountie’s bid to delay sentencing

Const. Arthur Dalman ordered a bystander to delete video of the arrest of a man who later died in custody

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The judge handling an application to stay proceedings against a Prince George RCMP officer convicted of obstruction of justice warned lawyers on Nov. 25 to keep the case on schedule.

Judge Adrian Brooks found Const. Arthur Dalman guilty last July of directing a witness to delete a smartphone video recording on the night of the violent July 18, 2017 arrest of Dale Culver. The 35-year-old Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en man died in Prince George RCMP custody.

Dalman’s sentencing was delayed indefinitely when his lawyers applied in August for the stay of proceedings. They claim their client’s constitutional rights

to a timely and fair trial were violated.

The court is scheduled to hear Dalman’s application between April 28 and May 2, 2025.

“It’s very important that the administration of justice, and specifically this court, does its business in a timely way, or it just loses the respect to the community,” Brooks said in Prince George Provincial Court.

“That is a concern that I truly have, and that impacts my view that we really have to go, we have to get everything done. I don’t care what it takes.”

The judge said he would not view favourably an application to adjourn the start of the April hearing.

He gave the warning as Dalman’s lawyers asked for a so-called LaPorte List, a court term for an inventory of evidence, as they took issue with the Crown withholding some evidence as privileged information.

“I share the court’s concern for those April dates as effectively being fixed,” said Dalman’s lawyer, Danielle Ching McNamee.

“Certainly, from Const. Dalman’s

perspective, that would not be in his legal best interest to seek any adjournment.”

McNamee told Brooks that the LaPorte List would be useful in the disclosure process to gauge the accuracy of items the Crown categorizes as privileged or irrelevant.

For instance, McNamee said at least five or six email messages out of the 72 items disclosed last week contained redactions of lines or paragraphs.

Prosecutor Anthony Chang said that the Crown has so far disclosed 243 gigabytes of data including 9,385 documents and 326 folders and that the two sides have been “collegial and working together up to this point in a good fashion.”

“At the end of the day, the Crown submission here is that the LaPorte List seems like a practical solution in order to try to forward this particular case,” Chang said.

Brooks said the Crown would “go as far as they can without piercing that privilege that is in existence and providing information to the defence, and the

defence will then assess what they can do and what is their next step that they need to take. All of which will have to be done quickly.”

Chang suggested they convene a pretrial conference, but Brooks said it would have to take place prior to Jan. 9, when he is scheduled to be out of country until mid-February.

In 2020, Independent Investigations Office of BC chief civilian director Ronald MacDonald found reasonable grounds to believe that two officers committed excessive force offences against Culver and three others committed obstruction of justice.

B.C. Prosecution Service announced charges in 2023.

But earlier this year, it stayed manslaughter charges against Const. Paul Ste-Marie and Const. Jean Francois Monette and an obstruction of justice charge against Const. Clarence Alexander MacDonald.

The only other officer charged, Sgt. Bayani (Jon) Eusebio Cruz, was tried in Prince George court at the same time as Dalman and found not guilty of obstruction of justice.

Accused guilty of machete attack that left man injured

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A 41-year-old man pleaded guilty in Prince George Provincial Court Nov. 25 to a single count of aggravated assault.

Matthew Thomas Lance Alston had

also been charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, assault with a weapon and robbery on March 25, 2023.

Crown prosecutor Anna Novakovic told the court that Alston attacked a man with a machete.

“He struck him multiple times,

causing a laceration to the top of his head as well as the deep laceration to his left elbow,” Novakovic said.

“This laceration exposed the bone. It also resulted in fractures (of bones around the elbow).”

Defence lawyer Tony Lagemaat said he did not dispute the facts.

Judge Judith Doulis adjourned Alston’s case to Dec. 18, the same day as a pre-sentence report hearing on a federal case against Alston.

Alston pleaded guilty Oct. 21 to a trafficking in a controlled substance offence that took place two years earlier in Prince George.

Man wanted by Prince George, Chilliwack RCMP on six warrants

CITIZEN STAFF

The Prince George RCMP is looking for a wanted man named Randy Kim Collier.

Collier is wanted on six unendorsed warrants in Prince George and Chilliwack for the following:

• Assault

• Assaulting a police officer

• Breach of release order (six counts)

Wearing a mask with the intent to commit an indictable offence

• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

• Resisting or obstructing a police officer (two counts)

• Robbery

• Theft

• Collier is described as:

• Indigenous male

• 5’9 (175 cm)

• 161 pounds (73 kg)

• Brown hair

• Brown eyes

• Tattoo of the word “family” on right forearm

Collier is considered dangerous and should not be approached, say police.

If you locate him, contact your local police immediately.

The Prince George RCMP detachment highlights a different wanted person each week. Collier

Man pleads guilty after waving knife at security guard

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wade William Fleury pleaded guilty Nov. 21 in Prince George Provincial Court to possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

A security guard at Parkwood Place in Prince George reported 1996-born Fleury to RCMP around 9:11 a.m. Oct. 2, 2023 after an altercation with the man, who was described as five-foot-seven, wearing a black hoodie, baseball cap, grey pants and backpack.

“A man later identified as Mr. Fleury had held a knife in a threatening manner toward his coworker’s… stomach,” Crown counsel Kristina King told the court.

The officer who attended the scene found the man matching the description in the mall parking lot and he was placed under arrest at gunpoint.

“At that time, though, Mr. Fleury was compliant with direction, he was arrested without issue,” King said. The complainant and the victim, a

female security guard, both gave statements, indicating they told Fleury to leave the premises.

“He had already been told in the past

that he was not welcome on that property, and that’s when they tried to get him to leave,” King said.

“He had pulled a knife, he had waved it towards (the female victim’s) abdomen, and that he had then tossed that knife into a sewage drain. The knife was never recovered by police.”

A Gladue report, examining the impact of Fleury’s Indigenous ancestry and upbringing, was requested in October to aid the sentencing process. Judge Michael Brecknell adjourned the case to Dec. 18 for a pre-sentence report.

The online court registry shows that Fleury faces two separate trials early in the new year, both involving multiple firearms-related charges from offences that allegedly took place on Oct. 6, 2023 and Dec. 5, 2023 in Prince George.

The first trial is Jan. 6-7, 2025. The other is Jan. 27-29, 2025.

Jail time for local man with history of impaired driving

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Prince George Provincial Court judge sentenced a man to 220 days in jail and two years probation on Nov. 21.

Ralph Dominic Alec, 62, pleaded guilty to the criminal offence of driving while disqualified and breaching a release order. Alec was also banned from driving for five years.

The Crown stayed two counts of breach of release order and two Motor Vehicle Act offences, driving while prohibited/licence suspended and driving while driver’s licence is suspended.

“I just want to make sure I understand this,” Judge Michael Brecknell said to Crown prosecutor Permeet Randhawa. “We have this gentleman who, even before these offences, as you’ve described it, has six impaired convictions, seven driving while prohibited or disqualified. Put aside his other types of criminal behaviour, these criminal convictions for intoxicated driving or driving while prohibited start 16 years ago,

continued without abatement until the end of the seven-page criminal history.”

Randhawa had earlier detailed evidence from four incidents, in January and December 2023, April of this year, and the most recent, Oct. 27, 2024, when Alec was caught driving a 2006 Dodge Dakota that belonged to his unlicensed wife.

Randhawa said that Alec had been banned for driving for five years beginning in September 2022, was not to be

found in the driver’s seat of any vehicle and was also subject to curfew conditions between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. But the multiple court orders and conditions governing his behaviour “don’t seem to have the desired deterrent effect.”

“It’s a crime that affects everyone who drives, or knows anyone who drives, and it makes the roads a more dangerous place for everyone,” Randhawa said. “This is an offence for which denunciation and deterrence should be

the primary principle of sentencing.”

Randhawa conceded that Alec was largely cooperative with officers when pulled over, giving his name and admitting that he had been prohibited from driving. He has also had a difficult life with multiple traumas, as a residential school survivor who struggled with alcohol and lost his father to a drunk driver as an adult.

“The Crown believes that a step-up is warranted from his last sentence,” he said.

A man pleaded guilty in Prince George court in connection with an incident at the Parkwood Place shopping complex last year.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Prince George RCMP carry out a roadside spot check in this file photo. A local man was sent to jail for repeated impaired driving convictions.

Northern Health files response to Blanding lawsuit

CITIZEN STAFF

The Northern Health Authority (NHA) has responded to former employee Amy Blanding, who filed a civil claim after her reassignment and eventual resignation from the organization.

In its response, the health authority denies Blanding’s claims and rejects the possibility of financial settlement or recompensation for her.

Blanding, who worked for NHA from June 2018 until her resignation in June 2024, had temporarily taken on the role of director for inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) starting in August 2023.

Her duties included promoting diversity and inclusion across NHA, specifically working on anti-racism, cultural safety, and accessibility.

However, her social media posts and a performance at a concert in April 2024 sparked controversy, leading to

complaints from members of the Prince George community.

The complaints, which centred around Blanding’s public comments on the ongoing Gaza conflict, criticized Israel’s actions and accused the Canadian government of complicity. These posts and her performance, made in her personal time, were deemed by NHA to conflict with the core responsibilities of her role, which involved fostering an inclusive environment for all communities accessing healthcare, the health authority states in its response to her lawsuit.

Site C reservoir safety

The Site C reservoir between Fort St. John and Hudson’s Hope has been filled. There are new hazards as the surrounding land continues to stabilize.

The public is strongly urged to stay away from the shoreline and off the slopes along the new reservoir for at least a year.

BC Hydro is monitoring for erosion and slope instability and will advise when the reservoir is deemed safe for public use.

○ If you see someone in danger, please call 9-1-1.

○ If you see an 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 or call 1 877 217 0777.

“Although the performance and social media posts were made in the plaintiff’s personal time, given the unique office that the plaintiff held as IDEA director and as a senior leader within the organization, NHA had concerns that members of the public would attribute these positions to NHA,” the response states. “The NHA was also concerned that these comments by its interim IDEA director would lead to certain members of the community, as well as others within NHA, feeling ostracized or unwelcome and potentially hesitant to access health care.”

Despite an internal investigation and efforts to address the concerns, Blanding refused to apologize or amend her social media posts, which NHA believed might alienate certain ethnic and religious groups, particularly the Jewish community. As a result, NHA removed Blanding from the IDEA role earlier than scheduled, returning her to her original position as regional manager of organizational education and training in May 2024.

Blanding went on medical leave later

that month and ultimately resigned from her position in June. “As such, she is not entitled to any damages,” Northern Health states in its response.

In its response, filed Nov. 12, Northern Health notes that the key areas of responsibility for the temporary IDEA role, as explicitly set out in the IDEA contract and implied, included working with leaders across Indigenous health, professional practice, human resources and population health to develop an integrated approach to diversity, anti-racism, cultural safety and humility, psychological safety, equity, accessibility and inclusion across the region.

The person in the role was also expected to develop what’s described as a “diversity competency framework for NHA, and developing and implementing strategies that build these competencies.”

Specifically, the response notes that the person in the role would be responsible for “not engaging in activities, even on her personal time, that she knew or ought to have known may be offensive to individuals, both members of the public and NHA staff, who access services with NHA.”

NHA maintains that her removal was justified and that the company followed proper procedures.

In its response, Northern Health has denied the claims made by Blanding in her civil lawsuit, including allegations of breach of contract and constructive dismissal. The health authority argues that Blanding’s social media posts were damaging to the public perception of NHA and were incompatible with her role.

NHA has also denied any defamation, asserting its right to respond to public complaints and defend its policies. The health authority insists that it acted in good faith and within its rights as an employer to take corrective measures in response to Blanding’s actions. None of the claims by either side has been tested in court.

Blanding also sued some of the people who filed complaints about her with Northern Health. That case has not yet seen a response filed.

AMY BLANDING/YOUTUBE

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

No charges in school bus crash that led to one death

CITIZEN STAFF

The BC Highway Patrol has completed its investigation into a school bus crash that left one pedestrian dead and more than 30 people injured, and reports that no criminal wrongdoing was involved.

The collision was determined to be the result of a medical emergency experienced by the bus driver, family members of people involved were told in a recent meeting with investigators.

The crash took place just after 1 p.m. June 21 on Highway 97, north of Lac La Hache, when the school bus, carrying 31 children and four adults, left the road and plunged into a ditch.

Many of the bus passengers sustained injuries ranging from bruises to broken bones. However, a man who stopped to help was then struck by another vehicle and died at the scene.

BC Highway Patrol Cpl. Michael McLaughlin stated that a thorough

BC, on June 21, 2024.

investigation, which included search warrants, in-car computer and video evidence reviews, witness statements and a detailed examination of the scene, determined that the bus driver had suffered a medical event, and that no criminal factors were involved in the crash.

“This was an incredibly tragic incident, but it was not caused by any criminal action,” McLaughlin said.

The 60-year-old driver, a Cariboo resident, remains in recovery from serious

Police seek suspects in shooting

CITIZEN STAFF

Investigators with the Prince George RCMP are looking for two men in connection to a shooting in August.

Police were called at about 6 p.m. Aug. 23 after shots were fired on the 1700 block of Upland Street. Two men were seen at the time, one of whom was carrying a firearm, say police. The men were last seen near a housing complex at 17th Avenue and Massey Drive.

“Police officers are looking to speak to these two individuals in relation to this investigation,” stated Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer with the Prince George RCMP. “We are hoping that someone in Prince George will recognize them and let our investigators know who they are and where they are currently residing.”

The first person is described as a tall Indigenous man wearing a long-sleeved red sweatshirt, black ball cap and blue jeans.

The second person is described as

Police want to speak to two men seen after shots were fired on Upland Street in August.

a shorter, heavy-set Indigenous man wearing a black Metal Mulisha hooded sweatshirt and black shorts.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police non-emergency line at 250-561-3300 to speak with an investigator. Please quote file number 2024-27826.

injuries but will not face any charges.

In the aftermath of the bus crash, an unrelated vehicle stopped to assist the victims. A man in his seventies, who was helping the victims, was struck and killed by an SUV.

After a detailed investigation into this secondary collision, BC Highway Patrol found no signs of impairment or distraction from the SUV driver. The driver, who was travelling below the speed limit, did not see the crash site due to

a bend in the road and was unable to avoid hitting the pedestrian despite efforts to steer away.

“The driver of the SUV did everything he could to avoid the tragic outcome,” said McLaughlin.

“Unfortunately, due to the limited visibility around the curve, the collision was unavoidable.”

Representatives of the BC Highway Patrol and 100 Mile RCMP Victim Services met with the families of those affected by the crash on Thursday, Nov. 21 to explain the investigation’s findings and provide support.

School District 27 has also arranged for counsellors to assist students and is encouraging them to reach out for help.

“The community has been deeply impacted by this event, and we want to ensure they understand the investigation’s outcome,” said McLaughlin. “While the tragedy remains, we hope this brings some clarity and peace of mind.”

Effective December 1, 2024, BC Transit will cease the sale of legacy fare products to offer more convenient options such as Umo Cash Balance, a digital DayPASS, or a 30-Day Pass. Get ready for the benefits of travelling with Umo and download the Umo Mobility app or pick up a free reloadable Umo card at one of our vendor locations today.

 Scan to learn about all available fare products in the Prince George Transit System.

Visit bctransit.com/umo for more information about Umo or call 877∙380∙8181 toll-free for support.

A school bus crash that hurt more than 30 people and led to the death of a pedestrian happened near 100 Mile House,

Medical calls don’t cause delays for fire crews: Report

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

The city’s public safety committee has received a report which outlines some of the details of what’s expected from Prince George Fire Rescue in regard to medical emergency responses at the pre-hospital stage.

On March 11, council directed administration to review the BCEHS agreement for time-critical calls and asked for a comparison to other city fire departments and the essential pre-hospital emergency health services they provide. Council wanted to ensure the City of Prince George is fairly and equitably reimbursed.

In 2022, PGFR firefighters responded to 8,931 calls between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30 that year and 5,385 (60 per cent) were medical callouts. Over the same 11-month period in 2023 there were 9,863 total calls, of which 6,127 (62 per cent) were medicals.

This year, from Jan. 1-Sept. 9, 4,692 (56.4 percent) of the 8,317 total callouts were for medical aid.

BC Emergency Health Services, the governing body that oversees the province’s pre-hospital care, in 2020 adopted a colour-coded clinical response model (CRM) to provide first responders an early assessment of the urgency of the patient’s condition, as determined in the 911 call.

The CMR uses six colours to designate the condition of the patient with purple (immediately life-threatening) and red (life-threatening or time-critical) ranked as the most urgent, orange (potentially serious but not immediately life-threatening) and yellow considered less urgent, and green and blue as the least urgent.

The BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) receives the call, provides triage to the 911 caller and categorizes the patient according to the CMR. If a patient is classed as a purple or red emergency,

and in some cases orange, computer-aided dispatch software is configured to automatically send call data to the Prince George fire dispatch centre.

City staff determined it is not possible to provide council with cost estimates related to the different CMR tier levels due to limitations of the current system of reporting, tracking and determining inventory levels.

Costs and equipment used by PGFR depend on when the ambulance arrives or if the fire department’s response is cancelled while they are on their way to the call. If the fire department gets to the patient first, firefighters will provide the necessary medical aid up to their level of training as emergency medical responders. Once the paramedic arrives, the firefighter transfers treatment to BCAS and might assist with loading the patient into the ambulance.

If BCAS get there first the firefighters might assist with patient treatment and loading or the might stand by while the paramedic conducts the assessment.

Fire Chief Cliff Warner looked at Vancouver and Surrey fire departments and both reported in the spring of 2022 there was a substantial increase in medical calls with half the front line firefighters tied up on medical aid incidents waiting for ambulance to arrive. To try to free up firefighters’ time so they were more available to put out fires or respond to hazard incidents, the two fire departments reduced their responses to low-acuity orange incidents.

Warner also examined the Prince George and Delta fire departments and found that while both experienced higher medical call volumes and wait times for BCAS ambulances, there were very few times when firefighters from either city were tied up on medical calls to the point where it would result in delays to attend other emergency incidents.

“There were a couple of instances where the delays in ambulances resulted in us having to call staff in as a result of medical calls because of the length of the event,” said Warner. “When you look from a cost

perspective, we’re staffed daily for all hazards. If we don’t go it doesn’t change anything in the cost from a staff perspective.”

In Prince George, about 50 per cent of medical calls resulted in fire crews assisting BCAS with patient treatment, 40 per cent arrived and left without requiring treatment/assistance and nine per cent were cancelled on route. Based on the information in the report, staff recommend that PGFR maintain its current service levels and approach. While it makes no recommendations regarding the content of the fire department’s BCEHS agreement, the report recommends advocacy efforts should be made to help reduce the costs of delivering services, especially where there is provincial jurisdiction involved, such as mental health and addictions management.

PRINCE GEORGE FIRE RESCUE PHOTO

Prince George Fire Rescue captain Colin Groeneveld demonstrates CPR techniques at the No.1 fire hall on Massey Drive.

Firefighters will soon have a special medical vehicle

It’ll be a custom converted pickup with a crew of 2

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Prince George Fire Rescue will soon be changing how it responds to medical calls.

It will utilize a specially equipped pickup truck carrying two firefighters, a dedicated medical unit serving as an alternative to dispatching a fire truck with four members on board to deliver first responders to medical emergencies.

City staff conducted a review of a plan first presented to council in February 2023 to create a smaller medical-specific equipped unit which would enhance the ambulance service provided by BCEHS paramedics.

In a report made Tuesday, Nov. 19 to the standing committee on public safety, Eric Depenau, the city’s director of administrative services, said council has already approved a staffing enhancement through the Alternate Approval Process to hire five additional firefighters this year.

In January, PGFR will ask council to approve hiring an additional supervising officer to cover each shift to staff the medical response truck, which will be deployed out of Fire Hall No. 1.

If approved, the supervisory officer position and the addition to the new firefighter positions created this year would bring PGFR closer to meeting response standards for structure fires suggested by the Fire Underwriters Association.

“Obviously a pickup truck has more manoeuverability and you can get to areas better,” said PGFR Chief Cliff Warner.

“The thing that has to be considered for us is we are under requirements through WorkSafe that require staff is supervised by a supervisor. What we’ve found from a security perspective was that when we have a rescue fire truck that holds equipment and pumps for

water, it’s staffed with two people. We don’t send that truck into the downtown core for medicals because it requires both those individuals to conduct that medical (response), so both are focused on the patient and not focused on the greater picture.

“When we send a fire truck with four members, we have one person who drives and stays with the truck, an officer that stands back and looks at the greater picture, and two members that focus on the patient. We wouldn’t send that pickup truck into the down town core because there’s only two people on it. And that supervisor can’t supervise, they’re part of that medical solution.”

Having the more nimble pickup truck would allow PGFR to get to a patient in areas where there are less security issue concerns and there’s a reduced likelihood of people interfering with the response team or potentially stealing equipment.

“The primary focus of it is going to be to take away the big-impact areas where our four-person fire trucks are going,” said Warner.

“We can get that truck out to Black burn or the airport quicker, we can get it up to Cranbrook Hill quicker and use it as a backup for the rest of the commu nity. That unit is going to create huge efficiencies for us while we’re maintain ing safety.”

In 2025, the pickup now used for util ity purposes is due to be replaced and the new truck will be outfitted with the medical equipment.

On calls for fire or other hazard responses, the two members assigned to the medical truck will go out to assist the crew on the platform ladder truck.

“It’s going to have a two-person crew staffing a fire truck that’s right now only responding when it’s required,” said Warner.

“These measures are not only going to support medical, but it will support our fire response. Instead of sending a fire truck from downtown up to College Heights we’ll send that two-person med ical truck and now we’re keeping a truck in this (downtown) area for fires.”

What’s happening in PG

Festival of Trees runs until Sunday, Dec. 1 at the Prince George Civic Centre. Purchase tickets for the 2024 Festival of Trees events. For more information and tickets visit www.spiritofthenorth.ca or in office at 1100 Alward Street. For more information call 250-565-2515. Don’t delay as tickets sell out fast.

Plaid Friday presented by Downtown PG goes Friday, Nov. 29 and is a relaxing and enjoyable alternative to Black Friday, taking place on the same day. This special day kicks off a great campaign to promote downtown and it’s many local and independently owned businesses making for great holiday shopping and celebrating.

Legends Live! The Diva Show goes Friday, Nov. 29 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. at The Underground Show Lounge, 1177 Third Ave.and Sunday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at Om Pizza Bar Café, 1970 Ospika Blvd.S. Four iconic divas in one amazing show. Kat Fullerton as Almost Marilyn, Audrey Layne as Basically Britney, Julie MacQueen as Likely Gaga, Lily Duff as Authentically Adele. Once tickets are purchased for the Om show make sure to make a reservation at Om by calling 250-5629888. Seating starts at 6, show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 on Eventbrite or $40 at the door (cash only). Suitable for all ages. Eventbrite tickets are at www. eventbrite.ca/thedivashow.

Whimsy & Wonder Holiday Market goes Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 1 from noon to 4 p.m. at Two Rivers Gallery. For more information visit www.tworiversgallery. ca.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

presented by Nove Voce is a choral storytime and goes Saturday, Nov. 30 with the first of four shows starting at 10 am at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. The choir will perform songs from the cartoon and movie and be joined by adorable Cindy Lou Whos Mira Yang, Sophia Yu, and Charlotte Paul. Great costumes, great music, and dog Max will all be part of the show, which is 30 minutes long. Perfect for all ages. There are four shows at 10 and 11 a.m. And 1 and 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 each or $40 per family at www.eventbrite.ca/o/ nove-voce/grinch.

Westside Academy’s Annual Winter Market goes Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Westside Family Fellowship, 4052 Highway 16, and hosts a huge variety of local vendors, including student entrepreneurs and their woodworking and a tea garden with home baked goodies. Other crafters will showcase hand-painted cards, crochet items, homemade candles, ornaments, skin care and more.

Under the Moon goes Saturday, Nov. 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. and is presented by

the Prince George Cantata Singers at St. Michael & All Angel’s Church, 1505 5th Ave. During intermission there is a themed silent auction, as well as a cookie sale fundraiser for the St. Mike’s lunch program. Choir is under the direction of Ariane Jarosch and accompanied by Maureen Nielsen with guests from the Prince George Fiddler’s Society. Tickets are $25 each and are on sale online at www.pgcantatasingers.ca

Merry & Bright Market goes Saturday, Nov. 30 and Sunday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Roll-A-Dome. Kick off some holiday season shopping with popular vendors.

Santa Pet Photos Fundraiser goes Sunday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ace’s K9 Care, 5877 Leslie Rd., with Blonde Photography. This is a fundraiser for PG Animal Rescue Society. Asking for a minimum $10 donation. Photos are for pets only with Santa. There are goodie bags from Paw Street Market for the first 50 guests. Drop in event.

Santa Claus Parade goes Sunday, Dec. 1 at noon in downtown Prince

George and is presented by the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation. This will tie into the last day of Festival of Trees PG and it’s going to be an amazing, family friendly event. Seeking parade participants so if you’re interested in joining and being a part of something magical reach out to parade coordinator Bailey Grose for details at fotparade@gmail.com.

12 Days of Fitness goes Sunday, Dec. 1 to Thursday, Dec. 12 at Northern Sport Centre, 3333 University Way. Drop off two non-perishable food or hygiene products and have free access to the facility that day. Daily access includes cardio and strength equipment, track, Recreation North play and drop-in fitness classes (where/when available). Parking is not included. Everything collected will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul and NUGSS food banks.

Fresh Wreath Making goes Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wildflower Farm, 9295 Pooley Rd. The barn is getting all festive and ready for wreath making. Fire bowls will be lit to warm up around but please dress for the weather. Working with a variety of freshly foraged materials, guests will create their own outoor wreath. Greenery, branches, cones and a decorative bow to finish it off is included. This class is for a 14-inch wreath form. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided. Workshop fee is $55 per person. Pre-registration is required. To register reach out to Lisa of Wildflower Farm at 250961-3519 or email wildflowerfarmpg@ hotmail.com.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

The Prince George Cantata Singers, seen here last summer, will be in winter mode Saturday, Nov. 30 for Under the Moon at St. Michael and All Angels Church from 7-9 p.m.

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Regina Pats at Prince George Cougars goes Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. at the CN Centre. Tickets at www.ticketsnorth.ca/ event_category/hockey/.

Dance with music by Long Rider goes Saturday, Dec. 7, doors at 7, dance goes from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., at the Prince George Seniors Activity Centre, 425 Brunswick St. Classic country, classic rock and old time rock ‘n’ roll will be featured. $20 at the door that includes a light snack. Cash bar and everyone 19+ is welcome.

Winterfest Christmas Market 2024 goes Saturday Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m at the Prince George Civic Centre. Winterfest is the last large craft fair before the holidays with more than 200 vendor in attendance.

O’Celli goes Saturday, Dec. 7 at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. Eight cellos on a fabulous journey through a repertoire of both original and arranged pieces, ranging from Tchaikovsky to Strauss, passing by the music of Piazzolla and Nino Rota. Tickets are $70 each at www.knoxcentre.ca/ upcoming-shows.

Ugly Sweater Christmas Market goes Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. at the Roll-ADome. Best ugly Christmas sweater prize draw. The market features local vendors and tasty treats, so bring some holiday spirit and finish up the holiday shopping.

Winter Wonderland Family Concert

Winterfest Christmas Market 2024 goes Saturday Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m at the Prince George Civic Centre.

goes Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Prince George Playhouse. What do you do for fun in the winter? The possibilities are as numerous as the instruments in an orchestra! Embrace the spirit of the season with a delightful chamber orchestra in this vibrant and cheerful show by Barb Parker. Tickets are at https://tickets.pgso.com/tickets/ winter-wonderland-284970#buy.

Kim’s Convenience goes until Wednesday, Dec. 18 at Theatre NorthWest, 556 North Nechako Rd. Embark on a touching and comical journey with the critically acclaimed play that celebrates family, culture, and humour. Follow the misadventures of the lovable Kim family as they navigate the challenges of running a convenience store in Toronto’s vibrant Regent Park neighbourhood. Filled with laughter,

WINTER WONDERLAND

DECEMBER 8

poignant moments, and cultural insights, this play is a delightful exploration of the universal themes that connect us all. For more information and tickets visit www.tickets.theatrenorthwest.com/kimsconvenience.

Light Up the Orchard goes until Dec. 31 at Northern Lights Estate Winery, 745 Prince George Pulpmill Road. Walk through enchanting light installations around the property, capture holiday memories at various themed photo stations. Fireside Mingling: Warm up by the fire pit on the patio (weather permitting). There is a concession offering treats, warm and cold beverages. Tickets for adults (16+) are $9.75, for children (3-15) are $7 (includes a treat), family pass is $32 for 2 adults and up to 4 children, and a group of four adults is $35. Free for kids under 2. Tickets are

only available online at www.northernlightswinery.ca/light-up-the-orchard.

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.

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. Snacks provided. This event is in partnership with Great Northwest Fibre Fest. 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

World-Class Ensemble Ô-Celli

Comes to Prince George

On December 7th at 7:30 PM, the Knox Performance Centre will welcome the internationally renowned cello ensemble, Ô-Celli, for an unforgettable evening of music. This is a rare treat for Prince George, as the city continues to attract world-class talent and solidify its place on the map as a cultural destination in Northern BC.

Ô-Celli is no ordinary ensemble. With eight masterful cellists blending their sound, the result is a powerful and unique musical experience described as a “cathedral of sound.” Founded in 2011 by Sébastien Walnier and Alexandre Beauvoir, the group brings together soloists and chamber musicians from some of the world’s leading orchestras. Together, they create music that crosses boundaries, inviting audiences to journey through classical works by Verdi and Strauss to unexpected interpretations of Queen and Piazzolla.

For Prince George audiences, this performance is more than just a concert— it’s an opportunity to experience music on a grand scale, right in our community. As cultural opportunities grow, events like this highlight the city’s evolving role in hosting globally celebrated artists.

Ô-Celli is known for its versatility and innovation. The ensemble doesn’t just reimagine the classics; they also champion original compositions, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with their instrument. Their sound—rich, resonant, and deeply emotional—is paired with an undeniable joy for their craft that shines through in every performance.

This event is sure to captivate audiences, whether you’re a seasoned classical music lover or someone new to the genre. The ensemble’s lineup includes outstanding cellists such as Corinna Lardin, Shiho Nishimura, Yoori Lee, and Stephanie Huang, alongside founders Walnier and Beauvoir. Their passion for sharing music and connecting with audiences makes every performance a memorable experience.

Ô-Celli’s guiding principle is simple: pleasure. They find joy in performing together, sharing their music with audiences, and building bridges through sound. Their visit to the Knox Performance Centre is a chance for Prince George residents to experience that joy firsthand.

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the magic of eight cellos in perfect harmony. Secure your tickets at www.KnoxCentre.ca now and prepare to be swept away by an evening of extraordinary music that promises to be one of the cultural highlights of the season.

New bursary launched in honour of Willow River 8

CITIZEN STAFF

A new bursary fund has been established to honor the memory of the Willow River Eight, a group of local teens who lost their lives in a canoeing accident on the Willow River 50 years ago.

The fund, named the Willow River 8 Memorial Bursary, was launched with a donation of $21,000, which will provide support to future students at Prince George Secondary School (PGSS).

On Thursday, Nov. 21, members of the PGSS Class of 1974 Reunion team presented the cheque to PGSS Principal Randy Halpape, marking the formal establishment of the fund. The money was raised through a silent auction at the class’s 50th reunion in June, along with additional donations from alumni and local supporters.

“The fund is named in honor of our classmates who never had the chance to graduate and experi-ence life’s full potential,” said Dan Robin, leader of the reunion team.

Robin was joined at the presentation by fellow team members Gerald Van Caeseele, Lori Dennill (nee Power), and Gaetano Mauro, as well as about two dozen other members of the Class of 1974.

The bursary will be awarded annually to a PGSS student who has shown outstanding leadership both in school and in the community, and who plans to continue their education. Robin

explained that the goal was to give back to the community, and the overwhelming response exceeded expec-tations.

“We originally aimed to raise $5,000, and we were shocked and thrilled when the silent auc-tion raised more than double that,” he said.

“Then, additional donations brought the total to $21,000.”

Dennill, who led the effort to gather more than 100 auction items from local businesses and alumni, said the generosity from all involved helped make the fund self-sustaining.

“The support from the community has been incredible,” she said.

The presentation ceremony, held in front of the “Willow” bear statue in the PGSS foyer, was an emo-tional one, with attendees expressing their gratitude and admiration.

“This is a good news story com-ing from an unspeakable tragedy,” Robin said. “Our eight classmates were vibrant, communi-ty-minded young men who would have contributed so much to the world. Now, through this memorial bursary, they can continue to give back.”

The Willow River 8 Memorial Bursary Fund remains open for donations, with the possibility of ex-panding the fund to support more students in the future. The bursary will be administered by the Prince George Community Foundation. Tax-receipted donations can be made through the Founda-tion’s website at www.pgcf.ca.

Class of ‘74 Alumni provided a signed photo of their grad picture for display at PGSS.

Festival of Trees

Tori Fisher attaches garland to the top of the Honey skin tree Sunday in preparation for the Festival of Trees at the Civic Centre. The Festival of Trees, organized by the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation and celebrating its 31st year, is introducing an outdoor market and Santa Claus Parade at noon on Dec. 1. This year’s proceeds will go toward purchasing the StarGuide, an essential piece of medical equipment aimed at strengthening cancer and cardiac care in Northern BC. The StarGuide will allow for quicker imaging, improving patient comfort and enabling loved ones to receive critical care close to home.

SUPPORT THE PG HOSPICE DREAM HOME LOTTERY

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Website offers a deep dive into your neighbourhood

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Ever wonder about the crime happening in your neighbourhood?

Right down to what kind of crime happened on what street on what day as far back as 2021, for curiosity’s sake?

“We have dashboard info graphics available for the public to view, making it a lot easier for them to interpret,” said Laura McKersie, geographic information systems (GIS) analyst for the city.

On the City of Prince George website, under City Hall in the top right, click Maps & Access to Information, scroll down the info bar on the left, click on Open Data, then scroll down the Open Data home page to get to the dashboard infographics. There, second from the left, is the Property Crime in Prince George dashboard.

more people to see it,” McKersie said.

The Property Crime in Prince George dashboard is ideal for people might want to know what they’re getting into before they make a move.

“You have people who are moving to the city who may want a little extra information about the area they are moving to so now we have it available,” she said.

The service requests dashboard is another very popular tool. Clicking through and bumping up the map, as an example for comparison sake, to the area around the Lower Patricia Boulevard encampment sees the top four requests include biohazards, litter, needles, and squatters.

While moving over to College Heights on Westmount Drive, the top four requests are utilities locate, garbage collection, water on/off and water maintenance.

“We work with the RCMP to be able to illustrate property crime within the city and it is updated on a biweekly basis,” McKersie said.

“We process the data and we ensure anonymity so they are not at exact locations. We have it so that you are able to see the property crime based on a certain month.”

There is a legend of symbols indicating what type of crime took place at what location.

The site comes with this statement and disclaimer: “This data is designed to provide individuals with a general overview of incidents, aid in coordinating crime prevention initiatives, and improving community awareness. All the property crime incident locations have been generalized and a dispersal pattern applied and should be considered approximate.”

On the website there is a dropdown that allows the user to go back as far as 2021 and there is a custom date range to see what crime took place on what day, week or month.

“So what prompted this application to be made available to the public was Community Policing approached the city as they had an elderly gentleman who would put a pin in a wall map and they were looking to digitize it to allow

“Open Data is pretty much a digital repository of information,” McKersie said.

For convenience sake there is a link from the PGMap service to the Open Data site. A popular option is the orthophotos, which are actual aerial pictures of a property, for example, that also includes a slider to take the viewer as far back as 1993.

When accessing the ortho everything can be downloaded.

“It comes as a zip file and you can open that image,’ McKersie said. “Ortho is a really big thing to offer to people as downloadable so they don’t have to come into the city offices with a hard drive. We wanted to make it more accessible to the public so we were able to develop this downloading mapping application.

“We have all kinds of data layers to look up and download. We also have our gallery of maps and apps that we created for the City of Prince George. We have an evacuation management mapping application, and we have a downtown heritage walking tour that is a story map that people can walk through and bring up images. So we have some different things for people to be able to utilize in the Open Data site.”

The Prince George website hosts Open Data with a dashboard that offers up-

Grinch set for a musical return to Prince George

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

It’s a one-day Grinchy good time that once again sees Nove Voce, the international award-winning Prince George choir, perform A Choral Story Time: How the Grinch Stole Christmas with four shows on Saturday, Nov. 30.

Richard Bjarnason will be joining Nove Voce to read the original story by Dr. Seuss as the choir performs songs from the cartoon and movie.

Joined by adorable special guests Mira Yang, Sophia Yu, and Charlotte

Paul who will portray Cindy Lou Who during the performance.

“We have some wonderfully awful Grinchy costumes made by Pat Jorgensen, great music based on the Dr. Seuss cartoon, and even our own dog Max,” Robin Norman, Nove Voce artistic director, said.

“Come on out and enjoy your favourite Grinch Songs like You’re a Mean One Mister Grinch, Where Are You Christmas, and Welcome Christmas. The show is 30 minutes long, so it is perfect for audiences of all ages.”

four opportunities to see the Grinch this year.

Showtimes are 10 and 11 a.m. and 1 and 2 p.m.

All shows are in the newly renovated Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave., in downtown Prince George.

“This promises to be a delightful Christmas activity for Whos young and old,” Norman said.

Due to the demand last year there are

Tickets are $10 per person or $40 per family, avail able at www.eventbrite.ca/o/ nove-voce-choral-society-Grinch.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas, a choral story, is presented by Nove Voce Choir on Saturday, Nov. 30 at Knox Performance Centre.

Eli Klasner announces departure from arts council

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Eli Klasner, who began his time with the Community Arts Council of Prince George & District in 2016, is leaving his role as executive director, he announced Wednesday, Nov. 20. “I am stepping down as executive director of the CAC, to take effect during

Q1-2 of 2025,” Klasner said in a written statement.

“It has been the experience of a lifetime helping where I could over the past seven years. It is my hope to help guide the succession planning, recruitment and onboarding of the new executive director. I also intend to continue to champion the new Studio 2880 Redevelopment Project and continue my advocacy for a

new arts and entertainment complex in our downtown civic core.”

Klasner said he will continue to support the many causes and organizations in Prince George, especially in arts and culture, that are dear to his heart.

The CAC is a nonprofit organization serving as a hub for connecting artists, organizations, and the public to enhance the cultural landscape of the region.

One of the key responsibilities of the CAC is to provide funding, grants, and other resources to foster artistic expression in various forms, including visual arts, music, theater, dance, and literary arts.

The CAC also works to cultivate partnerships betweem the arts and schools, businesses and government.

Invasion of fantastical creatures at Dome Creek fair

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Faeries riding unicorns, a herd of quirky hens, whimsical spotted mushrooms, a flock of snowmen with jaunty berets atop their little round heads and a hamlet of happy gnomes all live in Jan Norton’s head.

This becomes enchantingly apparent because they all exist as needle-felted treasures that were recently on display at Dome Creek Rec Centre.

The Train Lady, Linda Campbell, hosted an event that saw a passel of Prince George people travel by rail to Dome Creek for a friendly visit to their rustic community hall followed by a quick hop over to the rec centre where the community hosted a craft fair showcasing the talents of longtime residents.

Norton, who has lived just outside of Dome Creek since 1976, knows that staying busy during those long winter evenings is how best to deal with the cold.

“Because we live in the wilderness I think a lot of us learned to develop our skills,” Norton laughed. “During those long winter months we’ve all turned to hobbies.”

Norton has always been crafty and learned how to needle felt from a neighbour.

She originally learned how to wet felt but because needle felting is much more portable, she focuses her energy on what she can do sitting in her cozy kitchen.

“Felting was new to me about 10 years

ago and I think we’ve seen it become more popular,” Norton said.

Norton got her ideas from the world wide web and decided to try making a gnome first.

Well, he was such success she kept him for herself and then quickly her children needed their own and of course, husband, Guy, who is mechanically inclined was gifted his gnome who is holding a couple of wrenches in his hand.

“He was cute and adorable,” Norton said. “I’ve done a gnome using a chainsaw for my son and a bird watching gnome and even had a commission for

a Scottish gnome with his bare bum under his kilt. They’re all so much fun.”

And people’s reactions encouraged her to create more.

“After family and friends saw them it kind of took off and of course we have the wonderful Whistlestop Gallery in McBride where local artwork is sold by commission. So anything I don’t sell at craft fairs I can truck off to the Whistlestop. They support all the local artists in the valley.”

Norton used to come to Prince George to sell her felted characters but more recently has stayed local, in Dome Creek, McBride and Dunster.

“Between family and friends and commissions that keeps me busy because in the summer we farm and garden and hike and go boating and there’s lot of family time,” Norton said. “I have too many other interests that keep me distracted so the odd little craft table at a fair is just perfect.”

One of her more popular characters right now is the tiny forest faerie atop a unicorn.

“They are quite in demand,” Norton said. “But they are intricate – little creatures with faces, legs and ears take more time and more dedication so the gnomes go together much more quickly and they are my favourite.”

Norton created the mushrooms when there was a foraging workshop in Dunster earlier this summer and she was invited to the event.

For Norton it’s all about keeping things affordable because when she sees those little eyes light up when a child finds their creature on her table, the last thing she wants is the price to get in the way of that joy.

“So pricing is a tricky thing for all artists, I think,” Norton said.

She always likes to have a variety of treasures on her table.

“Because it’s such a pleasure to see people’s reactions,” Norton said. “I enjoy making them so much but the other half of that enjoyment is seeing people’s faces light up so I’m not so much interested in the selling but rather sharing the joy.”

For more information email Norton at jan.nrtn22@gmail.com or visit her Instagram @domegnomes.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Happy gnomes were on display during the Dome Creek Craft Fair held earlier this month with Jan Norton’s needle felting showcased in the most delightful way.

COMMUNITY

A modern Canadian classic

Toronto actor Jason Pilgrim (left) plays four roles while James Yi plays Appa, the store owner, and directs the Theatre Northwest production of Kim’s Convenience running until Dec. 18. Also adapted as a long-running CBC TV series, it’s centred on the trials and tribulations of the Kim family as they operate a convenience store in Toronto’s Regent Park neighbourhood. The play portrays how hard-working Appa, the patriarch, deals with a changing neighbourhood and the evolving values of his children. For tickets visit www.theatrenorthwest. com/tickets.

New exhibit puts ‘forgotten star’ back in the spotlight

CITIZEN STAFF

The Exploration Place is set to unveil its latest exhibit, “Inga Andersen: The Blackout Girl Remembered,” on Dec. 7 in the George Phillips Exhibit Gallery.

This exhibit will celebrate the life and legacy of Andersen, a multi-talented dancer, choreographer, actress and wartime performer with deep connections to Prince George.

Exploration Place announced the opening Friday, Nov. 22.

Born in Buenos Aires and raised in Prince George, Andersen became an international sensation, known for her captivating performances in London, Paris, New York and beyond.

By the age of 16, she had already founded the Inga Andersen School of Dance in Prince George, before pursuing her career in Hollywood. She was a key member of the renowned Albertina Rasch Dancers, performing for royalty and cultural icons of her time.

Andersen’s courage during the

Second World War earned her the nickname “The Blackout Girl.” She performed for Allied soldiers in bombedout buildings, singing without microphones and boosting morale with her

humour, bravery, and satirical anti-Nazi songs, the announcement states.

Her outspoken defiance of the Nazi regime made her a target, with her name appearing on Hitler’s execution list.

The exhibit will feature an array of never-before-seen artifacts, including photographs, costumes and recordings from Andersen’s career.

Highlights include newly discovered vocal recordings and archival footage of her wartime performances.

Visitors will be able to trace Andersen’s journey from her early years in Prince George to her rise as a global star and her return to the community she once called home.

The exhibit will explore why this trailblazing performer, once the toast of London, New York, and Paris, faded from the public eye.

“Inga Andersen was not only a talented singer, dancer, and performer, but she was also fearlessly outspoken,” states assistant curator Chad Hellenius. “She had charm, wit, and an undeniable presence that commanded attention, and she deserves to be remembered as the national treasure that she was.”

For more details, visit www.theexplorationplace.com.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Entertainer Inga Andersen, who grew up in Prince George, had a long career on stage and screen.

Mrs. Denicola meets the long-lost mystery Mr. PG

There have been many versions of the Prince George icon, from a metal Rotary mascot that spent years missing in Europe to tiny plush toys. This one was new for the city’s most dedicated Mr. PG supporter

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

The first Mr. PG that Mrs. Doreen Denicola remembers is the one that was created out of wood slabs that once stood outside the Simon Fraser Hotel in 1960.

“And he stood outside that hotel because that’s where the lumber magnates met for coffee every morning,” Mrs. Denicola recalled.

Mrs. Denicola, 95, has a great fondness for Mr. PG that goes right back to his origin.

In 1990 Mrs. Denicola took over the creation of Mr. PG when nobody else would.

She made 243 dozen little wooden statues, that’s 2,916 Mr. PGs she made with her own two hands.

“I wasn’t about to let him disappear,” Mrs. Denicola said.

“The City of Prince George was once known as the White Spruce Capital of the world and Mr. PG represents the forest industry upon which this city was built.”

Another way Mrs. Denicola kept Mr. PG top of mind in the past was showcasing him in a display at Northern Hardware that saw her put out the call on the front page of The Citizen on July 11,1990, for Mr. PG memorabilia.

“I did a big display and I had canvassed the whole area – even out of the city – for anybody that had a replica of Mr. PG,” Mrs. Denicola said. “I had to record everything and there were pages and pages of information. I had both those windows chock full – everything people had lent me. It was fun.”

Mrs. Denicola recalls one Mr. PG made of metal.

“He was used by the Rotary Club whenever they held a convention,” Mrs. Denicola said.

“The people that came from furthest away were allowed to keep him and return him during the next convention

but they lost him for years and years.”

A couple from Prince George, Bess and Dave Pullman, were visiting a pub in Scotland and discovered him being used as a beer dispenser and leaving his kilt and sporran intact, promptly brought him back home.

He is now part of the Mr. PG collection at The Exploration Place.

Mrs. Denicola has many versions of Mr. PG on the top shelves that grace the walls of her kitchen.

With family all over BC, throughout the years they have gifted the family’s matriarch with different versions of Mr. PG.

They come in all shapes and sizes and there’s even salt and pepper shaker versions that depict a Mr. and Mrs.PG.

But there’s one Mr. PG that Mrs. Denicola is not familiar with.

Steve Sintich longtime resident of Prince George and former school district trustee, has a unique version of Mr. PG that was kept at the SD 57 office for a time. In 1976, when it was not wanted any longer Sintich took him home for safe keeping and has had wooden mascot ever since.

Sintich lent his Mr. PG to Citizen photographer Chuck Nisbett, to be introduced to Mrs. Denicola.

“I have never seen this one before,” Mrs. Denicola said when she first laid eyes on the wooden Mr. PG with the blue metal hat.

“He is quite something. He really is neat. It’s just beautiful to see something I haven’t seen before.”

Mr. PG was chosen in October as the winner of the inaugural Great Canadian Landmark Contest out of 76 entries from across Canada and had been placed on a stamp on July 6, 2009 as part of the Roadside Attractions series presented by Canada Post.

Mrs. Denicola is so very fond of the Prince George icon.

“I so enjoyed doing my part in keeping Mr. PG alive,” Mrs. Denicola smiled.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

With the Mr. PG statue Steve Sintich has had for years in the background, Doreen Denicola looks over a Mr. & Mrs. PG salt-and-pepper shaker set, one of the many Mr. PG items she’s collected over the years.

Jake has taught more than 120 kids in Prince George

He’s been an integral part of local school horse program, helping kids learn to ride safely

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Jake is 31 years old and has worked at the same job for about two decades.

Walking around in circles and patiently standing still for long periods of time are part of his job description.

And when they tried to retire Jake, it almost broke his heart.

Jake is a Palomino quarter horse Morgan and he is part of the school horse program run by Susie Palley, a member of the Prince George Horse Society, at the Agriplex. Palley has run the program since 1992.

Leslie Battersby is Jake’s owner and growing up in Vancouver she had always dreamed of owning a horse.

“But instead I got horse wallpaper,” Battersby laughed.

“So when we were married, my husband gave me Jake as an anniversary gift, and he said to me ‘just get it out of your system.’ He thought I would have a horse and after a few years I’d get out of it but I’ve had Jake for the last 25 years. My husband always says Jake was the best anniversary gift he ever bought me because Jake has brought so much joy and love into my life.”

Battersby said Jake has the ideal temperament to be part of the school horse program.

“Jake has always been gentle, and doesn’t do anything crazy, doesn’t spook and because he’s been around little kids, he knows what to do and he knows his job and he’s just a good horse,” Battersby said.

In the school horse program Jake is used as the beginner’s horse.

“He has a wonderful positive forward gait,” Palley said. “And he’s able to take kids who are maybe a little bit scared or nervous and give them the calmness and understanding to be able to start to work with a horse. He’s taught more than 120 kids to feel confident on a horse.”

There have been circumstances where Jake has helped heal people who have been injured, as well.

“I will do a bit of a rehabilitation

program with the rider so it doesn’t become the elephant in the closet for them,” Palley said.

There have been people, for example, who have ridden in Mexico and been injured, she added.

“And Jake will give them the confidence to ride again,” Palley said. “Jake is a fantastic horse. Having the school horse program for 30 plus years, I generally do not leave horses in the program for 18 years because it’s a very difficult job. It’s an emotional job and physically draining because they are teaching somebody who doesn’t have the balance to be on top of him. But Jake has such a spark for it.”

They tried to retire Jake about five years ago and it almost broke his heart, Palley added. Jake’s decline took place when his duties were taken away.

“His health was failing because he didn’t have all the kids around him and

he didn’t have all the love,” Palley said.

“The Agriplex is very special and for a horse to come in every day, and we brush them and we love them and we feed and we give them cookies and then when we pulled Jake away from that there was a negative reaction.”

When Palley realized what has happening to Jake he was brought into the fray once again but this time with a lighter workload.

Now he’s the horse that children learn to ride with and then they move on to another horse to gain more skill, Palley explained.

“Jake will canter you around this whole arena until he can’t,” Palley said about the big-hearted horse.

“But because we are aware of that and we know what his limitations are that have come with age, we structure his weekly work program to that. He has days off, he has days where he spends

time in the arena with a horse friend, and days we call ‘some groomin’ and some lovin’ up’.”

Battersby said Jake is an icon in Prince George.

Palley has a group of riders who call themselves ‘Susie’s Girls’.

“I’ll be out in the community and I will see a sweatshirt with Jake on the back of those sweatshirts that say ‘Susie’s Girls’ on the sleeve, and I’ll think – ‘they must ride Jake’.” Battersby smiled.

“It’s nice to share him with people, it gives me great joy knowing people are learning to ride with Jake.”

“And when Leslie hears that someone is learning to canter with Jake, because that’s one of the hardest things a rider can learn, she’ll come down and sit in the stands to cheer them on,” Palley smiled.

“It’s because I am living the dream through the kids,” Battersby laughed.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Riding coach Susie Palley keeps pace with her grandson Everett Kohlen, 4, as he rides Jake around the Agriplex.

This tradition of generosity clearly lives on

Teacher Sarah Bonnar opened the Nov. 14 edition of The Citizen and found a picture of her 2006 class and their donations for Operation Christmas Child’s shoebox program in that week’s Throwback Thursday. So she decided to update the story.

‘Ironically, my Kindergarten class was helping lead organizer Usha Singh to do the same thing at Hart Highlands,’ she wrote the paper in an email. Singh, at left, has been doing this for several years, providing gifts for children in Third World countries. Hart Highlands students have been collecting small items such as toothbrushes, toys, stickers, games, socks and more to fill about 100 boxes. ‘I thought it was really neat to relive that class picture from 18 years ago and know that we are still helping with this program in 2024,’ Bonnar, at right in the photo, wrote.

Foundry benefits from $40K donation from PG Ford

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH

Citizen Staff

Youth mental health was the topic of conversation when Prince George Ford approached The Foundry Prince George, operated by the YMCA BC.

“We met and discussed some of Foundry’s needs and gaps in services,” said Melissa Cailleaux, director of community programs for the Y.

Foundry Prince George offers young people, 12 to 24 years old, access to mental health and substance use support, primary care, peer support and social services from a single location in the heart of downtown.

“Foundry currently offers clinical counselling on a walk-in basis because it is accessible and in the moment,” Cailleaux said.

Prince George Ford presents the Foundry Prince George with $40,000 to boost support for a youth mental health initiative. Pictured here from left is Cheryl Riddle, PG Ford controller; Melissa Cailleaux, director of community programs for the Y; Chris Wall, PG Ford general manager; Deanna Collins, manager of community programs at the Y; Jessica Callaghan, PG Ford marketing manager; Carmen Dodds, Foundry PG peer support coordinator; Mary Paz Michel, youth service project coordinator PG Foundry and Jane Daigle, Foundry PG concurrent disorders clinician.

“This model doesn’t meet all needs however, and we talked about piloting a brief therapy stream in addition to our walk-in services and single session services.”

Brief therapy allows young people to access eight to 12 scheduled sessions with the same clinician to work through a significant issue or towards a particular goal, Cailleaux explained.

“Ultimately, Ford chose to direct their donation to this new way of offering services and to invest in a deeper level of support for young people who need

it,” Cailleaux said.

“We anticipate their donation will allow 25 youth to benefit from this new service in 2025. We are so grateful to Ford for connecting with us and ultimately contributing $40,000 towards counselling services at Foundry PG. This is a significant investment in Foundry PG, YMCA BC, and, most importantly, in young people in our community.”

Prince George Ford is proud to contribute to the betterment of the youth of Prince George and their families with this donation, came a statement from the local business.

“Having previously supported the programs at Foundry, we know how impactful these contributions are on the youth around our city,” Chris Wall, Prince George Ford general manager, said.

“Our hope is that we can continue to support this great work in the future so that services are there for those who need it. It’s a great privilege for us to contribute. It is the hope of Prince George Ford to continue to see our youth given opportunities and support when it is needed most in this community. Foundry is an incredible group of people putting in the day-to-day work needed to make the youth in their care feel seen, heard, and supported as they make their way in the world.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Throwback Thursday: Week of November 28

Nov. 29, 1996: Hundreds of people take part in the lighting ceremony, which turned on Christmas lights at the plaza, city hall and throughout the downtown, outside the Civic Centre. Outgoing Mayor John Backhouse and mayor-elect Colin Kinsley flipped the “light-up” switch together. The ceremony also marked the first day of the Festival of Trees. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY BRENT BRAATEN

Nov. 28, 2011: While Ken Kilcullen narrates, Zarrah Holvich, as the Grinch, and the members of Nove Voce Choral Society, as the Whos, perform Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas at the Civic Centre. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Nov. 28, 1963: No, it isn’t a Grey Cup celebration. A truck carrying 110 kegs of beer went over a 30-foot embankment at Mile 70 in the Hart Highway last week when the steering froze. A quantity of beer was taken back to the brewery only to find it was ruined because of freezing. So there was nothing to do but throw it out. Brewmaster Eugene Zarek explained that frozen beer turns cloudy when it thaws and doesn’t taste like beer should. CITIZEN

Nov. 28, 1979: Bruce Merkley and Shannon Blaney, both 11, learn how to change a diaper, but with a doll rather than a real baby. They were among six youngsters 11-13 who received a Red Cross babysitting certificate after a six-hour course sponsored by the Connaught Community Association. The children also learned artificial respiration and basic emergency survival techniques. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DOUG WELLER

Know your limit, play within it.

FILE PHOTO BY ROY FUJIKAWA

Northern Health Jago Award recipients for collaboration: Ashley Stoppler and Rosetta Mitchell

SANJA KNEZEVIC

Northern Health (NH) strives to make our values – empathy, respect, collaboration, and innovation – the core of what we do every day.

The Dr. Charles Jago Awards, named after our former board chair, acknowledge and celebrate the NH staff, physicians, and teams who have made outstanding contributions to the organization’s goals, reflecting our values in the process.

The team recipients for the category of collaboration are Ashley Stoppler and Rosetta Mitchell.

Ashley has spent her entire life in Prince George, where she earned her degrees at UNBC.

With a 19-year tenure at Northern Health, Ashley has held roles in various programs across the health care spectrum, demonstrating operational leadership in areas ranging from patient transportation, to diagnostics, to home and community care, as well as inpatient nursing.

Following the birth of her son, she transitioned into a strategic position within the Regional Chronic Diseases Program.

Here, she has championed best practices in the areas of HIV, Hepatitis C, chronic pain, and more recently, diabetes and kidney care.

Falling under the “other duties” section in her job description, Ashley found her work in transforming a UNBC student residence into an assisted living facility during the 2017 wildfires and forming an internal ground transportation system for lab specimens during the COVID-19 pandemic to be especially rewarding.

Outside of work, when not sitting in the bleachers at the Kin Centre watching her six-year-old play the sport of the season, she finds time to teach yoga, travel with her family, and has recently started teaching at the post-secondary level.

Rosetta’s journey began in

Valemount, before she ventured to university in Kamloops. After a brief period in Prince George, she now calls the scenic town of Revelstoke her home.

She has nearly a decade of diverse experiences ranging from rural health care, to labor and delivery, and emergency care.

Rosetta’s deep-seated passion for sexual and public health led her to join the Communicable Disease Team in 2021.

In her role as the Regional Nursing Lead for Communicable Diseases, Rosetta and her colleagues play a pivotal role in public health interventions and offer essential support to clinicians delivering direct patient care.

Outside the professional realm, she is

an avid potter and mountain biker, who loves exploring the great outdoors with her dogs and partner.

Here are a few excerpts from the testimonial provided by their nominator, Executive Lead for Regional Chronic Diseases, Jessica McGregor:

“I want to nominate this team because of the exceptional way in which they worked collaboratively with Northern Health departments and community organizations, as well as provincial and national agencies, to bring dried blood spot testing (DBST) to Northern Health.

Ashley and Rosetta are true champions of this low barrier testing method and have spent countless hours connecting with subject matter experts

to understand this testing modality and how it could benefit and support patients with different needs and experiences. They did so through open, honest dialogue, and by always following up on their commitments.

They showed up with respect and reliability, working through complex issues with skilled facilitation skills that ensured all perspectives were heard and considered.

In this way, they were able to bring many key partners together to support Northern Health in becoming an early adopter of DBST.”

Please join us in congratulating Ashley and Rosetta, our 2024 award recipients for collaboration!

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO

(From left to right) Ciro Panessa, president & CEO; Ashley Stoppler, regional lead - kidney care and diabetes care; Mike Gagel, regional manager - communicable diseases accepting on behalf of Rosetta Mitchell, regional lead - communicable diseases; and Colleen Nyce, board chair.

How to stay active and healthy over the winter months

CITIZEN STAFF

As winter approaches and the colder weather sets in, the BC Ministry of Health is reminding residents to prioritize physical activity, emphasizing its importance in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and depression.

Physical activity is defined by the World Health Organization as any bodily movement that requires energy expenditure, from walking and running to lifting or crawling. It is essential not just for physical health but also for mental well-being, boosting mood, improving mental health, fostering social connections, and supporting local economies.

While BC has long been one of the most active provinces in Canada, the ministry stresses that there is still room for improvement.

As winter can make outdoor exercise more challenging, it’s crucial to find alternative ways to stay active indoors and outdoors, even when the weather is less inviting.

The ministry suggests a variety of strategies:

Embrace winter sports: Activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snowshoeing are great ways to stay active while enjoying the outdoors. These sports engage different muscle groups and improve endurance, all while offering fresh air and scenic winter landscapes.

Indoor workouts: If outdoor activities aren’t appealing, there are plenty of indoor options. Consider joining a local gym, taking up yoga, or using fitness apps and online workout videos to keep up with your exercise routine.

Walking and hiking: Even in winter, walking can be a great way to stay active. Many parks and trails remain open year-round, and winter hiking can offer a peaceful, beautiful experience. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and layer your clothing for warmth.

Strength training: Strength exercises such as weightlifting, resistance band exercises, or bodyweight exercises

Cross-country skiing (or hiking, or dog-walking) is one of the many ways people can get exercise over the winter, indoors or outside. Other ways to maintain your health include staying socially engaged.

like squats and push-ups can be done at home or at the gym. These workouts help maintain muscle mass and metabolism, especially when the colder weather keeps you indoors.

Stay socially engaged: Physical activity is not only about exercise but also about social interaction. Try to incorporate group activities such as a fitness class, a walking group, or a recreational sport league to combine fitness with connection.

Start early: It’s easier to stick with an active lifestyle when it becomes a regular habit. Aim to schedule physical activity into your daily routine, whether it’s a brisk walk in the morning or an

evening workout after work.

The ministry also stresses the importance of physical literacy, especially for children. Just as literacy in reading and writing is essential, physical literacy helps children develop the skills and confidence to be active throughout their lives. A physically literate person is more likely to engage in a variety of physical activities and enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle as an adult.

BC’s Active People, Active Places initiative, launched in 2015, focuses on promoting physical activity across different demographics, including children, youth, Indigenous peoples,

and older adults. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry has adjusted its strategies to ensure that physical activity remains a priority even in challenging times.

For anyone seeking additional resources on staying active, HealthLink BC offers a range of tools and information. From fitness advice to age-specific activity guidelines, you can find expert guidance by calling 8-1-1 or visiting their website.

The Ministry of Health encourages all British Columbians to make physical activity a part of their winter routine for better overall health, regardless of the season.

Local Sports Brian Burke brings tales of his years in hockey to life

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Years before he walked onto the Civic Centre stage as the featured speaker at Thursday’s 10th annual UNBC Timberwolves Legacy Night at the Civic Centre, pro hockey executive Brian Burke had another memorable Prince George visit.

In July 2001, when he was still the GM of the Vancouver Canucks, Burke attended the Special Olympics BC Games as honorary general manager of the three-day event.

When Saturday afternoon rolled around and the track and field competitions were winding down, Burke was riveted to the action at Massey Place Stadium. Burke knew he had a flight to catch but hated the thought of leaving. He asked the driver who volunteered to take him to the airport how long it would take to get to the airport, knowing he just had to put it off as long as possible.

“The guy said it’s time to go and I didn’t want to leave until the last second, I was enjoying the event so much,” said Burke. “I said wait another 20 minutes, we’ll rush to get to the plane and get there late, I wanted to make as much as I could of it.

“Special Olympics is special, it’s amazing and it’s been a big part of my life for 25 years.”

Being there to see those athletes in action left a lasting impression on Burke and the following year all the Canucks players attended a Special Olympics event. That became a tradition that grew into the Sports Celebrities Festival that has since raised more than $11 million to build Special Olympics programs and events.

Organizers of the Timberwolves Legacy Night event have been trying for years to get Burke as the featured guest of the annual fundraiser, which raises money to support UNBC’s varsity

soccer and basketball programs. His sit-down interview with Rich Abney provided all the entertainment the crowd of more than 500 had expected.

Burke discussed his life as a college hockey player at Providence College in Rhode Island and how his coach at the time, Lou Lamoriello, convinced him to write the entrance exam that got him into Harvard University’s law school. Lamoriello had insisted that he write the law school admission test, so Burke read the study guide twice, drank a cold beer and went to bed and aced the test the next day.

“I wanted to keep playing but I wasn’t good enough (for the NHL) and I wasn’t going to say no to Harvard,” Burke told the crowd.

He graduated in 1981 and after a year of practising law he decided that wasn’t what he wanted as a career and became a players’ agent. His first client was Frank Bathe, a defenceman and former teammate he fought on the second day of rookie camp at the Maine Mariners’ AHL training camp on the way to winning the 1978 Calder Cup championship.

Burke got his first NHL job in the Canucks’ front office in 1987 and became GM of the Hartford Whalers five years later. His second stint with the Canucks started in 1998, when he took over as GM after five years working with Gary Bettman in the NHL head office. He knows Bettman, the NHL president since 1992, gets a bad rap from hockey

fans sometimes and he can’t understand it. Along with his father Bill and Lamoriello, he considers Bettman one of three most influential people in his life.

“He does get a rough ride and I don’t know why, he’s brilliant, the best thing that ever happened to the NHL was Gary,” said Burke. “What hasn’t he done? He’s grown franchise values, he’s expanded, he does a lot of charity work, disaster relief, the guy’s amazing.”

It was Bettman’s suggestion that Burke take the Stanley Cup he won as GM of the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 to Camp Pendelton, the largest U.S. Marine Corps base, where he visited with soldiers missing limbs and suffering serious burns from overseas combat operations.

“I couldn’t wait to get there, I thought, this is the coolest thing to do with the Cup and it was,” he said Burke talked about the behind-thescenes wrangling that went into prying Pavel Bure out of Russian hands and how he convinced Pat Quinn to draft him in 1991 in the sixth round. He also spoke about the wheeling and dealing needed by the Canucks to acquire the rights to draft the Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik, second and third overall in the 1999 NHL draft and how they were the only first-rounders in that year’s draft who went on to become everyday NHLers.

“That was the worst first round in the history of the NHL,” Burke said. Burke had scouted the Sedins at the world junior tournament and wasn’t impressed, to the point where he told Canucks owner Arthur Griffiths he wasn’t going to draft either of them. A few months later, Thomas Gradin, the Canucks’ Swedish scout, told Burke the news that the twins had been picked to play for Sweden in the world championship in Norway. CONTINUED

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Brian Burke tells stories of his NHL career at the 10th Annual Timberwolves Legacy Dinner at the Civic Centre Thursday, Nov. 21.

UNBC hosts annual Legacy Night with hockey leader

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

“Back then, and it’s still the same today, they don’t take 18-year-olds for that tournament, those are 25- or 27-year-old men,” said Burke. “So Thomas Gradin called me and said you’ve got to come and watch these kids, they’re legit.

“I watched one shift, the first game. Hank floats this aerial pass and there was no one within 20 feet of him and Daniel skates right under the puck and goes in and gets a scoring chance and I said, oh my god. No one on our whole staff liked them except Thomas Gradin and I watched one shift and I called Dave Nonis and said we’ve got get this guy. He said, ‘How do you get two of them? You’re not going to get two guys in the top five, it’ll never happen.’ So we came back and worked out a trade.”

Asked what stands as the highlight of his hockey career, Burke wore his answer on his finger – the Stanley Cup championship ring he won in 2007 as GM of the Anaheim Ducks. He was disappointed the Ducks didn’t go back-to-back as Cup winners. In 2008 he came back to Canada to serve five years as GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs, followed by a four-year term as the Calgary Flames’ president of hockey operations until 2018.

His most recent NHL employer was the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he took over hockey operations from 2021-23 and got to know Sidney Crosby, who he considers the best player, best leader and best hockey ambassador he’s ever known.

Burke, a popular hockey analyst on TV broadcasts, is nearing the end of a two-year term as executive director of the Professional Women’s Hockey League Players Association and said before the end of the year he will relinquish his job to a woman.

“I don’t know who she is yet, but there’s lot of qualified women,” he said.

“The great thing about the PGHL is it grows the scouting staffs, the management staffs, the referees, linesmen, administrators, trainers - it’s an industry that grows, not just the teams.”

His opinion of the women’s game was forever changed when he saw the Nagano Olympics tournament in 1998.

“I, like many American players, didn’t pay attention to the women, didn’t follow it at all. Once I started to realize how exciting it is and what great athletes they are, I was hooked.”

Burke has long been a supporter of LGBTQ rights and speaks out against homophobia.

His son Brendan, who died in a car accident in 2010, was gay. With 750 players in the league and the incidence of homosexuality in the general population estimated between four and eight per cent, it’s only a matter of time before an NHL player publicly acknowledges his own homosexuality.

“That’s a lot of gay players, we’ve had a lot of gay players and I don’t know why they haven’t admitted it – it’s usually a strong family member who objects and that’s the reason they don’t come out,” he said.

“That day is coming, folks. It’s going to be sooner rather than later, I had hoped

it would have happened by now, but certainly in the next year or two I think it’s still likely. But when it happens, when a player’s ready for that, it will be a good day.”

Burke offered his take on Tampa Bay Lightning head coach and Prince George native Jon Cooper, who will serve as head coach of Team Canada at the Four Nations Face-off in February.

Cooper was the guest speaker of the Timberwolves Legacy Night in 2021, when the pandemic made that a memorable virtual event when he took viewers on a tour (17:09 into the video) of his office and the Lightning dressing room at Amelie Arena in Tampa.

“We had a couple beers two weeks ago when they played the Leafs, I’ve known Coop for years, I tried to recruit him,” said Burke. “He’s a dual (citizen) and I tried to get him with USA Hockey before he went with Hockey Canada and I wasn’t successful.

“He’s a great guy, a great coach, a great Prince George guy and he’s been great for the game. I met him when he

was coaching in Syracuse in the AHL when I was running the Leafs and they played the Marlies and I was instantly impressed with him. He’s huge talent as a coach.”

And what makes Cooper stand out?

“His command skills,” said Burke. “He can convince people to do things. He’s a general, not a colonel. Since he started he’s been a successful coach and he breeds good people around him. He teaches good life lessons and he creates solid citizens, not just good players, I love the guy.”

Burke packed the place Thursday and his influence obviously helped convince people to open up their wallets. The live and silent auctions drew healthy bids from people who came to hear him speak.

Urged on by Hell Yeah PG Facebook page founder David Mothus, the crowd got into the spirit to raise $100,000 in seed money for the new Selena and Anita Alpay Leadership Award that will help athletes on all four Timberwolves varsity teams.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

UNBC sports information director Rich Apney interviews Brian Burke at the 10th Annual Timberwolves Legacy Dinner at the Civic Centre Thursday, Nov. 21.

Speed skater continues to shred her own record book

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Emily Walsh started breaking speed limits three years ago when she joined the Prince George Blizzard.

The same club that produced twotime long track speed skating world champion Carolina Hiller introduced Walsh to the sport at the grassroots level and that’s given the 13-year-old the incentive to take her tactics as a bladerunner to a new level.

Personal bests continue to be the gauge of her progress as she continues to get faster in every event. She saw the results of her efforts pay off this past weekend on home ice at Kin 1 when she finished third overall in the Group 1 category in the Central Interior Challenge. Walsh shaved a full second off her personal best in the 400m event to set a new standard.

“It’s fun to go fast,” she said. “It is hard, like falling and starting and lots of things.

“I want to take this as far as I can just to see how fast I can get and where I can go.”

Walsh was 10 when she and her younger sister Avery joined the Blizzard club. Emily liked skating back then but wasn’t into hockey or ringette and she found what she was looking for racing with the Blizzard.

“I like how fast you can go,” she said. “Just the whole sport, I like skating. It’s cool to see the progress I’ve made in the three years that I’ve been skating. My friends have skated eight years and this is like my fourth year and it’s cool to see how far you can come.”

The Grade 8 student is an exceptional athlete who also plays on the D.P. Todd Grade 8 girls volleyball team and competes in track and field in the spring. Walsh knew she had some catching up to do to keep up to her age group peers in speed skating and that’s starting to happen now.

“We kind of wished we’d started her earlier, because a lot of kids that started at five or six have those fundamentals down by the time they’re racing at better competitions,” said Emily’s father

Paul Walsh.

“But still she really progressed last year and did BC Winter Games. From the fall to the spring there was a noticeable jump in her performance and things were clicking for her. There’s a lot of competition from the clubs down south, like Richmond and Coquitlam, but she did really well.”

Walsh competed at an Alberta Cup meet in Edmonton two weekends ago and finished fifth overall in the youth women’s 2 category, hitting a PB in the 1,500m event.

“She’s just skating at a higher level of competition and she’s really chosen to become a competitive skater,” said Blizzard head coach Taryn Vansickle.

“She’s really come a long way and she has the passion for it now to keep going. She’s always happy, wants to be here to train, wants to learn, she’s really absorbing what she can in the sport.”

And she’s got plenty of time to take it all in.

“Speed skating at the elite level, it’s mature athletes,” said Vansickle. “Where gymnastics you’re 15, 16 or 17, in speed skating you’re 25 or 30, so you have a long life in this sport to make that higher level.”

Walsh is among several Blizzard

skaters who will be in Richmond this weekend for the first BC Cup of the season. The CI Challenge was a tune-up event to get local skaters up to speed for what they will face taking on Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island skaters who benefit from having a larger group of fast skaters in close proximity showing up for regional meets.

Walsh raced her first BC Cup last year in November and was in Quesnel in February for BC Winter Games, which showed where she stacks up with the best of her age group peers in the province.

“The BC Cup was my first big competition besides mini meets in my club,” she said. “It was different to see all the faster kids and it was like wow, I need to get faster to be able to keep up. I’m about in the middle, not the fastest but I’m not the slowest. It’s fun to skate with other people and see their techniques and how they skate.”

Walsh also competed in short track provincials and raced at a BC Cup long track meet in Fort St. John, after getting in some practice time locally at the Exhibition Park oval.

“It’s cool to wear the different skates,” Walsh said. “There’s longer straight stretches and different corners and the

rink is just different, so it’s kind of cool to try something else.”

The Blizzard club will host the 2025 Canadian Junior Short Track Open, Jan. 11-12 at Kin 1, where 40 skaters aged 16-18 from each gender will gather in a qualifying event for the Canada Cup finals and Canada Cup junior finals.

The Kin 1 rink was built to Olympic ice rink dimensions for the 2015 Canada Winter Games and the wider surface and quality of the ice lends itself to fast times. Prince George will also host the short track provincials in March at Kin 1.

“The ice is good and we have a good place to be able to skate,” said Walsh.

The chance to meet a future Olympian in Hiller, who showed up at the Blizzard annual general meeting, came as a surprise for Walsh. Now in her second season on Canada’s senior team, the 27-year-old Hiller teamed up with Beatrice Lamarche and Ivanie Blondin to win gold in the Four Continents team sprint Nov. 14 in Japan. Hiller also placed seventh overall in the 500m the following day.

“That was really cool,” said Walsh. “I think it’s really cool for her to come from our club and make it on Team Canada.”

CITIZEN

Emily Walsh, 13, leads the way through a turn during the Central Interior Challenge speed skating event Nov. 17 at Kin 1.

Students cheer as teacher wins ultimate championship

Sean

Bernard of Heritage Elementary and Team Canada beat the United States to take the title in California

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Sean Bernard’s Grade 5 and 6 students at Heritage Elementary School had the ultimate excuse to take a break from reading, writing and arithmetic.

They wanted to watch their teacher win a world championship.

Bernard did exactly that last Friday (Nov. 15) in Irvine, Calif., when those students tuned into the webcast to watch as he and the rest of Team Canada defeated the United States 15-8 in the grandmasters final to capture the World Masters Ultimate Championship title.

“We played the U.S. in the final, which was a big deal because they U.S. constantly wins every ultimate tournament in the world and it was nice to be able to beat them,” said Bernard.

“With our team, the goal all along was we were likely to play the Americans, so we built a team that was fast and fit and pretty tall, outside of myself (he’s five-foot-seven) to do well against them and it worked out pretty good. I’m pretty speedy and a good thrower.”

Canada won their round-robin game against the Americans 15-13, then beat them 15-14 in the seeding playoff round.

“I think we just wore them down,” Bernard said.

Bernard has been playing ultimate (otherwise known as frisbee football) for 22 years.

A friend introduced him to the sport while he was attending the University of Alberta.

“Twenty-two years and it was always my goal to be on Team Canada for the whole time so my bucket list is checked off now,” said Bernard.

“My game is more short passes to get it moving, but I can throw it far (65 yards) if needed.”

It was the first time Canada has won the title, held every four years, since 2008 and the Canadians went undefeated at 9-0, beating the defending champs from the U.S. three times.

The six-team grandmasters (40 and older) open division also included Japan, Venezuela, Germany and Australia.

“My favourite was the Japanese, they play a vastly different game,” said Bernard.

“They’re kind of all my height, but Japan is very good. They have to play this small-ball, move the disc fast. They just bring joy to the field and it’s really fun to play against them.”

his team switches to offence.

“Lots of the play goes through me so if anyone can’t find a throw downfield they’ll look to reset it to me all the time,” he said.

Bernard, 45, was among 200 applicants who applied to play for the Canadian team.

That number was reduced to 40 candidates after separate tryouts in the east and west a year ago and he was picked in April for the 26-player roster.

“It was a pretty huge thing, especially being from Prince George,” he said. “The rest of the team was from major centres like Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal and I was the one outlier who made the team. The team had training camps in Las Vegas, Montreal and Toronto leading up to the tournament and in between those camp Bernard did a lot of hill running and spent hours practicing his throws.

“Because it was a year process, everybody on the team was very fit, everyone committed to it,” he said. “When I was ready to go with the team I was in the best shape I could have been in.”

The Prince George ultimate community is small.

About 30 players play weekly pickup games from the start of September to the end of October at Spruceland Elementary School field. Bernard’s students at Heritage play the sport during their gym time and he organizes a youth league in the spring.

Ultimate teams are limited to seven players each on the field at any time and players either play offensive or defensive lines.

Substitutions can only be made after a point is scored by catching a pass in the end zone.

Bernard’s position is defensive line handler.

Similar to a point guard in basketball or quarterback in football, he sets up the plays when there’s a turnover and

Bernard was given the honour of carrying the Canadian flag in the opening ceremonies and marched into the stadium prior to the start of the six-day tournament with his wife Maizie and their 13-year-old son Eli and 16-year-old daughter Heidi.

Bernard’s parents from Sedgewick, Alta., were also there.

“My family was there so my big thing was we won on Friday and went to Disneyland on Saturday,” said Bernard. “I pulled the old Super Bowl thing, you just won so what are you going to do? I’m going to Disneyland. It was great.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Prince George elementary school teacher Sean Bernard shows off the gold medal he won playing last week for Canada at the World Masters Ultimate Championships in Irvine., Calif.

College Heights’ football season comes to an end

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

The Vernon Panthers have a chance to go back-to-back as BC High School Football double-A varsity champions.

They booked their spot in the provincial final with a 36-14 win over the College Heights Cougars in a playoff semifinal Saturday at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.

The Panthers connected on two long touchdown passes on their first two drives of the game and ended the half with a screen pass catch into the end zone to take a 22-0 lead.

“It was a little bit of nerves,” said Cougars head coach Grant Erickson. “Right out of the gate they caught us with a couple of long bombs in the first five minutes.

“Their quarterback, Cole Budgen, is a heck of an athlete, and he threw the first touchdown, that ball was probably 50 yards in the air, and he just got behind us.

“That’s how Vernon operates, they were going for the jugular from the first play.”

The Cougars drove all day Friday to get to Vancouver and the protocols involved with playing in the home of BC Lions were a bit of a distraction which Erickson said hampered their game preparation and contributed to their slow start.

“Just playing in the Dome is a totally different experience than just playing a regular football game,” said Erickson. “Going through security, they have a locker room process you have to go through. You’re only allowed to warm up on certain parts of the field and you’re only allowed to be out there at certain times and there’s a bit of a rhythm to it.

“Of course Vernon being so experienced at it, they’re at the Dome every year, and they were loosey-goosey and were chucking the ball at halftime (of the earlier game), and we didn’t know that. Having gone through it now, when we do get back there, now we kind of know (what to expect).”

The Panthers extended their lead to 30-0 early in the third quarter on Ayden

Macdonald’s punt return that went the distance of the field.

A week earlier, Vernon pasted the South Kamloops Cowboys 56-0 in the quarterfinals, while the Cougars rallied to beat Holy Cross Crusaders of Surrey 22-15.

Huge underdogs going in to Saturday’s game, despite trailing by 30, the Cougars weren’t about to let their opponents escape without a fight.

College Heights got the ball back and quarterback Dillon Piddocke put together an 80-yard drive that ended with a 10-yard touchdown run for Cougar running back Aiden Smith.

The Panthers answered not long after with another major to go ahead 36-8.

With about four minutes left, Piddocke kept the Cougars offence on the field and marched another 80 yards on a drive he finished off with a short QB sneak.

“We were moving the ball OK, we just stalled out a couple times,” said Erickson.

“After the first quarter we started to

realize we could play with these guys and once they realized that, we were basically going toe-to-toe with them. Our guys never quit and they were laying some good hits. I’d say that was the most physical game they played all season.

“I don’t think they thought we’d put up that much of a fight. The score was indicative of a lopsided game, but it didn’t feel like a lopsided game.”

The Panthers advance to the double-A championship Saturday at BC Place against the Windsor Wolves of North Vancouver. The Wolves defeated Abbotsford’s Robert Bateman Timberwolves 44-28 in the earlier semifinal Saturday. Saturday’s game was the final chapter in the high school football careers of the Cougar Grade 12 seniors – Smith, Ben Duchsherer, Jackson Moleski, Hayden Marrion, Owen Bass, Zach Loewen, Lincoln Shiels, Dray Barclay and Tyler Rohra Jr.

Piddocke, who missed almost the entire 2023 season with a broken collar

bone plans to return to lead the Cougars again in 2025. Erickson said two of the other team captains – Troy Weatherly and Ethan Curzon – also plan to be in the mix next season.

“That’s always the goal, to try to make it to the Dome in the semifinal,” said Erickson. “Being in the North we’re always going to get matched against the Number 1 seed, so we’ve got to try to find a way to get to that level.”

Vernon Secondary has a long history of high school football success. Coached by Sean Smith, the Panthers edged John Barsby Bulldogs of Nanaimo 23-22 in the 2023 double-A final, after they beat Nechako Valley of Vanderhoof in the semis.

“They’re so well-coached and they don’t make mistakes and don’t beat themselves, they’re always in position, said Erickson. “It was good for us to see how they operate and the maturity and the way the players handle the game. “We’re close, but that’s the level we have to get to win a semifinal.”

TALIA STEVENSON PHOTO

College Heights Cougars defenders Hayden Marion (53), Ben Duchscherer (81) and Zach Loewen (2) team up to try to stop the Vernon Panthers in Saturday’s provincial semifinal at BC Place Stadium.

Spruce Kings fire coach after latest loss

The Spruce Kings’ Linden Makow and Maks Percic face down the Spruce Grove Saints’ Adam Perron as he prepares to take a shot Saturday at Kopar Memorial Arena. The home team lost 5-2 at Kopar Memorial Arena. Head coach Alex Evin was relieved of his duties following the game, the team announced Monday. First-period goals by Trent Ballentyne and Brock Cummings seemed to show the Kings were on top form, but in the second period the Saints netted two goals in the to tie the game. The third period brought more of the same with the Saints finding the back of the net with three more unanswered goals to show their dominance as they finished the game. The Kings are in Coquitlam on Saturday and Langley on Sunday, with associate coach Brad Tesink acting as interim head coach.

Weekend sees home win, road loss for the Cougars

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

The Vancouver Giants scored three unanswered second-period goals and hung on to defeat the visiting Prince George Cougars 4-3 Sunday afternoon in Langley.

Tyson Zimmer scored back-to-back goals 34 seconds apart late in the period to give the Giants a 4-2 lead, after Ryan Lin had tied the game 73 seconds into the second period with the first of his WHL career.

Ethan Mittelstaedt also connected for Vancouver, in the first period, as the Giants ended a six-game losing streak.

Borya Valis, with his 13th this season, Lee Shurgot and Riley Heidt, on a Cougar power play early in the third period, were the Prince George goalscorers.

Shurgot, a 17-year-old rookie from Saskatoon picked ninth overall by Prince George in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft, extended his point streak to

six games.

The Cougars, who ended a six-game homestand Friday with a 5-3 win over Kamloops, were hoping to take advantage of a team playing its third game in less than three days.

After getting outshot 14-5 in the second period, the Cougars came on strong in the third, and had a 12-5 shot advantage but goalie Carter Capton, making his first career WHL start after being called up from the Alberta

Junior Hockey League’s Camrose Kodiaks, stood tall in the Giants’ net and was perfect after Heidt scored to make it close.

The Giants outshot Prince George 28-25 in the game.

The Cougars (13-6-3-2) remain first in the BC Division, seven points ahead of the third-place Giants (10-8-4-0) and three up on second-place Victoria. Both teams were missing one of their top players for Sunday’s game.

Cougars goalie Josh Ravensbergen and Giants right winger Cameron Schmidt are in Ontario for the CHL USA Prospects Challenge and were slated to suit up for Canada for the two-game series against Team USA Tuesday in Sarnia and Wednesday in Oshawa. It was a different story Friday night. Heidt returned to spectacular form, getting reacquainted with linemate Terik Parsacak on the Cats’ top scoring line and finished with a three-point night in a 5-2 win over the Kamloops Blazers in front of a crowd of 3,945.

Heidt assisted on Parascak’s 12th of the year eight minutes into the game which tied the game 1-1, then scored his ninth and 10th goals of the season to put the Cougars in the driver’s seat. Ravensbergen stopped 19 of 22 shots to improve his record to 11-2-3-1. The Cougars outshot the Blazers 31-22. The Cougars will travel this week to Red Deer to face the Rebels on Friday, then hit Edmonton for a Saturday date with the Oil Kings.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Cougars defenseman Carson Carels battles for the puck with Blazers player Emmitt Finnie during Friday’s game at CN Centre.

All-out fighting action at Champions of the North

Boxing, wrestling and MMA all under one roof for one big night at the Roll-A-Dome

CITIZEN PHOTOS

BY CHUCK NISBETT

Clockwise from top left: In the main event of the night, Samir Malla of Kaiten MMA lands a kick to the stomach of Shaydon Laliberte of Iron Forge Fight and Fitness in Fort St. John during the first round of their three round 170 pound bout at the Roll-A-Dome Saturday, Nov. 23.

Vance Nevada applies a submission hold to Jude Dawkins while referee Chris King officiates a Primetime Wrestling tag team match

Shayne Dagenais, fighting out of Legends Mixed Martial Arts in Dawson Creek, and Callum Brennan, fighting out of Boa Martial Arts in Kamloops, feel each other out in the opening seconds of their 170 pound match.

Edwin Ssekibuule, fighting out of Champions Gym in Grande Prairie, leaps out of range of Arturo Sulbaran Pena, fighting out of Pinnacle Martial Arts Academy in Richmond, during the first Mixed Martial Arts bout of the evening.

Life Events

Steve Waycheshen

November 9, 1928 – November 18, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Steve Waycheshen. Dad passed away peacefully at the Prince George Hospice House after a short illness.

Steve will be remembered as a man who always put his family first, known for his generous heart and loving nature.

Born in Manitoba, he spent much of his life at or near Kelvington, Saskatchewan. Over the years, he had a variety of occupations, including farming, trapping, logging, carpentry, and janitorial work at the local high school. He was particularly skilled in finishing work, cabinetry, and furniture making.

In 1973, Steve moved to Prince George, British Columbia, where he worked at Prince George Pulp and Paper Mill until his retirement in 1994.

Steve had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting, with Mom his chief companion, cook, and fire keeper. He also had a passion for building radios, birdwatching, and radio-controlled airplanes.

His presence will be deeply missed, but his love and craftsmanship will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com

Unni has taken her final trip, one she told us she didn’t have to pack for, on Friday, November 1, 2024. She was at peace with the fact she was going to see her Lord.

Unni was predeceased by her husband, Svend in 2005. She is survived by her three children – Finn (Jackie), Ralph (Shirley), and Susie (Svein-Robert), her 8 grandchildren – Lindsey (Baz), Joel (Mallery), Erik (Jenna), Becca (Derek), Kevan, Danielle, Denice (Lars), and Nicholas (Tina), and by 10 great grandchildren with another on the way.

Mom was a strongly independent woman who loved the Lord, loved her family, loved her knitting, and loved her garden. She stayed totally independent until the very end when she finally surrendered to the cancer that had been with her for several years and she left this life very peacefully.

We are thankful for the nurses and other support people at the Prince George Hospice House who looked after her so well. We will all miss her dearly.

There will be an open house as a celebration of life for Mom on Saturday, November 30, 2024 from 1 – 4:30 PM at Ralph and Shirley Madsen’s house.

Dorothy Verna Miners

At 6:20 a.m. on November 10th, 2024 at 100 Years (and 127 Days) of age, Dorothy Miners passed away. Her health had declined rapidly over the last few days, but she had been surrounded by family through it all. Previously deceased by her Husband Gordon and Son Aalten. Survived by Darlene (Don deceased), Nelson, Iris (Tom), Dwayne (Kelly). Eleven Grandchildren and Eight Great Grandchildren. “Did you ever know that you are my hero And everything I would like to be? I can fly higher than an eagle For you are the wind beneath my wings”

Lawrence Algot Rochon

May 8, 1944 - November 22, 2024

With great sadness I announce the passing of my beloved husband.

Lawrence is survived by his wife Kathy, sons; James and Gary Rochon, and step-daughter Teresa(Jeff) Lawrence. His grandchildren; Ethan,

Unni Madsen Feb. 1, 1935 – Nov. 1, 2024

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to kindergarten. Great Government subsidy: Parents pay only $387/month full-time.

4247 Estavilla Dr., Hart Hwy. babyducksearlylearning@outlook.com check out our facebook page

Partial List Includes: Huge Selection of ‘New’ Sports Apparel incl. Canterbury, Jerseys, Track Wear, Polos, T-Shirts, Shorts/Socks, Reversible Pinnies, Various Styles of Jackets; Huge Selection of Boots (Unisex), Balls, Rugby Bags, Backpacks, Caps/Hats, Flags, Whistles, Water Bottles, Protective Wear, Plus More!!

By Mick Harper

1. Name the group that released “Up On the Roof.”

1. Which group released “Rag Doll”?

2. Name the singer-songwriter who released “Everything Is Beautiful.”

3. Which artist released “Little Bitty Tear”?

2. Name the artist who wrote and released “Dreamy Eyes.”

4. What was the subject of “Another Day in Paradise,” by Phil Colling?

3. Which group released “GreenEyed Lady”?

5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “Make me feel that you still love me, If it’s just, if it’s just for one more day.”

4. Who wrote and released “Cracklin’ Rosie”?

Answers

1. The Drifters, in 1962. The song appears on the list of “The Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll,” created by the curator of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame museum in Cleveland.

5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “If I could take my pick of all the girls I’ve ever known, Then I’d come and pick you out to be my very own.”

Answers

2. Ray Stevens, in 1970. The song picked up two Grammy awards and was played on a variety of radio stations, from adult contemporary to country. It was heard around the globe, from Australia to Canada to Belgium.

3. Burl Ives, in 1961.

4. Problems of the homeless. The song was controversial but still topped the charts in several countries.

1. The Four Seasons, in 1964. The song spent two weeks at the top of the Hot 100 chart and reached No. 1 in Canada as well.

5. “Break It to Me Gently,” by Brenda Lee, in 1962. The song topped the adult charts in both the U.S. and Canada and was used at the end of season 2 of “Mad Men” in 2008.

2. Johnny Tillotson, in 1958. The song was his first single and made it on to the Hot 100 chart. Tillotson penned several more hits over the years, including “Poetry in Motion.”

3. Sugarloaf, in 1970. A few years ago an old tape was found of the group’s live performance in 1975.

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, one week from the date of this notice on the 5th day of December, 2024, at 1360 Foley Cres, Prince George, BC

Name Year/make Model VIN Debt

Abutahir Momoh 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 1D7RV1GT7AS186389 4,534.76

Alexander Davis 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3GCUKRECXJG421529

Phyllis Nicholas 2019 Chevrolet Trax 3GNCJRSB7KL228569

Marissa Pierre 2021 Hyundai Venue KMHRC8A39MU106463

Seth Moran 2006 BMW 325I WBAVB13556KR57604

Jonathan Harmer 2020 GMC Yukon 1GKS2GKC8LR297283

Sara Gregory 1996 Kawasaki Open motor cycle JKAZX4E12TA039886

David Deschene 2013 Ford F150 1FTFX1E60DFC23067

Miranda Savard 2007 Hyundai Entourage KNDMC233976033595 2,164.02

Roman George 1994 Ford Ranger 1FTCR15XXRPB76878 3,156.87

Matthew Sweder 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1GCEK14W01Z286322

Sidorov Sports Consultants 2004 Ford Freestar 2FMDA58204BB25081

Marie-Lyne Leveille 2003 Ford Windstar 2FMZA57483BA23549

Unknown 2002 Honda Four trax Unknown

Antonietta Pozzebon 2008 Mazda CX-7 JM3ER293180187465 1,986.24

Unknown Ubilt utility Trailer Unknown 3,427.20

Clifford Wier 1998 Ford F250 2FTPX28W0WCA34763 3,235.79

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

* On Dec. 9, 1990, Lech Walesa, founder of the Solidarity trade union, won a landslide election victory, becoming the first directly elected Polish leader.

• On Nov. 11, 1831, Nat Turner, an American slave and educated minister who believed that he’d been chosen by God to lead his people into freedom, was hanged in Jerusalem, Virginia, for leading a revolt with 75 followers through Southampton County, killing about 60 white people.

* On Dec. 10, 1690, a failed attack on Quebec and subsequent near-mutiny forced the Massachusetts Bay Colony to issue the first paper currency in the Western Hemisphere’s history. It was initially unpopular for anything except paying taxes and was phased out, but reappeared in Massachusetts just a few years later.

* On Dec. 11, 1946, the General Assembly of the United Nations voted to establish the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), an organization designed to help provide relief and support to children living in countries that had been devastated by World War II.

* On Dec. 12, 1970, “Tears of a Clown,” penned by William “Smokey” Robinson, became the first No. 1 hit for Robinson and his band the Miracles after more than a decade of hits that had failed to reach that coveted position. Bob Dylan would later call Robinson America’s “greatest living poet” in recognition of his skill as a composer and lyricist.

• On Nov. 12, 1969, investigative journalist Seymour Hersh revealed the extent of the U.S. Army’s charges against 1st Lt. William L. Calley at My Lai, Vietnam, in a cable picked up by more than 30 newspapers, saying that “The Army says he [Calley] deliberately murdered at least 109 Vietnamese civilians during a searchand-destroy mission in March 1968, in a Viet Cong stronghold known as ‘Pinkville.’”

* On Dec. 13, 2000, seven convicts (the “Texas Seven”) overpowered civilian employees and prison guards in the maintenance shop where they worked at a maximum-security prison in South Texas and made off with clothing, guns and a pickup truck, triggering a six-week manhunt. The men left a note saying, “You haven’t heard the last of us yet,” which proved true the following year when six of them were recaptured (one committed suicide).

• On Nov. 13, 1979, Philadelphia 76ers center Darryl Dawkins leaped over Kansas City Kings forward Bill Robinzine for a memorable slam dunk that shattered the fiberglass backboard. His equally memorable comment on the move, which was not his last and the sound of which spectators likened to a bomb going off: “It wasn’t really a safe thing to do, but it was a Darryl Dawkins thing to do.”

• On Nov. 14, 1882, outlaw Frank “Buckskin” Leslie shot and killed Billy “The Kid” Claiborne, who had publicly challenged him, in Tombstone, Arizona.

• On Nov. 15, 1984, Baby Fae, a month old infant who received the world’s first baboon heart transplant, died at California’s Loma Linda University 20 days after the operation. Three other people had received animal heart transplants, but none survived longer than a few days.

• On Nov. 16, 2001, British author J.K. Rowling’s most famous and beloved creation, the bespectacled boy wizard Harry Potter (played by Daniel Radcliffe in his first major role), made his silver-screen debut in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” which went on to become one of the highestgrossing movies in history.

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: We had a cold snap a couple of weeks ago, and the morning temperature dipped below freezing. After taking my Labradoodle, “Pierre,” for a walk around the block, I noticed he was shivering, and he walked with a tiny limp the rest of the day. He’s OK now, but it didn’t seem so cold when we went out. From now on, I’ll make sure he has a doggie sweater and booties on for walks, even if there is no snow on the ground. -- Sara in Bennington, Vermont DEAR SARA: That’s a good plan. I’m glad Pierre is doing fine now, but I’m sure that was a scary lesson. Small dogs can be quickly affected by cold temperatures. Even when the weather is above freezing, their little bodies can get chilled very quickly.

Even large dogs can suffer from the cold. And ice-cold pavement can be dangerous for paws, no matter how big or small your dog is. The pads on their paws can get frostbitten. Dry, cold temperatures can cause the skin of the pads to chap and crack, resulting in a lot of discomfort.

Put a protective jumper or coat on your pet before going out when temperatures dip into the 40s (or single-digit Celsius). Booties will protect their paws from frozen sidewalks and from ice or other debris that might injure their pads. At the end of each walk, check their paws for cuts. If the pads appear dry, apply a balm for pet paws like Musher’s Secret, Bag Balm or Burt’s Bees.

Some dogs don’t like wearing booties or coats. Work with them between walks to make them more comfortable: Put their coat on in the house for a minute, then five, then 10. Same with the booties. Give them lots of praise and treats during the process; they’ll eventually tolerate it.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A project benefits from your organizational skills that get it up and running. Your success leaves a highly favorable impression. Don’t be surprised if you get some positive feedback soon.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Spend time on practical matters throughout the week, then shift your focus to more artistic pursuits. Resist being overly self-critical. Just allow yourself to feel free to create.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Restarting those creative projects you had set aside for a while will help provide a muchneeded soothing balance to your hectic life. Besides, it will be like meeting old friends again!

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A change in plans could make it tough to keep a commitment. But stay with it. You’ll get an A-plus for making the effort to do what’s right and not taking the easy way out by running off.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) The Lion’s enthusiasm for a workplace policy review is admirable. But be sure you know who is really behind the resistance to change before pointing your finger at the wrong person.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) You can expect to have a lot of work throughout the first half of the week. Devote the rest of the week to checking your plans in case some need to be adjusted.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Try to avoid signing on the dotted line during the early part of the week. You need time to study issues that weren’t fully explored. The latter part of the week might be more favorable for decision-making.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A new development could snarl travel schedules or other holiday-linked projects. Some flexibility might be called for, to deal with problems before they get too far out of hand.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Relatives seek your advice on a matter you’d rather not be involved in. If so, use your sage Sagittarian tact to decline the “offer” so that no one’s feelings are needlessly hurt.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A shift in your planning direction might help you speed up your progress toward achieving a long-planned goal. Trusted colleagues are ready to offer valuable support.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) An unexpected demand for the settlement of an old loan could create some preholiday anxiety. But you might not really owe it. Check your records thoroughly before remitting payment.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) It’s a good time to get involved with your social circle. Enjoy some well-earned fun and games with those closest to you before you have to resume more serious activities next week.

Homes & Living

Choosing a remote car starter Safe stairs for winter

If you’re hoping to stay warm during winter or make your life a bit easier, a remote starter could be a helpful tool. Are you considering purchasing one but are unsure about the different options available? Here’s a short guide to help you make the best decision. Here’s an overview of the three main types of remote starters: One-way starters are the least expensive type of starter. They transmit information from a remote control to the car. Their range is often limited, but some models can extend to several hundred metres. Two-way starters are slightly more expensive than one-way models but have a better range. They also allow you to control other vehicle functions, like cabin temperature and door locks. Smart starters centralize all operations on a smartphone app. If you can access a cellular network, they have a virtually unlimited range. You can also share control with several users. Do you park on the street or in a garage? If you’re

dream door starts here

often away from your vehicle, consider getting a two-way model that allows you to start it remotely and turn on the heater. Are you the type of person who easily misplaces personal belongings? You could get a smart starter that you share with a loved one so they can unlock the doors remotely if you forget your keys or phone in the car. You can add various options to your remote starter to better suit your needs. To find the model that’s right for you, contact an auto parts retailer in your area.

3 non-slip options To keep you and your visitors safe du ring the winter months, here are three materials that make exterior stairs less slippery.

Recycled rubber

Black tread covers made of recycled rubber are remarkably resistant to shocks, inclement weather, humidity, ultraviolet rays, oil and mildew. They are easy to install, maintain and store. They can, however, be quite heavy.

Polypropylene fibre

Available in an array of colours and patterns, polypropylene fibre can be bought in mats or rolls. While this pro duct can stand up to heavy traffic, it should be treated against UV rays. To prevent seepage, it has waterproof bac king made of vinyl or rubber, which increases its durability.

Coir

This material, made of coconut fibre, typically comes in a natural ecru co lour. It can give your exterior a unique look and works best on wood and

concrete surfaces. The downside? Coir tends to retain water and dust. In addition, if not installed well, it may be come loose over time. To learn which materials will work best on your stairs, visit the flooring experts in your area.

Emergencyz preparedness for winter power outages

Every year or so, there is an unforgettable winter storm that causes serious problems for people in different regions of this northern country. Like earthquakes, power outages affect everyone. The situation can sometimes become serious. Some storm victims end up in a desperate state; some even lose their lives. The sad thing is, with a little advanced planning, this sad state of affairs can often be prevented. Supplemental power systems and other preventative measures should be a part of our daily concerns. No matter what energy source you choose for a supplemental power system, it is important that the dimensions of the machine correspond to your needs and your home. Naturally, your budget is also a determining factor. Finally, the aesthetic appeal of the device is also important. Don’t depend on an old, out-of-date machine, for modern machines are safer, more effective and more environmentally friendly than older models. In terms of preventative measures, Canada Consumer Protection has a useful brochure that describes individual coping methods for winter power outages. It is also available online.

Two Ways to Stay Warm

Most Canadian homes are equipped with a heating system that requires electric power — at least for the burner, pressurized air circulation, and thermostat controls. But most Canadian homes also experience power shortages, ranging from a few hours to a few days. These power outages are usually caused by freezing rain or hail, which damage the power lines and electrical installations. When the power goes out for a long period in

midwinter, it is impossible to keep our homes warm. The cold and dampness infiltrates the house, damages the walls, floors, and plumbing, and seriously inconveniences the inhabitants. There are two effective ways to minimize the negative effects of power outages and heating loss during the worst of the winter cold. First of all, home owners can help protect their homes from the effects of the cold before seeking refuge elsewhere for the duration of the power shortage. Second, they can prepare for the weather by installing a supplementary heating system that will allow them to wait out the storm.

A gas fireplace heats the house during a power shortage.

Cooking safely without power

When the power goes out, it is still possible to cook hot meals on several types of supplemental heating devices, such as oil and wood stoves. According to the Federal Department of Energy, Mining and Natural Resources, the old-fashioned wood cook stove is ideal for cooking and for heating your house. Most models currently available on the market allow for a controlled burn and are equipped with an oven. More and more manufacturers are also offering a hot water tank suited for indoor use, however. According to the Association of Heating Professionals, propane and charcoal-powered grills and barbecues give off carbon monoxide gas and other combustion by products that can cause serious health problems, even death, when used indoors. Small camping cook stoves fueled by propane, butane or naphtha also release toxic substances into the air, but in much smaller amounts than do

heating devices. Be sure to provide proper ventilation if using them to cook indoors, and to use them only for short amounts of time. Keep in mind that these devices, like A good way to cook a meal and keep the house warm, safely. Some heating and cooking devices are not alcohol-based fondue heaters, can set a fire if accidentally knocked over.

When the Power Goes Out

The first thing to do when your power goes out is to find out if your house is the only one affected. If so, call your local Hydro power provider. If not, turn on a battery-powered radio to learn more about the local situation. Above all, remain calm. Keep in mind that, even in very cold conditions, your house will remain sufficiently warm for many hours if you leave the doors and windows closed. If you have a backup heating system, turn it on before the house loses too much heat. If you want to hook it up to the same chimney used for your furnace, you must first turn off the furnace. Plumbing is the most vulnerable aspect of your home in cold weather. If you use a generator, be sure to keep the house warm enough to prevent the plumbing from freezing. If you heat with electricity, lower all the thermostats to be sure not to overwhelm the electrical system when the power comes back on. Unplug all electrical appliances except the refrigerator, freezer and one or two lights, which will let you know as soon as the power comes back on. A radio with a good supply of batteries could be very important in case of a prolonged power failure.

Before leaving the house

During a prolonged power outage in winter, it may become necessary to leave the house for temporary shelter, or the house of a friend or family member. Before you leave the house, take the following precautions: Turn off the electricity on the main breaker box. Close the main water valve. Protect the water entry pipe, meter or pump with a cover or other insulating material. Drain the pipes. Start with the top floor by opening all the faucets and flushing the toilets several times. Do the same on every floor, then open the drainage valve in the basement. Empty the hot water tank by attaching a hose to the drainage spout and letting it flow into

the basement drain. Don’t worry if small amounts of water remain in the horizontal pipes. Pour a small amount of glycol or antifreeze into toilet tanks and sink and bathtub drains to prevent freezing damage.

Dry Firewood

After being cut and split, firewood should be dried for at least six months, or one year in damp climates. Green wood is difficult to burn and produces large amounts of smoke, steam and gas. The ends of a well dried log are grey rather than blond, and feature cracks radiating out from the centre. When you hit two dry logs together, you’ll produce a short, sharp sound, whereas green logs produce a muffled sound on impact. Thanks to the moisture, a green log weighs up to two times more than a dry one of equal size. If you buy your heating wood in the spring or early summer, you can take advantage of lower, off-season prices. It also makes sense to buy double the quantity needed and keep half in reserve for next year. It is important to split wood as soon as possible after felling the tree. Firewood must be stacked and kept dry under a plastic or polyurethane tarpaulin, keeping the ends exposed to the air and elevating the bottom layer. What’s more, the wood must be stacked loosely, to allow air to circulate between the logs

GO FOR GOLD.

When to hire an electrician Choosing the right snowblower

If you need a small wiring job done in your home, you may be tempted to go the DIY route. However, electrical work is complex and potentially dangerous, so hiring a professional is the better option. Here are five rea sons to always opt for a certified electrician.

Safety

Working with electricity is hazardous, but a certified electrician has the training and experience to work on your electrical system safely and correctly.

Code compliance

A certified electrician has the skills and experience to get the job done right. They’ll follow the latest electrical codes and standards and can troubleshoot any problems that may arise.

Peace of mind

Hiring a certified electrician can give you peace of mind that the job will be done correctly and safely. You won’t have to worry about making a mistake that could cause a fire.

Guarantee

Many certified electricians offer a guarantee on their work. With a typical guarantee, if you’re not satisfied with the work or something goes wrong, they’ll come back and f ix it at no charge.

Cost savings

In the long run, it’s more cost-effective to hire a certified electrician because they’ll do the job correctly the f irst time, preventing costly repairs down the road. Look for a certified electrician near you to ensure your renovations are done right.

Selecting the right snowblower is essential for efficient snow removal during winter. Here are some key considerations to help you make the best choice:

Type of snowblower

There are three main types: single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage. Singlestage snowblowers are lightweight and ideal for light to moderate snowfall on small driveways and sidewalks. Twostage snowblowers are more powerful, suitable for heavier snowfall and larger areas. Three-stage snowblowers are the most robust, designed for heavy, wet snow and extensive driveways.

Clearing width and depth

The clearing width and depth determine how much snow the snowblower can handle in one pass. For smaller areas, a clearing width of 20-24 inches is usually sufficient. For larger driveways and heavy snowfall, look for a snowblower with a clearing width of 24-30 inches or more.

Power source

Snowblowers can be powered by gas, electricity, or batteries. Gas-powered models are typically more powerful and can handle larger areas and heavier snow. Electric snowblowers are lighter,

quieter, and require less maintenance, making them suitable for smaller areas with lighter snowfall. Battery-powered snowblowers offer the convenience of cordless operation but may have limited run time.

Features

Consider additional features like adjustable chute controls, heated handles, and headlights for better visibility. Self-propelled models can make maneuvering easier, especially in deep snow.

By considering these factors, you can choose a snowblower that meets your needs and makes winter snow removal more manageable.

Deanna Silva

Pankaj Sharma

Sarah Pineau