Prince George Citizen December 19, 2024

SUPER BINGO

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28TH

Saturday Evening Bingo at 6pm

$12,000 Jackpot

($7,500 cash plus $4,500 Slot Free Play)

Civic Core plan moves forward

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Prince George City Council chose to proceed with one of two proposals for the Civic Core Plan developed by staff at its Monday, Dec. 16 meeting but not before tweaking it after more than two hours of discussion and debate.

The motion as passed by council

The passage of the motion came after lengthy discussions over the wording of proposed amendments and city administration’s confusion over what they described as vague wording.

The Civic Core District includes the city-owned property encompassing Civic Centre, the library, the former site of the Four Seasons Leisure Pool, the Two Rivers Art Gallery, Canada Games Plaza,

plan was the most ambitious of the three. A 3D rendering of downtown provided

Prince George gearing up to host BC Special Olympics

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Prince George will host the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in seven months, marking the third time the Games have been held here.

Events such as basketball, golf, rhythmic gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, softball, swimming, 10-pin bowling, and track and field will take place from July 10-13.

Prince George will see 1,200 competitors and their trainers, families, friends and supporters coming to the city.

With such a large crowd expected there is a lot of preparation and planning in the months ahead. A group of dedicated and experienced volunteers and sponsors has stepped up to form both the SOBC organizing committee and the SOBC games sponsorship program.

“It’s going to take a lot of people to make the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games possible,” said public relations director Shirley Bond at a press conference Tuesday. “It also is going to take a lot of support from sponsors and donors. But all of us know what an amazing community that we live in. And the support is building already here, starting with local volunteers who have stepped up in key planning roles.”

So far some of this support comes from sponsors including, Canadian Tire Prince George, (which hosted the press conference), the City of Prince George, the Government of British Columbia, the Canucks for Kids Fund, Canfor, Tourism Prince George and Four Rivers Co-op.

The members of the volunteer committee seemed excited and passionate about the games and the work that needs to be done, and many are looking forward to putting Prince George on the map, said Bond.

“Prince George is known to be an exceptionally good host and we’ve hosted some of the largest events in Canada,” she said. “This is an opportunity to showcase individuals who have intellectual disabilities and the abilities

that they have. It is about showing what an inclusive community we have and it is incredibly inspiring. I’ve been involved in the Games before and it is a very special experience to support these athletes, to cheer them on and to showcase the abilities that they have.”

However, there is still a great need for volunteers and additional sponsors as Bond notes that there is still a lot of work to do in the next seven months.

“We’re gonna need more than 1,000 volunteers to participate… There are opportunities to be involved with meal prep and all of the other things that it takes to operate these games,” she said.

“I know that it’ll be an experience people will never forget. It’s an opportunity to be inspired to get involved. One thing I know for sure is that Prince George delivers when we host these kinds of events. There will be no exception here, but I want to encourage people to think about spending some time working with us as we host the BC Special Olympics.”

To volunteer, visit www.sobcgames. ca.

The Special Olympics give athletes the opportunity to be ambitious, driven and to excel at something that they are passionate about, as illustrated by Prince George local and nationally ranked Special Olympics athlete and silver medalist Adam Spokes.

“I aim not only to be a better person,

but to make others better too,” he said. “To inspire and encourage those who may not have the encouragement they got when they were younger, but now we’re saying they could achieve something. It may not be anything great, but they can achieve something. It boils down to something simple. The wish is for people to not have to stare at the abyss, not see the darkness, and be able to have something to look forward to. You see it all the time with people with disabilities, who stay home, who don’t come out. But with the Special Olympics, we want to show them a little bit of lightness. We inspire them to say, ‘I can achieve something.’”

Spokes is also a part of the athletic input council and is looking forward to the competition.

“It’s something different,” he said. “You practice every day and every week and in these kinds of games, you prove it. You prove that all that hard work is worth it and all those sacrifices you made, all the hard work you did, all the sore muscles, in the end, it was worth it because you’re on your own big stage.”

Top performers competing in Prince George will see themselves on an even bigger stage, as they will qualify for spots on Team BC for the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat.

This in turn is the qualifier for the

2026 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Santiago, Chile.

The opening ceremony will take place at the CN Centre on Thursday, July 10, following the arrival of the teams and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Competitions happen July 11 and 12. The Games Event Hub will be located at the Canada Games Outdoor Plaza, 545 Quebec St., providing a central space for participants and fans.

The competitions will be held at several venues, with 10-pin bowling at Strike Zone Bowling and Mini Golf Centre, athletics at Masich Place Stadium, and basketball at Duchess Park Secondary School.

Bocce and soccer events will take place at Rotary Field, while golfers will tee off at Aspen Grove Golf Course.

The Prince George Civic Centre will also host powerlifting and rhythmic gymnastics events.

Softball will be played at Freeman Park and swimming events will take place at the Prince George Aquatic Centre.

The closing ceremony, which is for athletes only and not open to the public, is on July 12.

July 13 sees the athletes departing, followed by a volunteer appreciation fair at Canada Games Plaza.

For more information visit www. sobcgames.ca.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Members of the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games organizing committee, provincial executives and a local athlete all took part in the official launch Tuesday, Dec. 10 at Canadian Tire for the summer games to be held in Prince George July 10 to 13.

Council votes to pursue national Special Olympics

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Next year’s Special Olympics BC Summer Games won’t be the end of Prince George’s aspirations as a tournament host.

City council unanimously voted at its Monday, Dec. 16 meeting for Prince George to submit a letter of intent to host either the 2028 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games or the 2030 Canada Summer Games.

Similar to the Olympic Games, the Special Olympics National Games are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter games.

The 2028 tournaments will be the Winter Games and the 2030 the Summer Games. The year after the national games, the Special Olympics World Games are held.

The manager of the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre, Debbie Haywood, said city staff have previously met with Special Olympics representatives to discuss the bid requirements.

Now that the motion has passed, staff will further develop their bid and examine the feasibility of Prince George hosting the games.

The bid guidelines for the 2028 Winter Games and 2030 Summer Games say that the tournament is typically held over five days in either February or early March, with athletes arriving the day before the competition starts and leaving the day after it ends.

Haywood confirmed that the games would not conflict with the BC Natural Resources Forum held in Prince George every January.

Special Olympics Canada estimates around 1,300 athletes will participate in the Winter Games across eight sports: Five-pin bowling, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey or floor ball, snowshoeing and speed skating.

The Summer Games are also held over five days, usually in July or August.

These sports are part of the Summer Games: 10-pin bowling, athletics,

basketball, bocce, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, seven-a-side soccer, softball and swimming.

In 2024, Calgary hosted the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games.

According to the bid guidelines document, the City of Calgary, the Province of Alberta and the Government of Canada each contributed an initial amount of $5,737,928 towards the games. By the end of the tournament, the city was estimated to have received an economic impact of around $7.6 million, the province an impact of around $8.5 million and the federal government around $10.9 million.

The last time BC hosted the national Winter Games was in 2014, when Vancouver welcomed athletes from across the country. BC does not appear to have hosted the national Summer Games before.

The next iteration in 2026 will be hosted by Medicine Hat, Alta.

For the 2028 games, interested communities are expected to submit a letter of intent by Dec. 20. Then they have until March 1, 2025, to submit their full bid.

The month after, representatives from Special Olympics Canada will visit two or three shortlisted potential hosts. Then, the host city is expected to be announced in July 2025.

As part of the submission, cities must outline how their community’s facilities will accommodate the sports involved in the tournament, how athletes will be fed and given shelter, how athletes will be transported to and from events, how they intend to recruit volunteers, a marketing and communications plan, a suggested program for the opening and closing ceremonies, information on local medical services, fundraising ideas, financing and other logistical details.

The selected host, referred to as the Games Organizing Committee, will be provided a $500,000 operating grant and will be responsible for arranging the 1,500 volunteers needed to bring the games to life.

More work needed to figure out parking, design: Staff

CONTINUED

FROM PAGE 1

A structure labelled “transit exchange” extends out from that facility, incorporating a new route to the top of the hill. Further down, what is currently the North Star Inn has become an unspecified future civic development. Next to that is a “rapid transit line.”

The financial relief to taxpayers would come in the former of “strategic use of potential private funding to support public-requested initiatives.”

Presenting his idea, the mayor said he was presenting the vision he promised residents during the last mayoral election. He said to the best of his knowledge, all the elements could be built but a lot of people have to say yes before it can move to the next stage.

He described it as Prince George making a statement that it is one of the best cities in the world.

City staff’s first civic core proposal sees a new 4,500-seat arena where the Four Seasons Pool once stood. Across the street, where Fire Hall No. 1 was located, is a new 800-seat performing arts centre. Other elements include a park and a mixed-use residential development.

A new mixed-use hotel is proposed on Dominion Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues.

Staff’s second proposal was similar, but with a different orientation. The new 4,500-seat arena is located on the same site as the current Kopar Memorial Arena and would have a park built next to it.

Then, where the Four Seasons Pool once sat are the performing arts centre and mixed-use residential developments and another park. The mixed-use hotel on Dominion Street is in the same location.

Staff’s report to council said that administration asked that the plans for the ice arena and performing arts centre be shown at the maximum possible size and specifies that they can be scaled down from what is shown.

At 5,000 seats, a new downtown arena would be tied for the biggest in the entire British Columbia Hockey League,

which the Prince George Spruce Kings play in. At 4,500 seats, the new arena would be the fourth-biggest in the league.

It would also be a size mismatch with most WHL arenas if the Prince George Cougars were to eventually move there.

At 4,500 seats, the new arena would be the fourth-smallest in the WHL.

At 5,000 seats, it would be around 1,000 fewer than are currently available at the CN Centre. It would then be the fifth-smallest in the league.

For both proposals, staff note that further work is needed to review parking, servicing and site design needs.

Presenting details from staff’s plan to council was Mandy Jones, the city’s manager of development services.

She said their proposals encompass council’s strategic priorities for the downtown core, the myPG sustainability plan and the 2009 “Smart Growth on the Ground” downtown development plan.

The plans, Jones said, are high-level and show approximate building sizes and land uses for properties in the Civic Core.

In both proposals, Jones said the locations of mixed-use hotel and the mixed-use residential buildings are interchangeable.

With the first option, Jones said, the new arena would be built while the existing Kopar Memorial Arena is in service.

Following the presentation of the proposals to council, staff presented council with four options:

• Council identifies their preferred option and directs administration to further develop the plan

• Council directs administration to develop an alternative plan with specific direction on land use, location and building size

• Defer a decision on the Civic Core District Plan to a future meeting

• Vote to receive the report but not direct staff to take further action

Jones said options one and two would result in costs from hiring consultants to start preparing designs. Building the new facilities would incur more

significant costs.

Coun. Kyle Sampson said he was excited for the proposals and thought a lot of the community was, too, because of the need to address several infrastructure deficits. Addressing the future of the arena, he said it would provide certainty to groups like the Spruce Kings.

He advocated for proposal two but wanted the locations of the hotel and residential buildings swapped. Sampson also expressed concern over duplicating local services by building another arena while the CN Centre still has life left in it.

As for the performing arts centre, Sampson said it should also include elements so that it can be the home of the new Studio 2880 and there should be a look into what the future of the Prince George Playhouse is.

Coun. Trudy Klassen said she was leading with option two and wanted any plan going forward to include the ideas from a resident-led plan developed in 2022 that consulted user groups most affected by the redevelopment.

Coun. Cori Ramsay said the Civic Core Plan is one of the items she’s spoken with residents about the most since joining council six and a half years ago. She said it was important to have a dedicated performing arts centre, because it is something people looking at moving to the city want.

Among her peer group with elected officials in other communities, she said there’s a perception that growth pays for growth and that the city would be more in a position to pay for the Civic Core Plan as it grows.

Someone in the audience muttered “that’s false” in response.

Coun. Ron Polillo said this was ultimately a decision for residents to make in a referendum. He said a larger arena like in Yu’s proposal was the right idea and added that Prince George needs a plan to transform itself like other communities like Kamloops have undertaken.

Coun. Brian Skakun said he didn’t want council to constrain staff and future consultants too much by

mandating elements like the precise size of the new arena.

He said senior levels of government also need to provide their fair share of tax dollars to help the city fulfill its downtown goals.

Coun. Tim Bennett concurred with that last point, adding that the city needs a Civic Core Plan it can sell to private business and the public.

Yu said that fundamentally, the difference between his proposal and the ones prepared by staff members, were the size of the convention centre and the presence of retail space. He said a convention centre is important for tourism, as shown in larger cities like Vancouver and Toronto.

At that point in the meeting, Yu advocated for council to direct staff to create a new plan incorporating some of the elements and concerns expressed at the meeting.

Klassen pitched amending the motion to include staff’s consideration of the resident-led report as well as the mayor’s proposal. Staff expressed confusion over the wording of the motion and their ability to deliver on its directives, saying it was too vague. This amendment was ultimately defeated.

Responding to Sampson’s comments on his motion, the mayor said he was against the amendment to the design of the performing arts centre because it would lead to a building that wouldn’t be designed acoustically for the Prince George Symphony.

When Sampson tried to respond to the mayor to tell him that wasn’t the intent of his motion, Yu tried to give Skakun the floor before Sampson asserted that he was allowed to respond.

Ultimately, the motion passed included the swap of the hotel and residential, flexible partition and seating options for the performing arts centre, consideration of what to do with the “air space” above the centre, consultation of arts groups in the creation of the centre, consideration of the future of the Playhouse and to be flexible in the seating capacity of the arena.

Yu, Klassen and Skakun voted against the final motion.

‘Miracle’ donation for Prince George Fire Rescue

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Anyone worried about this summer and the possible wildfires it may bring can breathe a sigh of relief.

Thanks to Miracle Theatre and this year’s comedy A Comedy of Tenors, $180,000 was raised to provide the City of Prince George with new equipment to protect the city from forest fires.

Formally introduced during a ceremony at Fire Hall No. 1 on Monday, the structure protection equipment is a series of hoses and sprinklers designed to create a moisture dome around buildings that may be impacted by wildfires. It can help protect 50 homes in one deployment and can hold up to 2,500 gallons of water at a time.

Miracle Theatre stages one play a year, donating the proceeds to charitable causes.

Ted Price, who founded Miracle Theatre with Anne Laughlin in 2015, said that it was a recent close encounter with a wildfire that inspired him to look for a way to support the city’s efforts to stop fires from spreading.

“The fires had been so bad, summer after summer,” he said. “Four or five months before we announced this particular project, we got evacuated from the outskirts of Banff. It made quite an impression on us. Then on our way back, McBride had a fire just on the outskirts. It was staring us right in the face and made a big impression.”

While the city has been spared from wildfires, that may not always be the case, he said.

“We’ve been so lucky in Prince George. We haven’t had to deal with anything, but our time’s going to come, we feel that,” he said.

“So when we discovered that Prince George didn’t have any wildfire equipment, we thought, ‘well, maybe we can do something about that.’ We thought this was particularly timely. So, we chose a play that we knew people

would have a lot of fun with, and it was very well attended, very well received, and we got lots of support. Now, the structure protection unit is here, ready to go.”

Before it arrived in Prince George, the equipment was lent to Barkerville Historic Town and Park to protect it from encroaching fires last summer.

The trailer holding the equipment itself was named “Miracle” to thank and honour the effort that brought the equipment to Prince George.

“I’m grateful and very much moved,” said Mayor SImon Yu.

“Miracles sometimes do come true. From just an idea not only did we get this structural fire unit for the fire hall, but also the opportunity to educate the general public in terms of wildfire, in terms of equipment and the personnel needed to fight a fire. Because of that, we as a city council, are going to also try to consider getting another one, because of the original initiative. It is a win-win-win situation for the community. I’m just grateful for all that Ted and Anne have done for our community, year in and year out, for all their donations, all their productions. We’re looking forward to next year’s miracle effort.”

In 2025, Miracle Theatre intends to focus on seniors, with funds raised going to the Prince George Seniors Emergency Fund. Miracle Theatre intends to double its efforts and produce two plays, Here on the Flight Path and Lunenburg.

The goal is to be able to give seniors support when it’s needed.

“Some of these seniors who are quiet about it or are proud or just don’t have the wherewithal to advocate themselves are in very bad circumstances,” Price said.

“So we’re creating the Prince George Seniors Emergency Fund to take care of these people. If somebody is short $150 for their rent or in a lineup to get into a senior’s facility and they’ve got to wait 12 months, well, this fund can close that gap.”

Subsidies could force Tidewater out of the city: CEO

MLA Kiel Giddens to introduce bill aimed at fixing the problem

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Prince George’s renewable diesel refinery could shut its doors by March if ongoing issues with subsidies for American products aren’t resolved, the company’s CEO says.

On top of that, Tidewater Renewables’ Jeremy Baines told The Citizen on Thursday, Dec. 12 it would also thwart the company’s desire to build a renewable aviation fuels plant in the city near its existing operations.

In its third-quarter financial report for 2024 issued last month, Tidewater Renewables said it had lost around $367 million in that quarter alone.

The company opened its renewable diesel refinery last year with financial assistance from the provincial government on the site of the conventional refinery formerly owned by Husky Energy.

There are 165 employees split between the conventional and renewable refineries, with about one-third of workers at the latter facility.

“Basically, things were going fairly well for the first part of this year,” Baines said by phone from Calgary. “But because of, I would call it a failure of policy, we’ve got an environment where you’ve got a production-based subsidy in the U.S. and then you have a salesbased green credit availability in British Columbia and Canada.”

Those subsidies on both sides of the border allow those American companies to sell their product at a rate that Baines said Tidewater can’t compete with.

“That has put extreme pressure on us,” he said. “It has really caused a significant decline in the low-carbon fuel standard credit pricing because all of the conventional refiners out of Alberta, they are importing U.S. diesel cheaply — basically dump product in our view — and using that to generate credits

that help them comply with their obligation under the compliance protocol.”

To deal with the issue, Baines said the company expects to file a formal trade action against the United States by the end of the year. In the best-case scenario, he said tariffs would be applied on American products by the second quarter of 2025.

He said they’re also engaging with the provincial and federal governments on the issue.

On Monday, Dec. 9, new Prince George-Mackenzie Conservative MLA Kiel Giddens announced plans to introduce his first private member’s bill once the Legislature reconvenes.

A draft copy of that bill shared by Giddens with The Citizen shows that it would amend the Low-Carbon Fuels Act to reduce any subsidies provided by BC to renewable diesel by the same amount it receives from a government or other organization outside of the province.

It also requires the government to assess and validate the value of external subsidies and adds a definition of renewable diesel to the act.

Giddens said it would be a waste if it were to shut down and its 165 jobs were to be lost.

Offering support for Giddens’ bill in the release were Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird and Prince George-North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare as well as Opposition Leader John Rustad.

Going forward, Giddens said he and his colleagues would continue pressuring the government to take action on the file and that he would be dropping off a draft copy of his bill at Dix’s office while he’s in the provincial capital.

Baines said that Giddens’ bill would help level the playing field and allow for Tidewater to become competitive, though it would depend on what form the bill takes if and when it receives royal assent and becomes law.

But if there’s no trade action or policy fix, the Prince George refinery could be living on borrowed time.

Reached by phone in Victoria on Tuesday, Dec. 10, Giddens said there are Louisiana-based renewable diesel producers who receive subsidies through the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act who then receive further subsidies in BC, allowing them to undercut local producers.

“We are calling on the NDP to get back to the Legislature to pass my private member’s bill to close this loophole before this unfair advantage leads to job losses in my community.”

His bill, he said, would account for that “double dipping” by reducing BC’s subsidies by the amount producers are receiving from other sources.

“It’s making sure that we are protecting BC jobs and supporting a fair trade market for this,” Giddens said of his bill.

“Really, we want these jobs here at home in BC and not to rely on importing renewable diesel. This is about energy security as well. There’s very limited refining capacity in total in British Columbia and if this strategic asset is at risk, it impacts our fuel prices.”

Given what BC has already put into Tidewater’s Prince George refinery,

“Our renewable diesel facility relies on the (BC Low-Carbon Fuel Standard) credits, the values of those and the clean fuel regulation credits to be profitable,” Baines said.

The company entered into a purchase agreement where it sold assets to buy fuel standard credits last September.

“That agreement ends at the end of March and absent a fix at that point, we are likely done,” Baines said.

It would be a shame, he said, because the refinery received provincial assistance for the capital cost of building the $450 million facility.

He also said it would represent a loss of jobs for Prince George and a blow to BC’s ability to have a viable fuels industry.

What it would also do is halt the company’s plan for the future.

“We are contemplating a sustainable aviation fuel refinery as the next step in our renewable fields energy transition strategy,” Baines said. “It would be a significant investment in Prince George and would come with a significant amount of employees and economic activity.”

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Tidewater Renewables’ Rob Colcleugh, Premier David Eby and Prince George Mayor Simon Yu speak at the grand opening of Tidewater Renewables’ renewable diesel refinery and hydrogen plant in Prince George in 2023.

Lheidli T’enneh wind project approved by province

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

A partnership between Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and a Spanish renewable energy company was one of nine wind power projects by Indigenous communities given the green light by the provincial government and BC Hydro on Monday, Dec. 9.

The nine successful applicants are being awarded 30-year contracts and are expected to collectively increase BC’s power supply by eight per cent.

The province has also decided to exempt these and future wind projects from the environmental assessment process, though it says it will continue to consult First Nations.

The only project approved in the Central Interior is the Nilhts’I Ecoener Project, a partnership between Lheidli T’enneh and Ecoener.

The First Nation announced on Tuesday, Dec. 10 that the project will involve

the installation of 18 wind turbines east of Hixon, roughly 60 kilometres south of Prince George.

“As a Nation, we are consistently focused on the development of clean, green, energy opportunities that assist in moving the entire Province forward constructively and safely,” Chief Dolleen Logan said in the release.

“Our objective is sourcing and securing strong partnerships that assist in lifting our Nation and its members, while securing a strong future for the environment and major projects. We are particularly interested in those projects that place green processes and economic reconciliation at the forefront of their work.”

The release adds that Lheidli T’enneh also has a financial stake in Northwest Transmission Line, a 344-kilometre line carrying power north from the Skeena substation near Terrace.

Little else is known about the project so far, but information released by the province shows that it is the second

Premier wants more support for biofuels: Ministry spokesperson

tallow, both of which Tidewater uses to make diesel at its Prince George refinery.

smallest of the nine granted approval with a generating capacity of 140 megawatts.

Legal aspects of the project, including a shareholders’ agreement, were discussed in-camera at Lheidli T’enneh’s Nov. 14 chief and council meeting.

In Northern BC, two projects were also approved for Indigenous communities in the Chetwynd area.

The Stewart Creek Wind Project by West Moberly First Nations and Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. and the Taylor Wind Project by Saulteau First Nations and EDF Renewables are both expected to have generating capacities of 200 megawatts.

The province’s new minister of environment and parks, Tamara Davidson, addressed the decision to exempt wind projects from environmental review in a media release.

“It’s clear there are enormous opportunities to generate clean electricity through wind, and that we need to

do more to get larger projects online faster,” Davidson said.

“That’s why we are announcing our intention to exempt wind-power projects from the environmental assessment process, with a rigorous provincial permitting process in place, while ensuring First Nations are full partners in our shared, sustainable future.”

The release said that the approved projects had to have at least 25 per cent equity by First Nations.

Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Kiel Giddens, who has launched a private member’s bill calling on the province to resolve an issue with renewable diesel projects, said he intends to speak with Logan to learn more about it.

He said that not every First Nations has the ability to set up wind generation in their territories and the province should be open to diversifying energy sources to reduce reliance on importing electricity from the U.S., where much of the power is derived from coal.

This facility would be on a brownfield industrial site near the current Tidewater operation. Baines said there’s an engineering and design feed study for the project under way, with the province assisting with that $15 million phase. It’s expected to be complete halfway through 2025.

Following that, the company could make its final investment decision on the project by the end of next year.

Without the renewable diesel refinery being operational, Baines said, there won’t be enough capital for that project.

On Tuesday, Dec. 10, fuel distributor Parkland announced it had produced more than 100,000 litres of low-carbon aviation fuel at its Burnaby plant with the assistance of the provincial government. This fuel is being purchased by Air Canada. The company said the fuel was made with non-food grade canola and

By email, a spokesperson for BC’s Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions said they’ve heard from industry stakeholders about the impact of Ameri can subsidies on Canadian producers.

“As biofuel production increases so has the number of international trade disputes, and it’s clear we need a national approach to support produc tion in Canada,” the spokesperson said.

“We’ve been working with Natural Resources Canada to ensure a fair deal for BC biofuel producers, and Premier Eby has advocated for increased sup port to the biofuels sector directly to the prime minister.

“The BC Conservatives ran on a plan to eliminate the (Low-Carbon Fuel Standard). That would have forced Tidewater Renewables to close, not to mention the 42 other low carbon fuel standard projects representing $2.25 billion in investments.”

Finally, some real movement on the Civic Core Plan

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

Whatever our new downtown Civic Core ends up looking like, at least you’ll have had a say.

City council made a crucial decision about the future of its downtown area Monday night, moving forward with one of three proposals for the Civic Core Plan.

Two were drafted by city staff, with some earlier input from outside consultants, while the third was dreamed up by Mayor Simon Yu.

A fourth, one designed and presented by a citizen group in 2022, was not on the agenda but did come up in council’s discussion as making valuable points.

After two hours of debate and deliberation, council agreed to proceed with the second of the two staff-drafted proposals, a plan that addresses several key elements, including the creation of a new arena, performing arts centre, and other infrastructure developments.

However, the most significant takeaway from this meeting was council’s agreement to put the final approval of this project to a referendum.

The decision to hold a referendum reflects a recognition of the importance of community input. It ensures that the public will have an opportunity to shape the future of the city’s core district, a sentiment echoed by several councillors during the meeting. This marks a crucial step in the process. As with any large-scale project, taxpayers

have to be made to feel included and heard, particularly when the plan will involve significant investments of public resources.

One key issue discussed at length was the size of the new arena. Two of the staff-driven proposals included a 4,5005,000 seat arena, but council quickly realized that this capacity might be too large for some events and too small for others.

While the 5,000-seat configuration would be appropriate for larger gatherings and events like hockey games or concerts, it would fall short of meeting the needs of larger-scale events. On the other hand, a 4,500-seat arena might be too large for the Prince George Spruce Kings and smaller community events, creating an underwhelming atmosphere.

Councillors noted that a more flexible approach, possibly with adjustable seating or a smaller overall size, would better suit the community’s diverse needs. This pragmatic shift reflects the city’s acknowledgment that any development must be adaptable and meet the needs of all groups, from arts organizations to sports teams.

Yu’s proposal for a larger, more ambitious Civic Core plan also attracted significant attention. His vision, which includes a globe-shaped IMAX theatre atop Connaught Hill, was presented as an investment in the city’s long-term growth.

The mayor acknowledged the grand scale of his proposal, noting that it was not a project for the immediate future

CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE

Mayor Simon Yu’s personal proposal for the new Civic Core was called ‘audacious’ at council Monday night, and he agreed, but pointed out its long-term benefits for the city.

but one that would evolve over time. In fact, he humorously described his vision as so far-fetched that it would only become possible in 100 years. While some may have found this idea overly ambitious, it speaks to the mayor’s long-term thinking and desire to position Prince George as a leading city in the province. His plan includes several elements that would significantly transform the downtown area, such as a convention center and a new amphitheater. However, even the mayor acknowledged that these grand elements may need to be scaled back or phased in over time.

Despite the ambitious nature of Yu’s vision, council members remained focused on practicality. While they recognized the merits of some of the elements in his plan, they also highlighted the need for more consultation with key user groups.

Notably, arts groups like Studio 2880 and the Prince George Playhouse must be integrated into the final plan to ensure that the new performing arts centre meets their needs and continues to serve the community.

The need for increased public consultation and collaboration with user groups before proceeding to a referendum is what’s most important here. While the current plan offers a solid foundation for redevelopment, the input of user groups will ensure that the facilities being developed meet their specific needs, which then allow them to attract bigger audiences.

The arts community, in particular, must be central to the planning process, as the voices of the city’s cultural creators have historically been underrepresented in these kinds of projects.

Council’s decision to move forward with one specific plan, subject to a public vote, indicates a commitment to community-driven development. Now that council has made its pick, city staff will continue to refine the plan, hopefully incorporating these elements.

This will require careful planning, consultation and ultimately, the support of the residents who will be impacted by the changes.

Council will then tweak it again, for sure, before the final plan goes to a vote by the people who will end up using it. By then, though, you should all have been part of the process and ready to make a decision on how to move forward.

We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada.

Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

Kennedy Gordon Managing Editor

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

505 Fourth Avenue

Prince George, B.C. V2L 3H2

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

NEWS AND SPORTS news@pgcitizen.ca

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR editor@pgcitizen.ca

OWNER / PUBLISHER owner@pgcitizen.ca

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

Cameron Stolz Owner / Publisher

Terresa Randall-Stolz Owner

OPINION

One little sawmill, one big legacy for Pete and Maggie

The Back Story

Pete Stoner may have forgotten, but his wife Maggie had the evidence: An old Prince George Citizen article laid out on the table.

Pete stared in wonder at his slightly younger self looking back at him down the barrel of a birch log on his small sawmill.

It was the main story for the Saturday Report published Jan. 5, 2002, headlined Balance Beam.

“Man successfully logs own land without huge clearcuts and minimal impact on area wildlife,” read the intro.

A light flickered. “I remember,” he laughed, his good humour still sharp.

“They used that statement at the university,” he said, pointing to a highlighted quote and repeating it: “The tree’s aren’t for me, they’re for whoever takes over from me.”

That small sawmill operation received a lot of attention over the years, and rightly so.

There’s a plaque on the wall from Woodmizer, the manufacturer of his venerable sawmill, celebrating two million board feet of production. “It’s three million board feet now,” Pete told me proudly, a pretty wild achievement with a one- or two-person sawmill.

Nevertheless, it’s been easy for government policy makers to ignore operations like Pete and Maggie’s.

In their nearly three decades of sawmilling Pete and Maggie put out as much production as the big Polar supermill at Bear Lake, now closed, would put out in less than three shifts.

Pete doesn’t run the mill much anymore, but it’s still there, with a log on the deck.

You could say he outlasted the big boys.

It wasn’t that long ago you didn’t need tenure to crown land to get into

the wood business. In the late 1990s we had 2,300 logging and 500 sawmilling firms accessing 9.5 million cubic metres of timber every year through the Small Business Forest Enterprise Program (SBFEP), many of these in the Prince George region.

This program was established in 1979 to prioritize small producers without timber tenure on crown land.

However, the BC Liberals changed all that.

In their mind, if you didn’t have a corporate head office, you weren’t worth anything.

They scrapped the small business

wood access program. They cut the Small Woodland Program at CNC that trained people on how to do what the Stoners did.

They transferred the millions of dollars in Forest Renewal BC funding directly to the large corporations to spend in a failed Forest Investment Account.

To top it off they passed a disastrous Forest and Range Practices Act, eliminated appurtenancy that allowed the big mills to close their small mills, and sold off BC Rail that serviced the small producers.

These were huge unforced errors we

will feel more sharply in coming years.

Despite those setbacks, the Stoners persisted. They had private land and could get their own logs.

But much of what grew on the bluffs and benches overlooking the Fraser River on their land was deciduous hardwood; aspen, birch and cottonwood, wood the big industry called junk.

The Stoners didn’t listen to any of that. They milled clear birch blocks for sale to Japan. They milled quarter sawn aspen for a luthier in California. They sold rough-sawn aspen lumber to make pallets.

They weren’t alone. Some others came together to form the Quesnel Hardwood Cooperative. Then-NDP forest minister David Zirnhelt brought leadership and vision. They made use of the now-defunct Wood Enterprise Centre in Quesnel where a big four sided planer could turn out tongue and groove flooring and paneling.

Before the government did the majors a solid and squeezed the little guys off the land, there were around 30 small sawmills between Quesnel and Prince George turning out value-added wood products, much of it based on birch and aspen.

It was an era to rival the Second World War’s local birch boom. You can read this in the Quesnel museum. Half of Britain’s wartime aircraft birch supply --- much of it used for the famous wooden Mosquito airplane --- came from our region. (This is a cool fact I think should be celebrated a lot more at both the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum and the Kelowna mosquito exhibit at the KF Centre for Excellence.)

Pete and Maggie are pretty much the last memory of that bygone era of our sawmilling history, and as the time comes for them to move on, I was left with a somber thought.

Time takes, without asking, your health, your memory, your ability to move the big logs and boards around. But it can’t take your legacy.

James Steidle is a Prince George writer.

JAMES STEIDLE PHOTO

Pete Stoner looks over a 2002 Citizen article about his small sawmill operation. He and his wife Maggie have logged their own land for decades.

JAMES STEIDLE

OPINION

Editorial: More voices need to be heard as the city maps out its next budget

A big chunk of this falls on the laps of our elected councillors. They need to start engaging the public and getting feed back on spending directly from those who elected them to those seats.

They are, after all, the voice of the people of Prince George and should be looking out for the public’s interest.

Hiking taxes instead of asking for cost cutting from many departments is what should be happening before considering spending asks.

Building maintenance of civic facilities has been an issue as we have seen time and again from the theatre to the pool(s) and the 34 million dollar hole in the ground parkade by City Hall and the screwed-up new pool we just opened.

It’s clear the city can’t “manage” anything properly during construction or on a daily day to day basis. Even the phrase “status quo” doesn’t follow suit with these folks, they miss the point that we want things left “as they are” with NO increases in spending.

They need to learn how to stay on budget, just like us...

John Zukowski

Hank Hayden celebrated as homeless advocate

I had the privilege of getting to know Hank in the course of volunteering.

Hank was an insightful and caring individual. He accepted everyone for who they were and where they were at --- not for what others might think that they should be.

He was a kind and gentle soul. He opened his heart to all who crossed his path, and always had a kind and welcoming word for everyone he met.

We are worse off without him.

God bless and rest easy Hank.

Oldfatguy

Spruce Kings top Langley Rivermen 6-3

What a good game and to also win and see all the donations on the ice was great.

Way to work boys - your coaches must be proud. Here for the Beer

Don’t let porch pirates ruin your Christmas, Prince George

The practice of dropping packages without knocking or ringing the doorbell certainly makes it easier for thieves.

When the delivery driver fails to register the delivery so the recpient is not told the package is there until later in the day is an issue also.

I don’t care how many pictures you have of my house number, the package at my door etc., if you dont knock or ring and that package vanishes I am not paying for it.

Given the scale of the problem there needs to be some changes in how deliveries are done.

You can be sure that we are all paying for this theft in higher prices to either pay for insurance or to cover for replacement product if the shipper skips having insurance. Renoguy24

Prince George council to consider three different Civic Core plans

This is all fine and dandy however I have questions on if and when a plan is chosen

1) how much will be offloaded onto the citizens because right now few are happy with increasing taxes year after year due to mostly mismanagement and rising costs that the city seems to be famous for.

2) I would love an IMAX theatre here and if the people remember one was almost built several years ago here until costs and concerns that the population base could support it. Now we are close to if not having a population of 100,000 in the city it might be viable now

3) lastly and most importantly the city MUST deal with the homeless issue first before any of this is built or it will be all for naught and we all know the city has a history of making bad decisions around this issue. Dearth

Share your views on our stories at

Citizen will be published early during the holidays

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

The next two editions of The Citizen will be available earlier in the week than usual.

Because of the holiday schedule at our press facility, we’re printing on a

different day over the next two weeks. So you’ll be able to find our Christmas paper on Monday, Dec. 23 and our New Year’s paper on Monday, Dec. 30. Our newspaper is usually available on Thursdays in the many boxes throughout the city. These two early papers will feature

the latest Prince George news, features, sports and opinion articles, as well as several Year in Review stories looking back at what was going on in Prince George in 2024.

We return to our regular schedule in January, with a paper coming out on Thursday, Jan. 9.

Meanwhile, we have a Christmas treat for you this week. This edition of The Citizen includes a pull-out Christmas songbook, with lyrics to classic carols and tunes.

Members of the team here took some time to choose one special song each for you. Merry Christmas.

The voice from the tent falls forever silent

Hank Hayden saved dozens of lives as the resident medic of the Moccasin Flats encampment

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

When the people of Moccasin Flats needed a rapid health intervention, someone to bring them back from the brink of death, Hank Hayden was usually there to answer the call.

As the first aid guy in the city’s most notorious encampment, Hank was a vital lifeline, always willing and ready to come running. Most times it was an opiate user who needed an emergency Naloxone injection.

He was also handy with a needle and thread and stitched up knife wounds, and one day even picked buckshot out of the back of a Moccasin Flats resident targeted by someone with a shotgun.

“They don’t call 911, they come to me,” is what he would say.

Hank took pride in the fact that in 2 ½ years of living at Moccasin Flats nobody under his watch died of an accidental overdose.

Whether it was gunshot wounds, stab wounds, or the dozens of ODs he was called to, Hank utilized his industrial first aid skills to patch people up without getting the authorities involved. No questions, no reports.

On some days he’d have as many as five overdose victims to deal with and some of those people he brought back three or four times in the same week.

“He couldn’t do drugs, he was too busy saving people and I tried to explain to him, ‘you’ve saved so many people, you need help mentally, because you have to have something wrong with you,’” said Doug Tyers, Hank’s friend for 40 years.

“They wouldn’t go see the doctors, they were too scared. Guys in wars don’t go through that many deaths or have to save that many people, or people shot and that. With what he’s seen, he should have had a psychiatrist talking to him every week. That guy was a good guy, he saved a lot of people.”

Hank was the voice of the homeless, the “mayor” of Moccasin Flats who represented the unhoused people in

meetings with civic politicians, city staff and the business community. He was the one guy people of the encampments could always count on to be there for them, because he lived with them, and now he’s dead.”

Hank, 67, was found deceased in his tent Sunday afternoon. The results of an autopsy to confirm the cause of death have not been released.

“He took care of everybody,” said Tyers.”He was focused all about people other than himself. The downtown core is really going to miss him.”

On Wednesday, Hank’s contributions to the city were celebrated at the Healing Fire, a monthly gathering in front of the courthouse, and about 200 people came for the two-hour lunchtime feast.

Hank earned his reputation as a warrior for injustice who spoke up for anybody he thought was getting a raw deal and that’s what drove him to form the not-for-profit society – Building a Healthy Community – The Voices

Project.

Alan Huggett, one of the society’s board members, has known Hank for 30 years. They worked together at Camp Trapping, the now-defunct wilderness camp south of the city for male youth inmates in the corrections system. He said Hank approached him two years ago to help him in his push to create more affordable housing and advocate for the city’s homeless population.

“In the two years that Hank was down at Moccasin Flats there were no deaths from overdoses at Moccasin Flats, whereas in that same time period, there’s been over 90 deaths in Prince George,” said Huggett. “To me, that speaks tons about what Hank was doing in the community – going into people’s tents when they were overdosing, starting the first aid response and getting ambulances and the fire department to attend so people would survive down there.

“I’d like to see something happen

where we keep going with the ideas that Hank had, helping people that are homeless and reducing stigma.”

Akhil Kumar, who works for Carrier Sekani Family Services, was encouraged by Hank’s commitment to make a difference in the community, using his connections, and joined the group as a director. After several months of group meetings the society became registered in September.

“Hank was a great advocate for people, and every time you see him he was helping someone or going to help someone, he was just such a kind human being,” said Kumar. “His ideology around building the society was that people who we’re trying to support, their voices should be heard, their opinions should matter and they should have a role in how policies are framed and what rules and regulations are going to be made around them.”

“It’s tough (to continue the society), because he was the driving force, but we still want to keep his ideology and his thoughts alive and we want to continue doing what he has wanted it to do. It will be hard to fill his position, he was one of a kind, there’s nobody like him.”

Hank planned on hosting a weekly podcast – The Voice From the Tent – to discuss some of the issues of street people and homelessness in Prince George and around the world. He had a sponsor lined up, found someone who had the equipment and made arrangements in place to produce the show with different guests each week, starting early in the new year. He was on the verge of seeing his dream visualized and now it’s gone.

“He was going to have his own podcast in his tent,” said Juanita Hyslop, program director for the Association Advocating for Women and Community. “He was just a loving guy that was down there that was willing to help anyone. He was our point of contact for the agencies to get in there and get to know the clients.”

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Hank Hayden was the ‘voice from the tent’ as a tireless advocate for the homeless people of Prince George. He lived at Moccasin Flats, where he used the first aid training he received as a mine medic to help people.

Hank worked in PG as a youth counsellor decades ago

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Born in Bella Coola, the oldest of eight children, Hank was raised in a foster home that had 14 kids. He grew up in the coastal community as part of the Nuxalk Nation, attended Sir Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School in nearby Hagensborg and moved to Prince George when he was 14, where he quickly developed street smarts which served him well in the three or four years he worked in downtown Prince George as a curbside counsellor.

Daryl Goll, a youth counsellor for Intersect Youth & Family Services, got to know him in the late 1970s when Hank became one of the city’s first youth outreach workers. Hank had no formal training as a social worker but learned quickly how to get his message and life lessons through to his clients.

“He was one of the first people who got a chance to ply his trade on the streets, and he was really good,” said Goll, who also worked with Hank at Camp Trapping. “He connected with the kids, he had a really soft mannerism. He took a program from a bunch of us that were aboriginal first-line defenders and he learned so much.

“The program was core to his being and he took it to heart. I’ve never seen anybody with a bit of knowledge excel like he did, he really did a good job. For a man as humble as Hank was, his passion was unmatched.”

Hank’s warm, welcoming personality won him friends wherever he went, and he put that charm to work as a bartender at the Coast Inn of the North, Columbus Hotel and Triad Racquet club. His career path eventually led him to the mining industry, where he worked a portable diamond drill to obtain core samples hunting for precious metals in the mountains of northwestern BC. He was an on-site medic and got his Level 3 occupational first aid ticket later in his career.

Hank was booked for hernia surgery and was waiting for a confirmation from the hospital, but was otherwise in good health. He knew how to survive the elements in a tent and kept his wood stove

With a propane fire bowl, seating, tables and many aid agencies providing everything from food and clothing, hand warmers and naloxone kits, everyone was welcome to sit in a safe place and get warm at the Healing Fire held at Wilson Square Wednesday. The gathering included a tribute to Hank Hayden.

stoked whenever it got cold.

“He diamond-drilled way up in the mountains in the middle of winter, living in a tent like he has been, that’s why he didn’t mind it, it reminded him of his work,” said Tyers.

Prince George Mayor Simon Yu got to know Hank soon after he was elected in October 2023. A few days before he died, Hank told Yu he wanted to set up a meeting with the dozen or so remaining Moccasin Flats residents to make arrangements for storing their belongings before they made the move into temporary housing units.

“Between my office and the community at large, the homeless population, he was my primary conduit in terms of understanding their needs and what they were facing,” said Yu. “Whenever I needed to know how they were doing or

the approximate number, in any situation I could call him and find out.”

“It was really largely due to his efforts that things like the warm-up centre and various small programs down at Moccasin Flats and downtown were put in place.”

Because his daughter Tamara was living there, Hank got involved in the Millennium Park encampment along First Avenue. His life revolved around Tamara and he was there to save her life one day last summer at Moccasin Flats with a shot of Naloxone when her heart stopped after an overdose.

Hank knew everybody who was living in the First Avenue camp and used his connections to explain to residents what was going to happen to their belongings and what their options were for alternate living arrangements

which was key in preventing violence when the city dismantled that camp in September 2023.

“I got to know everybody there because of him and it was because of him that we had probably one of the most peaceful decampments in BC,” said Yu.

“These kinds of communications are built through trust and that trust was there over time, and that was his legacy for the city. Now we’re on the very edge of getting all the people off the encampment because we have enough units and we’re just waiting for the program to roll out to put people in supportive housing. He was (going to be) one of the last ones to leave (Moccasin Flats) until everybody else had their place.”

PLEASE SEE ‘ONE FINAL’ ON NEXT PAGE

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Tourism PG set to open permanent shop at plaza

Tourism Prince George has a variety of retail items for sale at its temporary location at Canada Games Plaza. The permanent store and visitors’ centre opens in 2025.

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

You may have seen a familiar shipping container sprout up in Canada Games Plaza earlier this year.

This temporary outlet for Tourism PG has proven to be a giant success. Despite being open for fewer hours, visitors have increased by almost 15 per cent, with visiting parties increasing by 16 per cent, over the tourism agency’s previous home on 1st Avenue beside Via Rail.

This increase in foot traffic and sales has boosted the confidence of PG Tourism to move to the Prince George’s Conference and Civic Centre. This move has been coming for a while as the city council has been in talks to move the location for almost a decade. The first initiative was taken in 2021 visitor centre relocation task force which decided on the new location in the plaza. This two-story rotunda has recently

One final Facebook post read simply: ‘Love one another’

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Prince George Fire Rescue leaned on Hank to reduce the risk of fatalities, the worst fear of every firefighter. When there was a safety issue that needed to be addressed, deputy chief Clay Sheen got in touch with Hank to get that message out to everybody in the camp and it worked.

Despite the dozens of fires at Moccasin Flats, most of which were believed to be purposely set by unwelcome visitors as an act of vengeance, nobody was injured in any of those fires, except for one victim who was doused with gasoline and purposely set on fire.

Goll knew about Hank’s situation living in a tent in a troubled area and tried to encourage him to return to Bella Coola, where he had a house and five acres reserved for him, just to get away from the stress of that lifestyle, but he

been renovated to accommodate the move and will centralize the business in the plaza. Making it easier to access and more visible to tourists and locals alike.

The new location has easy access to downtown hotels, Two Rivers Gallery, and Connaught Hill Park. Making it an effective centralized spot for tourism in Prince George.

“We’re thrilled to have the support from the city of Prince George,” said Colin Carson, CEO of Tourism Prince George. “We’ve been fortunate to secure some grant funding to create the container market and ice skating rink outside the new Visitor Information Centre. So that whole location, we’re very proud of the work that’s been done to date. I’m looking forward to that work continuing as we continue that work and by the spring, it’ll be a really exciting space that people can access and be a great thing for visitors and locals alike.”

The new location is set to open its

never did.

“I told him, ‘get out of town, take care of yourself, something he didn’t do very well,” said Goll.

Leaving Prince George would mean leaving his daughter without his protection and he could not leave Tamara behind.

Hank never got in the habit of posting on social media but during a heat wave in the summer of 2022, he offered some timely advice on his Facebook page.

“Drink lots of water in AM and all day, heat stroke is deadly to everything that has breath, help and look out for each other like kids, grandkids, your team mates, pets and etc. We are in this together. PEACE OUT”

In his last post, later that year, he put up a viral video of a puppy chasing a deer around somebody’s yard and added one simple comment: “Love one another.”

doors in the new year after the finishing touches on construction.

It will offer the same amenities as the previous location including maps, specialized PG merch, pottery, Indigenous art and more. The shop will also be offering ice skate rentals to go with the new outdoor rink nearby.

“I think it’s a positive move for Prince George, especially activating that space downtown,” said Christina Watts, communications and engagement specialist for Tourism PG. “They’ve seen a runthrough with the Festival of Trees and it was just such a great experience for everybody, especially that outdoor plaza with everything going on just added to a sense of community in the area. So I think there’s a lot of pride in that.”

Carson and Tourism PG credit the City of Prince George, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Northern Development, Pacifican, Prince George Community Foundation and TC Energy with supporting them during the process.

Sleep & Stress

We all experience stress of one kind or another. Naturals factors superior, fast acting Stress-Relax products can help you cope with occasional and chronic stress. Promoting sound and healthy sleep, providing a comprehensive approach to calmer living.

Tranquil Sleep is a unique combination of three compounds –melatonin, 5-HTP, and L-theanine –clinically shown to support relaxation and enhance natural sleep quality. Goodnight!

• Feel calmer and more relaxed

• Fall asleep faster

• Stay asleep longer

• Sleep more soundly

Know that relaxed feeling you get when you practise mindfulness? That’s GABA at work. Increases calming alpha brain waves.

• Supports a calm, relaxed mind

• Promotes mental focus

• Improves sleep quality

• Starts working in 5–30 minutes

Hereditary chief sentenced for sexually assaulting teen

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A B.C. Supreme Court judge in Smithers sentenced a Lake Babine Nation hereditary chief on Monday, Dec. 16 to two years less a day — including 18 months house arrest — for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in Burns Lake.

Justice John Harvey noted that Ronnie Mathew West, 64, had pleaded guilty on the first day of his scheduled trial in November 2023, three years after the crime. Harvey decided that a conditional sentence to be served in the community, plus three years probation, was “fit and proper.”

In his oral verdict, Harvey said that the victim stayed overnight at West’s residence on a pullout couch after helping West build a smokehouse. Without asking, West got into bed with the girl, who resisted.

Early in the morning, West had

unprotected sex with her without her consent. “According to the agreed statement of facts, she froze and laid there until he ‘finished’,” Harvey said.

They plowed the driveway together, then drove three hours to Prince George. Later, via Snapchat, West apologized, but the girl said she was upset and had not consented.

Five months later, following a panic attack, the victim reported the sexual assault to her mother, who took her to the RCMP. The incident was investigated and West charged.

Harvey said the offence was also an abuse of trust and the victim deeply affected to the point that she is “emotionally lost and broken.” She did not graduate high school, is “scarred emotionally for life” and has experienced nightmares and thoughts of suicide.

Harvey said West, not surprisingly, “suffered a significant fall from grace,” having been stripped of his hereditary title. He is no longer able to participate

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.

in some of the ceremonies associated with the position. His behaviour was denounced at a potlatch and he was referred for counselling.

“At the sentencing hearing, he expressed remorse for the pain caused to the complainant and two others that have been collaterally affected by his actions,” Harvey said.

Harvey said he had received character reference letters calling West’s behaviour “highly out of character.”

The judge said mitigating factors included West’s remorse, lack of criminal record and his low risk to reoffend.

As a child, he attended the Catholic-run Immaculata Indian day school in Burns Lake, and relayed vivid memories of suffering mental, physical and sexual abuse at the school.

“He advised the author of the pre-sentence report that he’d been subject to sexual abuse as a child and that he was still participating in counselling sessions while in Burns Lake,” Harvey said. “He

denies any involvement with substance abuse, either alcohol or drugs.”

Under Harvey’s sentence, West must remain confined at his property during the first 18 months, except to leave for emergency medical care, employment, court attendance, religious services, legal, medical or dental appointments. He is banned from contacting or communicating with the victim, must not possess a weapon and will be added to the national sex offender registry. He must perform 80 hours of community service work within the 18 months.

West was one of the witnesses who testified at 2023 hearings by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.

Six Lake Babine First Nation members complained in 2016 that the RCMP violated the Canadian Human Rights Act by failing to properly investigate allegations of physical and sexual abuse by a teacher dating back to 1969 at Immaculata. Last summer, the tribunal reserved its decision.

Mackenzie murder case to be moved to Prince George court

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The case of Drake Matthew Kerr will not be heard in Mackenzie after a judge agreed Wednesday, Dec. 11 to move it to Prince George.

Kerr, born in 2003, was charged last month with second-degree murder. Kerr pleaded not guilty by video during his arraignment hearing in Prince George Provincial Court.

His lawyer, Jason LeBlond, told the court that he would undergo a preliminary hearing with one witness, whose name is protected by a publication ban.

Crown counsel Robert Climie asked Judge Martin Nadon to change the venue for the preliminary hearing, because the security of witnesses, gravity of the charge against Kerr and the facilities in Mackenzie are a concern to both Crown and defence.

“Both counsel are here and the

accused is in custody here,” Climie said. “If you’ve sat in Mackenzie, I don’t know whether you have, it is a very confined space and often packed shoulder-to-shoulder through the reception area, then everywhere else.”

LeBlond agreed with Climie’s remarks. Said Nadon: “I’m familiar with the Mackenzie courthouse, and given the nature of the charge and concerns of counsel, I’m prepared to order that the pertinent inquiry be moved to Prince George. You’ll have to deal with the trial judge for the rest of it.”

Nadon set Dec. 17 to fix a date for the preliminary hearing, which Climie estimated would take a day and a half.

RCMP in Mackenzie said the body of a man was found in a house on Centennial Drive in Mackenzie after police were called to a shots fired report on Sept. 29.

RCMP issued a public alert for Kerr’s whereabouts Oct. 2 and arrested Kerr two days later on a warrant.

Judge to decide on staying charges against three accused in Coastal Gaslink pipeline blockade case

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A B.C. Supreme Court judge said Friday, Dec. 13 in Smithers that he would deliver his decision in just over two months on whether to stay the charges against three anti-pipeline protesters convicted in January of criminal contempt of court.

Justice Michael Tammen set Feb. 18 for his oral decision in the case of Wet’suwet’en Nation’s Molly Wickham (aka Sleydo’), Gitxsan member Shaylynn Sampson and Corey Jocko, a Mohawk from Akwesasne.

Their lawyer, Frances Mahon, told the court in the final day of closing arguments that the defendants’ constitutional rights had been breached by RCMP officers when they were arrested and detained on Nov. 19, 2021 for disrupting Coastal GasLink (CGL) pipeline construction.

Their actions contravened a December 2019-granted court injunction and their supporters consider them “land defenders,” allies of Wetsuweten hereditary chiefs opposed to a project that is

favoured by elected band councillors. The hereditary chiefs’ protest campaign reached a peak in early 2020 with highway and rail blockades across Canada.

The protest activity delayed, but did not stop, completion of the 670-kilometre pipeline from Dawson Creek to the LNG Canada plant in Kitimat.

Mahon reiterated the purposes of the Coyote Camp, the centre of the protest. While it was obvious the participants aimed to interfere with pipeline work, Mahon said it would be an “oversimplification to say that was their sole purpose.”

“They were not there just to halt CGL’s work,” Mahon said. “They were there in the context of their unextinguished title, and their traditional use of that same area, and much of the daily life at Coyote Camp reflects that.”

Mahon said that the Wet’suwet’en resistance to the pipeline “needs to be placed within the broader context of the nation’s ancient connection and use and occupancy in the land and their efforts to re-establish a traditional way of life.”

Earlier, Crown lawyer Paul Battin

said the alleged Charter of Rights and Freedoms breaches had not been proven and the matter was “not one of the clearest of cases in which a stay of proceedings should be granted.”

Battin also said it is also a crucial case for the concept of court orders. Without the judges and their formal orders being respected, “the entire system begins to crumble.”

“If we don’t have authority for court orders, what happens is that no one respects anybody or anything going on from that, and this court order in this case isn’t just about an injunction, this court order is about every other court order,” Battin said. “Every court order that protects somebody from somebody else is at stake. Any court order that requires someone to make payments for the benefit of their child is at stake.”

Battin accused the defence of framing the case as an “inquest into the C-IRG,” the RCMP’s 2017-established Community-Industry Response Group specialized squad.

Last January, C-IRG rebranded

and reorganized as the B.C. Critical Response Unit almost a year after the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP began investigating C-IRG.

Battin said that, even if Tammen finds Charter breaches happened, “it doesn’t mean that there has to be a stay of proceedings entered. A just remedy can still be crafted.”

“This was about respecting a court order put in place to allow legally obtained construction permits to be actualized, and Justice [Marguerite] Church did not make this decision on a whim,” Battin said. “This was a decision that was carefully thought out, and her reasons reflect that.”

CGL is now in commercial service. In November, CGL parent TC Energy estimated final project costs remain at $14.5 billion and it continues to pursue cost recoveries from contractors.

“As LNG Canada has indicated, it remains on track to deliver first cargoes by the middle of 2025,” TC Energy said.

Curfew, probation for man in assault and weapons case

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Prince George man was sentenced Dec. 16 to one year of curfew followed by two years of probation after he pleaded guilty in Provincial Court to assault, threats and firearm storage charges.

Prince George RCMP arrested Aaron Robert Jonathan Young, 46, on July 31, 2023 after neighbours complained that he was making threats and attempting to gain entry to their residence. The Emergency Response Team was called in to assist and a search warrant obtained to seize a .30-06 rifle in Young’s bedroom. An RCMP officer heard Young make further threats to a neighbour.

“Mr. Young was in a difficult place back on the 31st of July 2023 and his life was marred at that time by substance abuse and that led to some form of psychotic episode,” Judge David Simpkin said.

Court heard that Young’s abuse of alcohol and cocaine was out of control. Young was in custody until Aug. 9, 2023 and another month later in the year. He was released to a treatment program in the Lower Mainland. Young pleaded guilty to assault, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, breach of release order and careless storage of a firearm. Crown stayed three breach of release order charges. For his part, Young apologized to the court “for the time spent on this

tumultuous affair. My sincere apologies to all of those that were involved.”

Court heard the status Takla First Nation member was born in Prince George, raised mainly on reserve until age 14 and a victim of abuse. The father of three was educated at University of Northern B.C. and a commercial pilot by trade.

Simpkin agreed with the joint sentencing submission by the Crown and defence for Young, who now lives in Alberta. He must obey the law, have no contact or communication with six people and their immediate families, and remain home between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. every day for the next year, except to leave for an emergency medical appointment or for employment,

with written permission of his sentence supervisor.

Young must report to forensic psychiatric services for assessment and cannot possess firearms, explosives, drugs or alcohol (except prescriptions).

Simpkin said the sentence addresses denunciation, deterrence and rehabilitation, by allowing Young to continue working.

“You’re going to be under supervision, but it’s not the end of the world,” Simpkin said.

Court heard that Young did not have a criminal record at the time of the offences. Last July, he pleaded guilty to three breach of release charges and received a jail sentence of seven days time served.

RCMP officer honoured for catching drunk drivers

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Prince George RCMP Const. Keith McCreadie had a busy 2023. He completed 152 impaired driving investigations, which means he alone removed more than 100 dangerous drivers from the streets of Prince George.

This has earned him a provincial award. Alexa’s Award is given to officers who have completed at least 12 impaired driving investigations in a year.

McCreadie is no stranger to this award either, as he tied for the top spot in 2022 with 115 completed investigations.

“We are pleased to have such a dedicated police officer serving in our detachment,” said Prince George RCMP Supt. Darin Rappel in a statement issued on Wednesday, Dec. 11. “Const. McCreadie demonstrates the RCMP core value of serving with excellence and he continues to set an example for our junior members with his dedication.”

Const. Keith McCreadie has received the 2023 Alexa Award for his efforts in stopping impaired drivers.

Impaired drivers are charged under

the Immediate Roadside Prohibition Program (IRP), which was launched in 2010 after an impaired driver struck and

killed four-year-old Alexa Middelaer in 2008 as she was petting horses with her aunt. The award was named for her.

“I started focusing on impaired driving investigations after losing a friend when they were struck by an impaired driver,” McCreadie said in the statement.

“After attending my first Alexa’s Award ceremony, and hearing (her mother) Laurel Middelaer speak, I knew this would be a focus for my career.”

McCreadie was given this award just ahead of National Impaired Driving Day and the Light up the Night Campaign on Dec. 7, which saw more than 200 impaired drivers removed from the road provincially.

The program is designed to keep impaired drivers off the road for as long as possible.

To date, the program has seen more than 200,000 prohibitions served and a 50 per cent reduction in alcohol-related fatalities.

The PARTY’s over: long-running program suspended

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth program (PARTY) is a long-running community program for students in Prince George.

However, the program is suspended for at least the remainder of the school year after more than two decades of community service and educating more than 15,000 local and regional high school students.

Gary Godwin, a retired RCMP officer and a staple of the program, speaks to some of the issues that have caused the program to halt.

“We need volunteers and we need them dedicated for at least two years because if you get 40 students in there, they’ve gotta move around the hospital to go to different stations,” he said. “They’re in a classroom for the first two lectures, and then they have to go to the

chapel, and then to the morgue, and then for lunch, then back to the classrooms. So you need some volunteers to be there, make sure that all the kids are together.”

Godwin notes that another issue that has impacted the program is the day it is held. Mondays can be a difficult day to schedule, as the program often loses time to school holidays and long weekends. This issue compounds and often the program has to delay visits for classrooms for months.

Godwin also notes that there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of

students attending.

Running for 22 years, the program aimed to educate young people about the dangers of drunk driving and other risk-taking behaviours. It sees industry professionals and individuals with reallife experiences educate young people, increase their awareness of risks and urge them to take personal responsibility for their safety.

In-person sessions are held at the University Hospital of Northern BC, along with simulated memorial services in the hospital chapel and visits

to the morgue. These experiences are designed to give students hands-on participation with topics that they may be keen to avoid and therefore not understand.

Activities include introduction to training in naloxone administration, CPR, understanding the significance of the recovery position and the effects of substance impairment on the body and mind. As well, students are spoken to by individuals impacted by car accidents, drug addiction and other tragedies. They also practise resuscitation techniques with Northern Health and learn how people with disabilities deal with daily life.

Time will tell if the PARTY program will restart operations with new volunteers or if another similar program will take its place. For now, there are no programs like it in Prince George for students.

To learn more about the program, visit www.pgpartyprogram.ca.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

An RCMP officer talks to a driver at a roadside spot check in this file photo. PARTY, a program aimed at helping young people avoid impaired driving, is being suspended.

Don’t let porch pirates ruin your Christmas

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

With online holiday shopping getting easier and easier every day, the unfortunate downside is that holiday thievery is also getting much easier.

All it takes is one person and an unwatched driveway and you or your loved ones may be left high and dry come Christmas morning.

Amazon delivers at all hours of the day and with little notice besides an email or text that your package has arrived. Your package may be left out for hours, making it an easy target.

Many people have bought Ring cams for this exact reason, but these devices can be covered, or if a thief is wearing a mask that may be all they need to prevent an accurate description and a return of your package.

A reported one in four Canadians who shop online has been a victim of a porch pirate at one point or another.

Most porch pirates are looking to resell small expensive packages like handheld electronics, headphones or other high-value items.

The good news is that in most cases if evidence of theft is provided (security video footage, photos, proof of delivery, etc.) Amazon or other delivery companies will refund or even resend your package.

There are even insurance companies that specialize in porch piracy. For example, PorchPals will reimburse you for three stolen packages up to $2,000 for $120 a month.

So how do you prevent your packages from being stolen in the first place? For starters, the easiest and most certain way is to get your packages dropped off at a pickup location.

There are currently three UPS pick-up locations in Prince George at 5925 Gauthier Rd., 1027 Eastern St., and 1600 15 Ave. This may be a little inconvenient but it also guarantees that you will receive your package.

Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP, also

has some advice.

“If you find yourself a victim of porch pirate or theft from your doorstep, definitely report it to the shipping company,” Cooper said. “Often they’ll be able to help you replace your items, but if they can’t, or even if they can, make sure you report the theft to your local police so we can track these thefts and know where to deploy our resources the best. Often thieves will work in a concentrated area before moving on. We can find out if there’s a pattern or a trend, then we can send our Downtown Safety Unit, Problem-oriented Policing Team, or frontline police officers to try and figure out who the culprit is and see if we can catch them in the act. Especially if you have a video surveillance or doorbell camera accessing those images quickly and getting them to police can often help us to track down who’s responsible for these crimes.”

Here are a few more tips that can help you prevent your Christmas cheer (and gifts) from being stolen:

• Require a signature: This means that if you aren’t home to receive the package it will be redirected elsewhere, often this could be a trusted neighbour or family member.

• Set delivery time: Some delivery sites will let you set a specific timeframe so you can be home and able to receive and sign for said package

• Lockbox or lockbag: This method may not be the cheapest but it certainly is effective. Install a box big enough to fit packages on your porch or zip a bag capable of being padlocked to your railing. Amazon even sells a porch pirate bag that can help with this.

• Install Motion Detecting lights: Besides a doorbell cam, this is the next best thing you can install on your porch. This can both scare off thieves and can also alert you to any unexpected guests.

What’s happening in PG

Celebration of Lights goes to Monday, Dec. 23 and again from Friday, Dec. 27 to Monday, Dec. 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum, 850 River Road. Delight in the biggest light show in Northern BC with over 150,000 lights, light displays, rail cars and buildings in the museum park. For more information about scheduled entertainment and advance tickets visit www.pgrfm.bc.ca.

ClayWorks North’s Last Minute Holiday Pottery Sale goes Saturday, Dec. 21 at Studio 2880 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Need a last minute, handmade gift? Lots of unique items available. including new items fresh from the kiln.

Last Minute Market goes Saturday, Dec. 21 and Sunday, Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 777 Kinsmen Place. The holidays get hectic and time runs out faster when it’s holiday shopping season. If supporting local is your thing, we have vendors with the perfect last minute gifts for everyone left on your list.

Legion 43 Christmas Bake Sale goes Saturday, Dec. 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. at 1011116 Sixth Ave. Baking donations greatly accepted. Mark it on your calendar to stock up for your holiday goodies.

Yet Another Winter’s Eve - More Songs and Stories Celebrating Christmas goes Saturday, Dec. 21 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave., in downtown Prince George. Join Jody Newham, storyteller; Shoshanna Godber, harp; Raghu Lokanathan, accordion; Dave Godber, guitar; for an evening of stories and songs of the season. Family friendly. Admission is pay-what-you-can.

Live Nativity 2024 goes Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21 with three shows nightly at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. at College Heights Baptist Church, 5401 Moriarty Crescent. Celebrate the story of Christmas and sing along with the choir, pet the animals with the shepherds and watch as Mary and Joseph make their way to Bethlehem to deliver a Son in a manger, announced by angels and worshipped by wise men. This live event

takes place outside if weather permits, if not, it will move inside. Hot drinks and cookies served after each show.

Fresh Table Centrepiece Workshop goes Saturday, Dec. 21 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Studio 2880, 2880-15th Ave. Put together a festive table centerpiece featuring fresh locally foraged greenery, branches, cones and more. Mini carnations a long-lasting cut flower will also be available. Cookies and hot beverage included. Limited space available. Pre-registration is required by reaching out to Lisa with Wildflower Farm at 250961-3519 or email wildflowerfarmpg@ hotmail.com. $45 per person.

Said Dog Show goes Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. at Deadfall Brewing, 1733 Nicholson St. S. This is a fundraiser for Dutchess Park Secondary Band Program. Asking for a $15 donation at the door. Check out all their music at reverbnation.com/saiddog.

Nanaimo Clippers at Prince George Spruce Kings goes Saturday, Dec. 28 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 29 at 3 p.m. at

Kopar Memorial Arena, 888 Dominion St. For Spruce Kings tickets visit https:// www.sprucekings.bc.ca/tickets

Skiing with Santa! Goes Monday, Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hart Ski Hill, Hart Highlands Winter Club, 3740 Winslow Drive. Santa will be at the Hart Ski Hill skiing with his elf. Come join the fun.

Mike McGuire Raising Spirits goes Saturday, Dec. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Artspace, above Books & Co., 1686 Third Ave. McGuire, friends and family will perform the annual holiday stand-up comedy show appropriately named Raising Spirits. Tickets at Books & Co. $20 in advance or $25 at the door. New Year’s Boogie goes Dec. 30 at the Prince George Public Library main branch. Itty Bitty Boogie for those up to five years old goes from 11 to 11:45 a.m. with ball drop at 11:30 p.m. Big Boogie for all ages goes from 1:30 to 3 p.m. with ball drop at 2:45 p.m. Families with children in both age groups are encouraged to attend the Big Boogie. This is a free

drop in event. Light snacks and drinks provided. For more information about the event and its accessibility visit www.pgpl.ca/events/new-years-boogie.

Nelly’s Neon New Years Party goes Tuesday, Dec. 31 at Nelly’s Pub, 2280 Johan Hart Highway. No tickets, no cover charge. Just be sure to book reservations. Special is prime rib and shrimp dinner for $35. Party favours at midnight. Live music featuring Four on the Floor. Wear your best and brightest attire. Reservations highly recommended email info@nellyspizza.ca or call 250-563-0456, ext. 3.

Alegria, a traditional Latin New Year’s Party goes Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at PGSA Clubhouse, 1771 George Paul Ln,. Enjoy an authentic Mexican dinner and the best Latin music with DJ MAO. Cash bar. Doors open at 6 p.m. Where black or white and come prepared to dance and have fun. Tickets are $65. Call 778-349-7085. CONTINUED ON

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Comedian Mike McGuire’s Raising Spirits show happens Saturday, Dec. 28 at Artspace, above Books and Co. on Third Avenue.

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Glitter and Ice, a magical winter night presented by the Prince George Pride Society on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave., downtown. Family friendly evening, late lunch and adult dance to follow. There will be a silent auction, live music, late lunch, photo area, drinks, dancing and any other fun little goodies we can pull off. Bring friends, family, and remember to sparkle. For more information and tickets visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/ nye-glitter-and-ice.

Family New Year’s Eve goes Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Prestige Treasure Cove Prince George, 2005 Hwy 97S. Dance party, glow in the dark pool party, kids’ swag bags, New Year’s Eve countdown, kids concession, children’s activities, such as colouring and board games and even an executive parents lounge. For more information and tickets visit www.worldhotels.com/content/ luxury-hotels.

Karaoke Night New Year’s Eve goes Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Trench Brewing, 399 Second Ave. Sing your heart out and bring in the new year with some good times at Trench Brewing. Hosted by Mackenzie and Andy. Book a reservation at 236-423-0065.

Alpine Pub New Year’s Eve goes Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. at 6145 Kelly Road. Come ring in the new year with DJ Nels who will be spinning all night starting at 8 pm. with Triple A prime rib buffet starting at 7 pm. Music, dancing, beer pong. Karaoke bar upstairs. Prizes & Giveaways including a 50” 4K ROKU Flatscreen TV!!! Midnight Champagne. Tickets are $50 each.

Swing into 2025 on New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31at 7:30 p.m. at the Underground Show Lounge. Roar into 2025 with a night of vibes as swinging sounds created by Artistic DJs Phat Funk, Play On and Bruce Illest. Two floors of fun to enjoy. Private outdoor smoking patio. Affordable drink prices. Friendly staff that do our best

$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, where fibre artists are invited to bring their latest projects to share, vent frustrations, brag about successes, get and give help and join in lively discussions. Snacks provided. This event is in partnership with Great Northwest Fibre Fest.

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

to keep our patrons safe and happy. 19+, cash bar. For information and tickets visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ swing-in-the-new-year-the-underground

Light Up the Orchard goes until Dec. 31 at Northern Lights Estate Winery, 745 Prince George Pulpmill Rd.. 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

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

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

NORTHERN LIGHTS ESTATE WINERY/FACEBOOK PHOTO

Visitors can walk through enchanting light installations around the propert and capture holiday memories at various themed photo stations as Light Up the Orchard goes until Dec. 31 at Northern Lights Estate Winery, 745 Prince George Pulpmill Rd.

Local women’s organizations receive federal funding

TALAR STOCKTON Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Eleven million dollars in federal funds have been announced for northern women’s organizations. The funds are spread across 16 different women’s organizations from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL, to Prince George.

The announcement was made in Whitehorse on Sunday, Dec. 8 by Marci Ien, the federal minister of women and gender equality and youth.

Two Prince George organizations are among the organizations to benefit from the funding. The Positive Living North: No Kheyoh T’sih’en T’sehena Society will receive $425,500 through the Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities Fund, while the Prince George and District Elizabeth Fry Society will receive $480,880 through the Women’s Capacity Fund.

More than $5 million of the funds will go to Toronto-based Canadian Women’s Foundation for programming focused on gender equality in the North.

Ien was joined by Yukoners Élodie Bernard of Francophone organization Les EssentiElles and Liz Peredun of Yukon Women in Trades and Technology (YWITT). The organizations

speaks to attendees at a press conference at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse on Dec. 8.

received $584,070 and $599,096, respectively.

Peredun, the executive director of YWITT, said the funding was “a testament to endorsing the belief of what we see as a future in gender equality in the trades and technology sectors in particular.”

She said that the organization focuses on supporting women and gender-diverse people working in trades, technology, mining and construction. Peredun said many men had joined to cause to

support their coworkers as allies.

As for Les EssentiElles, the funding they have received will go towards researching the specific issues Francophone women in the North face in economic prosperity and accessing leadership, according to Ien.

Ien said the federal gender equality ministry was not receiving applications for funding from Northern women’s organizations.

“There was a huge gap. We weren’t seeing people apply. So we came to the

people and so basically visited the organizations. We were able to see who was doing what, and then they all applied,” said Ien.

Ien said most of the time organizations are too busy to apply for federal funding opportunities, often having to focus on the work at hand.

She also said that the department used a grading criteria to decide which organizations received funding.

“I would say the biggest part is that systemic part: Is this going to help women? Is this going to help them succeed? Is this going to succeed in a way, and I look at, you know, the trades part, where women haven’t succeeded before, is it going to make new inroads? What is going to happen here? Is it viable?”

According to Statistics Canada, the rate of intimate partner violence is highest in the North, with a rate of 1,073 victims per 100,000 people. In comparison, the rural south has a rate of 393 per 100,000 and the urban south has a rate of 299 per 100,000.

The rate of intimate partner violence in the North has increased by 21 per cent since 2018. In the rural and urban south, rates have increased 17 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively.

PG Community Foundation funds five local non-profits

CITIZEN STAFF

The Prince George Community Foundation has awarded $94,434 through its Community Impact Grant to support projects at five local non-profits.

Each initiative was selected for its ability to create positive change and empower individuals from all backgrounds, states a press release.

The funded projects include:

• Scouts Canada’s Camp Hughes: $10,000 for the kitchen renewal project. The kitchen serves not only Scouts Canada but also other user groups.

• Canadian Red Cross (Prince George): $10,000 to purchase

55 four-wheeled walkers for the organization’s HELP loan program, helping local residents with mobility challenges

• Prince George Conservatory of Music: $35,000 for a new grand piano to enhance the conservatory’s main performance space

• The Exploration Place: $10,000 towards the creation of a new Children STEAM Gallery, an interactive exhibit designed to engage hands-on science exploration

• Pacific Autism Family Network: $29,434 to fund an inclusive playground

“These grants reflect the shared vision of community leaders and organizations committed to strengthening the fabric of our city,” stated Mindy Stroet, director of development for the Prince George Community Foundation, in a press release.

“These projects will ensure that residents of all ages and abilities have the resources and support they need to thrive.”

The Community Impact Grant, which is open each fall, provides up to $100,000 in funding for larger-scale projects.

Funding amounts vary depending on the quality of the proposals and the number of applications the foundation received.

TALAR STOCKTON, LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER PHOTO

Marci Ien, the federal minister of women and gender equality and youth,

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

The Prince George Conservatory of Music will receive $35,000 to buy a new grand piano through the Prince George Community Foundation.

100 Hampers for 100 Families

Phil Ramage hands Nelly’s Pub manager Vicky Lockyer the 100 Hampers For 100 Families Top Fundraiser trophy while pub owner Stew Malgunas, far right, hands Brian Leslie of the charity a cheque for $1,000 raised by the servers pictured with them Tuesday, Dec. 10. Accepting the challenge issued to five local pubs and restaurants to raise funds for the local charity 100 Hampers for 100 Families, the staff raised more than $1,000 to help feed families from Ron Brent Public School who are in need over the Christmas holidays.

BO the Elf goes off on a Merry Christmas adventure

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Once upon a time a long time ago there was a young boy named Olaf who went to a very special daycare.

The nice lady who took care of threeyear-old Olaf gifted all the children a special little elf at a very special time of year.

Magical BO the Elf went on many adventures with Olaf and his family. Visiting here, there and everywhere.

One day BO the Elf, who always gets into mischief, decided to hop into Olaf’s backpack.

BO decided to go on a quest for a little edumacation.

That’s right, B) secretly went to school with Olaf.

But, uh-oh, BO did not make it back home that day, not so long ago. Would Olaf’s family find BO? Would BO find his family? Would that mischievous little elf get back home in time for Christmas?

“BO’s magic and his craziness just grows every year,” Olaf’s mom, Erica McLean, said.

McLean shared a few of the shenanigans BO’s been up to during the the past fours.

“Our family loves protein powder in our smoothies and last year BO had taken some protein powder and made snow angels with it on the counter and recently BO had written a note to Olaf that said, “I made your school pictures prettier,’ and so we had to go around the house looking for BO and we found him next to last year’s school pictures and he had drawn funny eyebrows and moustaches on

the kids’ pictures.”

This is not the first time BO has hopped into Olaf’s backpack for some adventure.

“BO has snuck into the car in Olaf’s backpack as we’ve gone on Christmas trips before so it’s not new that BO is clever enough to sneak into the car,”

McLean explained.

This time around it went a bit differently.

“I received a note from Olaf’s teacher that BO needed to stay home because he had too much fun in the classroom,” McLean said.

“Coincidentally, that was the day that BO went missing. He didn’t make it back home and I have to tell you there was lots of fear and anxiety and worry that BO was lost forever.”

Olaf was distressed, to say the least.

“Olaf came home and said ‘I have bad news, I think BO is gone but he is magic so maybe he teleported back home.’ So Olaf started looking for him and we were very worried for him. We could sense the anxiety.”

It turns out that BO had simply fallen out of Olaf’s backpack on the school bus home.

“So Olaf’s best friend found Olaf and gave him to the bus driver and made sure Olaf got BO back the very next day,” McLean said.

So a big shout-out goes to Olaf’s best friend and Mr. Bus Driver of Route 20.

When Olaf came back from school all was right with the world.

“Olaf walked in the door and said ‘Guess what, Mom? He’s here! Everything’s OK.’ It was an emotional reunion and there was lots and lots of relief. I really feel this just adds to the magic that is BO. I feel like him having those adventures under his belt has really strengthened BO’s connection to our family.”

Merry Christmas everyone and may you all enjoy the magic of the holidays just like the McLean family.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

BO the Elf had quite a little adventure recently as he went to school with his friend Olaf.

Christmas Greetings and Carols

Frosty The Snowman written by Walter “Jack” Rollins and Steve Nelson

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul, With a corncob pipe and a button nose

And two eyes made out of coal. Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale, they say, He was made of snow but the children know how he came to life one day. There must have been some magic in that Old silk hat they found. For when they placed it on his head He began to dance around.

O, Frosty the snowman Was alive as he could be, And the children say he could laugh And play just the same as you and me.

Thumpety thump thump, Thumpety thump thump, Look at Frosty go. Thumpety thump thump, Thumpety thump thump, Over the hills of snow.

Frosty the snowman knew

The sun was hot that day, So he said, “Let’s run and We’ll have some fun Now before I melt away.”

Down to the village, With a broomstick in his hand, Running here and there all Around the square saying, Catch me if you can. He led them down the streets of town Right to the traffic cop. And he only paused a moment when He heard him holler “Stop!”

For Frosty the snowman Had to hurry on his way, But he waved goodbye saying, “Don’t you cry, I’ll be back again some day.”

Thumpety thump thump, Thumpety thump thump, Look at Frosty go.

Thumpety thump thump, Thumpety thump thump, Over the hills of snow.

A message from Prince George’s Mayor Simon Yu

Wishing you all the best for the holiday season & looking forward to a prosperous New Year.

Simon Yu

Prince George

A

Holly Jolly Christmas Song by Burl Ives Songwriter is Johnny Marks

Ding, dong, ding Ding, dong, ding

Have a holly jolly Christmas

It’s the best time of the year

I don’t know if there’ll be snow

But have a cup of cheer

Have a holly jolly Christmas

And when you walk down the street

Say hello to friends you know

And everyone you meet Ho, ho, the mistletoe

Hung where you can see

Somebody waits for you Kiss her once for me

Have a holly jolly Christmas

And in case you didn’t hear Oh, by golly

Have a holly jolly Christmas

This year

Have a holly jolly Christmas

It’s the best time of the year

Have a holly jolly Christmas

And when you walk down the street

Say hello to friends you know

And everyone you meet Ho, ho, the mistletoe

Hung where you can see

Somebody waits for you

Kiss her once for me

Have a holly jolly Christmas

And in case you didn’t hear Oh, by golly

Have a holly jolly Christmas

This year

(Ding, dong, ding, dong)

(Ding, dong, ding, dong)

(Ding, dong, ding, dong)

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer Song by Elmo

Shropshire

Songwriter is Randy Brooks

Grandma got run over by a reindeer Walking home from our house Christmas eve.

You can say there’s no such thing as Santa, But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

She’d been drinkin’ too much egg nog, And we’d begged her not to go. But she’d left her medication, So she stumbled out the door into the snow.

When they found her Christmas mornin’, At the scene of the attack. There were hoof prints on her forehead, And incriminatin’ Claus marks on her back.

It’s not Christmas without Grandma. All the family’s dressed in black. And we just can’t help but wonder: Should we open up her gifts or send them back?

Grandma got run over by a reindeer, Walkin’ home from our house Christmas eve. You can say there’s no such thing as Santa, But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

Now the goose is on the table And the pudding made of fig. And a blue and silver candle, That would just have matched the hair in Grandma’s wig.

Grandma got run over by a reindeer, Walkin’ home from our house Christmas eve.

You can say there’s no such thing as Santa, But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

Now were all so proud of Grandpa, He’s been takin’ this so well. See him in there watchin’ football, Drinkin’ beer and playin’ cards

I’ve warned all my friends and neighbours. “ Better watch out for yourselves.” They should never give a license, To a man who drives a sleigh and plays with elves.

Grandma got run over by a reindeer, Walkin’ home from our house, Christmas eve. You can say there’s no such thing as Santa, But as for me and

Run Rudolph Run

Song by Chuck Berry

Out of all the reindeers you know you are the mastermind Run, run Rudolph, Randolph ain’t too far behind Run, run Rudolph, Santa’s gotta make it to town

Santa, make him hurry, tell him he can take the freeway down Run, run Rudolph ‘cause I’m reelin’ like a merry-go-round

Said Santa to a boy child, “What have you been longin’ for?”

“All I want for Christmas is a rock ‘n’ roll ‘lectric guitar”

And then away went Rudolph whizzin’ like a shootin’ star

Run, run Rudolph, Santa’s has to make it in town

Santa, make him hurry, tell him he can take the freeway down Run, run Rudolph, reelin’ like a merry-go-round

Run, run Rudolph, Santa’s gotta make it to town

Santa, make him hurry, tell him he can take the freeway down Run, run Rudolph, I’m reelin’ like a merry-go-round

Said Santa to a girl child, “What would please you most to get?”

“A little baby doll that can cry, sleep, drink and wet”

And then away went Rudolph, whizzin’ like a Saber jet

Run, run Rudolph, Santa’s gotta make it to town

Santa, make him hurry, tell him he can take the freeway down Run, run Rudolph I’m reelin’ like a merry-go-round

Silver Bells

Song by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans

[Verse 1]

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks

Dressed in holiday style

In the air there’s a feeling Of Christmas

Children laughing, people passing

Meeting smile after smile

And on every street corner you’ll hear

[Chorus]

Silver bells, Silver bells

It’s Christmas time in the city

Ring-a-ling, Hear them ring

Soon it will be Christmas Day

[Verse 2]

Strings of streetlights, even stoplights Blink of bright red and green As the shoppers rush home with their treasures Hear the snow crunch See the kids bunch

This is Santa’s big scene

And above all the bustle you’ll hear

[Chorus]

Silver bells, Silver bells

It’s Christmas time in the city Ring-a-ling, hear them ring Soon it will be Christmas Day Soon it will be Christmas Day

The ‘Huron Carol Jean de Brébeuf

‘Twas in the moon of winter-time When all the birds had fled, That mighty Gitchi Manitou Sent angel choirs instead; Before their light the stars grew dim, And wandering hunters heard the hymn: “Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, In excelsis gloria.”

Within a lodge of broken bark The tender Babe was found, A ragged robe of rabbit skin Enwrapp’d His beauty round; But as the hunter braves drew nigh, The angel song rang loud and high... “Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, In excelsis gloria.”

The earliest moon of wintertime Is not so round and fair As was the ring of glory On the helpless infant there. The chiefs from far before him knelt With gifts of fox and beaver pelt. “Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, In excelsis gloria.”

O children of the forest free, O sons of Manitou, The Holy Child of earth and heaven Is born today for you. Come kneel before the radiant Boy Who brings you beauty, peace and joy. “Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, In excelsis gloria.”

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas,

The Twelve Days of Christmas

my true love gave to me

Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens,

Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds,

Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me

Twelve drummers drumming, Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree!

Mele Kalikimaka written in 1949 by R. Alex Anderson

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say

On a bright Hawaiian Christmas day That’s the island greeting that we send to you From the land where palm trees sway

Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright

The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night

Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii’s way

To say Merry Christmas to you

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say

On a bright Hawaiian Christmas day That’s the island greeting that we send to you From the land where palm trees sway

Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright

The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night

Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii’s way

To say Merry Christmas to you

Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright

The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night

Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii’s way

To say Merry Christmas to you

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say

On a bright Hawaiian Christmas day That’s the island greeting that we send to you From the land where palm trees sway

Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright

The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night

Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii’s way

To say Merry Christmas

A very Merry Christmas

A very, very, Merry, Merry Christmas to you

Away In The Manger

Away in a manger No crib for a bed

The little Lord Jesus Laid down His sweet head

The stars in the bright sky

Looked down where He lay

The little Lord Jesus Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing

The Baby awakes

But little Lord Jesus No crying He makes

I love You, Lord Jesus Look down from the sky And stay by my side

Until morning is nigh

Be near me, Lord Jesus I ask You to stay Close by me forever And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children In Your tender care And fit us for heaven To live with You there

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

God rest ye merry gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

Remember Christ our Savior

Was born on Christmas Day

To save us all from Satan’s pow’r

When we were gone astray

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

God rest ye merry gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

Remember Christ our Savior

Was born on Christmas Day

To save us all from Satan’s pow’r

When we were gone astray

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

In Bethlehem, in Israel

This blessed Babe was born And laid within a manger

Upon this blessed morn

The which His Mother Mary

Did nothing take in scorn

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Fear not then, said the Angel

Let nothing you affright

This day is born a Savior

Of a pure Virgin bright

To free all those who trust in Him

From Satan’s pow’r and might

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

God rest ye merry gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

Remember Christ our Savior

Was born on Christmas Day

To save us all from Satan’s pow’r

When we were gone astray

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Mary’s boy child, Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day

And man will live forevermore because of Christmas Day

Long time ago in Bethlehem, so the Holy Bible said Mary’s boy child, Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day

Hark, now hear the angels sing, a king was born today

And man will live forevermore because of Christmas Day

Mary’s boy child, Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day

While shepherds watch their flocks by night

They see a bright new shining star

They hear a choir sing a song, the music seemed to come from afar

Mary's Boy Child / Oh My Lord

Song by Boney M.

Hark, now hear the angels sing, a king was born today

And man will live forevermore because of Christmas Day

Mmh-mmh, Mmh-hmm

Mmh-mmh, Mmh-mmh-hmm

Mmh-mmh-mmh-hmm

Mmh-hmm-mmh-mmh

For a moment the world was aglow, all the bells rang out

There were tears of joy and laughter, people shouted “Let everyone know, there is hope for all to find peace”

Oh my Lord

You sent Your son to save us

Oh my Lord

Your very self You gave us

Oh my Lord

Dear valued readers and advertisers...

We want to extend warm wishes to you and your family this holiday season. Our mission remains unchanged: to deliver the stories that resonate within our community. You can continue to rely on us to bring you accurate and timely news on the topics that matter most. Our community newspaper thrives because of your belief in us. We cannot thank you enough for being part of our journey!

That sin may not enslave us

And love may reign once more

Oh my Lord

When in the crib they found Him

Oh my Lord

A golden halo crowned Him

Oh my Lord

They gathered all around Him

To see Him and adore (this day will live forever)

Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)

They had become to doubt You

Oh my Lord (He is the truth forever)

What did they know about You?

Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)

But they were lost without You

They needed You so bad (His light is shining on us)

Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord) With the child’s adoration

Oh my lord (He is a personation) There came great jubilation

Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord) And full of admiration

They realized what they had (until the sun falls from the sky)

Oh my Lord (oh praise the Lord) You sent Your son to save us

Oh my Lord (this day will live forever)

Your very self You gave us

Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)

Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas season, and all the best for 2025! On behalf of the entire Citizen Team Cameron & Terresa

Throwback Thursday: Week of December 19

Dec. 19, 1966: Police recovered a safe believed stolen in a break-in at Munro Hardware on Carney Street several weeks earlier. The safe was found on Sintich Road near Highway 97, with its door torn off and its contents stolen. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Dec. 19, 1994: BC Hydro crews had to clear away downed power lines after a crane toppled over on Ongman Road. Not seen in this photo is the Christmas tree the boom had suspended, which ended up in the ditch on the other side of the road. The lit-up tree was a striking sight for years, as in the dark it appeared to be floating in midair. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY

17, 1982:

contain her excitement long enough for the elves to finish singing It Must Be Santa when she spotted the jolly, red-suited gentleman waiting in the wings. She simply had to point out his presence to the audience before he made his grand entrance. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY

Dec. 20, 2014: Isaiah Berry of the PGSS Polars took a shot on College Heights Cougars goalie Josh Fielding during the Spirit of Hockey and Community Cup high school game at the CN Centre. The Cougars edged the Polars 6-5 with 1,500 fellow students in the stands.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY BRENT

BRAATEN

DAVE MILNE

Dec.

Malaspina Elementary School kindergarten student Michelle McElroy, 5, couldn’t

BROCK GABLE

Barkerville looks to the future after a wildfire summer

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

When a standing evacuation order was issued for Wells, and by extension Barkerville Historic Town and Park, Carrie Chard and her partner, along with a handful of staff, were the only people left remaining in the museum town as a wildfire raged just two kilometres away.

“Everybody else had left the district of Wells,” said Chard, now the pioneer village’s general manager. “We had a couple of other staff that lived in the area that stayed behind as well to help out.”

Barkerville also had some local help. Structure protection equipment was lent to Barkerville by the City Of Prince George after it was bought with funds raised by Miracle Theatre through its 2024 production, A Comedy of Tenors.

“With BC Wildfire moving in it became complex, we ended up with structure protection that arrived to help finish what we had already started with installing rooftop sprinklers and hose lines,” Chard said. “BC Wildfire was also here helping build and test equipment we had never had before. It soon just became common knowledge that we were probably about 80 per cent prepared, but we were still missing 20 per cent.”

In what seemed like a miracle, the combination of the “moisture dome” provided by the structure protection installed and a recent rainstorm helped the historic site avoid destruction. Besides a few burnt spots from ash and burning debris from the sky, the town was left very soggy but unscathed.

Despite remaining intact, the historic town still had some hurdles to overcome when it came to reopening.

“It hit us right in the middle of the heart of the tourism season,” said Chard. “Having to evacuate residents and tourists … We had to evacuate everybody out of here. We were closed for 10 or 12 days which had a huge impact. Then afterwards trying

to make a comeback and get people to come back to the end of the road to come visit. Our season was devastated. So we never fully recovered. People came back, but not how it should be.”

Despite this, Chard is still optimistic about the future.

“We are trying to expand into other opportunities with groups like mountain bike groups or hiking groups, stuff like that, and try and give them a base camp. We know that we’re going to live with fire on the landscape moving forward and we knew it was coming. We just didn’t know how we were going to prepare for that at the time.”

Barkerville is well-prepared for the next possible fire, training its staff in fire protection both for themselves and the village’s wooden buildings. They are also learning the realities of living with the possibility of wildfires in the area and they hope to pass that knowledge

to guests as well.

Chard expressed thanks to BC Wildfire, The Wells Fire Brigade and all the locals that helped before, during and after the wildfires.

She also thanked financial donors like

Seneca Enterprises, Swiss Gold Mines and West Fraser.

The structure protection equipment was returned to Prince George to be formally handed over in a ceremony on Monday, Dec. 16.

BARKERVILLE HERITAGE TRUST PHOTO

Wildfire smoke is seen over Barkerville Historic Town and Park in this photo taken last summer. The flames came close to the mostly wooden pioneer museum village, but the town was spared in part due to new suppression equipment that was to be donated to the City of Prince George, as seen below.

BARKERVILLE HERITAGE TRUST PHOTO

Health pilot project launching in the Robson Valley

ERICA KOOPMANS Northern Health

Northern Health (NH) is excited to announce that Robson Valley has been selected as a pilot community for implementing the Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM) in Northern BC.

The IPM is an international, evidence-based, youth substance use prevention initiative.

This project is backed by a generous $125,000 grant from the Public Health Agency of Canada through its Youth Substance Use Prevention Program (YSUPP).

The funding is part of a $3.1 million national investment to prevent substance use and promote wellness among Canadian young people through adaptation of the Icelandic Prevention Model in Canada.

NH will work in partnership with Planet Youth, the organization which helps implement this model worldwide, to begin engagement and planning for implementation of the project in the Robson Valley.

Over the next year, NH will collaborate with young people, caring adults, and community partners in the Robson Valley to complete training on the

IPM and build a community coalition focused on youth wellness.

This work will be led by a local

co-ordinator in the Robson Valley. We will also host community engagement sessions in the Robson Valley to

learn from youth and the wider community how this model could work in their geographic area, what changes might be required, and opportunities to better support young people with the resources and skills they need to make healthier life choices.

Every community in our region could benefit from additional support for young people’s health and wellness.

“In our work in Northern BC, we have heard youth share dreams and ideas for inclusive community spaces and opportunities that support their wellness, and build a sense of belonging and connection,” said Chantelle Wilson, executive lead of the Child and Youth Service Network at Northern Health.

While this pilot project is beginning in the Robson Valley, the goal is to spark a trend of exciting opportunities for learning and collaboration with other communities, ensuring a bright future for youth across the region.

If you are interested in learning more about the Icelandic Prevention Model and Planet Youth, please visit our Let’s Talk Webpage.

You can also reach out to the Planet Youth team directly at ChildYouthHealth@northernhealth.ca.

New hospital opens in January

Earlier this month, staff at the new Fort St. James Hospital and Health Centre worked with the team from ZGF Architects to take pictures of the facility before it opens in January. Northern Health asked community members to be models and show how the space will be used. Staff is being trained in the new space and putting on the finishing touches before the hospital welcomes patients in the new year. Triple the size of the existing Stuart Lake Hospital (approximately 6,300 square feet), the new hospital will model excellence in health care, incorporating modern best practices and standards, as well as bringing multiple health services under one roof. The new hospital will provide culturally-safe care for residents of Fort St. James, surrounding areas, and local Indigenous communities.

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO

A poster supporting youth is displayed outside Valemount Community Hall.

Healthy North

Volunteer with NH

Meet Aarya, one of our dedicated volunteers at UHNBC! Whether he’s helping patients order meals or guiding families at the Information Desk, Aarya’s compassion and dedication shine through his volunteering. Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers - you make our facilities that much better! Read the full story here: Stories.northernhealth.ca/stories/aaryasjourney-volunteer-mentor-uhnbc. For a list of current volunteer opportunities with NH visit Northernhealth. ca/about-us/get-involved/volunteering-northernhealth.

Urgent Primary Care

Northern Health recognizes the Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC) in Prince George provides an important resource for patients who do not have a primary care provider (family physician or nurse practitioner) and patients needing after-hours care. As of December 8th, the UPCC now operates under a new service model where in patients will be registered on arrival and be triaged by a nurse; patients will be seen in order of urgency, not in order of arrival. Depending on the patient’s needs, they may be seen by a physician, nurse practitioner, nurse, or other health professional that day, or be sent to the UHNBC emergency department. Find more information on our webpage: Northernhealth.ca/find-a-facility/medicalclinics/prince-george-urgent-and-primary-care-centre.

Indigenous care co-ordinator stories: Kelly Stalker

TERESA BENNETT Northern Health

Northern Health’s Indigenous Patient Liaison (IPL) program provides a bridge between Indigenous communities, their culture, and health care providers.

The role of the IPL is to help bridge the gap between Western and traditional medicine to ensure a health care system that honours diversity and provides services in a culturally relevant way.

Indigenous Patient Liaison Program staff work in collaboration with key partners such as on-site staff, managers, and the Patient Care Quality Office to develop, implement, and evaluate processes to address the concerns and experiences of Indigenous people within the health care system.

In this article, we highlight and hear from Indigenous community engagement advisor Kelly Stalker, who works at Kitimat General Hospital (KGH).

“I feel privileged to be in this role in Northern Health,” says Kelly. “As a non-Indigenous person, I’m always

Kelly Stalker is the Indigenous community engagement advisor at Kitimat General Hospital.

striving to listen more, learn more, and be part of meaningful change in my workplace and in my personal life. I know I don’t always get it right, and I take the teachings with gratitude. I cherish the relationships I have developed.”

Indigenous Patient Liaisons (IPLs) can assist patients and families with a variety of requests related to their health care, and if they can’t help directly, they can help make connections with the right people. An IPL’s concern for

a patient’s wellbeing doesn’t begin and end with when they see you in hospital; they want patients to feel supported holistically with wrap-around supports.

Stalker has been in her role for the last year and a half and is dedicated to advocating for culturally safe and respectful care for all First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people who access care at KGH.

Stalker was born and raised in Bowmanville, Ont., on the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Ojibwe peoples as a settler of Scottish/English descent.

She has lived in what is now called British Columbia for much of her adult life and has worked and resided on several unceded territories across the province, including those of the Secwepemc, Silyx, Ktunaxa, Sinixt, Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, Musqueam, and Treaty 8.

Stalker is grateful to be welcomed to the unceded territory of the Haisla Nation where she now lives, works, and thrives.

When not at work, Kelly enjoys exploring the beautiful North and being with her kids, her friends, and her dogs.

BC to receive $3.5B for cancer fight in tobacco lawsuit

CITIZEN STAFF

VICTORIA – A major milestone was reached Thursday, Dec. 12 in the ongoing legal battle with tobacco companies, as all provincial and territorial governments, along with class action plaintiffs, have voted in favour of a plan proposed by a court-appointed mediator.

With the creditors unified behind the proposal, the provincial government is now urging tobacco companies to accept the agreement.

“This is a critical step forward after 20 years of litigation, including five years of mediation,” said Premier David Eby.

“Tobacco has harmed far too many people, and the companies behind it have avoided accountability for far too long. We now call on them to take responsibility for their deceptive

actions and accept this plan. B.C. has led the charge in holding powerful corporations accountable, and we will continue to pursue every legal avenue to get justice for those harmed by tobacco.”

The proposed plan, valued at more than $32 billion, aims to provide compensation to individuals affected by smoking-related illnesses.

It also seeks to fund healthcare systems across Canada and establish

a foundation to support treatment research.

British Columbia stands to receive approximately $3.5 billion, which will be invested in cancer treatment, primary care, research into treatments, and smoking cessation programs.

This legal action dates back to 1998, when B.C. filed a lawsuit against the three major Canadian tobacco manufacturers and their foreign parent companies.

The suit sought to recover the costs associated with treating tobacco-related diseases, arguing that these companies were responsible for the wrongful promotion and sale of tobacco products for decades.

“Tobacco companies’ deceptive practices led millions to start smoking without understanding the risks,” said Niki Sharma, attorney general of BC.

“This plan represents a significant step forward in holding the tobacco industry accountable and securing vital resources for public health in B.C. It’s time for resolution.”

The plan is set to go before the court for final approval during a hearing scheduled for January 29-31, 2025. If approved, this will mark a significant turning point in the lengthy litigation process.

The mediator filed the proposed Plans of Arrangement on October 17, 2024.

British Columbia was the first province to file a lawsuit against the major Canadian tobacco manufacturers and their foreign affiliates.

The number of daily smokers in Canada is now one-third of what it was in 1990, and one-fifth of what it was during the period covered by the lawsuit.

Eby Sharma

Local Sports McBride’s Tanner Molendyk ready for world juniors

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Nothing against being with all his folks back home in McBride, but Tanner Molendyk is right where he wants to be, spending the upcoming Christmas season in Ottawa.

Assuming he stays healthy, the 19-year-old Saskatoon Blades defenceman has a lock on a job playing for Team Canada in the IIHF World Junior Championship, Dec. 26-Jan.5.

A year ago Molendyk was all set to suit up for Canada in Finland but broke his wrist in the final pre-tournament game, which ruined a chance to realize his junior hockey dream.

Molendyk is back and looking forward to playing in front of a full house at Canadian Tire Centre on Boxing Day when Canada opens against Finland.

“Obviously to get a second chance is huge,” Molendyk told TSN. “Last year didn’t go as planned, no one should go through that, I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, but it’s nice to be back,” he said.

“It was one of the hardest parts of my career, it was tough. But looking back on it I think it made me go through a learning curve and get better as a person and better as player, so I think it helped me out in the long run.

“The hunger to get back here and dominate this tournament is huge.”

Molendyk, the Nashville Predators’ first-round draft pick in 2023, picked 24th overall, is in his fourth WHL season with the Blades.

Saskatoon is a first-place team again, leading the Eastern Conference with a 17-8-2-2 record. The Blades have made it to the Eastern final the past two seasons, including their epic seven-game series loss last spring to the Moose Jaw Warriors with six of the seven games decided by overtime.

This season with the Blades Molendyk

Saskatoon Blades defenseman Tanner Molendyk feels the pressure as the Cougars’ Koehn Ziemmer closes in on him at CN Centre on Nov. 5. Molendyk, from McBride, is playing for Team Canada at the World Juniors.

is on a point-per-game pace with four goals and 17 assists in 21 games.

In camp he’s been paired with Seattle Thunderbirds captain Sawyer Mynio, Molendyk’s minor hockey teammate when they were first-year bantams playing in Kamloops and prior to that in spring hockey.

“I kind of grew up with him my whole life,” said Molendyk.

“He’s a super guy, and our families grew up together in McBride and it’s special to have him here.”

The Canadians were eliminated from world junior medal contention at last year’s championship with a quarterfinal loss to Czechia.

Molendyk remained with the team and watched the games in Finland and Canada sorely missed having the services of one of its best skaters and top shutdown defencemen.

“That was a big loss for us last year and we really look forward to him being a big part of this year’s team because of how he plays,” said Hockey Canada Program of Excellence manager Peter

Anholt. “He’s competitive, his skill level’s elite and his character is second to none.”

Dan De Palma, who was born and raised in Prince George and now lives in Kamloops, where he’s the Kamloops Blazers’ goaltending consultant, is Team Canada’s goalie coach for the world junior tournament.

Canada opens its pre-tournament schedule Thursday, Dec. 19 against Switzerland.

Prince George Cougars team captain Riley Heidt was at the camp, but was cut last Friday.

In his last attempt to crack the Team Canada roster before he ages out for 19U IIHF World Junior Championship, the 19-year-old Saskatoon native was one of five forwards released following a four-day tryout camp in

Ottawa.

Other Western Hockey League players cut from the roster were forward Andrew Cristall of the Kelowna Rockets and Seattle Thunderbirds goalie Scott Ratzlaff.

In addition to Molendyk, seven other WHL players made the Canadian team roster, including forwards Tanner Howe (Calgary Hitmen), Berkly Catton (Spokane Chiefs) Brayden Yager (Lethbridge Hurricanes) and Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers), as well as defencemen Caden Price (Kelowna Rockets) and Sawyer Mynio (Seattle Thunderbirds) and goaltender Carson Bjarnason (Brandon Wheat Kings).

“We are excited to unveil the 25 players who have earned the opportunity to represent Canada at the World Juniors, as we believe we have assembled a competitive and talented roster that will give us the best opportunity to win a gold medal on home ice,” said Anholt.

“While there were many difficult decisions to make at selection camp, we want to congratulate our players, and we look forward to them wearing the Maple Leaf with pride in Ottawa.”

Canada faces Finland in its opening game Thursday, Dec. 26.

The Canadians will also play three pre-tournament games: Thursday, Dec. 19 against Switzerland, Saturday, Dec. 21 against Sweden and Monday, Dec. 23 against Czechia.

Team Canada roster

Forwards: Gavin McKenna, Bradly Nadeau, Brayden Yager, Jett Luchanko, Luca Pinelli, Berkly Catton, Carson Rehkpof, Ethan Gauthier, Calum Ritchie, Porter Martone, Tanner Howe, Cole Beaudoin, Easton Cowan, Mathieu Cataford

Defencemen: Andrew Gibson, Sam Dickinson, Caden Price, Oliver Bonk, Tanner Molendyk, Sawyer Mynio, Beau Akey, Matthew Schaefer

Meanwhile, Riley Heidt returns to the Cougars after being cut from the Team Canada roster at Ottawa training camp

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Heidt

Jared Young returns to MLB with NY Mets

The New York Mets signed infielder Prince George native Jared Young to a one-year contract Monday, adding depth at first base after star slugger Pete Alonso became a free agent this fall. Young is a .210 career hitter with two homers, eight RBIs and a .725 OPS in 22 major league games and 69 plate appearances with the Chicago Cubs from 2022-23. He was claimed off waivers by St. Louis in November 2023 and batted .285 with 11 homers and a .917 OPS at Triple-A Memphis this year before getting released by the Cardinals in July. Young then played 38 games for the Doosan Bears in Korea, hitting .326 with 10 homers, 39 RBIs and a 1.080 OPS. A left-handed hitter, the 29-year-old Young was selected by the Cubs in the 15th round of the 2017 amateur draft out of Old Dominion in Virginia. All 12 of his big league starts have come at first base. He has played every position in the minors besides catcher and centre field.

Cougars goalie becomes the team’s first bobblehead

Fans can own a mini Joshua Ravensbergen

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

What better way to pay tribute to a favourite athlete than to immortalize him with a bobblehead?

Goalie Joshua Ravensbergen, a Prince George Cougars fan favourite, now has his very own claim to fame.

The charming little collectible will soon make its debut and will be gifted to Cougars loyal Fifth Line at the Teddy Bear Toss weekend hockey games held recently at CN Centre, along with season ticket holders and those who have preordered the icon online.

“We’ve never done one before so we thought we would introduce it,” said Taylor Dakers, the Cougars’ director of business operations and goaltending coach.

“We have a few players that are on

people’s minds all the time.”

So why Ravensbergen?

“He’s just got a great face for a bobblehead,” Dakers said.

“It turned out pretty good. It looks just like him. I wish we could’ve got him smiling a bit more because he’s always got a big ol’ grin on his face but it’s pretty close so we’re pretty happy.”

It’s quite a process to get a bobblehead made, Dakers added.

“The merch manager had or found a contact in China so we were communicating directly with the company in China that does this,” Dakers said.

“I took it over and basically just emailed back and forth in the evenings with this person in China and sent a dozen photos of Josh’s face and his profile and the back and everything. Then they hand carve it out of clay and they sent a video and pictures and went through two or three revisions and then they hand-paint it and then any decals

and stencils we want added we design them in Illustrator and send them over.”

After being manufactured, the 40

boxes of bobbleheads have made their way to Vancouver on a boat from China and are now awaiting transport to Prince George.

“Once they’re in Prince George we will take the list of season members, people that purchased tickets for both nights and people who have ordered online –we’ll work our way through that list to let everybody know they are here for pickup.”

People can pre-order the Ravensbergen bobblehead at the Cougars merch store right now.

And don’t worry. Ravensbergen will not be a one-and-done Cougars collectible. There is a special someone on the list to next be bobbleheaded. But Dakers is going to keep his identity a secret until the announcement, probably in February. For more information and to check out the Ravensbergen collectible visit https://shop.pgcougars.com/products/ ravensbergen-bobble-head.

PRINCE GEORGE COUGARS PHOTO

Prince George Cougars goalie and fan favourite Joshua Ravensbergen has now got his very own bobblehead.

UNBC goalie Hinsche hopes Irish eyes will be smiling

As she waits to learn whether she’ll play semi-pro in Ireland, she’s helping out at her family’s logging business

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Brityn Hinsche, one of the busiest goalies in the history of the UNBC Timberwolves women’s soccer program and the MVP of her team in 2024, might have played her last game for the green and gold.

Sometime over the next two weeks the 21-year-old from Williams Lake will find out if Treaty United, a semi-professional team that plays in the all-Ireland Women’s National League, wants her to come overseas to make saves for the team in 2025.

Hinsche learned the team was interested when she got a call a few weeks ago from Mara McCleary, her former UNBC teammate, who is heading into her second year with Trinity United.

McCleary knew Treaty United was looking for a goalie and suggested Hinsche might be their answer. McCleary asked Hinsche to send a highlight video, and she had no shortage of footage to send.

“Honestly, I was shocked, I wanted to play internationally for a very long time now and even just getting the possibility to play for them, it made my morning so much better,” said Hinsche. “Actually I thought varsity (soccer) was as far as I was going to go, but getting a semipro offer is crazy.”

However, there’s a chance the Irish offer might not materialize. Four days ago, Hinsche spoke to the team’s assistant coach who told her they might have somebody else in mind to fill that goaltender’s role.

“They’re looking at another ‘keeper right now in Ireland and if that doesn’t work out then they’ll get back to me,” said Hinsche.

“The fact he said I was good enough to join the team and that the only thing standing in the way was really the cost aspect of it, it means I still have the

potential to go and he didn’t flat-out tell me no. So that gives me hope that I’ll still end up over there.”

Hinsche told the coach she would pay for her own flights, if that’s what it came down to. But there’s more to it than that.

“I completely understand, they pay for my flight there and to come home and my accommodations and everything like that, so it’s quite a bit of costs coming out of their pocket,” she said.

“They would just pay the soccer wage (to a local player) and it would be a lot cheaper to get local ‘keeper.

“I don’t actually know when they’re going to tell me but they said in a week or two.”

Treaty United players earn 520 euros per month, which works out to a monthly salary of about $800.

The team is co-owned by Canadian Ciara McCormack, who was born and raised in North Vancouver. Backed by Tricor Pacific Capital, a Vancouver

gone 1-26-1 over the past two seasons. She made 58 saves in three games in her first year, bringing her three-season total to an astounding 300 shots.

In 2023, Hinsche tied former UNBC goalie Jordan Hall’s single season save record of 128, which was later topped by Winnipeg’s Madison Priebe that season. This past season Hinsche finished with 124 saves and likely would have owned the record has she not missed 2 1/2 games with a shoulder injury suffered in the first game of the season.

Her first game back on Sept.15, on home turf at Masich Place Stadium, Hinsche stopped all 21 shots in a 1-0 win over UBC-Okanagan, which earned her the Canada West player-of-the-week award.

Hinsche was called upon often as the last line of defence on a UNBC team that has struggled trying to compete on a Canada West landscape that includes several U SPORTS powerhouses. She admits it would have been a lot more difficult for her to draw notice from the semi-pro ranks had she played for a perennial contender for the Canadian university women’s soccer crown, like UBC or Trinty Western.

investment firm, she bought the team in 2023, having signed on to play for Trinity United, after 13 years with the Irish national team. Trinity United is the first European-based soccer team owned by Canadians.

Trinity United tapped into the Canadian talent pool and signed seven Canadians last year, including defender McCleary, who played for UNBC for four seasons from 2016-20 and was a U SPORTS Canada West all-star.

Hinsche, an Academic All-Canadian throughout her UNBC career, will graduate in April with a biomedical degree. She’s also studying psychology and has applied to the UNBC masters counselling program. If she is playing in Ireland she figures she could continue her masters studies remotely.

For three seasons, the five-foot-11 Hinsche has been an integral part of the Timberwolves team that has struggled to find the win column. After going 5-6-3 in her rookie 2022 season, UNBC has

“I’m very thankful I got the opportunity to be seen as I am, I don’t think I would have got that opportunity anywhere else,” said Hinsche. “It just made me a better ‘keeper in general because I’ve been getting that experience and I can actually say that I’ve have three years of experience instead of just getting like 10 shots in those three years.” If she doesn’t came back to play soccer at UNBC, she won’t forget how much being a UNBC student-athlete has changed her life.

“Honestly, I’ve created so many friends and connections just through all the academic programs and the athletic programs I’ve been in,” said Hinsche. “It’s really helped my interpersonal skills and broken me out of my shell to be part of the community, which I’m really thankful for. I don’t think I would ever have been so open as I am without coming here.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

UNBC soccer goalie Brityn Hinsche is back on the job during Christmas break running a loader for her dad’s logging company in Williams Lake. The 21-yearold from Williams Lake could be playing semipro soccer next year in Limerick, Ireland if a contract offer with Treaty United comes to fruition.

Goalie is running a skidder and loader over the holidays

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

With Christmas approaching, Hinsche headed back to her home in Williams Lake after writing her exams.

Her dad, Lorne, is a logger who owns and operates L. Hinsche Enterprises and as of Monday she’s been working with him doing a job over the Christmas break unlike any other UNBC student will probably tackle.

“I’m going to go run skidder and

loader for him,” she said.

That’s nothing new to Hinsche. She’s been in the cab running heavy equipment almost as long as she can remember.

“I’ve been doing that since before I could touch the pedals,” Hinsche said.

“I used to sit on my dad’s lap and steer while he ran the pedals and stuff like that. I did it as a part-time job in high school as well, every chance I got I was out there.”

She likes the work and the job satisfaction it brings.

“I like the consistency of it, I like how you’re doing the same thing every day and you can see your progress as the wood builds up,” she said. “I don’t like office jobs. I like being outside in nature actually doing stuff.

“Running a machine that‘s six or seven heights of me, its just so cool for me. It’s an older machine, I think it’s an ’03, but it’s got heating and a closed

DEVELOPMENT OF A PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Applicant: Coastal GasLink Pipeline Ltd.

450 – 1st Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2P 5H1

Toll-free: 1-855-633-2011

Email: coastalgaslink@tcenergy.com

Coastal GasLink has developed a draft Integrated Vegetation Management Plan (IVMP), which serves as a Pest Management Plan, as per the Integrated Pest Management Regulation of British Columbia. The purpose of this IVMP is to provide a framework to manage the growth and spread of noxious weeds and invasive plants and to remove undesirable trees and brush for reasons of safety and fire control, as well as to ensure pipeline or facility site security.

The geographical areas covered by this proposed IVMP include locations near the communities of Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Groundbirch, Chetwynd, Prince George, Vanderhoof, Fraser Lake, Burns Lake, Houston, Smithers, Kitimat and Terrace. The IVMP will apply to all components of the Coastal GasLink pipeline including the pipeline right-ofway, compressor, valves, and meter station sites, access roads and ancillary sites. The IVMP will be active from 2025 to 2030.

Herbicide applications are intended within the areas to which the Integrated Vegetation Management Plan applies to control invasive and noxious weeds and undesirable vegetation. The herbicides that may be used under this Integrated Vegetation Management Plan can be found in the table to the right.

Proposed methods of pesticide application may include cut surface, basal bark, or foliar applications (backpack or ATV/truck mounted application).

The proposed Integrated Vegetation Management Plan and maps of the encompassing area can be found at the following web address: CoastalGaslink.com/IVMP

A person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment area, relevant to the development of the pest management plan, may send copies of the information to the applicant at the address above or email address above within 30 days of the publication of this notice.

Arsenal Powerline Imazapyr

Banvel VM Dicamba

Clearview

cab, which a lot of the older ones don’t have.”

Lorne has just one other employee and he reminds Brityn how proud he is to have her with him chopping down trees to be sent to local sawmills.

“He tells me that all the time,” she said.

“I’m the only family employee. I have one sister and she doesn’t like to do that kind of stuff.”

Aminopryalid / Metsulfuron methyl

Esplanade SC Indaziflam

Garlon XRT Triclopyr

Gateway Adjuvant Paraffinic Oil / Alkoxylated Alcohol

Hasten NT Ultra Methyl and ethyl oleate (esterified vegetable oil)

Lontrel 360 Clopyralid

MCPA Ester 600 (Amine 600) MCPA

Milestone (Milestone NXT)

Navius VM

Aminopryalid (Florpyrauxifen)

Aminocyclopyrachlor Metsulfuron methyl

OcTTain XL Fluroxypyr / 2,4D

Overdrive

Diflufenzopyr (present as sodium salt) - 20% a.e. and Dicamba (present as sodium salt) - 50% a.e.

Payload Flumioxazin 51.1%

Roundup Glyphosate

Roundup Transorb HC Glyphosate

Sightline

Simplicity

Sylgard 309

Aminopyralid / Metsulfuron-Methyl-Fluroxypyr

Pyroxsulam

Siloxylated Polyether 806%

Tordon 101 Picloram and 2,4-D

Tordon 22K Picloram

Truvist

Xiameter OFX-0309 Fluid

Clorosulfuron / aminocyclopyraclor

Siloxylated Polyether

*Note: alternative products containing any of the Active Ingredients above or combinations thereof may be substituted for the products mentioned on this list.

PG’s Caledonia Nordic Ski Club preparing to host youth and junior biathlon world championship trials

Competition for youth and junior team spots for the IBU world youth/junior championships in Sweden from Feb. 26 to March 5

Prince George is getting set to host its biggest biathlon event of the season in early January.

Otway Nordic Centre will be the site of the Biathlon Canada Youth/Junior World Championship trials, Jan. 3-7, hosted by the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club.

Five current Caledonia club members and four alumni members will represent Prince George in three days of competition which will determine Canada’s youth and junior teams for the IBU world youth/junior championships in Oestersund, Sweden, Feb. 26-March 5.

Athletes will gather at Otway for a training day Jan. 3, then compete the following day in sprint races, followed by the pursuits on Jan. 5. They’ll get one more training day before the mass start races on Jan. 7.

Athletes qualify in the youth age category provided they turn 17, 18 or 19 during the season from November to October. Junior racers must turn either 20, 21 or 22 during the season.

Athletes from across Canada will converge on the Otway course for the trials, competing for eight junior spots (four male, four female) and eight youth spots (four male, four female) on the team Canada will be sending to Oestersund.

Among the local biathletes coming to race on their home track are Liam Simons and Aliah Turner, who will both represent Canada at the World University Games in Torino, Italy, Jan. 13-23.

Simons, a UBC-Okanagan student who trains with the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club in Vernon, finished 18th overall at the Biathlon Canada national team trials at Canmore, Alta., in November. Turner, a University of Calgary student, trains

at the Biathlon Alberta Training Centre in Canmore. She placed 17th overall at the trials.

Simons is entered in the junior men’s category for the world qualifier while Turner will compete in the youth women‘s class.

Also returning to their hometown to race is national development team member Moira Green (junior women), who captured the defending Canadian junior women’s aggregate championship, and Iona Cadell (youth women). Green and Cadell, who train with the

Biathlon Alberta team, both competed in the 2023-34 youth world championship in Estonia.

Caledonia members Isla Cadell (youth women), Gabby Hoehn (youth women), Nathanael Dean (youth men), David Hillhouse (youth men) and Ewan Hawes (youth men), will also represent the Caledonia club at the youth/junior world trials.

Payton Sinclair (youth women) of Prince George will compete for the UNBC Timberwolves varsity team.

UNBC and the Caledonia club entered

into a partnership earlier this year to help provide opportunities for student-athletes to continue their racing careers while they study at the Cranbrook Hill campus.

Spectators can watch the races free of charge. Otway is built to give biathlon fans a clear view of the shooting range where much of the action occurs.

“There’s not that many facilities in Canada that are capable of hosting events like this,” said Aaron Sinclair, the Caledonia club’s biathlon competition lead.

The club hosted the Nordiq Canada Selection Trials and Nordiq Cup cross-country ski races last January, followed by the Para Biathlon World Championships and World Para Nordic Skiing World Cup Finals in March.

With 2,154 members, Caledonia is one of the largest Nordic clubs in Canada.

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

CITIZEN PHOTO BY TED CLARKE

Aliah Turner finishes in silver-medal position in the senior girls pursuit at the 2022 Canadian biathlon championships at Otway Nordic Centre. Turner, now a University of Calgary student, will be coming back to Prince George to race in the Biathlon Canada youth/junior world championships trials, Jan. 3-7 at Otway.

LIAM SIMONS/INSTAGRAM

Biathlete Liam Simons of Prince George now trains with the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club in Vernon. Simons is coming back to his home trails at Otway Nordic Centre to compete in the Biathlon Canada youth/junior world championship trials, Jan. 3-7.

Local curlers heading to provincial U18 championships

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Team O’Bryan is a group of driven and talented curlers ages 15 to 17 from Prince George and Williams Lake.

They have been pushing and training as hard as ever this year, and it looks like their hard work has paid off.

The team will be headed to Kimberly for the Safetek Profire U18 Provincial Curling Championships. There they will face 12 teams in front of hundreds of spectators from Thursday, Dec. 19 to Monday, Dec. 23.

“They are excited and nervous all at once,” said head coach Wendee Copeland. “We’ve trained harder this year and we have a sports psychologist who has worked with them. We have myself and another coach who is doing the practices. So it’s a bit more of a bigger deal this year to them. They want to do well and they want to win, and they have what it takes.”

Team O’Bryan is heading to Kimberly for the Safetek Profile U18 Provincial Curling Championships from Dec. 19-23.

The team’s members are no strangers to competition, either. They have proved their mettle in the past few years, attending the BC Winter Games twice. They are now ready to win themselves a national spot at the championships.

New skip Liam O’Bryan has been working tirelessly with strategic coach Chris Moir and the sports psychologist Ann Homes to learn new strategies and remain even-keeled and on task, even

during the heat of competition all while only being 16.

Copeland also stated that they couldn’t have gotten this far without the local community and all their help. Sponsors include Frontline Inspections, Connect Mechanical, Co-op Four Rivers, IQ Builders, Pop-A-Zone Trucking, Jepsen petroleum, Environmental Dynamic and All West Glass.

Copeland also wanted to credit a few key players who she said helped ensure this year’s success.

“Thanks to Ann Holmes, who spent a lot of hours working with them the last few months, and the curlers at the rink in Prince George and in Williams Lake, they have supported us throughout financially with 50-50 draws and we’ve had broom raffles,” she said.

“There is just so much excitement to support the youth. It’s been exciting for the curlers to be involved because it’s been a while since there’s been some competition curlers coming out of Prince George. So the local community is pretty happy.”

Mackenzie snowboarder racing in Italy for World Cup

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Mackenzie native Evan Bichon had a great start to the opening week of the World Cup snowboard cross season in Cervinia, Italy.

The 26-year-old was second-quickest in the second qualifying run of the day and placed 22nd overall out of 70 racers to make it into the top 32 for Saturday’s race.

Bichon finished the course in 40.54 to advance to the eighth-final round on Saturday.

He finished third in his heat, behind Guillaume Herpin of France and Lorenzo Sommariva of Italy, and was eliminated, placing 21st overall.

Bichon finished the 2023-24 season ranked 23rd in the world and headed into the new season ranked 19th overall in the FIS standings.

Defending Crystal Globe champion

Eliot Grondin of Sainte Marie de Beauce, Que., won his quarterfinal and semifinal heats and engaged in a first-place battle with Austrian Jakob Dusek when the two tangled and Grondin fell.

Jacob Dusek went on to win the big final. Cameron Bolton of Australia won silver and Sommariva, the Italian favourite, claimed bronze despite a fall on the first element.

Grondin and Bichon were the only Canadians to qualify for Saturday’s race.

Prince George native Tess Critchlow, 29, a two-time Olympian who grew up in Kelowna, was the lone Canadian to crack the top-16 in women’s qualifying Friday.

Critchlow was 16th-quickest (45.31) in the qualifying round and ended up 16th overall after she finished fourth in her

quarterfinal heat.

Lea Casta of France won the women’s big final, her first career World Cup medal, while Josie Baff of Austria took silver and Maja-Li Iafrate Danielson of France won bronze.

Two-time Olympic bronze medalist Meryeta O’Dine of Prince George, 27, was 23rd in her first qualifying run Friday and did not finish her second run.

Thirty-seven racers competed in the women’s event.

Other Canadian qualifying results were as follows:

Women – Audrey McMainiman, Sainte Ambrose de Kildare, Que. (18th, 45.55), Rose Savard-Ferguson, Quebec City (32nd, 48.43); Men – Liam Moffatt, Truro, N.S. (49th, 41.69), Jacob Lebel, Sainte Marie de Beauce Que. (69th, 43.48).

The World Cup snowboard cross tour resumes Jan. 23-25 in Dolni Morava, Czechia.

CANADA SNOWBOARD PHOTO

Evan Bichon of Mackenzie, in red, started the World Cup snowboard cross season ranked 19th in the world.

Life Events

Jean Rene Robert

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we (Teresa and Sam) announce the passing of our beloved friend Jean Rene Robert on November 25, 2024. Born in Joliette, Quebec, Rene moved to Prince George in the early 90’s and became the people’s favourite waiter in our city.

From Da Moreno, North 54, Ramada Hotel and his latest position at Coast Prince George hotel by APA that he held with pride until his last days. He always showed his professionalism with grace and care.

Funeral arrangements will be announced here at a later date in the New year.

In loving memory of Dr. Ronald Keith Phillips

August 12, 1945 – November 30, 2024

With great sadness, the family of Dr. Ronald Keith Phillips announces his passing on November 30, 2024, after a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Keith, a beloved family physician, practiced in Haida Gwaii, Prince George, and Nanaimo, touching countless lives through his care and compassion. He was a devoted husband to Arlene (née Parr) for 55 years, loving father to Blake (Julie) and Kara, and proud grandfather to five grandchildren.

A passionate outdoorsman, Keith shared his love of nature with his family.

A celebration of life will be held in spring 2025. Donations to the Alzheimer Society are welcomed.

To leave condolences and for more information, please go to evergreencremationcentre.com

July 22, 1960 -November 29, 2024

It is with broken hearts and deep deep sadness that we announce the passing of Pamela Rose Forsyth.

She is survived by her husband Damiano Zavaglia, daughters Kalynn Lebel (Peter) Jade Zavaglia (Robbie Baker) stepdaughter Leah Zavaglia, stepson Andre Zavaglia (Becky) brother, sisters and (8) grandchildren.

Pamela was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and best friend. We will all see you soon at the Lambs wedding supper. Amen

Pamela passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024 at 09:41 at the Prince George Hospice house. A special thank you to the staff at the Hospice House for their kindness, care and compassion.

A celebration of life will be held the summer of 2025, as Pamela did not want a service.

In lieu of flowers please give a donation to the Prince George Hospice Palliative care society.

In Loving Memory of Karl-Heinz Dressel

February 24, 1938 – December 3, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Karl-Heinz Dressel, who left us peacefully on December 3, 2024, at the age of 86. Born on February 24, 1938, in Marktredwitz, Germany, Heinz embarked on a new journey when he moved to Canada in the 1950s, embracing his new home with quiet strength and determination.

Heinz was a man of few words, known for his stoic nature, quiet pride, and deep sense of duty to those he loved. He had a passion for technology and found joy in its constant evolution, always curious and eager to learn. Yet, above all, his greatest love was for his family.

Heinz is survived by his sisters Annamarie and Hannelore; his children Timothy (Simone) and Louise (Elia); his cherished granddaughters Jordan (Jesse), Christine and Lorelei; his beloved great-granddaughters Adelaide, Charlotte and Holland. He was predeceased by his wife Pamela and his brother Fritz.

In honoring Heinz’ memory, we remember a life lived with dignity, resilience, and devotion. He will be dearly missed but forever held in our hearts

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Alzheimer’s Canada.

Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com

Pamela Rose Forsyth

Classifieds

LUNG SCREENING AVAILABLE

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) I know, dear Lamb, that you don’t like anyone trying to take charge of your projects, but try to be a bit more flexible. A new idea could help hasten a positive result.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) I’m sure, being the time-thrifty Taurus you are, that you’ve done much of your holiday shopping. But don’t relax yet! Wrap those gifts now to save yourself lots of unwanted pressure.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Be receptive when a family member or friend asks to confide in you. Your positive reaction could ensure that they have a happy holiday experience.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Don’t be rushed into wrapping up a workplace problem. Consider leaving it be until after the holidays. This way, you’ll have the facts you need to reach the right resolution.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) You’ll get news that will make you glow brighter than the lights of the holiday season! Be sure to use what you learn both carefully and kindly in order to avoid giving the wrong impression.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22)

A frayed relationship could be mended in time for the holidays if you were more flexible. Give a little, and you could get back a lot more than you imagined.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)

Things might not seem to be settling down as quickly as you would prefer, but it might just be a little “holiday time flutter.”

You’ll soon get news that will lead to more stability.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21)

Stop getting so involved in everyone’s personal problems that you lose precious time with loved ones. Remember, even the Supreme Court closes for the holidays.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) All signs point to a bright holiday, with all of those pesky problems finally resolved in your favor. Share the good times with people you love and who, of course, love you.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Your plans should not be set in stone and cemented over. Leave some openings in case you need to make changes. Meanwhile, spend the holidays with your nearest and dearest.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18)

Surprise! This holiday finds you on the receiving end of generosity from those who are usually the recipients of what you give so freely and lovingly.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20)

A piece of good news assures that you’ll be swimming in clearer, calmer waters this holiday season. There might be a storm or two ahead, but you’ll weather it all in fine style.

Woodlot Licence 643

Woodlot Licence Plan

If approved by the Ministry of Forests District Manager, this plan may apply for a term of ten years from the date of approval.

This woodlot licence plan is available for public review and comment from December 19th to January 22nd by appointment at (250) 961-9482. Any written comments on the plan should be mailed to Suite #260, 1990 Ogilvie Street South, Prince George, BC, V2N 1X1, care of W0643.

Woodlot Licence 646

Woodlot Licence Plan

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to section 17 of the Woodlot Licence Planning and Practices Regulation, that a Woodlot Licence Plan has been prepared for Woodlot Licence 646, licensed to 0823638 B.C. Limited. This woodlot has portions located near Prince George, B.C.

If approved by the Ministry of Forests District Manager, this plan may apply for a term of ten years from the date of approval.

This woodlot licence plan is available for public review and comment from December 19th to January 22nd by appointment at (250) 961-9482. Any written comments on the plan should be mailed to Suite # 260, 1990 Ogilvie Street South, Prince George, BC, V2N 1X1, care of W0646.

Homes & Living

December Celebrations Around the World

While Christmas is a major holiday in December, many other celebrations take place around the world during this festive month. These celebrations reflect diverse cultures, traditions, and histories, offering a rich tapestry of events that bring people together. Here are some notable December celebrations other than Christmas. Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish celebration that usually falls in December. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE, following the Maccabean Revolt. The central ritual of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum. Each night, one additional candle is lit until all eight candles are burning on the final night. Traditional foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are enjoyed, and games like dreidel are played.

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration

dream door starts here

observed from December 26 to January 1, primarily in the United States. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a way to honor African heritage and culture. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Families celebrate by lighting the kinara, a seven-branched candleholder, and participating in activities that reflect the principles, such as storytelling, music, and dance.

Bodhi Day, celebrated on December 8, marks the day when Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. This day is observed by Buddhists around the world with meditation, chanting, and studying the Dharma (Buddha’s teachings). Some Buddhists decorate their homes with

images of the Buddha and Bodhi trees adorned with lights and ornaments. It is a time for reflection, mindfulness, and expressing gratitude for the Buddha’s teachings.

Õmisoka, celebrated on December 31, is the Japanese New Year’s Eve. It is one of the most important holidays in Japan, marking the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one. Families gather to clean their homes, a practice known as õsõji, to purify the house and welcome the new year with a fresh start. Traditional foods such as toshikoshi soba (buckwheat noodles) are eaten to symbolize longevity. As midnight approaches, many people visit shrines or temples for Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the new year, and listen to the ringing of temple bells 108 times to cleanse away the 108 earthly desires.

These celebrations highlight the rich diversity of cultural and religious traditions observed in December. Each offers

unique ways to bring people together, reflect on shared values, and celebrate the season. Whether through light, food, music, or rituals, these holidays remind us of the universal desire for connection, gratitude, and hope.

GO FOR GOLD.

Creating a Warm and Inviting Home During Winter

As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, transforming your home into a cozy and inviting sanctuary becomes essential. Here are some effective ways to make your home feel warm and welcoming during the winter months, focusing on the use of soft textiles, warm lighting, and seasonal decorations.

Soft Textiles

Layered Blankets and Throws: Adding layers of blankets and throws to your living spaces instantly creates a sense of warmth. Opt for materials like fleece, wool, or faux fur for extra coziness. Drape them over sofas, chairs, and beds to invite relaxation and comfort.

Plush Rugs: Cold floors can make a room feel uninviting. Place plush rugs in high-traffic areas such as the living room, bedroom, and hallway. Rugs made from materials like shag, wool, or sheepskin add both warmth and texture to your floors.

Cushions and Pillows: Swap out your regular cushions and pillows for ones with winter-friendly fabrics like velvet, chenille, or knit. Mix and match different textures and patterns to create a visually appealing and comfortable space.

Heavy Curtains: Replace lightweight

summer curtains with heavier drapes made from materials like velvet or thermal fabric. These not only help insulate your home but also add a touch of elegance and warmth to your windows.

Warm Lighting

Ambient Lighting: Soft, ambient lighting can make a significant difference in creating a cozy atmosphere. Use table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces with warm-toned bulbs to provide a gentle, inviting glow. Candles are a classic way to add warmth and ambiance to any room. Choose scented candles with winter fragrances like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla to enhance the cozy feel. Place them on mantels, coffee tables, and dining tables for a charming touch.

String lights or fairy lights can add a magical touch to your home. Drape them over mantels, around windows, or along staircases to create a warm and festive atmosphere. Battery-operated options are great for adding light to areas without outlets.

If you have a fireplace, make it the focal point of your room. Arrange seating around it to create a cozy gathering spot. For those without a traditional fireplace,

consider an electric or gas fireplace insert to achieve a similar effect.

Seasonal Decorations

Adorn your front door with a winter wreath made from pinecones, evergreen branches, or berries. This simple addition can make your home feel welcoming from the moment guests arrive.

Incorporate natural elements like pine branches, holly, and eucalyptus into your decor. These can be used in centerpieces, garlands, or as standalone decorations to bring a touch of the outdoors inside. Create seasonal centerpieces for your dining or coffee table using items like candles, pinecones, and winter berries. These can be easily customized to fit your personal style and add a festive touch to your home.

Embrace the holiday spirit with decorations that reflect the season. Whether it’s a Christmas tree, Hanukkah menorah, or other festive items, incorporating holiday decor can make your home feel joyful and inviting. Designate a corner of your home as a cozy reading nook or relaxation spot. Add a comfortable chair, a soft blanket, and a small table with a lamp. This dedicated space can be a retreat from the

cold and a perfect spot to unwind. By incorporating these elements into your home, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes winter feel more enjoyable. Embrace the season by making your living spaces as cozy and welcoming as possible, ensuring that you and your guests feel comfortable and at home.

Pankaj

Sarah Pineau

Stay healthy this winter season with these tips

Winter in Northern BC can be a magical time, with snow-covered landscapes and cozy evenings by the fire. However, the cold weather and shorter days can also pose challenges to our health and well-being. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy during the winter months, focusing on immune-boosting foods, exercise routines, and mental health strategies.

Immune-Boosting Foods

Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are rich in vitamin C, which is known to boost the immune system. Incorporate these fruits into your diet through fresh juices, salads, or simply as a snack.

Garlic: Known for its immuneboosting properties, garlic can help fight off colds and flu. Add it to soups, stews, and roasted vegetables for a flavorful and healthy boost.

Ginger: This root has antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help strengthen your immune system. Use fresh ginger in teas, smoothies, and stirfries.

Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and

Swiss chard are packed with vitamins and minerals that support immune function. Enjoy them in salads, soups, or sautéed as a side dish.

Yogurt: Probiotics found in yogurt can help maintain a healthy gut, which is crucial for a strong immune system. Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt and add your own fruit or honey for flavor.

Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, sunflower seeds, and walnuts are rich in vitamin E and other nutrients that support immune health. Snack on a handful of nuts or add them to your morning oatmeal or yogurt.

Turmeric: This spice contains curcumin, which has powerful antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects. Use turmeric in curries, soups, and even smoothies.

Exercise Routines

Indoor Workouts: When it’s too cold to exercise outside, bring your workout indoors. Consider activities like yoga, Pilates, or home workout videos that require minimal equipment.

Join a Gym: If you prefer a more structured environment, joining a

local gym can provide access to a variety of exercise equipment and classes. Look for gyms that offer winter promotions or discounts.

Winter Sports: Embrace the season by participating in winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating. These activities are not only fun but also provide a great cardiovascular workout.

Walking: Don’t underestimate the power of a brisk walk. Bundle up and take a walk around your neighborhood or a local park. Walking can help improve your mood and keep you active.

Strength Training: Incorporate strength training exercises into your routine to build muscle and boost metabolism. Use free weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats.

6Stretching: Keep your muscles flexible and reduce the risk of injury by incorporating regular stretching into your routine. Stretching can also help relieve tension and improve circulation.

By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can stay healthy

and resilient throughout the winter months. Remember, taking care of your body and mind is the best way to enjoy all that winter in Northern BC has to offer.