Prince George Citizen December 5, 2024 by Prince George Citizen

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Two years to build 5,218 homes

Interim housing report provides city councillors with the big-picture goal

SLARK Citizen Staff

A new interim housing needs report for the City of Prince George not only lays out development goals for the municipality but local developers as well, city staff said at the Monday, Dec. 2 council meeting. and

COLIN

Council advances Vanway seniors’ housing project

Mayor has to chastise spectator who shouted at council from the gallery

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Prince George city council passed the first three readings at its Dec. 2 meeting for a rezoning application that clears the way for the construction of what the developer calls “self-contained independent living seniors’ community” in the Vanway area.

The proposed development concerns a 13.3-hectare piece of land at 7277 Bear Rd. located on both sides of Highway 16.

The property owner, 0751823 B.C. Ltd., wanted a 7.6-hectare chunk of that land to the east of the highway rezoned from AG: Greenbelt to RM1: Multiple Residential to build a series of one- and two-storey row houses with four to six dwelling units in them.

The land west of the highway, as well as a small buffer zone on the east side to reduce traffic noise, are to remain as a greenbelt.

Though the rezoning application was not subject to a public hearing, city council received three letters of opposition to the project from nearby residents who expressed concern about increased traffic congestion, the impact on local sewer infrastructure and the clearing of a greenspace that is home to wildlife.

A layout of the proposed development attached to the meeting agenda shows homes along two streets, as well

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Deanna Wasnik, the city’s director of planning and development, said at the meeting that there’s a difference between the figures identified in the housing needs report and the mandated housing targets put in place by the provincial government for both figures and timelines.

She said the report was first

Prince George city council heard a presentation on a proposal for a seniors’ community at

as a trail between those streets and a “community amenity centre” with visitor parking in one corner.

Coun. Susan Scott praised the inclusion of a buffer zone of trees next to the highway as smart design.

Coun. Kyle Sampson said he had concerns over highway access to and from the development but said he would support the project at this stage.

Coun. Garth Frizzell asked about the impact to the area’s sewer infrastructure, which manager of infrastructure Deanna Wasnik said would be addressed in a servicing brief by administration ahead of fourth reading of the bylaw.

Coun. Brian Skakun said he understood some residents’ worry over the removal of green space, but said the

completed in 2021 and last updated in 2022 before this year’s revision.

The housing needs report was described as a big picture goal — nice to achieve but not mandatory like the province’s housing target order. In other words, the province’s target is a minimum amount Prince George must achieve while the figure in the report is aspirational.

Wasnik added that the interim report

city is in a development phase.

Coun. Cori Ramsay said she thought the proposal showed a good attempt by a developer to match the existing form and character of a neighbourhood.

Coun. Tim Bennett said it might be worth having a discussion with the School District 57 board of trustees regarding their advocacy around developments like this. Because of the elimination of greenspace, he said he would vote against the bylaw at that point.

He was the only councillor to vote against the bylaw, though he did vote in favour of a motion asking administration to prepare the reports and establish the covenant.

The lack of a public hearing didn’t stop people from making their opinions known, though. At the back of council

lays out what the city is doing to achieve both the targets laid out in the report and in the province’s target. Should immigration numbers drop in future years, Wasnik said that could affect the number of homes the report has predicted Prince George needs.

Deklan Corstanje, the city’s manager of economic development, said the 2026 number is alarming because it does not include the net figure of units the city

chambers, one audience member held up a piece of paper with the words “no to 7277 Bear Road” printed on it in bold type.

That same man was chastised by the mayor for shouting from the audience while Ramsay was outlining her view on the project.

After the vote, the residents and representatives of the developers appeared to argue in the hallway as they departed council chambers.

Now that the first three readings are passed, fourth reading will come up at council once a traffic summary and servicing brief are produced and a restrictive covenant preventing development on the portions of land remaining designated as a greenbelt is put in place.

has been building.

In late October, the federal government announced its intention to pause Canada’s population growth between 2025 and 2027 by limiting the number of temporary residents in the country.

Mayor Simon Yu said one of the reasons he recently joined a Modular BC mayors’ task force was to help find new ways to boost the city’s housing supply.

CITY

7277 Bear Rd. Monday.

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Taxpayers want status quo spending in 2025 budget

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Residents chiming in on the City of Prince George’s 2025 budget indicated a preference for a scenario that would see most funding levels maintained at the same amount as in 2024.

Ahead of budget deliberations early next year, the city surveyed residents for their thoughts in September and October.

A total of 930 people responded to a budget-specific survey while 941 responses were made to surveys asking how satisfied residents are with specific city services.

The results of those surveys are scheduled for discussion at a Dec. 4 meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance and Audit. A copy of the findings is attached to the agenda for the meeting.

One online tool allowed residents to play around with different budget scenarios and see how spending increases or decreases for different service categories would affect the overall budget.

The city presented what it called a “best budget scenario” that represented an adjusted tax total of $2,697 per household and a decrease of 0.81 per cent in tax allocations compared to 2024.

A report from city staff says respondents had an extremely favourable reception to this scenario.

The majority of respondents chose scenarios that would see funding maintained at 2024 levels for these service areas: community planning and economic development (68 per cent approval), stormwater management (80 per cent), roads and sidewalks (80 per cent), public transit services (69 per cent), parks, trails and beautification (70 per cent), community support services (69 per cent), police services (69 per cent), fire protection services (82 per cent), bylaw enforcement services (69 per cent) and snow and ice control (78 per cent).

The only category where most respondents advocated for an increase in spending was infrastructure

The city’s public budget consultation showed 9.6 per cent of respondents consider snow and ice removal their top spending priority in 2025.

management. Seventy-seven per cent of residents expressed interest in a five per cent spending boost.

There was only one category where most respondents were in favour of a spending decrease, corporate services. For that category, 69 per cent of residents wanted a five per cent spending cut.

According to a report from city administration, this would result in a so-called “best budget scenario” with an adjusted tax total of $2,697 per household and the 0.81 tax rate cut.

Residents were also asked what city service area they considered the most important.

Here are the results of that question, ranked from most to least support.

1. Snow and ice control (9.7 per cent),

2. Fire protection services (9.6 per cent),

3. Police services (9.5 per cent),

4. Roads and sidewalks (8.9 per cent),

5. Infrastructure management (8.3 per cent),

6. Parks, trails and beautification (8.1 per cent),

7. Stormwater management (7.6 per cent),

8. Recreation and community services (7.5 per cent),

9. Bylaw enforcement services (6.8 per cent),

10. Community planning and economic development (6.7 per cent),

11. Community support services (6.5 per cent),

12. Public transit services (5.6 per cent) and

13. Corporate services (5.2 per cent).

Another section quizzed residents on specific budgets for those service areas, with the ability to voice support for funding decreases up to 15 per cent and increases of up to 15 per cent.

“The results reflect a nuanced prioritization by respondents, with essential and infrastructure services receiving stronger support for stable or increased funding, while administrative and discretionary areas saw more divided opinions and calls for reductions,” staff’s report says.

Beyond spending, residents were also asked to rank their satisfaction with services offered in different categories

on a scale of zero to 10.

Staff note that residents had highest satisfaction with fire protection, parks and police services, neutral satisfaction with corporate services, transit and bylaw enforcement and low satisfaction with community planning, infrastructure and attracting and retaining businesses.

Residents expressed a desire for better and more proactive maintenance on infrastructure, resistance against any reduction of snow-clearing services, concerns about downtown crime and safety, a desire for the city to partner with senior levels of government to address root causes of poverty and addiction, opposition to tax increases, a desire for better efforts to attract new businesses, an expansion of outdoor trails, better transit options and less wasteful spending from city council.

To promote the surveys, the city promoted them on radio, TV in The Citizen, by email and on various social media platforms.

The total cost of ad purchases for the project as well as to host an Oct. 30 town hall was $14,047.10.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Council tasks city staff with downtown bathroom plan

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Prince George city council approved a motion at its Monday, Dec. 2 meeting asking administration to prepare a report on how downtown washroom access could be improved.

The motion was put on the agenda by Coun. Trudy Klassen and Coun. Tim Bennett.

A report they prepared said that bathroom access is important “not only to support those currently un- or underhoused but also to support families with young children, individuals with either visible or invisible medical conditions and those who drink too many coffees on their trip to the Farmer’s Market.”

The proposed four action items:

• Update the cost estimates from a 2019 study on ways to improve downtown washroom access

• Add questions about washroom

access to future surveys sent out to residents

• Direct staff to apply for grants that could be used to enhance washroom access

• Ask the city’s Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs to create an advocacy plan to lobby the provincial and federal governments for increased capital funding for washroom access.

Some of the options included in that 2019 study included opening the washrooms at Canada Games Plaza every day with a staff member monitoring operations and getting downtown service providers to make their washrooms more accessible.

The councillors’ report also referenced self-cleaning washrooms purchased by the Village of Valemount in 2022 as a potential option for Prince George to consider.

During discussion of the motion, Mayor Simon Yu asked if the councillors

RCMP’s Cram-A-Cruiser food drive returns in time for Christmas

CITIZEN STAFF

The Prince George RCMP is once again teaming up with the community to support the Salvation Army this holiday season.

On Saturday, Dec. 14, officers and local volunteers will gather donations for those in need at several Save-OnFoods locations in the city.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., shoppers will be encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, toiletries, and unwrapped gifts for the Salvation Army’s holiday programs.

The initiative challenges community members to help “cram” as many donations into a police cruiser as possible throughout the day.

“We will be filling up our police cruisers with donations as many times as we can,” stated Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP. “The Salvation Army has been

wanted to see washroom access 365 days a year.

Bennett said there are a lot of washrooms that are only available in spring, summer and fall, but not in the winter months. He said that in city surveys over the last couple of years, residents have brought up a desire for better washroom access.

Since the city is already sending out surveys, he said it is a low-cost option to include washroom-centric questions.

While he said it could turn out that residents don’t identify a need for better washroom access through those surveys, that’s not what he’s hearing from the public at the moment.

“Where people are, you need toilets,” Klassen said. “It’s basic biology and I think it’s within our jurisdiction to consider.”

Coun. Brian Skakun said the installation of the washroom at Canada Games Plaza led to its destruction, because people destroyed things in the area

local Save-On Foods on Dec. 14.

a key partner in supporting our victim services program, and this is our way of giving back.”

Donations sought include items such as peanut butter, canned beans, pasta, rice, coffee, diapers, feminine hygiene products and gift cards. The RCMP is also accepting cash donations.

Shoppers can easily contribute by picking up a few extra items during their shopping trip and donating them on their way out of the store.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call 250-561-3366 for more information.

when they started using the facility. He asked that administration consider location closely in their work, due to the prior need for security and policing at the plaza’s bathrooms.

Coun. Ron Polillo and Coun. Kyle Sampson both said they didn’t want a repeat of what happened previously at Canada Games Plaza, unless the experience could be reinvented.

Sampson said he would support the motion, as long as it was only aimed at receiving new information as he was unsure of spending money at this point.

Coun. Cori Ramsay said there are washrooms in boutique businesses at the Port of Nanaimo that are accessible through a fob card.

With supportive housing coming online, she said the demographics of those using downtown public washrooms is changing.

The motion tasks city administration with coming back with a report for council by the third quarter of 2025.

RCMP PHOTO

Food donations can be dropped off at

College Heights development passes another hurdle

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Prince George City Council approved third readings for two bylaws bringing a large housing development proposed for College Heights closer to fruition Monday.

Four residents spoke in opposition to the project during a public hearing on the subject.

The proposed project by Ridgecrest Development Group covers 1.91 hectares of a 29.2-hectare plot of land located at 2800 Vista Ridge Dr. and 8640 St. Lawrence Ave.

The developers are applying for the property to be rezoned from RS2: Single Residential to RM5: Multiple Residential, for the neighbourhood’s designation under the Official Community Plan to be amended from Neighbourhood Residential to Neighbourhood Corridor and for three restrictive covenants to be removed to allow for the project to go ahead.

At both a July 25 open house at the Columbus Community Centre and at an initial public hearing at the Sept. 25 regular council meeting, residents expressed unease with several elements of the proposed development. That included concerns over whether the multi-family development would match the character of the typically single-family home neighbourhood and a lack of space for new students at Southridge Elementary School.

However, the biggest concern was the potential impact that many new residents could have on traffic. Though the extension of Ospika Boulevard across Highway 16 could help relieve traffic pressure, it’s unclear when that project will go ahead.

Because of the traffic concerns, council voted to defer a decision on the project until an updated traffic impact study could be completed. Because of that deferral, council had to hold the public hearing in its entirety a second time.

Representing the developer at the Dec. 2 public hearing was L&M Engineering. Since the first public hearing,

Ridgecrest Development Group wants to build new multi-storey apartment buildings on a 1.91-hectare plot of land at 8640 St. Lawrence Ave. and 2800 Vista Ridge Dr. It’s the area outlined in black.

manager of legislative service Ethan Anderson said five more pieces of correspondence were received with regards to the project.

Planning and development director Deanna Wasnik said city staff was recommending council approve the project.

She said the city has reviewed and accepted L&M’s new traffic impact study, which recommends that the city install a four-way stop at the intersection of St. Lawrence Avenue and Southridge Avenue.

Addressing the future Ospika connector, she said the city has not yet assembled a cost estimate for the project and would have to work out details with the Ministry of Transportation as it would cross Highway 16.

During L&M’s presentation, planner Megan Hickey told council that the project aligns with the future envisioned for the area under the Ospika South Neighbourhood Plan.

Hickey also addressed concerns aired by both residents and councillors at the last public hearing on the form of the housing, the housing density, traffic concerns and secondary uses.

She said the company is proposing the property be placed under a restrictive covenant preventing the construction of apartments as well as preventing clubs and convenience stores being built there.

Also proposed was a covenant reducing the housing density of the

the developer was going to restrict itself from building what that designation allows for.

The second speaker said he had concerns with potential blind spots and vehicles having trouble slowing down if the intersection of St. Lawrence and Southridge is made a four-way stop.

He also said he worried about traffic flow in the wintertime, having seen snow on the steep hill narrowed the road on his way to the meeting.

As for the Ospika connector, he expressed doubt that it would be built anytime soon unless Prince George has a major population boom.

development to 75 units per hectare down from 125 units per hectare. These proposed covenants would need to be in place by fourth reading of the bylaws.

Another L&M representative, engineer Tanner Fjellstrom, said at the meeting that the traffic study was made before the covenant restricting density was proposed, which could mean that the real traffic figures could be lower.

According to him, the report accounts for traffic during the school year

In the future, he said several roads in the area are intended to be expanded and extended, including St. Lawrence, Glen Lyon Way and Eastview Street.

He said roads in the area are within the traffic thresholds for collector streets.

Some residents expressed concern over limited emergency access to the area at the last meeting. Fjellstrom said there is a paved trail in the neighbourhood blocked by bollards that could be removed in an emergency scenario.

City staff said it might be possible to keep that path plowed through the winter in case an evacuation is needed in case of something like a wildfire.

The first member of the public to speak, who said she lived in one of the three houses at the very end of St. Lawrence, said she still has concerns over transit access going forward until Ospika is punched through.

Addressing the covenants, she said she didn’t understand why the property is still proposed to be rezoned to RM5 if

The third speaker said while the intersections in the traffic study are within acceptable limits, it was his perception that they were approaching those limits. If the streets are icy, which he said they were on the night of the meeting, he said traffic might not have time to slow down if the proposed four-way stop is installed.

The bollards on that path would make it very difficult to clear in an emergency, he said.

The fourth speaker said the draft Official Community Plan doesn’t align with this proposed program as it proposes a decrease in urban sprawl. She wondered if the development would hamstring the new OCP if approved.

Following the public comments, Mayor Simon Yu asked the L&M representatives why they don’t propose rezoning to RM3 rather than RM5 given the proposed covenants.

Hickey said other housing forms are still available to the developers if it is rezoned to RM5.

Third reading of the rezoning and OCP amendments passed by a margin of seven in favour to two against, with councillors Kyle Sampson and Brian Skakun voting against both.

Only Skakun voted against implementing the developer’s restrictive covenants.

Fourth and final reading of the bylaws will be withheld until the property owner agrees to the covenants and they are officially registered to the property’s land title.

CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE

RCMP will begin wearing body cameras Sunday

The city will pay $300,000 to outfit 100 officers with the devices

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Prince George RCMP frontline officers will begin wearing body cameras on Sunday, Dec. 8.

As one of the 86 RCMP detachments selected to pilot the $50 million federal program, about 100 Prince George members will be part of the initial rollout phase, which started Nov. 18 in other detachments across the country.

Including the cost of the digital management system and transcription software subscriptions, the cost of each camera works out to about $3,000. City taxpayers will have to bear the approximate $300,000 cost of outfitting 100 officers with cameras which attach to their vests.

The first frontline officers receive their initial training with the cameras on Dec. 8 and will be wearing the cameras that afternoon as the detachment trains its four watches and support sections, such as youth services, police service dogs and the downtown safety unit.

“We are excited to have the bodyworn cameras roll out here in Prince George as the first of the police detachments in northern BC to be rolling it out,” said Prince George RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, at a media conference last week at the downtown detachment.

There are about 156 RCMP members in Prince George and most will eventually be using the cameras. Officers will be obligated to activate their cameras whenever they leave their patrol vehicle to response to a service call. The cameras will not be used for surveillance or 24-hour recording.

“Body-worn cameras will bring additional evidence that we can put forward before the justice system so increased objective evidence will be of value, so overall it will enhance the evidence that goes before the courts,” said Prince

George RCMP Spt. Darin Rappel.

“I think the implementation of the body-worn cameras will enhance public trust, it will provide an objective first-person view of the interaction that a police officer is having with a member of the community. It will be available to the courts if the file proceeds that way or perhaps in an oversight capacity.

An example would be the IIO (Independent Investigations Office), if they have requirements for something along those lines, or perhaps if we get a public complaint.”

The Calgary Police Service reported a marked decrease in public complaints against officers since body-worn cameras were introduced in 2019. A report issued in May showed 58 per cent of complaints of officer misconduct were resolved using footage obtained by the cameras. Seventy per cent of complaints filed in Calgary in 2023 were resolved within a year, compared to 53 per cent in 2022 and 35 per cent in 2021. There will be an additional workload put on officers during each shift while they download the data from their cameras either at their offices or through their laptop computers/phones.

That video footage will be sent to cloud storage maintained by Axon, a third-party global safety management company.

The high-definition video will be stored for a minimum of 30 days and for as long as two years or longer. Video that will have to be transcribed and vetted will require more time and the system will provide staff that will allow that transcription service to be done elsewhere.

“There’s unique disclosure concerns here in BC versus other provinces where it’s been rolled out and we’ll wait to see what that looks like,” said Rappel. “We don’t have absolute clarity on that. But it’s new, we are the pilot, we’re considered wave zero here in Prince George so we’ll see, working with Crown (prosecutors) on their expectations on what we can deliver and the timelines of that delivery.

“Those conversations are ongoing right now.”

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

RCMP Const. Gursimran Gil displays the new body camera to be rolled out on Sunday by Prince George RCMP at a media conference held at the downtown detachment Thursday, Nov. 28.

OPINION

Civic Light Up proved there’s life in the plaza yet

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

Our Christmas season kicked off in snowy full colour Thursday night when Canada Games Plaza came alive with activity.

Hundreds gathered for the Civic Light Up and Festival of Trees. These events were not only well-attended but showcased the plaza’s potential as a vibrant, family-friendly venue. The clean, wholesome winter atmosphere drew people from all walks of life, highlighting the community’s desire for such spaces where families can come together for fun and celebration.

For years, the plaza sat underutilized, often overlooked as a venue for large-scale gatherings. However, the removal of the eyesore that was the bleachers — for a long time a gathering spot for street people — has opened up the space for more community-focused uses. In their place is a new open-air container market and a year-round skating rink, transforming the area. Beyond markets and ice skating, there’s an opportunity to host live concerts, festivals and other celebrations. The Canada Games Plaza is equipped with updated landscaping, seating and

Nov. 28.

lighting, making it an ideal venue for a variety of community events. It’s also bookable for any organization looking to host an event, but to truly make the plaza thrive, we need to see more events from organizations that are not directly connected to city hall.

The Canada Post strike and what it means for the rest of us

Right to work. Right not to work. Right to quit. Forced to work equals slavery. Slavery prohibited in the free world, rightly so.

Right to ask for more, right to strike, right to unionize protected by legislation.

Unionized postal workers have the right to strike, right to negotiate and a right to bargain for more.

Pursuant to Section 14 of the CPC Act, Canada Post Corp. has an exclusive privilege in basic postal service, created and enforced by the government. Nobody has the right to compete with the CPC.

All of us have a Charter right to free speech - a meaningless right without the right to communicate. Many people are dependent on the mail to communicate. Every strike causes innocent third-party harm. The harm can be minor, major or catastrophic.

The exclusive privilege of CPC intensifies the harm

Community groups have the potential to create an even more community-focused environment at the plaza. The library, conveniently right there, is in a prime position to host events, while Studio 2880 and the PG Playhouse, though farther away, could also play a role in

LETTERS EDITOR to the

caused; people have nowhere else to go for basic postal service. The inaction of the government injures Canadians’ constitutional right to communicate. When does the government’s failure to limit the harm caused by this exclusive privilege become a Charter breach?

Bex Wagstaffe

Prince George

Petition calls for safety upgrade of ‘Jail Hill’ section of Highway 16 after deer hit

The ‘Jail Hill’ section of Highway 16 westbound is hazardous, lacking lighting and warning signs on a curved incline. Last Thursday, two deer were hit within hours of each other, so I launched the petition

filling the space with cultural activities. Bringing together city-linked nonprofits and independent organizations to use the plaza would create a thriving cultural hub, attracting people year-round.

One way to make this happen is by following the principles laid out in the citizen-designed Civic Core Plan, which we believe is the strongest proposal for the future of the area.

This plan, developed by a group of concerned local people, advocates for turning the plaza into a central gathering place that could help define the city’s future. Prince George clearly has a need — and a desire, as evidenced by the recent turnout—for a central space where people can gather safely and enjoy cultural events.

That means bringing Studio 2880 and PG Playhouse to the plaza, renovating the Civic Centre and replacing the Kopar Memorial Arena with a modern new sports and entertainment venue. Canada Games Plaza could become the cultural heart of Prince George, as was the plan when it was built 30-odd years ago. And who knows? There might even be room for some version of Mr. PG down there.

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

“Improve Highway 16 Safety” on Change.org. With 350-plus signatures in three days, the community demands action.

Natalie Anthony

Prince George

Fond memories: The Vienna restaurant’s delicious goulash recipe is now online

Way back when we had a vibrant downtown, the Vienna Schnitzel Restaurant was the place to go. German food and dancing - it was great.

The reason I am writing is they had the best goulash ever and someone has posted the recipe on Facebook. You have to punch in Vienna Schnitzel Goulash Soup to find it. Those were happy times in Prince George.

Helen Robertson

Prince George

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Mr. PG makes an appearance and happily poses for pictures with Carolyn Ammundsen and Katie Simpson during Civic Light Up at Canada Games Plaza on Thursday,

OPINION

Prince George councillors push for update to downtown bathroom situation

The city is sitting on several “city owned lands” in the downtown core that are bring us no tax returns.

Idle land serves no purpose other than being an eyesore.

Take a couple of them and turn them into “cost effective” public washroom rest areas.

Dump land we are sitting on, and with those revenues build simple washrooms that function regardless of weather

If we need to go so far the area can be monitored with surveillance cameras watching the outside of the facilities.

Yes washrooms downtown would be a good thing, but we need to keep them maintained and operational during normal business hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

We don’t need fancy Quebec company washrooms. They are “washrooms” not “bathrooms” and should be simple to maintain by parks staff and easy to over see by our bylaws staff (both of which are on the company clock during those hours).

Asking outside agencies to address this, under their own cost, is frankly a bit of an “over reach” by council.

John Zukowski

Share your views on our stories at pgcitizen.ca

Editorial: Not everything deserves a lengthy council debate

“Councillors should focus on the big issues and avoid bogging down in well-meaning but ultimately unnecessary initiatives.”

Unnecessary initiatives are a safe way for certain councillors to say “look at me” without risking anything or rocking the boat. It has always worked, and it always will.

Maybe at the next meeting they can debate whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie.

J Jonah Jameson

New seniors’ community proposed for southwest Prince George

Independent, affordable seniors housing ia a definite need in PG.

I hope those developers considering building such residences are consulting with actual seniors so that the housing being built actually meets their needs.

Reading what this developer has stated it reads that they will be 1 and 2 story with 1 or 2 bedrooms.

I believe most seniors prefer 1 story as stairs can become an issue.

Wider hallways and doorways in case the need develops for walkers or wheel chairs and close to shopping, pharmacy and public transportation.

Stop building senior housing that doesn’t work for seniors.

Karen Mackenzie

CUPW members walk picket lines as Canada Post strike hits two-week mark

The postal unions don’t have near the power they used to have. Mail volume continues to fall year after year and 5 day a week parcel delivery is not cutting it

In our house all bank mail arrives electronically as does a majority of bills. We no longer sent or receive Xmas cards as Seasons Greetings are sent via e-mail

The parcel delivery to community mailboxes in our area is spotty at best with keys often placed in the wrong compartment or parcels go missing all together

CUPE will have to accept major changes such as cutting back traditional mail delivery to a couple of days a week while delivering parcels 7 days a week like Dragonfly(Amazon) while hoping to gain back the market share they have lost

Somehow we are getting by without the pizza flyers that fill the mail only to make their way to the recycle bin unopened

Bobs your uncle

Budget survey shows Prince George taxpayers want status quo spending in 2025

Stop blaming workers. It’s like blaming the window cleaner for a building having windows. Ridiculous.

Status quo means no new spending yet we have several new things like trucks, bigger pipes, wider roads for bikes and new jobs posted.

Looking at contracts, CUPE workers raises are in line with inflation but needs to be better managed with jobs paid close to industry standards. I couldn’t afford a city laborer working for us.

Management job counts and costs seem to be increasing and that makes no sense at all.

Is there a complete list of positions and who they report to?

I personally wouldn’t know what positions would be Infrastructure ,anagement related so who are we saying is going to get that extra percentage increase.

CC Mail

College Heights housing development plan coming back to council

The expensive sprawl continues. Housing is needed, but infill should be the priority for now. Pushing people farther from amenities (especially seniors) creates unhealthy, cardependent lifestyles and just adds congestion to roads. Let’s focus on smart growth that reduces strain on infrastructure and keeps taxes manageable.

S Goods

Potential unmarked graves found at former Lejac site

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

A research team has found new evidence that may point to potential grave sites at the site of a former residential school near Fraser Lake.

Using ground-penetrating radar and magnetometry surveys, the Nez Keh Hubuk’uznootah project team has uncovered geophysical traits consistent with burials around the site of Lejac Indian Residential School.

Nadleh Whut’en Chief Beverly Ketlo shared the news at a press conference Saturday, Nov. 30.

“This is the work we need to do as a community to ensure that the truth can come to light,” she said. “The work is hard and it takes a long time – and we are bringing information forward as we receive it because survivors have a right to know. For non-Indigenous Canadians, we ask you to respect this process as we come to know the truth. Remember – we have always known that there were children buried at Lejac because many of their graves are marked in a cemetery. I want you to ask yourself if your elementary school had a cemetery.”

Since its founding in 1922, the Lejac Indian Residential School had an active

Postal picket line

Striking postal workers gather around propane fires for warmth in front of the Fifth Avenue post office on Wednesday, Nov.

27. The strike by members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers was in its third week as The Citizen went to press.

cemetery on its grounds.

Matching archival records from the school to geophysical survey results has pointed to the possibility of several missing graves. This has added fuel to a search that has already lasted for nearly two years.

The former site of Lejac is now in the hands of the Nadleh Whut’en community which has been stewarding the site on Tseyaz Bunk’ut, Indian Reserve No. 4.

Archie Patrick began these surveys in the winter of 2023 in areas identified by former residents. The search involved an area of 142,500 square metres, about the size of 27 football fields.

“Lejac is still with me,” Patrick said. “As a survivor of Lejac, I continue to deal with the upheaval of being taken from my parents and the daily trauma of living in that place. But I am so pleased that the stories of survivors are finally being brought to light. The guiding team is united in our commitment to uphold

the spirits of those who suffered and ensure their voices are not forgotten.”

Lejac Residential School had students from more than 70 Indigenous communities across British Columbia, including from Lheidli T’enneh, with more than 7,850 children attending during its 54 years of operation from 1922 to 1976.

The press conference outlined how the school prohibited Indigenous children from speaking their language, fed them low-quality food and subjected them to overcrowding, in addition to taking them from their families and support systems.

Often the parents of children who passed away at the school were not informed until the end of the school year, they said.

Four 8- and 9-year-old boys ran away from the school on New Year’s Day in 1937 and were later found frozen to death on a lake.

Survivors of Lejac and members of the guiding team are currently working towards overseeing engagement with other former students to oversee the next steps towards identifying these potential burial sites.

Currently, there are no plans to exhume or excavate these sites in the near future.

Former Stellat’en First Nation chief

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

The chapel at the former Lejac residential school, photographed in 1975 for a Citizen story on the facility. The school closed a year later and was demolished.

Winter got off to a surprise snowy start in November

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

This past month was slightly colder and ended quite a bit snowier than most Prince George Novembers in recent memory.

November certainly went out with a big white bang, leaving behind all those piles of snow that made for tough slogging for city residents who had to shovel or it or drive through it last weekend.

Skiers, snowboarders and tobogganers flocked to the snow-covered hills when close to 22 centimetres fell on the city this past weekend, in sharp contrast to the previous two Novembers when there was only a trace of the white stuff this time of year.

Local skiers got a treat when the Hart Ski Hill opened Saturday with fresh powder on the 22 acres of ski and snowboard trails just 15 minutes from downtown Prince George.

With the advent of warmer weather and rain this week the hill was closed to preserve as much snow as possible until the temperature drops again.

By Sunday, the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club had already plowed its parking lots at Otway Nordic Centre three times, the entire season equivalent in 2023-24.

According to Environment Canada meteorologist Armel Castellan, the actual amounts that fell on the weekend are difficult to ascertain because the Prince George weather station data supplied by Nav Canada measures the amounts that settle on the ground.

From Thursday to the end of the day Saturday, Castellan said a minimum of 22 centimetres fell on the city, which boosted the monthly average precipitation above normal.

“From a precipitation point of view, so snow and rain, you had 50.9 millimetres of liquid equivalent and the average is 55.3, so 92 per cent, which is quite normal,” said Castellan.

“Just to the south, for a bit of context, Quesnel was at 73 per cent (of normal) and Williams Lake was 32 per cent. It was the fifth-driest on record in Williams Lake.”

Harlan Roe, 11, gets some air as he tries some of the fresh powder on the slopes at Hart Ski Hill Saturday on the first day of operations for the season.

There were 10 snow days in the month in which measurable amounts collected on the ground and that started collecting right around midmonth on Nov. 16.

Meteorologists consider fall to be the three-month period from start of September to the end of November and during that time, boosted by a rainy September, Prince George had 172.5 mm of precipitation, which is 99.6 per cent of the normal 173.1 mm.

On the extreme ends of the scale, the wettest September-November happened in 1934, when 281 mm fell and the driest fall was in 1916, when just 68.6 mm was recorded in PG.

After two consecutive years of drought that dropped river levels in the region close to all-time lows, that wet fall season bodes well for farmers who have struggled in recent years to grow sufficient crops to feed their livestock

and had to import hay from other parts of the province.

“Snow is helpful but not as helpful as rain when it comes to drought mitigation,” said Castellan. “We need the soil to get wet, and to get those wet pulses before it snows.”

In Prince George, November wasn’t all that much colder than normal.

The average mean temperature for the month was -3.2 C, eight-tenths of a degree cooler than the -2.5 C historical average, which dates back to 1916.

The warmest November on record was 5.6 C in 1917, eight degrees warmer than this year. The coldest was in 1985 when the average temperature was -15.4 C.

Castellan says temperatures in the city will be considerably milder over the next 10 days, with single-digit highs most days – well above the average high/low of -3 C/-10C for this time of year.

“Right now you’ve got strong gusts from the south, which is bringing the temperature up, which is at least sheltering you from freezing rain, which is not the case in Fort St. James and further west along Highway 16 as well as into the Peace country,” said Castellan. The warmest day in November happened on Nov. 7 when it hit 10.1 C, and the coldest day was Nov. 24 (-20.4 C), when close to 10 cm of snow fell on the city. Long-range models are predicting near normal temperatures for most of BC for early winter. But Castellan says the ocean temperatures in the eastern Pacific are close to four degrees cooler than the western Pacific and that, coupled with the La Nina conditions (cooler-than-normal equatorial Pacific temperatures) this year, could mean colder-than-normal conditions in late-January and February for much of the province.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Regenerative tourism focus of Industry Night

CITIZEN STAFF

Tourism Prince George, in partnership with the College of New Caledonia (CNC), recently hosted its latest Tourism Industry Night, focusing on the emerging concept of regenerative tourism.

The event, held on Thursday, Nov. 28, brought together industry leaders, students, and stakeholders to discuss how regenerative tourism practices can support sustainable growth, preserve local culture, and benefit the global environment.

Moderated by Angela Keech, Indigenous tourism specialist for Northern BC, the evening featured a diverse panel of experts, each offering their unique perspectives on the future of tourism:

Erica Hummel, director at Destination BC, shared her extensive knowledge of destination management and strategies for improving visitor experiences.

Rob van Adrichem, director of external relations at the Community Energy Association, discussed how communities can integrate sustainability into their tourism initiatives.

Gagandeep Singh, general manager at Coast Prince George Hotel by APA, highlighted the importance of eco-friendly practices within the hospitality industry.

Lauren Phillips, owner of OVERhang, provided insights into the company’s commitment to eco-conscious adventure tourism.

The event took place at the House of Ancestors “Uda Dune Baiyoh” Conference Centre, a location that fostered meaningful dialogue and collaboration among attendees.

Regenerative tourism, an approach focused on giving back to the land and communities while minimizing environmental impact, was emphasized as an innovative solution for the tourism sector, especially as ecological awareness continues to rise globally.

“We were excited to provide a platform for professionals and students to connect and exchange ideas on sustainable tourism,” said Colin Carson, CEO of Tourism Prince George. “This event is a step toward building new pathways for a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry.”

CNC president Cindy Heitman also expressed enthusiasm about the event, noting “Tourism Industry Night is a key opportunity for our students to engage with experts and learn about best practices for enhancing the visitor experience and strengthening the tourism sector.

Osoyoos: A Winter Getaway with World-Class Resorts and Plenty of Wineries to Explore

Have you ever soaked in a hot tub outside when it was snowing?

From a personal perspective, as a local citizen of Central British Columbia, I’ve traveled south to visit Osoyoos a half-dozen times in the past ten years, admittedly each time during its legendary summer season. It sets itself apart from the rest of the country with its unique adobe architecture and desert landscape, punctuated often by thematically harmonious wineries. I could go off on a tangent about the value of these locations. In fact, I did, having written articles on nearly every spot. No lie, I have visited every single winery in and around Osoyoos. Every. Single. One.

But were you aware the majority of these locations remain open during the winter? You probably don’t consider traveling in Canada during its coldest months; many of us hop on planes to visit other countries, with costs frequently bordering on extravagant—those rare galivants that take decades to afford. Yet, with its desert climate, Osoyoos regularly offers the warmest temperatures across the country, with resorts rivaling those you have to pass customs to visit, allowing even frugal travelers to score an affordable stay. I’ve done both—the fancy refuge with outdoor hot tubs and heated pools and the modest single-room motels blessed with full-sized refrigerators to store the copious wine bottles from fringing vineyards. And yes, you can still accomplish this in the winter. Warmer weather often brings clean roads, with dusts of frost gilded from an orange sun.

Heck, I’m selling myself on the experience. I’d love to avoid the heat waves and the overcrowded tasting rooms. I adore the intimate nature of a personalized tasting experience. Black Hills Estate, Burrowing Owl, CheckMate, Church & State, Gehringer Brothers, Hester Creek, Mythology Vineyards, Phantom Creek, Nk’Mp Cellars, Silver Sage, Tinhorn Creek, and vinAmité are just a sample of the many wineries offering winter hours (I counted over 30).

And if your hearts drift away from fermented grapes, you’d still be enchanted by the Okanagan Art Gallery, the local Museum, and probably the best gelato I’ve ever had outside of Italy. And I mentioned the resorts. There is Casa Del Mila Oro, Sahara Courtyard, Sandy Beach, Sun Beach, and Watermark Beach, all of which I only discovered in the researching of this article. And checking out their off-season prices, I am floored at why more people don’t take part in this. I’m getting the luxuries of international resorts with over fifty wineries within a twenty-minute drive. And not just limited to weekend skimps, as there are numerous weekly stay packages from as low as $300.

I also love the geography and architecture of Osoyoos, blending aboriginal ancestry with Spanish influences; you could be fooled into thinking you’d stepped into Central America if it weren’t for the satisfying reminders of still being in Canada. For those wishing for a more expected climate, you have nearby Mount Baldy, boasting one of the highest ski trails in the country. No embellishment, the resort sits at 1,700 meters above sea level, with the ski lifts clearing two kilometers.

I’m not even being facetious when I express my bewilderment that I have never visited Osoyoos in the winter. I know I’m already making plans. Why aren’t you?

Judge orders time served for man who assaulted woman

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Prince George Provincial Court judge sentenced a 28-year-old manWednesday, Nov. 27 to time served and ordered him to undergo 18 months probation after he pleaded guilty to assault, uttering threats and breaching a release order.

Cody Scott Roy Furnell had been charged with 13 counts after incidents on three days last July. Judge Peter McDermick gave him four concurrent time-served sentences of 60 days and three concurrent timed-served sentences of seven days.

On July 10, Furnell pushed and threatened to kill his girlfriend. He also threatened to choke an RCMP officer who responded. Furnell was released the next day on an order to have no contact with the woman and to not possess any knives.

The woman called police on July 21 to

say that Furnell had been staying with her again because he was homeless and provided video evidence of a July 17 altercation.

“They had a very angry conversation,” McDermick said. “Mr. Furnell had a large knife in his hand. She was afraid, and he then uttered threats to cause death or bodily harm to her kids.”

Police sought Furnell. The next day, the woman reported to police that he punched her in the face. When an officer found him a block away from the residence, Furnell raised a speaker at the officer, who used a Taser to convince him to drop the object. Furnell also verbally threatened the officer and his children.

McDermick called Furnell’s behaviour deplorable, unacceptable and criminal. Furnell was placed in custody, but released on an order to live at an addiction rehabilitation facility under restrictive conditions.

“I’m told that he’s doing well,”

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.

Criminal proceedings in Prince George are held in the city’s courthouse.

McDermick said.

“He’s in treatment to deal with the criminogenic factors which led to his offending,” the judge said. “He has no record, that’s very much to his favour. He’s a relatively young man.”

Furnell was born in Surrey and raised in Prince George. He worked for a railway company for seven years after high school, but suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder due to bullying.

In 2016, some of the people that Furnell said tormented him pursued him in vehicles. The chase ended in tragedy, with one man dead and a woman

seriously injured.

Dustin Allen Tisdale was sentenced in 2018 to two years and nine months in jail after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm in that case.

“Troublingly, the families of the bullies never forgave (Furnell) and blamed him for the fatal collision,” McDermick said.

“This has caused significant mental health issues for him. He began to use illicit substances to deal with these issues, so he’s got lots of trauma and lots of difficulties because of that.”

While under probation, Furnell must have no direct or indirect contact with the woman or the police officers he threatened. He must not possess weapons or consume drugs or alcohol, except prescription medicine. Furnell must also attend a counselling or education program as directed by his probation officer.

RCMP catch thief using ‘bait bike’

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Prince George man caught in an RCMP “bait bike” sting almost a year ago was sentenced Monday, Dec. 2 in provincial court to 14 days time served.

Aron Leif Gray Johnson, 39, had been charged with theft under $5,000 and wilfully resisting or obstructing a police officer. He pleaded guilty to theft under $5,000. Crown stayed the other charge.

Court heard that on Dec. 14, 2023, the Prince George RCMP leaned a black BMX-style bike, valued at around $500, against a building near the intersection of 5th Avenue and Queensway. An officer who witnessed Johnson jump on the bike and ride eastbound reported the theft on police radio. He told other officers that Johnson appeared to be destined for the homeless camp at Moccasin Flats.

An officer observed Johnson take a sharp turn into the camp where he

threw the bike on the ground.

“Mr. Johnson ran away into a tent city on Moccasin Flats where he was residing,” said Judge Peter McDermick.

The officer in pursuit told Johnson to stop and that he was under arrest. Eventually, a police vehicle blocked Johnson, he lost his balance and was placed under arrest. The officer identified Johnson from previous encounters.

McDermick said Johnson’s criminal record is an aggravating factor in sentencing, but the guilty plea was a mitigating factor.

Court heard that Johnson is a father of two children, has a Grade 10 education and Metis background.

He most recently worked in Alberta in construction and equipment operation, but has struggled with addiction and the loss of his mother three years ago to a COVID-19-type infection.

McDermick agreed to the joint proposal from a prosecutor and a defence lawyer, and sentenced Johnson to 14 days time served.

RCMP Street Crime Unit sweeps 3 homes, arrests drug suspects

The Prince George RCMP’s Street Crew Unit used warrants issued under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to search three properties in November, leading to the arrest of three suspects.

The searches happened on the 6000 block of Simon Fraser Avenue, the 13000 block of Coach Road and the 1800 block of Sinclair Road.

The three arrested were released pending charge approval by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.

Police say the investigators believe the suspects have criminal ties to Alberta.

CRIME NOTES

Mackenzie murder suspect appears in court

The Mackenzie man charged last month with second-degree murder made a brief appearance in Prince George Provincial Court on Wednesday, Nov. 27.

The case of Drake Matthew Kerr, who was born in 2003, was adjourned to Dec. 11 for an arraignment hearing.

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.

DEVELOPMENT OF A PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Integrated Vegetation Management Plan Reference Number: TCE - CGL 2025/30

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.

Kerr is also scheduled for sentencing on Feb. 13, 2025 after he pleaded guilty in November of last year to careless use or storage of a firearm on Aug. 23, 2022 in Mackenzie.

Man accused of kidnapping with firearm, burglary

The Prince George RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 28-year-old Joshua James Dillon Winters.

Winters is wanted on two unendorsed warrants, with charges including kidnapping using a firearm, forcible confinement, break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence and failure to comply with a probation order.

Winters

He is described as a Caucasian male, six feet tall (183 cm) and weighing 227 pounds (103 kg), with brown hair and blue eyes.

RCMP caution that Winters is considered dangerous and advise the public not to approach him. Anyone who believes they have spotted Winters should contact local police immediately. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300.

Arsenal Powerline Imazapyr

Banvel VM Dicamba

Clearview

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.

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

Clorosulfuron / aminocyclopyraclor

Xiameter OFX-0309 Fluid 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.

Accused pleads guilty to threatening to kill his wife

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Crown prosecutor and defence lawyer jointly proposed a conditional discharge and 12-month probation for a permanent resident from India who threatened to kill his estranged wife in Prince George.

But a judge in Prince George Provincial Court had second thoughts.

Ramandeep Singh, 28, appeared before Judge David Simpkin on Nov. 29 and changed his plea to guilty.

The court heard that on Sept. 25, 2023, Singh followed the woman to a Dollarama store and demanded she come home after moving out the previous month. She told Singh to speak to her parents. Singh kept walking with her and threatened to kill her if she did not return to live with him. He also threatened to kill himself.

Under a conditional discharge, Singh would have no criminal record if he

obeys the law and satisfies a judge’s terms and conditions, including not contacting or being in the vicinity of the victim.

But after hearing the victim’s impact statement, Simpkin did not accept the joint submission from Crown prose cutor Simran Rai and Singh’s defence lawyer David Jenkins Jr. He took a break and asked the lawyers to convince him why he should accept the proposal in a case of a husband’s threat to kill his wife.

“I’m not saying ‘no’ to a conditional discharge, I’m saying that I think I need to hear a little bit more about why this would not be contrary to the public interest,” Simpkin said.

Court heard that the victim and Singh were wed via arranged marriage in India and that she sponsored Punjab-native Singh to come to Canada in March 2023, four years after she arrived.

Singh has no criminal record in India or Canada and the victim suffered no

Local man on probation for child pornography can attend party: Judge

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Prince George Provincial Court judge amended the probation order for a man who pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, so that he can attend a local charity’s Christmas party.

Joseph Edward Graff, who was born in 1980, applied Nov. 28 for an exception so that he could attend the event on Friday, Dec. 6.

Graff had been charged in 2020 with an offence that took place Dec. 12, 2019 in Prince George. He pleaded guilty in July 2022 and was sentenced in March 2023 to a six-month conditional sentence in the community and 18 months probation.

Graff’s 2023-imposed conditions include not attending any place, such as a park, community centre or theatre, where children under age 16 may be

physical harm, court heard. However, the victim, via web conference, said the breakup and death threat affected her emotionally and financially. She blamed Singh for causing her depression, anxiety and family trauma. said. “But he tells me that these were never meant to be true, but he did it out of a place of sadness, anger and frustration, and he’s very remorseful for ever having said that.”

Jenkins said Singh faced issues with

present. He also must have no direct or indirect contact with, or be in the presence, of anyone under 16.

The Crown did not oppose Graff’s application to attend the Christmas party and told Judge David Simpkin that there had been no case of non-com pliance with his probation terms and conditions.

Graff was in court with a represen tative of the organization holding the event, who wrote a letter in support of Graff’s application.

While the name of the local non-profit was used in court, The Citizen has decided against publishing it to protect its staff and clients.

Simpkin said that while the event is aimed at an adult clientele, an invitation was extended to family and friends, which could include children under age 16.

Court heard Graff will be accompanied at all times by someone who will super vise him during the event.

COMMUNITY

What’s happening in PG

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

Fresh Wreath Making goes Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wildflower Farm, 9295 Pooley Rd. The barn is getting all festive and ready for wreath making. Fire bowls will be lit to warm up around but please dress for the weather. Feel free to bring a lap blanket too. Working with a variety of freshly foraged materials, guests will create their own outdoor wreath. Greenery, branches, cones and a decorative bow to finish it off is included. This class is for a 14-inch wreath form. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided. Workshop fee is $55 per person. Pre-registration is required. To register reach out to Lisa of Wildflower Farm at 250-961-3519 or email wildflowerfarmpg@hotmail.com.

WHL hockey: Regina Pats at Prince George Cougars on Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. Cougars also host Kamloops Blazers on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. at the CN Centre. Tickets at www.ticketsnorth. ca/event_category/hockey/.

Dance with music by Long Rider goes Saturday, Dec. 7, doors at 7, dance goes from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., at the Prince George Seniors Activity Centre, 425 Brunswick St. Classic country, classic rock and old time rock ‘n’ roll will be

featured. $20 at the door that includes a light snack. Cash bar and everyone 19+ is welcome.

Winterfest Christmas Market 2024 goes Saturday Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m at the Prince George Civic Centre. Winterfest will have more than 200 vendors in attendance.

Christmas Memories Concert presented by The Northern Orchestra of B.C. goes Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 483 Gillett St. in Prince George, and on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. at The Gospel Chapel, 448 Connaught St. in Vanderhoof. Join local orchestral musicians for an afternoon of nostalgic Christmas tunes and classics. Admission by donation at the door.

O’Celli goes Saturday, Dec. 7 at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave.

What can sound better than a cello?

Eight cellos! This instrument, the closest to the human voice, is one of the few which carries being multiplied. When played together with others, the beauty of this instrument adds up, resulting in a unique, full and exceptional sound. Together, they take us on a fabulous journey through a repertoire of both original and arranged pieces, ranging from Tchaikovsky to Strauss, passing by the music of Piazzolla and Nino Rota. Tickets are $70 each at www.knoxcentre.ca/upcoming-shows.

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

shopping.

Teddy and Toque Toss at Prince George Cougars vs Kamloops on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. at CN Centre. Presented by the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation. Bring teddies, toques, and mitts for donation, and when the Cougars score their first goal of the night, join thousands of fans as we toss them all onto the ice. Each item will find its way to children in need through the Salvation Army. For tickets visit https:// ticketsnorth.Cougarsteddybeartoss.

Inga Andersen: The Blackout Girl Remembered exhibit starts Saturday, Dec. 7 at The Exploration Place, 333 Becott Place. Prince George’s own Inga Anderson became a world famous entertainer performing in upscale nightclubs in Europe and entertained the troops during the Second World War. This exhibit is an in-house production presented by the museum. For more information visit theexplorationplace.com/divi_overlay/inga-andersen-the-blackout-girl-remembered/. Light The Way: 2SLGBTQIA+ & Diverse Art Showcase goes Saturday, Dec. 7 from 7 to 11 p.m. at 222-1685 Third Avenue. Enjoy vibrant performances, explore unique artwork, and take part in the silent auction for the holiday gift-giving item. This event is part of a fundraising initiative to help keep Northern BC Queer Connection Society running. Tickets are $15 at the door with a donation to the food bank (children’s toys, gift cards, or canned foods, etc.) Limited door tickets available. For advance tickets visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/light-the-way.

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Prince George Cougars Minor Hockey players help collect stuffed toys, and toques that were thrown on the ice at CN Centre during the Prince George Cougars annual Teddy Bear Toss game a few years back. It returns Saturday night.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Winter Wonderland Family Concert goes Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Prince George Playhouse. What do you do for fun in the winter? The possibilities are as numerous as the instruments in an orchestra! Embrace the spirit of the season with a delightful chamber orchestra in this vibrant and cheerful show by Barb Parker. Celebrate the magic of winter together and let the music fill your heart with joy. Tickets are at https://tickets.pgso.com/tickets/ winter-wonderland.

Christmas Memories presented by The Forever Young Chorus goes Friday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. at the Elder Citizens Recreation Association, 1692 Tenth Ave. Tickets are on sale at the Rec Centre for $12 each. Hart of Christmas Market goes Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m at the Hart Centre Mall, 6565 Hart Hwy. There will be local vendors selling their wares and Santa photos provided by a local photographer.

Langley Rivermen at Prince George Spruce Kings goes Friday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. at Kopar Memorial Arena, 888 Dominion St. For Spruce Kings tickets visit https:// www.sprucekings.bc.ca/tickets

Christmas Brunch goes Saturday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. at Spruce Capital Senior Centre, 3701 Rainbow Dr. This breakfast brunch features eggs, ham, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, pancakes, French toast and fresh fruit with a chocolate fondue and a variety of beverages. $25 for adults, $12.50 for children. Tickets are at the Centre.

Indigenous Holiday Market goes Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15 from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. at Harwin Elementary School, 1193 Harper St. Local artists, kids craft station and a concession are featured during this first-ever event. Please bring a perishable or non-perishable food item for the food collection provded to local families in need.

A Merry Morning at the Museum goes Saturday, Dec. 14 from 9 to 11 am at The Exploration Place, 333 Becott Place. In a whimsical wonderland enjoy the magic and nostalgia of the holiday season with delicious food, retro toys and Santa Claus. There is a breakfast buffet that includes a variety of food suitable for all dietary requirements and little ones can create a unique ornament and decorate cookies. Adults are $49.95, children five to 12 are $24.95 children up to four years old are free with a paid adult. For more information and tickets visit https://theexplorationplace.com/ event/merrymorning/

Christmas Dinner Party goes Saturday, Dec. 14, doors at 5 and dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the Prince George Senior Activity Centre, 145 Brunswick St. Dinner, prizes, surprises, fun and entertainment. Pre-purchase tickets prior to Dec. 12. No tickets at the door. Tickets are $26 each.

The Culling of Krampus 2 goes Saturday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Prince George Legion 43, 101-1116 Sixth Ave. Dress in your best spooky/festive attire and save $5 of the $25 at the door and save another $5 by bringing non perishable food donation.

P&R Fourth annual Christmas Market goes Sunday Dec. 15 from 11 a.m.

WINTER WONDERLAND

to 4 p.m. at 12800 Salmon Valley Road. There will be hayrides and bonfires, food and drink and a visit from Santa. Queer Clothing Swap and Sewing Workshop goes Sunday, Dec. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St., in partnership with the Northern BC Queer Connection Society. Offering a joyful, welcoming space for everyone, especially people who identify as queer, trans, non-binary, genderfluid, or drag performers, to explore, experiment, and express their style, judgment-free. Here, you can discover how to alter, customize, upcycle, and adapt clothing to celebrate every body type and unique sense of style. For all the details visit https://www.facebook. com/events/2354066518279854

Kim’s Convenience goes until Wednesday, Dec. 18 at Theatre NorthWest, 556 North Nechako Rd. Embark on a touching and comical journey with the critically acclaimed play that celebrates family, culture, and humour. Follow the misadventures of the lovable Kim family as they navigate the challenges of running a convenience store in Toronto’s vibrant Regent Park neighbourhood. Filled with laughter, poignant moments, and cultural insights, this play is a delightful exploration of the universal themes that connect us all. For more information and tickets visit www.tickets.theatrenorthwest.com/ kimsconvenience.

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.

Nanaimo Clippers at Prince George Spruce Kings goes Saturday, Dec. 28 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. at Kopar Memorial Arena, 888 Dominion St. For Spruce Kings tickets visit https:// www.sprucekings.bc.ca/tickets

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

Games Night goes every Thursday at 7 p.m at Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Drive. Come on down and join in a game of backgammon, checkers, crib or better yet try out the pool table or dart board, please bring your own darts. Open to everyone for a $5 drop-in fee.

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

Toronto actor makes professional stage debut in PG

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Theatre NorthWest’s production of Kim’s Convenience sees a Toronto actor take to the stage for his professional theatre debut.

Jason Pilgrim plays four characters in the show opposite James Yi, who plays Appa, the main character, while also directing the play.

Kim’s Convenience is a heart-warming comedy drama about a Korean immigrant family running a corner store in Toronto.

The play, written by Ins Choi, was a huge hit before becoming an award-winning sitcom on CBC television in 2016 and running for five seasons.

Pilgrim started his acting training in 2016 when he decided that being an English as a Second Language teacher just wasn’t working for him.

“I reached a point in my life where I was thinking about acting for so long and I thought now is the time I really go full throttle, put both feet in the pool and really see what can become of it,” Pilgrim said. “I reached a point where I just needed to act. Right there and then I decided to leave the job.”

He went straight to New York to take a six-week summer intensive and from there dove straight into Toronto’s community theatre scene. He acted in fringe festival productions, student films and non-union commercials before the pandemic changed the theatre world for a few years. He decided to continue his studies.

“I got my training at East 15 Acting School in the U.K.,” Pilgrim said. “I am Canadian but I decided to do my degree in acting in the U.K. at a reputable drama school.”

He graduated in October 2022.

“England is known for its theatre scene, its many famous actors, there is a lot more opportunity in theatre in London, particularly, so I wanted to get my training there because there’s a lot of actors in Hollywood that come from England,” Pilgrim said. “So I thought that would be a good start in terms of my career.”

“I play four different characters, so that’s been a challenge just to distinguish each and every one of them,” Pilgrim said. “I’m playing Rich, he’s the first one that appears on stage, then the next one is Mr. Lee, the third one is Mike and then Alex, who is probably a more well-rounded character and who appears in more than one scene. I am extremely fortunate to be part of a cast in which three of the actors have already done a Kim’s production before. James Yi, our director and lead is on his ninth run as Appa. I couldn’t ask for a better situation to be in. Jimmy has a wealth of knowledge and he’s helped make the transition from drama school to the professional stage much easier.”

Pilgrim has enjoyed the positive reactions from those who have seen the play.

“We’ve had a good response from the audience,” Pilgrim said. “Last night the cast went out to Nancy O’s and when we got to the door and we were waiting to be seated there was someone who said ‘hey, are you in Kim’s Convenience? I saw you on Friday’ and she gave us some well wishes and told us she really enjoyed the show. It was very nice.”

Audience members might be surprised to know that the play and the popular television series are different, Pilgrim said.

In the summer of 2019 Pilgrim was fortunate enough to be part of To Kill a Mockingbird, a Stage Centre Productions piece out of North York in Toronto where he played Tom Robinson.

“That was a wonderful experience and later that summer I also appeared in a play called Who You Callin’ Black, Eh? and it premiered at the Toronto Fringe Festival and we had a space at the Factory Theatre. We got lucky because it was very well received and we won the Teenjur Young Critics Award,” Pilgrim said. “And that was all before the pandemic.”

Pilgrim had never been to BC before he came to Prince George to take on the four roles in Kim’s Convenience.

“So I’m a newbie to Prince George,” Pilgrim laughed. “One thing I knew I was

coming to was the nature and that was quite evident as soon as I landed at the airport. The forest and the open fields, you don’t really get that in Toronto, right?”

Pilgrim said Prince George has a small-town feel that he quite enjoys.

“There have been many circumstances where when I’m driving I have been given the right-of-away even though I didn’t have the right-of-way,” Pilgrim said. “I found that very surprising and people on the street when we’re walking by each other have said ‘hi’ to me and you don’t really get that in the big city. So it’s been very welcoming.”

Kim’s Convenience is at Theatre NorthWest until Dec. 18 and started on Nov. 21. That’s a long run by any standards, short of shows on Broadway.

“Believe it or not, the play did come first,” Pilgrim said. “The audience will see a story about a family, about community, about forgiveness and the play does go to places – I don’t want to say dark places – but it will go to places the audience might not expect. The character, Appa, (played by James Yi) has a very visible arc. He changes by the end of the play and you’re taken on this journey of his. Anyone who comes to see the play is going to laugh, but they are also in for the harder stuff when it comes to family and relationships. It’s very special.”

The modern Canadian classic goes until Dec. 18 at Theatre NorthWest.

Tickets are available at https:// tickets.theatrenorthwest.com/ KimsConvenience.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

James Yi as Appa (left) and Toronto actor Jason Pilgrim appear in the Theatre Northwest production of Kim’s Convenience which Yi also directs. The second play in TNW’s Main Stage plays for the 2024/25 season opens Nov. 21 and runs until Dec. 16.

Secret Santa seeking sponsors to help those in need

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

For many people Christmas is a joyous time of year while others might need a little boost during the holiday season.

The Secret Santa Project PG is seeking sponsors for those who might fall through guideline cracks for hampers elsewhere in town.

More than 100 hamper applications have come from the community including single people, couples, seniors and families.

Since 2020, blankets are still the single most popular request on the wish list for recipients.

Sponsorship offers people a chance to make a bigger, more personal impact on community members in need.

necessities like hoodies, hygiene products and, of course, blankets.

The Secret Santa team includes Marianne Koops, Terri Whitwick, Leslie Campbell and Patrick Telford who all volunteer to coordinate the effort.

For anyone wishing to donate to the cause anytime, please bring items to Koops Bikes, Wall to Wall, Jack & Jill Embroidery, Anchors Fresh Fish & Seafood and Chatters in Westgate in College Heights.

“If you, your family, your business, or even a group of friends, would like to be matched with a family of any size, a couple or a single person, please send a DM to the Secret Santa Facebook page,” said Marianne Koops, one of the organizers of the project. “Any donation or sponsorship is gratefully accepted.”

Sponsors are asked to purchase items for a complete Christmas dinner and something extra to make it easier to get through the holidays and a small, reasonably priced gift or two for each family member.

Don’t worry about what to get each member of a family. The Secret Santa Project PG makes it easy by taking the

Tickets for our 2nd 50/50 jackpot on sale:

for $25, 3 for $50, 7 for $100. Draw Date January 31, 2025

guess work out of shopping for those hard to shop for teens, because as part of the application process people are asked to make a wish list. Nowadays everyone is so practical, it’s mostly all about the

The Secret Santa Project PG hosted a Blanket & Gift Card Drive on Sunday, at Koops Bike Shop where they collected blankets, throws, sheet sets, towels and gift cards.

MARIANNE KOOPS PHOTO

Secret Santa Project PG is seeking sponsors but donations are always welcome.

Volunteers help keep Cottonwood Island ducks fed

keep those ducks alive over the winter with Pacific Western Brewery donating thousands of pounds of barley and Four Rivers Co-Operative, at the old Spruce Capital Feeds location, providing the duck food and also taking donations from the public who want to help out.

Almost-daily visits to the park’s main entrance see Cailleaux and Bailey packing five-gallon buckets of feed out of the back of their pickup trucks. They take turns making their way down the riverbank at the bridge with bulky buckets in one hand, shovels in the other before whooshing the feed in magnificent arcs that see the feed spread far and wide.

Last season was a bit of a different story as both Bailey and Cailleaux had surgeries earlier this year and were unable to feed the ducks for the last few months of winter.

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Winter hit hard, fast, and much earlier than last year, leaving about 150 ducks at Cottonwood Island Park struggling to survive the weather.

Feeding our hungry fine-feathered friends are longtime volunteers Paul Cailleaux and Brock Bailey, who have been at it about a decade.

“Consider the ducks pigs with wings,” Cailleaux laughed. “They gobble that feed down as fast as they can and are always looking for more.”

Keeping the wintering ducks alive at Cottonwood Island Park is a priority for Cailleaux and Bailey, volunteers from Ducks Unlimited Canada, as the duck population needs to stay healthy for next year’s breeding season, but it takes the community to help provide the feed.

Bailey and Cailleaux started feeding the ducks just recently and they don’t mind the grunt work, but the out-ofpocket costs can add up quickly when you’ve got 150 extra mouths to feed.

Generous donations have been the key to the success of the project to

Gord Smith and wife Margaret took over duck-feeding duty for Cailleaux and Bailey and still visit the ducks often at Cottonwood Island Park as part of their routine while doing errands around town.

“I really want to thank Gord and Margaret for feeding the ducks when Brock and I couldn’t, as we were gimping around after my knee and Brock’s hip were replaced at almost the same time earlier this year,” Cailleaux said. “It’s hard work and we really appreciate the help.”

Dedicated volunteers Bailey and Cailleaux ask those bringing their dogs to the park to please keep them on a leash to prevent them from chasing the ducks that need to save their energy for surviving the winter rather than avoiding a predator’s attack.

Paul Cailleaux (left) and Margaret and Gord Smith all have a hand in feeding ducks not flying south for winter at Cotton-

All the Whos in Whoville

The Whos of Whoville celebrate Christmas, despite their presents, decorations and feast having gone missing, during the Nove Voce production of How The Grinch Stole Christmas Saturday at Knox Performance Centre. The choral production and reading was staged four times over the course of the day, with each half-hour performance accommodating 200 or so audience members.

Selen Alpay honoured by educators with award

CITIZEN STAFF

Selen Alpay, a dedicated advocate for youth in Prince George, has been named one of the recipients of the 2024 BC Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association Partnership Award.

Alpay, who has worked for more than 17 years to support local school programs and initiatives, received the award at a ceremony on Friday, Nov. 22 at the J.W. Marriott Parq Vancouver.

The awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made lasting contributions to the well-being of students in British Columbia, states a press release with the announcement. This year’s recipients were chosen for their work in enhancing educational experiences through cultural, social and developmental support for youth across the province.

“I am blessed, honoured and humbled to have been selected as a recipient of the BCPVPA Partnership Award,” Alpay said. “This recognition would not have been possible without

the countless, incredible individuals we have built close relationships with over the last 17 years. These dedicated, passionate, and special human beings work a variety of school programs that have a positive impact on our kids

and youth, ultimately making their lives better! We are proud and privileged to support these life-changing endeavours!”

The award highlights Alpay’s extensive involvement with local school

programs that provide critical support for students, particularly those facing adversity.

He has helped create opportunities for students to thrive in environments that nurture both their academic and personal development.

“This is true community-building, where our students – our future citizens and leaders – are recognized and seen, and their needs nurtured and supported by people beyond the environs of their schools,” said BCPVPA president Shannon Behan.

Four other recipients were honoured for their contributions to educationin BC

They are Denisiqi Services Society, nominated by the Cariboo-Chilcotin Chapter (School District No. 27); Friends of qathet, nominated by the qathet Chapter (School District No. 47); Laichwiltach Family Life Society, nominated by the Campbell River Chapter (School District No. 72) and Ryan Wank, nominated by the Stikine Chapter (School District No. 87).

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Selen Alpay of Prince George (centre) is a 2024 recipient of a BC Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association Partnership Award.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Downtown lights up ...

BELOW: Members

The Christmas season gets under way, first with the Civic Light Up at Canada Games Plaza and the Festival of Trees at the Civic Centre, and then the return of the Santa Claus Parade

ABOVE: Fireworks transfix the packed Canada Games Plaza until the final crescendo of light and sound was carried away by the wind, officially opening the holiday season Thursday night.

of the Prince George Cantata Singers entertain skaters and others gathered at Canada Games Plaza.

ABOVE: Performers from Judy Russell’s Enchainement Dance Centre perform I Don’t Know What Christmas Is on stage during the Festival of Trees at the Civic Centre as the Civic Light Up events unfold outside Thursday.

BELOW: Spruce Kings defenseman Maks Percic enjoys some street hockey with young fans at Canada Games Plaza.

A Road to New Beginnings: First Long Drive from Vancouver to Prince George

AUTHOR - SHIVI JUYAL

An international student never forgets the day they say goodbye to their loved ones, leave their home, and step into a new country. For me, that day was August 28, 2024—a day forever etched in my memory.

Carrying my entire life in two 32 kg suitcases and a 12 kg backpack, I landed in Vancouver early that morning. It was a moment filled with emotion, especially when I called my parents upon arrival. Hearing their voices brought both comfort and a pang of homesickness. My uncle picked me up from the airport, and I spent the day in Chilliwack. My first taste of Canada? Tim Hortons’ Vanilla Coffee and farm-fresh corn— juicy, sweet, and unforgettable.

On the morning of August 29, it was time to say goodbye to my aunt. My uncle was driving me to UNBC, and the journey ahead was more than just a road trip. It was the gateway to a new chapter of my life.

The Drive: A Passage Through BC’s Natural Splendor

The drive from Vancouver to Prince George felt like an odyssey—a serene, soul-stirring passage through the untamed beauty of British Columbia. As we left Vancouver, the hum of the city gave way to the tranquil expanse of open country roads.

The warm glow of sunrise illuminated the journey ahead. Towering trees stretched endlessly toward the sky, their earthy scent of pine and cedar filling the air. Clouds floated lazily above, and every view felt like a new discovery. Tunnels dotted the route, offering fleeting moments of mystery and excitement.

As the hours passed and we ventured further from Vancouver, the road began to wind around hills, revealing glimpses of the Fraser River. Its calm, reflective surface mirrored the untouched blue sky above—a reminder of the timelessness of this land.

Through Small Towns and Sweeping Landscapes

We passed through charming small towns like Hope, Cache Creek, and Kamloops, each with its own unique charm. The landscape shifted constantly, from sweeping valleys adorned with wildflowers to rugged, snow-capped mountains rising majestically in the distance.

The sheer scale of the scenery was aweinspiring, reminding me of how cinematic everything feels in a new land. The beauty of British Columbia was a constant companion, even as I battled jet lag.

Uncle and I shared stories about Canada and UNBC. He had completed his post-graduation at UNBC and was excited to see me starting my journey there. At 50 Miles, we stopped for Tim Hortons coffee and hashbrowns—because, as I learned, no Canadian road trip is complete without it.

Reflections on the Road

The drive wasn’t just about covering miles; it was an experience of contrasts. The unfamiliar roads, vast nature, and anticipation of what lay ahead created a blend of excitement and introspection. As we got closer to Prince George, the weight of this new beginning grew stronger. I wasn’t just visiting anymore—I was

becoming part of this place, ready to embrace the rhythm of a new life.

The sky shifted to hues of orange and pink as we approached Quesnel. Cattle fields and grassy hilltops rolled by, and a peaceful calm settled over me. This journey had already begun to teach me patience and perspective, and I was both eager and nervous to see how the rest of this adventure would unfold.

Arrival in Prince George

After nearly seven hours on the road, I had drifted into a light sleep, only to be woken by my uncle’s voice. “Look outside,” he said. I rubbed my eyes and saw it—Mr. PG, the iconic statue, welcoming us to the city.

Prince George seemed small and unassuming, nestled in the grandeur of British Columbia’s natural beauty. There was a quiet simplicity to the city that felt just right. As I stepped out of the car, I felt a sense of peace.

This small city felt like the perfect place to start a new chapter—a place rooted in nature’s serenity, where I could grow, learn, and make the most of this transformative journey.

Final Thoughts

The drive from Vancouver to Prince George wasn’t just a physical journey; it was a passage into a new life. With every passing kilometer, I felt the mix of hope, nervousness, and excitement that comes with beginning anew. And as I stood in Prince George for the first time, I knew this was where my story would unfold.

A glimpse of my first sunset in Canada.

Photo courtesy Shivi Juyal

Spotting a classy retro Mustang on the road

Photo courtesy Shivi Juyal

Mr. PG, a symbol of the city, welcoming thousands of families and students every day.

Photo courtesy Shivi Juyal

Building Community Care: Kiara and Zehra’s Impact on IWAU 2024 at UNBC

BY AHMAD JALIL

The 2024 “Inspiring Women Among Us” (IWAU) event at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) proved to be a powerful demonstration of empowerment, inclusivity, and community engagement. Under the theme “Caring in a Time of Polycrisis,” the event successfully addressed the multifaceted challenges facing individuals and communities today. Behind its success were two dedicated planning assistants, Kiara Mills and Zehra Zawawi, whose behind-the-scenes efforts were instrumental in bringing IWAU to life. Making Connections Through Leadership

Kiara Mills, a student in English and Environmental Sustainability Studies, managed social media and created compelling posters that effectively spread the word about IWAU. “It was about more than just informing people,” she reflected. “It was about creating a space where everyone feels they belong.”

For Zehra Zawawi, an international

student in her second year with IWAU, volunteer engagement was the primary focus. Her efforts to involve both returning and new volunteers paid off significantly. “Seeing many volunteers come back was inspiring,” she noted. “It showed that people were thinking about important issues and were eager to contribute.”

Overcoming Challenges with Innovation

The organization of IWAU 2024 presented various challenges that required creative solutions. Zehra successfully coordinated the weeklong series of events, managing complex scheduling requirements and ensuring accessibility for all students.

“We had to consider the best timings and venues, and sometimes adjust when unexpected changes occurred,” she explained.

Kiara tackled the nuances of effective communication head-on. Her work on social media proved particularly impactful, as she crafted content that was both engaging and accessible.

“Writing captions seemed simple, but

making them meaningful and inclusive was a challenge,” she shared. Both planners prioritized accessibility in their design choices, from color combinations to font selections.

The Impact of “Caring in a Time of Polycrisis”

The event’s theme resonated deeply with both organizers and participants. In addressing global challenges like climate change, social unrest, and the ongoing effects of the pandemic, IWAU 2024 emphasized the importance of extending care beyond individuals to encompass community and environment.

Kiara’s vision of using care as a catalyst for community building proved successful. Following periods of disconnect due to the pandemic and faculty strikes, IWAU 2024 effectively bridged gaps between academia and community life. “We brought people together again, creating communities where we uplift each other,” she explained.

For Zehra, the theme held personal significance as an international

student. Her understanding of the need for support in unfamiliar surroundings enhanced the event’s inclusive atmosphere. “Care was crucial, especially when adjusting to a new culture and environment,” she reflected. “IWAU provided a space where we could share our experiences and support one another.”

Creating Lasting Change

The event successfully fostered an inclusive environment where conversations about important issues were open to all, regardless of gender or background. Zehra’s emphasis on welcoming participation from all genders contributed to the event’s inclusive nature. “Creating an inclusive society means everyone is involved,” she asserted.

Kiara’s hope for attendees to feel empowered to engage with the community was realized throughout the week. “Don’t hold yourself back because you think you won’t know anyone,” she had encouraged, and many participants took this advice to heart, forming new connections and relationships during the events.

Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Care

The success of IWAU 2024 demonstrated the power of student involvement in creating meaningful campus events that address global challenges while strengthening local communities. Through accessible platforms and collaborative efforts with various campus groups, the event’s impact continues to resonate throughout the UNBC community. Students interested in getting involved with future IWAU events can stay connected through social media platforms, where “Inspiring Women Among Us” maintains an active presence on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

The dedication of individuals like Kiara and Zehra showed how community care can thrive even in challenging times. Through their work with IWAU 2024, they not only organized successful events but also helped nurture a supportive network that continues to grow within the UNBC community.

from left to right: Zehra, Annie, Zoe, Kiara

Photo coutesy UNBC

Building a Legacy of Impact: Insights from Dr. Rahim Somani,

UNBC’s Vice President, Finance and Administration

BY DR. RAHIM SOMANI

For many UNBC students wondering about their future careers, the path forward might seem unclear. But Dr. Rahim Somani, UNBC’s Vice President of Finance and Administration, offers an inspiring example of how embracing curiosity and continuous learning can lead to a meaningful career that makes a difference.

Since joining UNBC in November 2020, Somani has brought a unique global perspective to his role in strategic and financial planning. Recently completing his Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University – where he won first place in the Three Minute Thesis competition’s online category – Somani demonstrates that learning never truly ends.

“From a young age, I’ve always been curious and eager to learn,” says Somani, whose career journey includes holding senior positions within the Aga Khan Development Network—most notably serving as the Founding Chief Financial Officer of the University of Central Asia—and who joined UNBC in November 2020, bringing his expertise to the university community.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

One of Somani’s most formative experiences came early in his career when he helped establish an education program for Afghan refugees in Pakistan. “This initiative aimed to help individuals turn tragedy into opportunity by equipping them for various life scenarios,” he explains. The project

taught him that success often requires looking beyond technical skills to embrace cultural awareness and adaptability.

Working across different continents and cultures has taught Somani valuable lessons about leadership and adaptability. “Cultural and geographical transitions required me to adapt quickly and embrace new ways of working,” he shares. In rural settings, he learned to adjust his leadership style from directive to collaborative, emphasizing the importance of building trust and respecting local values.

Building Resilience and Balance

For students feeling overwhelmed by their academic and personal commitments, Somani offers practical wisdom from his own experience. “Resilience and balance go hand in hand,” he says, emphasizing that taking care of personal wellbeing is crucial for professional success. “Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.”

He encourages students to view challenges not as setbacks but as opportunities for growth. “Each obstacle you overcome is a step towards becoming a part of the impactful minority who drives positive change.”

The Power of Mentorship and Relationships

Throughout his career, Somani has benefited from strong mentorship relationships and now works to pay that forward. “The relationships you build today will open doors tomorrow,” he advises students. He encourages them to actively seek mentors and build networks with peers who can

support and challenge them.

Inspired by the words of His Highness the Aga Khan – “It is for us who are more fortunate to provide that spark” – Somani views mentorship as both a responsibility and an honor. He has witnessed firsthand how guidance and support can boost confidence and create new opportunities for others.

Focus on Impact, Not Just Achievement

Rather than focusing solely on career titles or positions, Somani encourages students to think about the problems they want to solve and the impact they hope to make in society. “Making a difference does not always require grand gestures; sometimes it is in the small, everyday actions that we create the most impact,” he explains.

For UNBC students planning their futures, Somani offers this advice: “Believe in yourself, stay humble, and foster a mindset of lifelong learning. Each step you take has the potential to inspire those around you toward positive and meaningful change.”

His journey from finance professional to leader in education and development demonstrates that a career built on curiosity, resilience, and service can create lasting positive change. It’s a reminder that success isn’t just about personal achievement – it’s about using our skills and knowledge to uplift others and contribute to our communities.

Students interested in learning more about mentorship opportunities or career development resources can contact the UNBC Career Centre.

Rahim Somani and his family - Photo courtesy Rahim Somani

Rahim Somani Celebrating Diwali - Photo courtesy Rahim Somani

Rahim Somani and UNBC Leadership - Photo courtesy Rahim Somani

Flash From the Past: Clubs Day, September 2008

BY ANDREW BAILY

The publication date for this paper is set for September 16th so, barring any setbacks, those of you who are such huge fans of OTE (Over the Edge) as to have eagerly awaited this paper can now rejoice—it’s finally Club’s Day! No matter where you’re reading this, you need to head to the Wintergarden area at UNBC and check out all the club tables set up today and tomorrow (September 16th and 17th).

Clubs are an essential part of student life for two key reasons: They provide a great venue to meet and make friends with students who share your interests.

Participation in clubs is invaluable for resumes and graduate school applications.

The next issue of Over the Edge will include a complete rundown of the clubs present on Club’s Day—what they do, how to join, and all the other important details. But since I’m writing this for a Friday deadline before Club’s Day has occurred, I’ll focus on one club that I believe will

undoubtedly be the most exciting to join this year: the Commerce Student Society (CSS).

Why Join the CSS?

The CSS is the club every student should join today. While all students enrolled in a business major/minor are automatically members, the CSS is open to everyone. Its primary aim is to provide students with real-world business experience that goes beyond what you’ll learn in the classroom.

The CSS operates numerous events that aren’t strictly business-related. Being involved in the planning and promotion of these events is a great way to gain experience and enhance your resume. Whether you want to host an event, network, or gain practical skills, the CSS has opportunities for all levels of commitment.

For those with a serious interest in business, the CSS also organizes a business dinner each year. Representatives from national businesses attend, scouting for potential recruits. Although I, as a dread-headed English major, can only imagine what this is like, I’d advise anyone interested in a business career to get involved.

Another reason to join the CSS is its close partnership with JDC West, the largest undergraduate business competition in Western Canada. For the first time in history, UNBC will host the annual JDC West Business Games in early 2010. Last year’s event at the University of Alberta attracted over 600 students, and this year’s theme, “Humanitarian Leadership,” is sure to bring great attention to UNBC. What About JDC West?

Unlike the CSS, membership in JDC West is highly selective. Prospective members must compete to earn a spot on UNBC’s team. However, joining the CSS may provide opportunities to contribute to this massive event and secure a place in UNBC history.

Start Exploring Clubs!

By now, you should be at the club tables area, so there’s no reason to keep reading. Look up, find a club you like, and join it. As I can’t end this article with a one-sentence paragraph, here’s my shameless plug: I’m currently filling out the paperwork to start my own club this year—the Sportsfans Club. The goal is to bring together students who enjoy watching and talking about sports. From fantasy leagues to game nights, this club is all about camaraderie over shared interests. If this sounds like your kind of thing, find me at the clubs’ area. Cheers!

In the Shoes of an Immigrant Transfer Student: A Day of First Impressions

BY LINA MAKSYMOVA

Starting university is a whirlwind for anyone, but imagine stepping into your first class as an immigrant transfer student. It’s not just a new school—it’s a whole new world. You’ve traded familiar streets and customs for a campus buzzing with activity, unfamiliar faces, and a language that doesn’t always roll off your tongue. Exciting? Yes. Nerve-wracking? Absolutely.

Your heart races as you walk into the classroom, scanning for a seat that doesn’t feel too conspicuous. And then it hits you: Wake up, world! I’m officially at university. OMG, so many people! SOS! My brain screams, Run! But I’ve made it this far—no turning back now. I take a deep breath (more like hyperventilation) and remind myself: You’ve got this! You’re a warrior! The first class? Terrifying. A sea of strangers, all smiling and confident, while I sit there wondering if I’ve made a huge mistake. No more hiding behind muted mics in online classes—this is real life, and my face is on full display. The professor starts talking, and I’m already struggling to keep up. English is my second language, and translating on the fly feels like running a mental marathon. Then came the dreaded icebreaker: selfintroductions. Should I share my childhood

trauma? A random joke? My undying love for European pickles? No one gives you a rulebook, so I went with the safe option: “Hi, I’m from blah blah blah, and I’m excited to be here.” Cue awkward silence. Great start.

The class itself felt like stepping into another dimension. Interactive learning? Participation? Really? Back home, we just listened and nodded. And speaking of home, here’s a universal rule for every immigrant student: “In my country, we do it differently.” It’s my go-to phrase—part fun fact, part unintentional way to annoy people. By the end of class, reality sank in: this isn’t a vacation. There’s real work to do—not just assignments but actual work to earn money and survive. After all that first-day stress, I can’t just sit and reflect; I need to hustle.

As I head back to my dorm, exhausted but a little proud, I tell myself: I survived! I can do this. One day at a time, right? Tomorrow, it’s back to navigating new faces, new challenges, and maybe understanding a little more.

Until then, here’s to this crazy, exciting, terrifying chapter. Cheers to being an immigrant transfer student—it’s overwhelming, but I’m here for it!

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Picture of a Slide from the class - Photo courtesy Lina Maksymova

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

By: Laura Olson

Animal: Lynx

Location: Chilcotin, BC

By: Lauren Elviss

Animal: Lynx kitten

Location: Prince George, BC

Caught in the Act

Birds of a Feather

By: Ally Truscott

Animal: Turkey Vulture

Location: Pemberton, BC

Photo Contest

Wildlife Winners!

We hope you enjoy the winning photographs from this collaboration between the Wildlife Society and Over the Edge student newspaper. As our first attempt at this format, we’re excited to showcase the incredible talent within our community and would love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share your feedback at ote@unbc.ca!

Peoples Choice

Peoples Choice & Majestic Mammals

By: Jasper Kohut

Animal: Bighorn Sheep

Location: Kananaskis, Alberta

NUGSS Annual General Meeting 2024-25: A Student’s Perspective on Campus Governance

BY SYED ALI SAFEER KAZMI

As a second-year undergraduate student at UNBC, I’ll admit something: when I first heard about the NUGSS Annual General Meeting (AGM), I had no idea what it entailed. Terms like “AGM” and “quorum” felt like distant corporate jargon that seemed unrelated to my daily campus life.

But I’ve come to realize that AGMs are far more than administrative formalities—they’re vital to the governance of organizations like the Northern Undergraduate Student Society (NUGSS). These yearly gatherings are a chance for organizations to report on their activities, finances, and plans for the future while giving members—in this case, undergraduate students—the opportunity to participate in key decision-making processes.

Why should we care? Because the AGM is one of the few times we, as students, have a direct say in how NUGSS operates. It’s our chance to vote on important motions, ask questions about how our fees are being used, and influence the direction of student services on campus.

With this in mind, I attended the NUGSS AGM on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, eager to see our student society in action. Here’s what I learned from the meeting.

NUGSS 2024: Highlights from the AGM

The AGM, held on November 12, was led by the NUGSS board of directors, including President Syeda Emaan Iftikhar, Vice President Armaan Jamwal, Director-at-Large Adrien Zimmerman, General Manager Doug Minaker, and Office Manager Susan Cai. The meeting reflected a year of growth, community collaboration, and a commitment to enhancing campus life.

Bylaw Amendments and Governance Updates

President Syeda Emaan Iftikhar opened the meeting with key governance updates, including proposed bylaw changes. One significant amendment involved reducing the quorum requirement for future NUGSS meetings, ensuring smoother operations. The proposal was met with unanimous approval, alongside several other motions aimed at improving NUGSS’s functionality and efficiency. 2023-24 Financial Performance

Financial matters took center stage as the board presented an overview of NUGSS’s financial performance. The organization reported a significant increase in revenue, totaling $1.3 million—an impressive jump from the previous year. This boost was attributed to higher student enrollment and a remarkable 35% increase in sales at Degrees Café.

While sales at the Thirsty Moose pub dipped by 7%, NUGSS still ended the year with an annual surplus of $95,500, bolstered by strategic investments in Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs). This financial stability underscores NUGSS’s ability to adapt and manage resources effectively.

Strategic Partnerships and Service Development

Collaboration was another key theme of the AGM. A highlight was the partnership between NUGSS and the Northern BC Graduate Students’ Society (NBCGSS) to establish a unified UNBC Food Bank, a critical resource for addressing food insecurity on campus.

During the post-meeting Q&A session, President Iftikhar encouraged students to share their needs: “We are here to support you— academically, emotionally, or socially—but we need students to let us know how we can help. Please reach out.”

Looking Ahead: Opportunities with NUGSS As the academic year progresses, NUGSS

is gearing up for upcoming elections and urging students to get involved. The society’s commitment to expanding operations and improving support systems remains a top priority. For students interested in learning more about NUGSS or participating in future events, the organization’s website, www.nugss. ca, offers detailed information.

Why NUGSS Matters

As UNBC continues to thrive as a globally recognized research university, NUGSS plays a crucial role in fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive campus environment. The AGM served as a reminder of the importance of student involvement in campus governance and the power of collective action to drive meaningful change.

For those who have yet to engage with NUGSS, I encourage you to attend an AGM or explore other ways to get involved. After all, these meetings aren’t just about budgets and bylaws—they’re about shaping the future of our campus community.

The History Behind Your Piercings: UNBC Exhibition Takes Body Modification from Ancient to Trending

BY PARNIYA PEYKAMIYAN

Tattoos and piercings are among the most intriguing topics for university students. When I discovered that UNBC is hosting an exhibition on piercing, I knew I had to attend—and perhaps write an article about it!

Ever wonder how humans went from ancient bone jewelry to today’s trendy piercing studios? UNBC’s latest exhibition has some fascinating answers—and they go back much further than

you might think.

The story behind “Piercing from Paris to the Pacific Northwest” is as unexpected as a spontaneous decision to get a cartilage piercing. It all started when anthropology professor Dr. Shauna spotted something intriguing in UNBC’s First Nations Gathering Place: a mask featuring a labret—a traditional lip ornament. For Dr. Shauna, who has spent decades studying similar practices among women in Ethiopia, this was more than just a cool artifact; it was a lightbulb moment.

“This is more than just an exhibition— it’s an exhibit within an exhibit,” Dr. Shauna explained during the opening. She emphasized something that might surprise many: body modifications aren’t just a modern rebellion. Instead, “they continue to be vibrant symbols of identity, gender status, and culture change.”

The exhibition takes visitors on a journey spanning 45,000 years through four captivating themes: centuries-old history (think Stone Age body art), tradition (where piercing marked everything from coming-of-age to social status), renewal (including California’s 1970s piercing

renaissance), and explosion (how piercing went mainstream). Through colorful graphic design, it brings to life practices that span continents and millennia, demonstrating how something as simple as adorning the body has carried profound cultural significance throughout human history. What makes this exhibition different? It’s not just some dusty display cases. UNBC students conducted their own research to contribute to this internationally traveling exhibition from Paris, bringing fresh perspectives to ancient practices. You’ll see everything from prehistoric artifacts to modern piercing culture, showing how people have been using body modification to express themselves for millennia.

The exhibition is currently on display at the Robert Frederick Gallery until December 15th, but don’t wait until the last minute to check it out. After its Prince George debut, it’s hitting the road to other UNBC campuses across northern B.C. Several UNBC students are staying involved as the exhibition travels, delving deeper into this fascinating piece of human history.

Want to make sure you don’t miss this unique exhibition? Contact the UNBC Arts Council for current viewing dates and potential schedule extensions.

Photo courtesy Parniya Peykamiyan

UNBC Arts Club: Celebrating Creativity and Community

BY KIARA MILLS

The UNBC Arts Club is more than just a Student-Led Organization (SLO); it’s a vibrant hub for artistic expression, collaboration, and inspiration at the University of Northern British Columbia. Throughout the school year, we host a variety of events and activities that celebrate creativity in all its forms, welcoming students from all backgrounds to explore and share their artistic talents.

In past years, some of our most beloved events have included the semesterly Pints and Poetry night, where fiction writers and poets gather to share their work in the cozy, relaxed atmosphere of The Thirsty Moose pub on campus. Another highlight is Pulp Mill Fiction, our annual student anthology that showcases a diverse range of writing from the UNBC community. Additionally, in the spring of 2023, we hosted the Laid-Back Art Show, an open and informal event that celebrated visual art in a welcoming environment.

For 2025, our mission is clear: to foster a supportive community of artists and creators while inspiring everyone—regardless of skill level or experience—to get involved. Whether you’re a seasoned writer, an aspiring

visual artist, or someone who loves crafting for fun, the UNBC Arts Club has something for you.

At the heart of our mission is the belief that creation in any form deserves celebration. That’s why we’re excited to introduce new events for 2025, including a monthly Writing Support Group, designed to connect and uplift writers at every stage of their journey.

Of course, our popular Pints and Poetry event will also return in the spring, offering a space for students to share their literary talents in a fun and supportive setting.

We’re also thrilled to invite submissions for the next edition of Pulp Mill Fiction! Writers of short fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry are encouraged to share their work for a chance to be featured in this treasured anthology.

Whether you’re a returning member or a newcomer, the UNBC Arts Club warmly invites you to join us at our upcoming events. Follow us on Instagram @unbcartsclub or reach out via email at arts.club@unbc.ca for more details.

Let’s make 2025 a year of creativity, connection, and inspiration. Happy creating!

Move over, Coca-Cola! It’s time to make room for Dr Pepper here in Prince George.

BY HANNAH CARLSON

Dr Pepper fans, rejoice: the peppery soda has officially surpassed Pepsi to claim the title of the second-biggest soda brand in the United States. Long viewed as a niche choice, Dr Pepper’s growing popularity reflects a broader shift in taste that’s beginning to resonate right here in Prince George and at UNBC.

Founded in 1885, Dr Pepper actually predates both Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Its mysterious blend of 23 flavors gives it a complexity that stands out in the soda market, attracting loyal fans over the decades. From cola and cherry to unique notes like licorice and nutmeg, it’s a flavor that defies easy comparison.

For years, Dr Pepper was a regional favorite in the southern United States. But as its audience grew, so did its appeal. It’s now part of a global phenomenon, leaving its mark

alongside its bigger competitors. While Coke still dominates the soda market overall, Dr Pepper’s recent surge has edged it past Pepsi, cementing its status as a true contender. Here in Prince George, it’s no surprise to see more people reaching for Dr Pepper. Whether you’re powering through a latenight study session or grabbing something to go with a meal, the rise of Dr Pepper feels as natural as the crisp northern air. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the taste—and it seems Dr Pepper is a taste we can all agree on.

Coke may be king, but Dr Pepper is the rising star. As Pepsi finds itself slipping into the background, Dr Pepper continues to capture hearts (and taste buds) everywhere—even here in the North.

Finding Hope and Inspiration in Stories of Indigenous Women’s Resilience

BY LINA MAKSYMOVA

“Take a deep breath. Listen. These are the stories that need to be heard.” mester at UNBC, and they set the tone for what would become one of the most transformative experiences of my academic journey.

The course, Indigenous Women: Perspectives, isn’t just a class—it’s a celebration, a revelation, and a powerful journey of self-discovery.

The magic of this course lies in its heartbeat—the Four R’s: Relationship, Responsibility, Respect, and Reciprocity. These Indigenous values aren’t just abstract ideas written on our syllabus; they come alive in every class discussion, every guest speaker’s story, and every shared moment of understanding. Through these teachings, I found myself reflecting deeply on my own identity, values, and place in the world. These foundational principles took on even deeper meaning as we prepared for our final gallery projects. Each student was tasked with honoring an Indigenous woman who exemplified these values through her life’s work. For my project, I had the privilege of researching Dr. Lillian Eva Dyck—a trailblazing scientist, advocate, and leader whose resilience and determination broke through profound systemic barriers.

Born in 1945 in Saskatchewan, Dr. Dyck became one of the first First Nations women in Canada to earn a doctorate in sciences. Her journey, from facing educational discrimination to becoming a Full Professor in Neuropsychiatry and Associate Dean at the University of Saskatchewan, is nothing short of extraordinary.

But Dr. Dyck’s contributions extend far beyond academia. As Canada’s first female First Nations

senator and first Canadianborn Chinese senator, she successfully championed Bill S-3, which restored Indian Status to over 80,000 Indigenous women. Her groundbreaking research in neuropsychiatric conditions, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia, has illuminated biochemistry’s role in Indigenous populations. What resonated most deeply with me was Dr. Dyck’s powerful quote: “Now I have my PhD. I have earned the highest possible degree. Now I can admit that I’m an Indian and no one can look down on me.” Her story exemplifies resilience—transforming early adversity into a force for positive change while mentoring others and championing Indigenous women’s rights and education. The gallery event itself was electric. The halls of UNBC transformed into a living museum of Indigenous excellence, featuring stories like Dr. Dyck’s alongside many other remarkable Indigenous women and Two-Spirit people who have shaped our world. Each poster represented a unique story of resistance, resilience, and triumph, weaving together a powerful narrative of Indigenous women’s strength.

Throughout the semester, we explored difficult topics like colonization, violence, and systemic inequities. Yet the course always framed these challenges through a lens of survival, strength, and the power of community.

Guest speakers, films, readings, and discussions invited us to see the

complexities of history and present-day realities while celebrating the achievements of Indigenous women. Each class was a mirror—reflecting not just historical truths but also helping me understand my own journey, beliefs, and responsibilities. By the end of the semester, I realized I had gained more than knowledge; I had gained a deeper understanding of myself, my values, and my place in the world.

The stories we studied have become part of my own story, shaping how I see myself and my responsibility to contribute to positive change. When we lift up Indigenous women, we lift up all of humanity—a lesson that has forever changed how I see myself and my place in the world.

For anyone considering this course, prepare for both an academic journey and a deeply personal one. FNST/WMST 306 offers more than just knowledge— it provides a transformative space where learning about others becomes a pathway to understanding yourself. In a world that often feels divided, this course demonstrates the power of coming together to learn, share, and grow.

After all, when we honor the resilience and brilliance of Indigenous women, we honor the strength of humanity itself.

The Poster that will be at the gallery event December 2 - Photo courtesy Lina Maksymova

People in the Trees

BY JACINTA MUBIRU

The wind didn’t feel as strong as it looked—or maybe Emily had just gotten used to it. She turned toward the trees as they shook violently, answering her question for her. She sighed. When would I stop looking for people in the trees?

“It’s just the wind,” she whisper-laughed to herself.

She had been doing this for as long as she could remember, though she didn’t understand why. Maybe it was all those books she read when she was young, planting seeds of imagination that now refused to leave. She barely remembered any of them, yet their influence lingered. When the trees thrashed around again, she tsked under her breath.

“I won’t look,” she muttered, wrapping her arms tightly around herself. A breeze teased her skin, and she shivered, pulling her scarf closer in a futile attempt to preserve warmth. The fragile material felt useless against the cold’s persistent grasp.

“Join us!” Bea called from the water, her voice carrying over the short distance between them.

Emily shook her head in self-reproach. How could I let Bea talk me into coming here?

Bea, standing waist-deep in the lukewarm water, smiled softly at her friend. She knew Emily couldn’t swim and wouldn’t

jump in, but she also knew that leaving Em alone at the apartment after such a dreary week wasn’t an option. So, Bea insisted. Emily had relented in the end, but now she sat hunched on a bench, shrinking from the breeze like it was her mortal enemy.

“At least dip your legs in, Em,” Bea called again.

Emily shook her head more resolutely this time. Before Bea could protest further, Emily stood abruptly, declaring,

“I’m going for a walk.”

Bea scowled. “It’ll be fun, I promise!” Emily smiled, cutting off the argument.

“And I’ll be fine.” She turned and began walking away.

“If I scream, come running,” she called over her shoulder, her tone half-playful, half-serious.

“We won’t!” Janice shouted back, and Emily smirked. At least they heard her. She wasn’t entirely sure about Janice’s reply, though. They weren’t close friends, and while Janice had her moments, the odd smile she sent Emily’s way before she entered the forest stirred a flicker of doubt. Shaking her head, Emily dismissed the thought, focusing instead on the greenery surrounding her.

The trees danced wildly in the wind, and she found herself smiling at the notion of tiny people hiding among the branches.

The trail beneath her feet was clear, almost unnaturally so. Of course, it’s manmade, she reminded herself. How else would we have accessed the beach?

The farther she ventured, the colder it grew. The trees towered above her, so tall they seemed to brush the sun. Behind her, the sunlight still kissed the edge of the trail, but it felt impossibly distant. Emily couldn’t deny the real reason she had entered the forest. It wasn’t just to avoid Bea. She needed to confront her fear—to prove to herself that they weren’t real. She had done well staying away from this place for over a decade. What is it now? Twelve years?

And yet, here she was, throwing years of caution to the wind because her friend had said, “Please.”

The trees suddenly whipped into a frenzy, the wind roaring around her. Emily startled but quickly brushed it off.

“Stupid wind,” she muttered, pulling her scarf tighter and trudging forward.

“I don’t think it’s the wind that’s stupid,” a voice murmured.

Emily’s heart stopped. She lost her footing, sinking to the ground as her eyes darted from tree to tree, searching for the source of the voice. Minutes passed, the silence broken only by rustling leaves and bird calls. Slowly, Emily started to laugh, tears welling in her eyes.

“I’m leaving now,” she declared shakily, forcing herself to stand.

“This place is as creepy as it was back then,” she whispered, hoping the forest wouldn’t reply again.

She quickened her pace, but the feeling of being watched gnawed at her. Her unease grew until it morphed into panic.

She broke into a run, heart pounding as she pushed forward, desperate to find the light at the edge of the forest.

But the trail ahead remained dark.

You walked in a straight line. How could you be lost?

Tears blurred her vision as the trees seemed to swirl around her. She stumbled and collapsed, sobbing into the ground. “No. No. No!” she wailed.

Something brushed against her lips, and she froze. The realization hit her slowly— it was a hand, painted with streaks of blue and white. Her eyes widened in terror. It wasn’t a dream.

She tried to see her captor, but a gruff voice cut through her fear. “Keep your face straight!”

She complied, trembling, knowing she was at their mercy. Darkness swallowed her as consciousness slipped away. She hadn’t even felt the tranquilizer. How…?

But the question could wait. Her thoughts dissolved into nothingness.

Turning an Old iMac into a Standalone Display: A Student’s Journey

BY AHMAD JALIL

After recently joining and getting the key to the Over the Edge office, I was excited to explore the space. But as I stepped in, it was clear that the room had been abandoned for some time. Dust coated everything, and the equipment seemed untouched for ages. Among the forgotten items was a 27-inch iMac, its screen silent but promising. Curiosity got the best of me, so I powered it on, and to my surprise, it worked! Though the display was still sharp and vibrant, the outdated hardware had its limitations. It felt like such a waste to let a beautiful 2K screen sit idle, so I started wondering how to repurpose it. My research revealed a passionate community of users lamenting Apple’s discontinued “Target Display Mode,” which had once allowed older iMacs to serve as external monitors for other Macs and PCs. However, Apple’s recent software updates had made this feature unavailable, effectively limiting these older iMacs to their outdated internal hardware. I realized if I couldn’t solve this through software,

maybe I could go the hardware route. I discovered that I could use a display driver board to bypass the iMac’s logic board, connecting directly to the display panel. The next step was crucial: finding the exact model of the iMac’s display panel, as there are several variations, and the only way to confirm it was to open up the iMac. Once inside, I identified the panel model as “LM270WQ1 (SD)(F1)” and ordered a compatible driver board online. I also decided to wire up the iMac’s original power button to the driver board, letting me power the display on and off using its familiar button—a small touch, but one that gave the project a seamless, polished feel.

While waiting for the board to arrive, I tackled another challenge: securely mounting the driver board. I wanted to avoid a makeshift solution like duct tape, so I designed and 3D-printed a custom platform to fasten the board to the iMac’s original standoff mounts, keeping the interior organized and accessible.

Finally, the driver board arrived, and I set to work. With the old components removed, I carefully mounted and connected the board, then held my breath as I powered it up. Watching the screen light up independently was a triumphant moment. I’d managed to turn a forgotten iMac into a permanent, fully functional monitor. The one minor downside is the inaccessibility of some display ports due to the fixed nature of the setup, but it’s a small trade-off for having a customized display solution.

This project taught me so much about repurposing tech and creative problemsolving, and our refurbished monitor setup is about to get even better—our new Mac Mini will soon be powering these upgraded displays. Knowing I could salvage and reinvent technology that would otherwise be discarded has been incredibly rewarding. I hope my experience inspires others to think outside the box, seeing potential in old devices and giving them new life in innovative ways.

A sleek facade reveals a hidden transformation - Photo courtesy Ahmad Jalil

... Just in time for Santa

TOP: Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to the crowd enjoying the return of the Santa Claus Parade Sunday.

ABOVE LEFT: The crew from Smili Dental make their way down Brunswick Street.

ABOVE RIGHT: Two-year-old Oaklen Thomas greets PG Fire Rescue mascot Sparky.

RIGHT: Members of the Association Advocating for Women and Community (AWAC) walk the route.

Guardians of the Lost is the latest short film in Carrier Sekani’s Stories of Hope & Strength series

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Carrier Sekani Family Services unveiled Stories of Hope and Strength, a powerful film series amplifying the voices of Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ2+ communities at the Prince George Playhouse last month.

The aim of the project is to change the narrative of the ongoing crisis of violence toward Indigenous peoples, sharing personal stories of resilience, healing, empowerment and hope.

Stories of Hope and Strength proudly launched its short film series on social media and writer director Johnny Ketlo’s Guardians of the Lost features the people of Nadleh Whu’ten as they share stories of love, loss and their hope for justice and the future. They embody “you are valued” by honouring families and loved ones and by highlighting the importance of each story and person who has been lost along the Highway of Tears.

Ketlo is from Nadleh Whu’ten, a reservation just past Fort Fraser on Highway 16, and he is from the Frog Clan.

“I’ve been a musician, a producer of music and music videos and I also work as a comedy stage hypnotist, and I’ve also done artwork for the Telus vehicle fleet and the First Nations Major Projects Coalition – so pretty major art projects,” Ketlo said.

Ketlo said he had also conducted elder interviews on film in the past.

“The Dakelh People are storytellers, that’s part of our culture, so I wanted to embrace that aspect of culture and bring the film, the art and music – all the things that I do – bring it all together for an important cause such as missing and murdered Indigenous women because we all have a family member or somebody close to us that has been a victim of these things,” Ketlo said.

“Because it lands so close to home, it’s important to tell the story and create awareness in the hopes that it will prevent bad things from happening and will proliferate healing and

communication and people supporting each other more. I know that a lot of the trauma from residential school puts certain individuals in a place where they have walls built around their hearts and they cannot function in a loving environment that is copacetic for a happy life. They end up pushing themselves into bad situations and I feel like there needs to be way more attention is brought to healing that trauma and pulling those walls down so these folks can have well-balanced, loving and happy, healed, healthy families and relationships where they’re not going to deflect themselves into drugs and alcohol or into other bad situations and make themselves more susceptible to becoming a victim in some of these circles.”

Ketlo believes it’s important to look at these issues before more women lose their lives, he added.

“If a person can’t feel they are loved and they can’t feel love for themselves because when they were a little child and they brought forth their childlike love to the people they cared for they

were abused and because of it they now put up walls,” Ketlo said.

“When they get older and find themselves in a loving situation they want to run from it because it triggers that past abuse even if it is loving. That causes a lot of pain and a lot of people are reeling from that pain even now – today – this day. It’s just not fair. I want them to be healed and I want them to be happy and I think that it’s not the pure cause of the missing and murdered Indigenous women but it is one of the circumstances that is probably an outlier of why some of it is happening. I don’t want to see it.

“These things, how it affects families, children, women and men, too, because men are watching their loved ones get hurt. As they come from a residential school background they usually also have some kind of hang up around emotional safety. If we could just work on those factors by supporting each other and recognizing them early and not blaming, not explaining, not judging but just coming at it by listening, seeking resolution, by building some

accountability and just finding a way to get these folks what they need before they start spiraling into where they’re going to get hurt. Some of these ladies have spiraled into situations where they’ve been murdered.”

Ketlo said he’s not saying it’s purely because of residential schools but it’s definitely a factor.

“When people deflect from their emotions they may turn to drugs,” Ketlo said. “They may turn to a hard lifestyle and get into situations where they probably shouldn’t be. They’re not at home in a loving, safe, secure situation. If you’re deflecting and avoiding pain or you have walls built up around your heart and you’re not making good decisions it can put you in a vulnerable state where you’re more likely to trip up on that road and that’s just so dangerous for young women and we need to protect them. I want to make them feel protected, make them feel safe and secure. I don’t really know how to do that except to listen to their stories without judgment, seek to understand their emotions and feelings. To offer my support and hopefully with everybody’s support find a way of prevention and resolution so that people can find a way to be happy, heal and feel loved and cared for with dignity and respect so they can thrive.”

Ketlo offers some guidance to the viewers of Guardians of the Lost.

“Listen wholeheartedly with open ears and open hearts, come together for protection and strength, to heal and to prevent bad things from happening,” Ketlo said.

“You have to cherish the people that you love, while you have them because life is a vapour and tomorrow is not guaranteed. Hold your loved ones close. No matter what you’re going through, go find your family and be with them and love them. You only get one life. You can’t take anything for granted.”

To watch Guardians of the Lost from the Stories of Hope & Strength series visit www.youtube.com/Hope& StrengthGuardiansoftheLost.

IMAGE FROM GUARDIANS OF THE LOST

The latest film in Carrier Sekani’s short film series, Guardians of the Lost, is filmmaker Johnny Ketlo’s exploration of the ongoing crisis of violence affecting Indigenous women, girls and LGBTQ+ people.

B2B Expo set to bring local small businesses together

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Prince George is hosting a new event in support of small and homebased businesses at the Civic Centre in February.

The B2B Expo is being hosted jointly by Community Futures Fraser Fort George, the Prince George Chamber of Commerce and the City of Prince George on Feb. 14 and 15.

According to Community Futures general manager Anna Duff, the event is being established in response to local businesses’ desire for more opportunities to collaborate.

“By working together, both established businesses and emerging entrepreneurs can cultivate a network that powers growth and prosperity across our community,” Duff said in a media release.

“We are encouraging businesses to connect with each other by participating in the B2B Expo, so it’s intuitive that as a host organization, we also collaborate with other like-minded organizations to efficiently deliver a top-tier event for entrepreneurs. Bringing the City of Prince George and Prince George Chamber of Commerce together for this event will benefit all attendees and support local economic development.”

The expo kicks off on the evening of Friday, Feb. 14 with a networking session. The next morning, on Feb. 15, there will be learning sessions for participants.

That will be followed up by an open session from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day, where participating businesses will be able to show off their products and services to the public.

Speaking to The Citizen on Nov. 27, Community Futures planning and development co-ordinator Natalie Allan said to her knowledge there’s never been an event like this before in Prince George.

“We kind of did some scouting around in the planning phases this summer and didn’t find anything like this, not locally anyway,” Allan said. “There are small business fairs and things like that, but this is going to be samples (and) no sales on site ... it’s more of an

opportunity for businesses to exhibit and showcase their services and products.”

While the expo is primarily aimed at small businesses, which Allan said are those with 50 or fewer employees, attendance won’t be restricted to just them. She said larger businesses and financial institutions who provide services to small businesses will be welcome.

The hope is, Allan said, that the expo becomes an annual event. She added that the organization is also hoping to serve as a “springboard” to set up industry clusters.

“So for example, the city is working hard on the clean fuels initiatives,” Allan said. “We can connect smaller businesses that might offer services like trucking or different services that would be required to support the clean fuels hub.”

The dates for the event were chosen because it won’t conflict with the earlier BC Natural Resources Forum and it will be the same weekend as Winterfest, Allan said.

Integris Credit Union has signed up as the event’s title sponsor.

“We are proud to partner with the PG Chamber and Community Futures to present the B2B Expo in Prince George,” said Dan Wingham, manager of partnerships for Integris Credit Union. “As PG’s only local financial institution, Integris recognizes the critical role that small and medium-sized

regional business ecosystem. By meeting the increasing demand for networking and partnership opportunities, we aim to empower businesses to thrive together and strengthen the resilience of our region.”

For an exhibitor to attend and set up a table without access to power, the price will be $250. For a table with power, an exhibitor can send two representatives for $300.

Prospective entrepreneurs who don’t yet have a business but are interested in taking in the sessions and networking with others can take part for $150.

businesses play in the economic vitality of not only Prince George, but our region as whole. This event is an excellent opportunity to foster meaningful connections, promote collaboration, and support the growth of our local/

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Representatives from community partners like the City of Prince George, the Prince George Chamber of Commerce, Tourism PG or the Northern Development Innovation Trust can also take part for $150.

For the Saturday showcase, members of the public pay $5 at the door to get in. Registrations will open on Community Futures’ website, cfdc.bc.ca/

The B2B Expo is being hosted jointly by Community Futures Fraser Fort George, the Prince George Chamber of Commerce and the City of Prince George on Feb. 14 and 15 at the Civic Centre.

china before communism

GoFundMe in place for local woman fighting cancer

Charlene Dinnery’s family is looking for the community’s help

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH

Citizen Staff

Booked for major surgery next week, Prince George resident Charlene Dinnery is in the fight of her life.

Diagnosed with ovarian cancer last month, with additional cancerous masses discovered and diagnosed with stage four colon cancer not two weeks

ago, Dinnery, 46, needs help from the Prince George community she’s been part of her whole life.

She was taken to Vancouver this week for surgery and the family needs assistance with expenses, her mother Vera said.

The surgery will remove ovaries and the masses and then Dinnery will return to Prince George for colon cancer treatment.

“Charlene’s husband and 14-year-old daughter will be travelling with her to give her support during this terrible

time,” Vera said.

“I just want to help Charlene as much as I can so I’ve been collecting bottles and asking people for donations to help with the costs, especially for the flights.”

Charlene has her own cleaning business and Vera said she’s doing what she can to keep the business going so that Charlene will still have an income from that while she gets treated for the cancers and heals from the surgery.

“They’ve still got bills to pay,” Vera said.

“Right now my main concern is helping with flights and hotels and I don’t know what else to do so I came to The Citizen to help get the word out.”

Vera said the family just didn’t see this coming.

“Something like this is not foreseen,” Vera said with a shake of her head. “And I really feel for my granddaughter because her father is not well either and I just don’t know what else to do.”

To help to ease Charlene’s financial burden visit www.gofundme.com/f/ help-charlene-dinnery-fight-cancer.

Indigenous holiday market set for Harwin Elementary

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

The first-ever Indigenous Holiday Market will see as many as 30 vendors in the gym at Harwin Elementary School on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“It actually started from our Indigenous Fashion Show where we had a fashion show that had a local vendor area and we actually ran out of space for all the vendors,” said Larissa Montgomery, Indigenous education worker at Harwin Elementary School, who works closely with community school coordinator Marnie Blakely.

Montgomery said they had been part of the annual fashion show at the Festival of Trees last year.

“And that was just amazing to see the excitement just from that little piece,” Montgomery said.

“So pretty much right after that fashion show we said that we wanted to have our own Indigenous fashion show because that would just be so cool.”

They started making a plan, putting the call out for people to participate.

“That’s when we realized how much talent there is in this community,” Montgomery said.

“We’re connecting it to our school by having our kids involved. For the fashion show we had our Harwin and Nusdeh Yoh drummers perform. They opened the show and the Harwin drummers were

The first ever Indigenous

takes place Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Harwin Elementary School gym. These are some of the students’ work.

the majority of the models for the show. We also created different little crafts to go into the swag bags for people to take home with them after the fashion show and people really loved those.”

Students will be creating a variety of different crafts they can sell at the Dec. 14 market themselves, Montgomery added.

“This will show our kids how much talent there is and what you can do with how creative you are and how successful you can be as we showcase the vendors we will have at the market,” Montgomery said.

“So far we have 21 vendors and we

have a little bit of everything. We have beading, we have sewing, we have art. There’s a lot happening and I’m excited to see it all.”

There’s been so much positive feedback about the fashion show, Montgomery said, and she’s heard a lot about how much an Indigenous Holiday Market is needed in Prince George.

“This is empowering because I think a lot of Indigenous creatives don’t know where to start,” Montgomery said. “Or maybe they don’t feel comfortable joining some of the other craft fairs so having an Indigenous market is giving the opportunity to so many people that

might not have the voice or the confidence to join other events.”

Montgomery, part of the Nat’oot’en (Lake Babine) First Nation, Gilanton (Caribou) Clan, in Burns Lake, said she’s always been very creative.

“So that tends to be where I make connections with kids is finding what their gift is and helping them express themselves and finding different avenues to explore,” she said.

At the Indigenous Holiday Market the Harwin Elementary leadership students will be in attendance.

“They will be running a little concession featuring snacks they have made at school with our youth care worker,” Montgomery said. “There will be a kids’ craft station for those who are coming to the market.”

There will also be a fish pond by donation so kids can get a little prize.

“It’s going to be a fun event with some shopping and activities for some of the littler kids,” Montgomery added.

Along with the market there is an opportunity to donate perishable and non-perishable foods.

“Anything collected that day will be donated back to our Harwin families who might be in need this Christmas,” Montgomery said.

Everyone is welcome to attend the first Indigenous Holiday Market at Harwin Elementary School gym, 1193 Harper St., Satur, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Holiday Market

Throwback Thursday: Week of December 5

Dec. 5, 1978: Looking at life through colourful spectacles is Monika Hamm, 6, at the Prince George Art Gallery’s Christmas Show. On display with the leaded glass window decorations were pottery, weaving, stuffed toys, paintings, jewelry and other crafts. CITIZEN FILE

Dec. 5, 2008: Megan Peterson, 4, Conor Gallagher, 4 and Bryelle Gallager, 4 give Santa a big hug. Around 125 children attended the Prince George Child Care Association Santa Breakfast at the Salvation Army. The group also donated more than 500 pounds of infant and toddler food and items for the Salvation Army’s hampers.

Dec. 6, 1965: Passengers, expecting to take the daily passenger train south, were out of luck after 112 railway workers (described, in the terms of the times, as “trainmen and enginemen”) employed by the Pacific Great Eastern Railway defied a company order to return to work after calling in sick over “unsettled work grievances.” CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Dec. 5, 1992: Prince George Mayor John Backhouse gets a trim from Mavis Trenholm of Hair House at Spruceland Mall to promote a cut-athon at the Northern BC School of Hairdressing at Redwood Square. Capt. Brian Beveridge of the Salvation Army is smiling because food donated for the event foes to the Army’s food bank. KMS Haircare Products, along with 15 salons and barbershops were set to take part in the cut-a-thon, with clients paying for their cuts with donations. CITIZEN FILE

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Healthy North

Flu & COVID 19 vaccine clinics

Northern Health COVID-19 and Flu immunization clinics continue to run in Prince George. Vaccines are free and recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.

Upcoming COVID-19/flu immunization clinics:

· Who: Children aged 6 months to 11 years

· When: December 11 and 18, from 1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

· Where: Northern Interior Health Unit, 1444 Edmonton St

· Details: By appointment only

Vaccine appointments may also be available at a nearby participating pharmacy. Register and book through the Get Vaccinated system online at www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca or call 1-833-838-2323 to schedule an appointment. Clinics are added to the schedule regularly. Please check back if there are no appointments available. For a full list of upcoming clinics near you, visit: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/covid-19-andflu-immunization-clinics.

Lung Cancer screening

Are you between 55 and 74 years old with a history of regular commercial tobacco smoking, either currently or in the past? You may be eligible for free lung screening through BC Cancer.

Visit http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/lung/ get-screened for more info.

Indigenous care co-ordinator stories: Lyndsey Rhea

NORTHERN HEALTH

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

The role of the IPLW is to help bridge the gap between western and traditional medicine to ensure a health system that honours diversity and provides services in a culturally relevant manner.

The 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 IPLW Lyndsey Rhea.

“I enjoy when I can make someone’s stay in the hospital easier or more comfortable, and ensure they get the care that they need. Many people are not comfortable with accessing healthcare services, so it is always a success when I am able to help someone receive the care that they need to improve their quality of life. I am thankful to have been able to meet so many amazing people and share in their stories,” says Lyndsey Rhea, practice lead, Indigenous patient liaison program with the Indigenous Health team.

Rhea was an Indigenous care co-ordinator at GR Baker Hospital in Quesnel for 13 years.

In August of this year, she started a new role as practice lead, Indigenous patient liaison program with the

Baby born on new hospital’s opening day

Ksyen Regional Hospital in Terrace marked a historic moment when its new Birthing Unit welcomed its first newborn on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 11:40 p.m., the official opening day of the new hospital. The honour belongs to baby Abrar John, born to delighted parents Shinto K. Shahji and Maria Mathew. Making the occasion even more special, Abrar, weighing 4100 grams (9 lb), arrived on his mother’s birthday. To commemorate this milestone, representatives from the Dr. REM Lee Hospital Foundation and Hospital Auxiliary presented the family with a gift basket and commemorative blanket.

Indigenous Health team. As an Indigenous care co-ordinator, Rhea worked in a multidisciplinary team and played an important role in patient care. She supported patients and families by coordinating and facilitating care

conferences, helping with discharge planning, assisting with patient travel, accessing funding options for medications and medical supplies, and many other duties.

Working in a smaller town, Rhea had the opportunity to build strong relationships with local First Nations communities, Elders, and community members, which was an important aspect of her role. She was able to build connections that helped her get to know the people, cultures, and histories of where she lived.

This was especially important because Rhea often worked with patients and families during difficult situations, helping wherever she could.

In the past year, the Indigenous Care Team at GR Baker Hospital has taken on projects to incorporate cultural activities into patient care.

One of these projects involves hosting Indigenous Residents Circles at Dunrovin Park Lodge.

This has created a space where Indigenous residents are able to gather and participate in cultural activities such as making medicine bags, listening to drumming, and sharing traditional meals.

Rhea encourages health care workers to reach out to the Indigenous Care Teams at their hospitals to learn more about their roles and how they can collaborate.

NORTHERN

Lyndsey Rhea is a Northern Health Indigenous patient liaisons worker.

Avian flu case in BC was a one-off: Health ministry

CITIZEN STAFF

An extensive public-health investigation into an avian influenza case involving a teenager in British Columbia has confirmed no further cases or evidence of human-to-human transmission, the health ministry reported Nov. 26.

The investigation, conducted by multiple agencies, aimed to trace the source of the infection, identify any potential contacts, and ensure there was no risk of new outbreaks.

So far, all tests on humans, animals, and environmental samples, including household pets, birds, and other nearby wildlife, have returned negative results for the H5 strain of the virus. However, despite extensive testing, the exact source of the teenager’s infection remains undetermined.

The teenager was found to be infected with the H5N1 influenza strain currently circulating in wild birds and poultry in the province. Advanced testing at the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) confirmed the virus’ genome matched samples found in wild birds in the Fraser Valley in October, though it was not linked to outbreaks at local poultry farms.

BC provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry expressed ongoing concern for the teenager, who remains in critical condition, and reassured the public about the thorough investigation, which was carried out in partnership with the Fraser Health team, the BCCDC, BC Children’s Hospital, and veterinary officials.

“Though we have not been able to determine definitively the source of

exposure, we have ruled out many potential risks and ensured that there are no further cases related to this young person,” Henry said.

This marks the first confirmed human case of H5N1 in B.C., and the first case in Canada acquired locally. However, there have been a small number of human cases reported in the United States this year, including one involving a child in California.

Health officials continue to urge the public to follow key preventive measures to protect against avian influenza:

• Stay up-to-date on immunizations, including the seasonal flu vaccine.

• Avoid contact with sick or dead animals and their droppings, and keep pets away from these animals.

• Report dead or sick birds or animals to appropriate authorities:

• For poultry or livestock: Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

• For pets: Contact a veterinarian or the BC Animal Health Centre

• For wild birds: BC Wild Bird Mortality Line

• For wild mammals: BC Wildlife Health Program

If exposed to sick or dead animals, monitor for flu-like symptoms. If symptoms develop within 10 days, inform your healthcare provider about the exposure to ensure appropriate care and testing.

Avian influenza, particularly the H5N1 strain, has been spreading globally, affecting wild birds, poultry, and other animals. There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission, health officials say.

Federal government boosts funds for breast cancer fight

CITIZEN STAFF

The federal government is increasing efforts to combat breast cancer with a new investment aimed at advancing research and raising awareness about the importance of breast cancer screening.

Health Minister Mark Holland recently announced a $545,000 funding boost for two initiatives designed to improve breast cancer detection and education.

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers and is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Canada.

With one in eight women expected to be diagnosed during their lifetime, early detection through screening is a critical component of Canada’s cancer care strategy.

As part of the funding, the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health will receive $295,000 to support a project that focuses on gathering more comprehensive data related to breast cancer screening in Canada.

The initiative will examine how breast cancer screening practices, treatment outcomes, and participation rates vary across different racial and ethnic groups, helping to ensure more equitable healthcare approaches.

An additional $250,000 will go to the Canadian Cancer Society to fund a nationwide public awareness campaign. This initiative will use social media and other outreach tools to target women across Canada, especially those who have never been screened or those who

have not kept up with regular screening

The campaign aims to educate women about the importance of early detection and the resources available to them.

“The Government of Canada is committed to improving breast cancer screening and prevention, recognizing the profound impact this disease has on Canadians,” said Holland. “We will continue working with key partners to address research gaps and empower individuals to make informed healthcare decisions based on the best available evidence.”

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Canada, following non-melanoma skin cancer. While rare, it can also affect men.

The Canadian Task Force on

Preventive Health Care is in the process of updating its 2018 Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines.

In May 2024, the Task Force released draft recommendations, following a public comment period, to refine and enhance the guidelines. A summary of the public feedback and how it influenced the final guideline will be published.

In British Columbia, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, accounting for 28 per cent of all cancer diagnoses.

According to BC Ministry of Health statistics, the incidence rate for females is 151 per 100,000, and one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, while one in 35 will die from it.

SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN

Avian influenza, particularly the H5N1 strain, has been spreading globally, affecting wild birds, poultry, and other animals.

Local Sports PGSS volleyball team grounded after winning title

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

The decision by Prince George Secondary School to not send its Polars senior boys volleyball team to this week’s triple-A provincial championship due to the school’s concerns about a lack of available players has left players and parents feeling left out because they were not consulted.

Two weeks ago, on their home court at PGSS, the Polars swept the North Peace Grizzlies of Fort St. John in straight sets to claim the North Central zone championship, which guarantees a berth in the 16-team provincial tournament.

The Polars won the zone title with only nine players, including two called up from the junior team.

They left the gym making plans for a trip to Victoria. But after a couple of days passed, after consulting with head coach Glenn Wong and school administration, PGSS athletic director Jasen Florell determined the team did not have enough healthy bodies and made the decision to decline their provincial invitation.

Florell informed BC School Sports that the Polars would not be playing in Victoria and North Peace took their place in the tournament that started Wednesday.

“There were seven players able to travel and an eighth that was going for an X-ray,” said Florell, in an email sent to team parents on Nov. 21.

“Some of these players still have lingering injuries. To travel 12-14 hours, play six-seven matches with a group that small is not feasible. Even with eight players, only one spare, it is a tall task to ask kids to play that much and not risk injury or have a great experience. There were a few local tournaments the kids played with seven and eight players and (they) were out of energy by the end of it. Provincials also includes best-of-five matches.

The Prince George Polars had what it took to win the North Central zone triple-A championship two weekends ago at PGSS gym but their trip to Victoria for the provincial tournament was canceled over concerns they would not have enough healthy players.

“Many players have tryouts for Kodiaks in a few weeks or have a basketball team to play for. We did not see the risk outweighing the benefits. A decision had to be made, we could not wait until the weekend or next week. It is too late to change the decision as I had to inform the tournament organizer and BC School Sports as soon as possible so they could try and fill the spot and so we would not incur a hefty fine.”

Darryl Anderson, whose son Hunter is a Grade 11 middle blocker for the Polars, said he’s not upset with the school’s decision to cancel the trip, but about how school officials arrived at their decision without speaking to the parents or players.

“I understand it’s a quick turnover and a quick decision had to be made but it would have been nice to be consulted on that,” said Anderson. “Had they explained that up front I might have said, ‘yeah this is the best decision that we don’t go.’ I’m not saying they made the wrong decision but a consultation would have been nice. They

should have asked us too and made an attempt to get as much of our opinion as possible.”

Wong also sent a group email to inform parents of his reasons for cancelling the trip.

“As a coach, I am expecting 100 per cent peak performance from ALL of the players while playing in the roundrobin and playoffs,” said Wong. “As the tournament proceeds, there is a lot of wear and tear on the body and (it) is mental test for an individual player in dealing with the highs and lows of each match. With a small roster and lingering injuries, will the players be able to appreciate the experience, good and bad?”

After playing in the zone tournament, Hunter Anderson was examined for a possible stress fracture in his leg and went for physiotherapy soon after. An X-ray Friday revealed there was no fracture.

Three days earlier, the players had been told at school their trip was cancelled.

“In fairness, the physio did have that concern, but given the low level of pain my son reporting, it’s probably going to be OK, but get an X-ray,” said Anderson. “We didn’t find out for certain until Friday.

“He wasn’t happy, and I didn’t talk to every parent, but three or four parents on the team voiced a similar concern. I’m a cautious parent and I’m not going to put my son’s body on the line for a tournament that, realistically, they wouldn’t have done great at. But I was given information from healthcare people that it was probably going to be OK.”

The Polars have just one Grade 12 player on the roster, Lannen Liu, who has been sidelined with an injury for the past month and a half. With most of the players in Grade 11, Wong provided reassurances to the team, convinced they will have good shot at repeating as zone champions next year.

One of the parents who spoke to The Citizen said he went to many tournaments in soccer and basketball with Prince George high school teams and the ones he remembers most were the provincial championships. He’s hoping his son will get a chance to play at provincials next year.

Anderson said his eldest son Deakon played volleyball for the PGSS senior boys team and was in Grade 11 when disastrous flooding in the Fraser Valley in November 2021 closed highways and the Polars’ trip to provincials was cancelled.

That team also was loaded with Grade 11 players and the following season PGSS was defeated in the zone final and did not get to play in a senior provincial tournament.

“We all said ‘I guess next year’ and next year they didn’t win, they lost to a team that was substantially worse,” said Anderson.

“If all the kids show up, it’s the same kids, there’s probably a good chance, but nobody knows the future.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Duchess Park Condors find volleyball’s silver lining

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Ranked ninth out of 16 teams at the BC triple-A girls volleyball championship in West Vancouver, the Duchess Park Condors proved to their provincial peers they were overachievers.

They were the Cinderella story of the tournament, winning all their matches leading up to the gold-medal matchup with the Crofton House Falcons. That’s when their dream of coming home to Prince George with the BC banner was shattered.

The Vancouver squad rose to the occasion Saturday afternoon and grabbed the provincial crown, defeating the Condors 3-0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-16) at West Vancouver Secondary School gym.

“The score doesn’t say everything, we actually battled pretty good,” said Condors head coach Mark Gurney.

“If you watched the game it was much more entertaining than the score lets on. They just earned so many more tough points, but it was crazy volleyball back and forth with digs and big hits and they just got the better of us in a few more of those situations. That was a great team.”

The Condors, the North Central zone runners-up to the College Heights Cougars, got hot at just the right time, given their unexpected chance to play in the provincial tournament when the powers-that-be at BC School Sports decided one week before the zone tournament to reserve two provincial berths to the north.

That turned out a wise decision. The Cougars also lost only one match all week on their way to a fifth-place provincial finish.

Unfortunately for College Heights, that happened in the quarterfinals Friday when they were swept in three sets by the W.L. Seaton Sonics of Vernon, the eventual bronze medalists.

Led by first-team all-stars Maggie Malfair and Bella Saro and the defence of Rielle Hamilton, chosen as libero of the tournament, Duchess Park got on a roll in the C power pool round robin on Thursday.

They reeled off three straight victories to set up their round-of-16 playoff Friday against the George Elliot Coyotes.

The Vernon squad won the first set 29-27, Duchess Park took the second 25-16 and it was dogfight the rest of the way with the Condors winning 25-23 and 27-25.

That set up what turned out the upset of the tournament. The Vernon Panthers flirted with the No. 1 provincial ranking all season and won the A pool with a 2-1 record, their only loss coming to top-seeded Little Flower Academy.

But the Condors needed just four sets to eliminate the Panthers from medal contention.

After losing the opener 25-18, Duchess pounded out three straight wins, 25-16, 26-24 and 25-21.

“They were the team to beat, that was an amazing win,” said Gurney.

Then, in the semifinal round Saturday morning the Condors scored a comeback five-set win over the host Sentinel Spartans, winning 3-2 (25-20, 20-25, 22-25, 25-20-15-13). At one point in the

fifth set Duchess Park trailed 9-3.

“We matched up really well with them pound for pound and our defence was really good, which ended up shocking them,” said Gurney. “We were in tough spot in the fifth set and then we had a couple calls go our way and we just kept rolling. Maggie Malfair went on a nice little run (of consecutive serves) and it was a pretty collective team effort that was pretty nice.”

Gurney said the returning players from last year’s Condor team that finished sixth in the province saw at that tournament how thin the margin of victory can be when the best teams BC get together to sort out bragging rights and they carried that mantra into this year’s tournament.

“You can be on the wrong side of two points and you can be on the positive side of two points and that can be the difference between 10th place and a top-five finish,” said Gurney. “When we talked about being the two-points better we actually did that all weekend, until the final.”

Malfair, Natalie Xu and Iza Yarish played their final high school volleyball match Saturday as graduating Grade 12s. In addition to their all-stars, the other Condors rewarded with silver were Hannah Neukom, Stella Sato, Zahra Ngabo, Camryn MacLachlan, Emily Clarke and Natalie Bond, who was injured and did not play at provincials.

Malfair, who drew honourable mention notice as the Condors’ setter last year at provincials, switched to power hitter this season and Saro, a Grade 11, took over her spot as the starting setter.

Ngabno, a Grade 10 senior team rookie who Gurney refers to as his “little phenom,” also delivered a standout performance on the left side. With Bond sidelined, Yarish and Hamilton covered the right side and spilt libero duties. MacLachlan and Clarke were the Condors’ starting middle blockers.

Cassandra Malfair and Mani Ngabo served as the Condors assistant coaches.

The Duchess Park Condors celebrate their provincial silver-medal finish Saturday at the triple-A girls championship in West Vancouver.

Coaching change sparks win for Spruce Kings

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

The Prince George Spruce Kings resumed their BC Hockey League schedule on the week-end for their first games since head coach Alex Evin was relieved of his duties on Nov. 25.

Evin was fired 21 games into their 54-game season with the Spruce Kings (6-12-2-1) wal-lowing near the bottom of the BCHL standings.

Evin, 37, was in his sixth season as head coach since taking over from Adam Maglio in the season that followed their dominant run to the 2018-19 BCHL championship.

Associate coach Brad Tesink is now calling the shots as interim head coach and his first game in that capacity was Friday in Coquitlam, where the Spruce Kings a four-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Express.

But the road swing ended with a loss, with the team falling 8-5 to the Langley Rivermen Saturday in Langley.

The shock of suddenly losing his coaching counterpart is still fresh in Tesink’s mind.

“Alex was the definition of what it

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

College Heights secured its top-five finish Saturday morning with a 2-1 win over Little Flower Academy. That came about an hour after the Cougars swept Point Grey in two straight sets.

Gurney said his team lost all five matches this season against College Heights and was impressed with how vocal the Cougar players and their families were in joining the Duchess Park contingent cheering on the Condors in the final.

Cedars Christian just misses medal against White Rock

The Cedars Christian Eagles came up short in the push for a medal at the single-A volleyball provincial championship in Nanaimo.

means to be a Spruce King, he came to work every day well prepared and he’s taught me a lot, so to lose him at this point of the season is not easy,” said Tesink.

“Understandably, the team hasn’t performed to the level where we need them to and I think we’ll have to wear that a little bit. So now it’s time for a bit of a reset for us. Hopefully this sparks the guys in the dressing room and we can build some momentum for the sec-ond half of the year. We have to adjust now because the league’s not going to wait for us to figure things out.”

Tesink, 35, joined the Spruce Kings two months into the 2022-23 season and his contract as associate coach was renewed in May 2023.

Prior to coming to Prince George he had just started his second season as head coach of South Shore Lumberjacks. The Saint John, N.B. native also served on the New Brunswick coaching staff at the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island.

The Spruce Kings will host the Rivermen Dec. 13-14 at Kopar Memorial Arena, their final games before the Christmas break.

The Prince George-based Eagles lost 2-1 to the White Rock Christian Warriors the bronze medal match Saturday. That came less than day after their provincial title hopes were dashed in a 3-0 loss to the Unity Christian Flames of Chilliwack.

Those last two matches were the only losses of the tournament for the Eagles, who went 5-2 at the 16-team championship.

Ranked sixth going in, Cedars was a perfect 3-0 in pool play and they opened the championship round with a 3-0 victory over Ebenezer Auroras of Smithers, followed by a 3-1 quarterfinal win over Vernon Christian Royals.

Cedars power hitter Jasmine Vigar was picked as first team all-star, and setter Paige Kynoch was named to the second all-star team.

Dinos stomp through UNBC

The UNBC Timberwolves’ Isaiah Bias jumps around the Calgary Dinos’ Noah Wharton as he crosses the key to the basket in an exhibition game at Brownridge Court Friday night. The teams played each other again Saturday, with Calgary winning both games: 92-68 Friday and 80-55 Saturday.

The McBride Mustangs finished 16th after championship draw losses to White Rock Christian 3-0 and Immaculata 2-1.

The Cedars boys team placed seventh in the province, winning their final match 2-1 over Ebenezer Saturday in Abbotsford.

The Eagles were eliminated from medal contention Friday 3-0 by Bulkley Valley Christian Royals of Smithers, which dropped Cedars into the consolation round and they lost 2-0 to Nanaimo Christian Trail Blazers.

Eagles power hitter Joshua Olatubosun was selected a second team all-star.

Prince George places two teams in double-A boys top-10

The Duchess Park Condors placed seventh at the boys double-A

provincials in Coldstream/Vernon. Ranked fifth going in, the Condors won their first four matches before they were knocked into consolation country with a 3-2 loss in the quarterfinals Thursday to the host Kalamalka Lakers.

The Condors lost their chance to play for fifth with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the J.N. Burnett Breakers of Richmond. Duchess Park snagged seventh with a 2-0 win Saturday over the Lambrick Park Lions of Victoria.

The College Heights Cougars placed 10th. They were knocked out of the double-A championship draw 3-2 by Brunett, then scored consecutive 2-0 wins over L.V. Rogers Bombers of Nelson and Alpha Eagles of Burnaby before losing 2-0 to Pacific Academy Breakers of Surrey in the battle for ninth.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

PG opened its heart to former UNBC guard Saje Gosal

The people he met here were there for him when he was battling cancer

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

They don’t build university residences to house just three people.

But for the first few days after he first moved up to Prince George from Golden to begin his studies on the Cranbrook Hill campus in the fall of 2015, Saje Gosal and two UNBC Timberwolves basketball teammates, Anthony Kokanson and Neal Randawa, pretty much had the place to themselves.

They had no idea how to cook, knew nothing about keeping a clean house and slept without sheets on uncovered mattresses. But they did earn PhDs in playing video games, drinking beer and socializing, and a whole new world was about to open for them.

They met their classmates, got to know their fellow Timberwolves on a trip to Sun Peaks and before they knew it Gosal and his gang were making regular appearances at community functions, swapping stories with Cougars hockey players, politicians, university officials, business leaders and everyday Joes and Jillls.

“We were in it, we belonged here, within a month, we felt like we were home,” said Gosal, the guest alumni speaker at last week’s UNBC Timberwolves Legacy Night at the Civic Centre.

“Within the first couple of weeks I knew I belonged at the University of Northern British Columbia and I knew I belonged to the people of Prince George, because of the way people made me feel.

For Gosal, being a student-athlete at UNBC was the ultimate privilege, not only for what he got out it in the classroom as a five-time Canada West Academic All-Canadian and while on the court playing guard for the first UNBC men’s basketball team to ever to win a playoff game. What made that so special was how he and his teammates were treated by the locals they met in town.

“People were so nice to us,” Gosal

said “There was always someone to stay with. Always someone to drive you to the airport. There was always someone to take care of you and cook you a home-cooked meal when you needed one.

“Being an athlete at UNBC, you’re blessed with an opportunity that is hard to grasp in the moment. You have the support of a community and a support system the depths of which are hard to understand when you’re there. People will drop everything to help you here in Prince George. They will uproot and check on you unprompted and will push you to be the best version of yourself, and that same thing is true when you graduate.”

Gosal found out just how much Prince George people care about him in October 2020, six months after he graduated, when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. At the time, he was just beginning law school at UBC in Vancouver. The cancer soon spread to his stomach and lungs. He underwent three rounds of chemotherapy and two surgeries. His

body reacted with a rare side effect to the chemo drugs and formed a blood clot in his brain that led to multiple seizures and a stroke.

“I went for treatment in Vancouver, but I was so close to Prince George I felt the people in the Prince George community are what really helped me through that,” he said.

“They sent care packages, hand-written notes, they grew moustaches, they shaved their heads. Markus (his former Timberwolf teammate MacKay) got a tattoo of me that’s still there. They raised money and I got to be the beneficiary of these programs that I

helped start.”

Leadership is in his blood and Gosal set the bar high. He was a team captain and was is co-founder of the UNBC Student Athlete Society which helped him pay his way through law school when he was sick with cancer. When he graduated with his law degree in 2023 he was the class valedictorian.

TWolves teammate Vova Pluzhinikov now works as a banker in the RBC branch downtown and he arranged a line of credit for Gosal to help tide him through his cancer battle. Even during his bleakest times, he never felt he was on his own.

“I was able to continue on, financially, emotionally, spiritually, with the support of my community around me,” Gosal said.

“People from Prince George raised awareness for the types of sickness I was battling and they stood up and spoke out and destigmatized it in every way that they could. I’ve never felt more in touch with a community than I felt coming through that.”

Now 27, Gosal works in Vancouver as a corporate lawyer for DLA Piper.

His Saje words of advice to the Timberwolves athletes from the four varsity teams that were part of the Legacy Night crowd of about 500 on Nov. 21 started with a reminder to the basketball players of what a privilege it is to play a home game against a division rival in front of fans at Brownridge Court.

“A lot of people think they’re going to come in and get all kinds of playing time and dominate – it doesn’t just happen like that,” he said.

“The people who have the most fun with the UNBC athletic program in Prince George are the ones who stay the course. They show up for practice every day. They’re committed to themselves, to their teammates and this community, and they did everything they could to get better each day.

“Control what you can control, which is precious little, except for your energy in the day and the energy you’re bringing to the people around you, particularly your teammates. “

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Former Timberwolves basketball player Saje Gosal shares the story of his life as a UNBC athlete at the 10th Annual Timberwolves Legacy Dinner at the Civic Centre on Thursday, Nov. 21. Below, Gosal high-fives teammate Anthony Hokanson, both from Golden, as they celebrate their career-ending victory over the Grant MacEwan Griffins on Feb. 8, 2020 at the Northern Sport Centre.

Heidt, Molendyk earn invites to world juniors tryouts

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Prince George Cougars centre Riley Heidt has been invited to Canada’s world junior team selection camp.

Heidt was one of 12 WHL players chosen for the camp Monday morning by Hockey Canada.

That list also includes Saskatoon Blades defenceman Tanner Molendyk, a native of McBride.

Heidt, 19, has been one of the top playmakers in the WHL this season and has 11 goals to go with his 23 assists in 20 games. He’s tied for 18th in the league scoring race with 34 points. He continues to produce points, centring the Cougars’ top scoring line with Terik Parascak and Borya Valis, despite a broken jaw suffered in a game Nov. 10 against Vancouver, which forced him to miss two games.

Heidt was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the second round, 64th overall, in 2023. The Saskatoon native played for Team Canada in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and World U-18 Championship in 2022-23.

This will be Molendyk’s second world junior experience. He made Canada’s team last year that went to Sweden but broke his arm in the final pre-season game.

Prince George Cougars centre Riley Heidt pushes his way around Kelowna Rockets forward Gabriel Szturc during second-period action in Game 1 of their second round playoff series last April at CN Centre. Heidt has been selected for Canada’s world junior team selection camp in Toronto.

Molendyk has three goals and 14 assists in 19 games with Eastern Conference-leading Blades.

Thirty-two players, including four goaltenders, 10 defenceman and 18 forwards were selected for the IIHF World

Junior Championship team tryouts.

Dave Cameron of the Ottawa 67s is Team Canada’s head coach. Mike Johnston of the Portland Winterhawks will serve as Cameron’s assistant.

Dan De Palma was picked as the goaltending consultant for the world junior team.

De Palma is a Prince George native who lives in Kamloops and is the Kamloops Blazers goalie coach.

The tournament will be played in Ottawa, Dec. 26-Jan.5.

Yager traded to Lethbridge

Brayden Yager, Heidt’s good friend from Saskatoon, was also invited to the camp, having played for Canada at last year’s tournament.

Yager, a 19-year-old Winnipeg Jets prospect, was traded Monday from the Moose Jaw Warriors to the Lethbridge Hurricanes in a blockbuster deal that also sent goalie Jackson Under to Lethbridge.

Moose Jaw received in exchange 18-year-old forward Landen Ward, 19-year-old goalie Brady Smith, 15-yearold prospect Colt Carter, two first-round picks (2025, 2028), a second-round pick (2028), a third-round pick (2025), a fourth-round pick (2026), and a fifthround pick (2026).

After IBU Cup season debut, Dickson moves on to Norway

Burns Lake biathlete competed in Sweden

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

After sprinting into the top 20 the previous day racing some of the world’s most accomplished biathletes, Emily Dickson had trouble nailing her targets on the shooting range in Idre Fjall, Sweden and that knocked her out of contention in Sunday’s IBU Cup pursuit.

The 27-year-old Burns Lake native started the race 17th and finished 37th. Dickson went 11-for-20 at the range. The time it took for each of those nine

reloads allowed her competitors to catch up.

One of them was Whistler’s Benita Peiffer, who started the pursuit 22nd out of the gate, 2:20 behind sprint winner Ida Lien of Norway, . Peiffer finished 16th as the top Canadian.

Lien held her lead and won the pursuit in 32:24.6.

In Saturday’s sprint, Dickson nearly had a clean slate on the shooting range, hitting nine of 10 targets, and she was quick on her skis and she finished 17th out of 111 starters, her highest individual placing at an international event since March 2022.

Dickson placed 28th in the season-opening sprint on Thursday.

“Taking away some positives, and some things to keep working on at our next stop in Geilo, Norway,” Dickson posted on her Facebook page.

Dickson also thanked the Canadian wax technicians, a team that includes Tony Fiala of Prince George, who read the snow conditions well on the course in Sweden.

The IBU Cup scene switches to Geilo, Norway this week, starting with the women’s 15-kilometre individual race on Wednesday.

Sprint races are scheduled for Saturday, with pursuits to follow on Sunday.

IBU Cup is one step down from the BMW World Cup race circuit.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

LUCAS SMITH PHOTO

Emily Dickson of Burns Lake is all smiles after finishing 17th in Saturday’s IBU Cup biathlon sprint in Idre Fjall, Sweden.

Life Events

Unlocking the Past to Allan Williams

Margery Marinus, soon to be McAlinden is now beginning what will be the best 30 years to come. So, Allan, I would love to take you up on your offer of dinner that you made me, forty five years ago at my parents home in Courtenay.

Margery McAlinden

250-617-1360

Edna DuBois

The DuBois Family mourns the loss of Edna DuBois.

Edna was born in Prince George, BC on October 18, 1942, to Raymond and Alice Mann. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on November 19, 2024.

Edna loved to garden, travel and spend time with her loving family.

Eric Palmer Lindstrom

May 12, 1975 – September 11, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the Passing of our Brother Eric Palmer Lindstrom.

Born in Ft. St John on May 12, 1975, his young life was forever altered at 9 months old due to tragic fall down stairs resulting in a devastating brain injury. This injury left Eric requiring 24 hour care for the remainder of his life.

On Sept 11, 2024, Eric passed after a motor vehicle accident left him with injuries he could not overcome, with his sister Erin and brother in law Tim at his side and big sisters Laurel and Anita held vigil.

Eric has joined his loving Father Ronald Lindstrom in Valhalla with a twinkle in their eyes and smiles on their faces happy to enjoy an epic father/son journey they were denied in life.

We would also like to say thank you to all of Eric’s staff who were dedicated and cared for our brother through all these years, and we are sorry for your loss.

Eric is Survived by his 3 sisters Laurel Lindstrom, Anita Klemp (Terry Osborne), and Erin Patterson (Tim Patterson) and his nieces, and nephews Kevin Stuart, Amanda Klemp, Jessica Klemp, Jaden Patterson, and Carsen Patterson, Kinsley Benoit as well as numerous Aunts, Uncles and cousins as well as step-siblings Bernie, Justin and Amber.

Rest in Peace Brother you have more than earned it. We Love you, We miss you, We will always carry you

Carolyn Irene Lamb (Wylie) 1944-2024

Carol Lamb (Wylie) died peacefully on November 26, 2024 after many years of living with Parkinson’s.

Carol was predeceased by her parents and her daughter Samantha.

Carol is survived by her husband Allan, her son Eric (wife Kirsten and children Aurora and Ivy), her daughter Heather, and Samantha’s children Haley (partner Tyler and daughter Eloise), and Eric, as well as her four siblings and many other family members.

Carol had an adventurous spirit and introduced many people to her favourite outdoor activities of hiking, skiing, canoeing, and camping over the years. She traveled a lot and was always eager to visit her kids wherever they happened to be living.

We all have homemade knitted blankets, cross stitch pictures, and crocheted items to help us remember Carol and her love of handicrafts. She was a master scrabble and crib player and consistently beat all of us. She brought us up on homemade food, garden produce, and love. As adults, we couldn’t leave her house without taking home excellent leftovers, fruitcake, and other treats. She always cooked and baked when she visited family, leaving freezers full. We all benefited from her professional nursing skills at various times, as did her many patients over the years.

Carol responded to her Parkinson’s diagnosis by hiking, skiing, and traveling more vigorously than ever. She fought hard to remain active as long as she could and enjoyed socializing with her many friends. Her last years were not easy but she remained cheerful and pragmatic about her situation and continued to enjoy visits from family and friends up until the end.

We would like to extend our thanks to the staff at Simon Fraser Lodge and Dr. Pettersen for their care. Special thanks to Carol’s closest friend Rosemary for always being there for her and for us.

In lieu of flowers a donation to the Parkinson’s Society of British Columbia or a good cause of your choice would be appreciated.

Herb Assman passed away peacefully in the early hours of November 21, 2024, at the age of 87. His family is deeply saddened at having to say goodbye.

He was born on August 2, 1937, in Prince George, BC, a city he was proud to call home and even in his later years felt a strong connection to. Born to John Assman Sr. and Kate (Blackburn), he was the eldest of three children, having two sisters, Mary Jane and Donna. At the time the Assman family was extensive in the area, and he often spoke of his many cousins that he felt close to and cherished his time with at the Assman Farm, a location close to Cranbrook Hill and Miworth. Not long after graduation, he met the love of his life, his French-Canadian prairie girl, who had arrived from Saskatchewan to visit her sister (Alice Bourassa), and married “his Juliette” in June of 1960. Together they raised a beautiful family and created a life that they were both proud of and felt blessed. He often said, “if you don’t have family, you have nuthin!”

Herb was known as a mover and shaker at a young age, working hard, playing hard, and enjoying life to the fullest. He belonged to many community groups that helped build and shape Prince George. As a proud member of the downtown Rotary Club, founding member of the Prince George Golf and Curling Club, Masonic Lodge Nechako #86, Prince George Shriners, and a provincial director for BCAA, and even the illustrious “coffee gang”, he along with so many others at the time were a big part of Prince George.

Herb was a pioneering force in Western Canada’s transportation industry and the secondgeneration leader of what now has become the Landtran Group of Companies. He learned the

Herbert John “Herb” Assman

August 2, 1937 - November 21, 2024

Goodbyes are not forever, Goodbyes are not the end, it simply means we will miss you, until we meet again.

transportation business from his father, John Sr., before taking the helm of the family enterprise in 1971. Under his leadership, the company evolved from a modest trucking operation into a large regional warehousing and distribution network, including the development of three warehouses that remain on 1st Avenue in Prince George.

Together with Elie Musa, Herb founded Northern Interior Fastfrate Ltd., offering freight service throughout Northern British Columbia with hubs in Edmonton and Vancouver. His entrepreneurial vision led to the acquisition of Byers Transport in 1990 and the formation of Landtran Systems Inc. in Edmonton.

Known for his unwavering persistence and resilience in challenging times, Herb remained dedicated to the business he built. Even in his later years, he was a familiar figure in the office, distinguished by his trademark suspenders, taking pride in the legacy he created at Landtran. Whether it was fishing, hunting, race horses, beekeeping or any of the numerous adventures he pursued, he did things his way, with persistence and support from Julie – they were an incredible team!! He was bold, courageous, and larger than life in many ways. Those who knew him, knew his big personality, and as his family, we knew his extremely generous, loving, and sometimes softer side.

For many years West Lake was home for the summers and in 1979 he and Julie built their dream home and spent their last years in Prince George creating many memories both on shore with the cofounding of the West Lake Firehall, and countless get-togethers of family and friends, and on water with the barge, the S. S. Hermes. In

2010 he found comfort in retiring with Julie to the sunny skies of Kelowna, BC.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Julie, daughters Beverly (Michael) Noonan and Judy Neiser (Richard George), and his son John (Maureen) Assman; grandchildren Michael (Angie) Neiser, Steven Neiser, Jennifer Neiser; Kenedy (Melissa) Assman, Bowen Assman and Benett Assman; his greatgrandchildren, Hudson, Weston, Gracen, and Shea. He is also survived by his sister, Donna (Terry) McBurney.

He was pre-deceased by his parents John and Kate Assman, his sister Mary Jane Assman, son-inlaw Cal Neiser, and his grandson Sean Noonan.

At this time the family has chosen to honour his memory privately, with a memorial service to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Assman Family Fund held with the Prince George Community Foundation www.pgcf.ca or through the Assman Family Fund held at the Central Okanagan Community Foundation www.centralokanaganfoundation.org

The family wishes to thank the staff at The Vineyards, especially Janelle and the 3rd-floor nursing and care staff, for their amazing comfort and friendship for Herb, as well as the residents and staff of Sandalwood Retirement Living.

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

-Abraham Lincoln

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.

Joseph Austin McCarville

October 27, 1948 - November 23, 2024

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Joseph Austin McCarville on November 23, 2024 at the age of 76.

No service by Request

Fern Elizabeth Bertschi

December 17, 1931 - November 19, 2024

Fern passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family. In the months and days leading up to her passing, she found joy in visiting with family and friends, creating cherished memories for all who knew her. Special thanks to all the health care professionals who provided such kind and loving care.

Fern is survived by her daughters: Debby (Jim), Heidi, Kyla (Gilbert), and Marcia (Anthony); her grandsons: Kyle (Cherisse), Tyler (Helen), Travis (Courtney), Nicholas (Toni), and Kurtis (Jordyn); her great-granddaughter, Amelia; her great-grandsons, Harrison and Hayden; her special sister, Olive; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Albert, nine of her thirteen siblings, and her grandson Devin.

Family was the cornerstone of Fern’s life. Her love and dedication were evident in the many holiday and birthday celebrations she organized and her thoughtful gift-giving. Her generosity and hospitality were unmatched—expressed through her home-cooked meals, baked treats, canned goods, and her open-door policy that welcomed all. Fern’s helping hand and warm spirit touched many lives, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness and care.

She will forever be in our hearts.

A celebration of her life will be held in late spring on

Classifieds

250-562-6772

screeningbc.ca/breast

Public Notice: Forest Operations Map Review and Invitation for Comment.

In accordance with the Forest Range and Practices Act, OBO Forest Management GP LTD. and Spectrum Resource Group invite the public to review its Forest Operations Maps (FOM ID: 2017) in the Mackenzie Natural Resource District. The FOM describes areas proposed for Cutting Permit and Road Permit development within the next three years starting on January 5th, 2025, and ending on January 4th, 2028. We welcome your comments and feedback during the review period starting December 5th, 2024. Please submit your comments by January 4th, 2025.

The map is accessible for review and comment submission online at: https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects#publicNotices

Alternatively, in-person review and comments can be scheduled and completed at the following location during regular office hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM –4:00 PM): 1960 Robertson Road, Prince George, BC, V2N1X6

Comments may also be submitted by mail to the above address or submitted via phone or email at: 1-250-564-0383; etorres@srg.ca

CUSTOMER

By JoAnn Derson

• Medication labels can fade, so when you get yours, put a piece of clear tape over the instructions. This way, you’ll always be able to read the instructions.

* “I’ve loved this little trick since I saw it used at a party years ago. I serve iced tea (or punch) at most of my get-togethers, and instead of ice cubes, I freeze several pounds of cleaned, de-stemmed white grapes. They are a hit at every party.” -- M.A. in New York

• “During the holidays (the height of baking season for me), I keep a large plastic saltshaker filled with flour and a bit of dry rice. The rice helps the flour to shake out without getting clumped up, and I use it to dust cake pans, rolling pins, kneading boards, etc.” — W.F. in Canada

* Need almost-instant party snacks? Try a package of store-bought cheese tortellini. Cook according to package instructions (usually only a few minutes), toss with oil or salad dressing and stick each on a toothpick.

• “One of the household cleaners I prefer comes in a spray bottle, and it’s on the expensive side. I make sure to get all of the liquid out by adding some regular glass marbles to the bottle. It displaces the liquid up, ensuring it finds the bottom of the sprayer’s suction tube.” — T.H. in Mississippi

* “A great way to make things comfortable for guests is to print out a copy of the channel lineup for your cable service provider. You also can print out common remote control buttons or any remote-control or TV instructions for streaming movies, etc. This helps us older folks enjoy a few hours of TV time while the younger kids are out at work or school.” -- H.P. in Nebraska

• “Stack pucks in the holes of a cardboard soda six-pack carrier. Tell your coach. And to keep them bouncy, store them in your freezer (as long as your mom says it’s OK).” — via e-mail

• Keep the fog off your glasses by cleaning them with shaving cream. It will prevent mist-ups when you come in from the cold.

• Save your citrus peels and dry them. You can use them for kindling in your fire. They contain flammable oils, and they smell pretty good, too. Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

* On Dec. 16, 1938, Adolf Hitler instituted the Mother’s Cross, a medal awarded as part of an initiative designed to encourage women of “pure” German origin to grow the Third Reich’s population. Each year between 1938 and 1944, gold medals were given to women with eight or more children, silver medals to women with six to seven, and bronze medals to women with five.

• On Nov. 11, 1831, Nat Turner, an American slave and educated minister who believed that he’d been chosen by God to lead his people into freedom, was hanged in Jerusalem, Virginia, for leading a revolt with 75 followers through Southampton County, killing about 60 white people.

* On Dec. 17, 2010, a struggling street vendor named Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire outside the governor’s office in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia. That morning, his merchandise had been confiscated by a municipal inspector, as Bouazizi was operating without a government permit. His act was considered the start of the Arab Spring, a period of pro-democracy uprisings throughout North Africa and the Middle East.

* On Dec. 18, 1972, future American president Joe Biden’s first wife, Neilia, and 13-month-old daughter, Naomi, were killed in a car accident while shopping for a Christmas tree when their car was struck by a tractor-trailer.

• On Nov. 12, 1969, investigative journalist Seymour Hersh revealed the extent of the U.S. Army’s charges against 1st Lt. William L. Calley at My Lai, Vietnam, in a cable picked up by more than 30 newspapers, saying that “The Army says he [Calley] deliberately murdered at least 109 Vietnamese civilians during a searchand-destroy mission in March 1968, in a Viet Cong stronghold known as ‘Pinkville.’”

* On Dec. 19, 1843, Charles Dickens’ beloved classic novella “A Christmas Carol” was published in London by Chapman and Hall. The first edition sold out in just five days, and the book not only has been adapted countless times in multiple media, but it has never gone out of print.

* On Dec. 21, 2012, Korean rapper Psy’s music video for “Gangnam Style” became the first YouTube video to garner a billion views. PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

• On Nov. 13, 1979, Philadelphia 76ers center Darryl Dawkins leaped over Kansas City Kings forward Bill Robinzine for a memorable slam dunk that shattered the fiberglass backboard. His equally memorable comment on the move, which was not his last and the sound of which spectators likened to a bomb going off: “It wasn’t really a safe thing to do, but it was a Darryl Dawkins thing to do.”

* On Dec. 20, 1940, superhero Captain America, aka Steven “Steve” Rogers, a frail man enhanced to physical perfection after drinking an experimental serum, made his debut in “Captain America Comics” No. 1.

• On Nov. 14, 1882, outlaw Frank “Buckskin” Leslie shot and killed Billy “The Kid” Claiborne, who had publicly challenged him, in Tombstone, Arizona.

• On Nov. 15, 1984, Baby Fae, a month old infant who received the world’s first baboon heart transplant, died at California’s Loma Linda University 20 days after the operation. Three other people had received animal heart transplants, but none survived longer than a few days.

• On Nov. 16, 2001, British author J.K. Rowling’s most famous and beloved creation, the bespectacled boy wizard Harry Potter (played by Daniel Radcliffe in his first major role), made his silver-screen debut in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” which went on to become one of the highestgrossing movies in history.

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I read about a person who did not vaccinate their house cats, and after one of them got out, lost all of them to feline leukemia. I can relate to this person. I only have one cat, and I thought, for a while, that I could get away without vaccinating her. Fortunately, a friend convinced me otherwise.

It turns out that it doesn’t take much to protect my baby when she depends on me to take care of her. I’ve never gone without just to pay for “Racquel’s” vaccinations, and in turn, she is a healthy cat who brings so much companionship to my life. Please tell your readers not to skip this important annual appointment. -- Donna in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

DEAR DONNA: You told them, and I thank you. Vaccinating indoor pets can seem like a pricey extravagance, but it pales in comparison to the cost of treating the diseases that they can contract if they’re not vaccinated. To reduce the annual cost, check around for discounted shot clinics. These are usually held on specific dates and places -- pet supply stores, public buildings or participating veterinary clinics. However, these clinics often don’t advertise extensively due to costs, so you may need to search a bit. Contact your city or county government to see if any clinics are being held nearby, or stop in to major pet supply retailers like Petco, which often sponsor shot clinics. If not, their workers often know about pet health clinics nearby. These clinics offer required vaccinations and licenses, and sometimes have microchipping and a basic health exam available at a low fixed price per pet. Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner. com.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A change in holiday travel plans might be more vexing than you’d expected. But try to take it in stride. Also, it couldn’t hurt to use your Aries charm to coax out some helpful cooperation.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your Bovine determination helps you deal with an unforeseen complication. And, as usual, you prove that when it comes to a challenge, you have what it takes to be a contender.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Although a romantic theme dominates much of the week, all those warm and fuzzy feelings shouldn’t interfere with the more pragmatic matters that you need to take care of.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Best not to ignore doubts about an upcoming decision. Instead, recheck the facts you were given to make sure nothing important was left out. Meanwhile, a weekend surprise awaits you.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) No time for a catnap -- yet. You still might have to straighten out one or two factors so that you can finally assure yourself of the truth about a troubling workplace situation. Stay with it.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22)

News from an old friend could lead to an unexpected (but nonetheless welcome) reunion with someone who had once been very special in your life. Be open to the possibilities.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)

It might be time for a family council. The sooner those problems are resolved, the sooner you can move ahead with your holiday preparations. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21)

Take some time out to give more attention to a personal relationship that seems to be suffering from a sense of emotional neglect. Provide some much-needed reassurance.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Cheer up! An unusual circumstance that might faze most people can be handled pretty well by the savvy Sagittarian. Look at it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Someone you believe has hurt you in the past might now need your help. Reaching out could be difficult, but the generous Goat will be able to do the right thing, as always.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18)

Prioritizing is an important part of your preholiday scheduling. Try to give time to both your workday responsibilities and any personal matters you might have neglected.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) With the vestiges of your anger about a painful incident fading, you can now focus all your energy on the more positive aspects of your life, including a certain personal situation.

Homes & Living

Frozen pipes; How to prevent them and what to do if you get them

Dealing with frozen pipes can be a daunting task, especially during the harsh winter months. However, with the right approach and timely action, you can prevent significant damage to your home and ensure a steady water supply. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to handle frozen pipes effectively.

Understanding the Problem Frozen pipes occur when the water inside them freezes due to extremely low temperatures. This can cause the pipes to expand and potentially burst, leading to water damage and costly repairs. The most vulnerable pipes are those located in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, and exterior walls.

Prevention Tips

Insulate Your Pipes: Use pipe insulation or heat tape to wrap pipes in unheated areas. This helps maintain a consistent temperature and prevents freezing.

Seal Cracks and Openings: Check for any gaps or cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings near pipes. Seal them with caulk

dream door starts here

or insulation to keep cold air out.

Keep the Heat On: During cold weather, keep your home’s thermostat set to at least 55°F (13°C), even when you’re away. This ensures that the pipes remain warm enough to prevent freezing.

Open Cabinet Doors: If you have pipes under sinks or in cabinets, open the doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

Let Faucets Drip: Allowing a small trickle of water to flow through faucets can prevent pipes from freezing. Moving water is less likely to freeze.

Thawing Frozen Pipes

If you suspect that a pipe has frozen, act quickly to thaw it before it bursts. Here’s how:

Locate the Frozen Pipe: Identify the section of the pipe that is frozen. This is often indicated by frost on the pipe or a lack of water flow from faucets.

Open the Faucet: Turn on the faucet connected to the frozen pipe. This allows water to flow once the ice begins to melt.

Apply Heat: Use a hairdryer, heat lamp, or portable space heater to warm the frozen section of the pipe. Start from the faucet end and work your way back. Never use an open flame or blowtorch, as this can damage the pipe and create a fire hazard.

Use Hot Towels: Soak towels in hot water and wrap them around the frozen pipe. This method is slower but effective and safe.

Monitor the Process: Keep an eye on the pipe as it thaws. Once water begins to flow, let it run for a few minutes to ensure the pipe is completely thawed.

What to Do If a Pipe Bursts

Despite your best efforts, a pipe may still burst. If this happens:

Shut Off the Water: Immediately turn off the main water supply to prevent further flooding.

Call a Professional: Contact a licensed plumber to repair the damaged pipe. Do not attempt to fix it yourself unless you have the necessary skills and tools.

Clean Up: Remove any standing water

and dry the affected area to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Dealing with frozen pipes requires vigilance and prompt action. By taking preventive measures and knowing how to thaw pipes safely, you can protect your home from water damage and ensure a reliable water supply throughout the winter. Stay warm and stay prepared!

A classic Christmas treat; Mincemeat Pie

Here’s a delightful recipe for a traditional mincemeat pie that captures the essence of the holiday season. This recipe combines a rich, fruity filling with a buttery, flaky crust, perfect for festive gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Mincemeat Filling:

1 cup raisins

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup dried apricots, chopped

1 large Granny Smith apple, grated Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup melted butter

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves)

1/4 cup Grand Marnier or brandy

For the Pastry:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1/4 cup cold water

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mincemeat Filling: In a large bowl, combine the raisins, dried cranberries, dried apricots, grated apple, lemon zest, orange zest, brown sugar, melted butter, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir

in the Grand Marnier or brandy. Cover the mixture and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Make the Pastry: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Transfer the dough to the pie plate and trim any excess. Fill the crust with the mincemeat filling. Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with the beaten egg.

4. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let the pie cool on a wire rack before serving.

This traditional mincemeat pie is a wonderful addition to any holiday table.

Surviving the stress of home renovations

Renovating your home can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience. The promise of a refreshed living space often comes with the reality of noise, dust, and disruption. However, with the right strategies, you can navigate the stress and keep your sanity intact. First and foremost, detailed planning is essential. Before the first hammer swings, ensure you have a clear vision of what you want, a realistic budget, and a timeline. Discuss these with your contractor to make sure everyone is

on the same page. It’s also wise to add a buffer to your budget. Unexpected costs are almost inevitable, and having a financial cushion can prevent stress when they arise. While having a timeline is crucial, be prepared for delays. Weather, supply issues, and unforeseen problems can push back your completion date. Flexibility can help you manage expectations and reduce stress. Communication is key during renovations. Maintain open lines of communication with your contractor.

Regular updates can help you stay informed about progress and any issues that arise, preventing misunderstandings and keeping the project on track. Make sure your instructions are clear and concise. Miscommunication can lead to mistakes, which can be costly and stressful.

Creating a temporary sanctuary within your home can be a lifesaver. Set aside a part of your home that remains untouched by the renovation chaos. This can be a bedroom, a study, or even a corner of the living room. Having a clean, quiet space to retreat to can provide much-needed relief. If the renovation is extensive, consider staying with friends, family, or in a rental property. This can significantly reduce the day-to-day stress of living in a construction zone. Self-care is essential during this time. Try to keep your daily routine as normal as possible. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep can help you manage stress better. Don’t hesitate to take breaks from the renovation site. Go for a walk, visit a friend, or engage in a hobby. Stepping away can provide a mental reset and help you return with a clearer mind. Staying organized can also help manage stress. Maintain a file with all your renovation documents, including

contracts, receipts, and correspondence. This can help you stay organized and provide a reference if any disputes arise. A daily clean-up routine can help manage the mess. Even small efforts to tidy up can make the environment more livable and reduce stress.

Focusing on the end goal can keep you motivated. Visualizing your renovated space can remind you why you started the project in the first place. Celebrate small milestones along the way. Whether it’s the completion of a room or the installation of a key feature, acknowledging progress can boost morale.

Lastly, seek support when needed. Share your experiences with friends or family who have gone through renovations. They can offer valuable advice and emotional support. If the stress becomes overwhelming, consider seeking help from a professional counselor. They can provide strategies to manage anxiety and stress effectively.

Renovations can be challenging, but with careful planning, clear communication, and a focus on self-care, you can navigate the process more smoothly. Remember, the temporary inconvenience will eventually lead to a beautiful, refreshed space that makes it all worthwhile.

Prince George Citizen December 5, 2024

SUPER BINGO

Two years to build 5,218 homes

Council advances Vanway seniors’ housing project

Taxpayers want status quo spending in 2025 budget

Council tasks city staff with downtown bathroom plan

RCMP’s Cram-A-Cruiser food drive returns in time for Christmas

College Heights development passes another hurdle

RCMP will begin wearing body cameras Sunday

OPINION

More reporters means more of your stories can be told

Civic Light Up proved there’s life in the plaza yet

LETTERS EDITOR to the

Petition calls for safety upgrade of ‘Jail Hill’ section of Highway 16 after deer hit

OPINION

Potential unmarked graves found at former Lejac site

Postal picket line

Winter got off to a surprise snowy start in November

Regenerative tourism focus of Industry Night

CITIZEN STAFF

Osoyoos: A Winter Getaway with World-Class Resorts and Plenty of Wineries to Explore

Judge orders time served for man who assaulted woman

Site C reservoir safety

RCMP catch thief using ‘bait bike’

RCMP Street Crime Unit sweeps 3 homes, arrests drug suspects

CRIME NOTES

Mackenzie murder suspect appears in court

DEVELOPMENT OF A PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Man accused of kidnapping with firearm, burglary

Accused pleads guilty to threatening to kill his wife

Local man on probation for child pornography can attend party: Judge

COMMUNITY

What’s happening in PG

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WINTER WONDERLAND

Toronto actor makes professional stage debut in PG

Secret Santa seeking sponsors to help those in need

Volunteers help keep Cottonwood Island ducks fed

All the Whos in Whoville

Selen Alpay honoured by educators with award

CITIZEN STAFF

Downtown lights up ...

A Road to New Beginnings: First Long Drive from Vancouver to Prince George

Arrival in Prince George

Final Thoughts

Building Community Care: Kiara and Zehra’s Impact on IWAU 2024 at UNBC

Building a Legacy of Impact: Insights from Dr. Rahim Somani,

UNBC’s Vice President, Finance and Administration

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Building Resilience and Balance

The Power of Mentorship and Relationships

Flash From the Past: Clubs Day, September 2008

In the Shoes of an Immigrant Transfer Student: A Day of First Impressions

VEDA Prince George

Photo Contest

Wildlife Winners!

NUGSS Annual General Meeting 2024-25: A Student’s Perspective on Campus Governance

Strategic Partnerships and Service Development

Why NUGSS Matters

The History Behind Your Piercings: UNBC Exhibition Takes Body Modification from Ancient to Trending

UNBC Arts Club: Celebrating Creativity and Community

Finding Hope and Inspiration in Stories of Indigenous Women’s Resilience

People in the Trees

Turning an Old iMac into a Standalone Display: A Student’s Journey

... Just in time for Santa

Guardians of the Lost is the latest short film in Carrier Sekani’s Stories of Hope & Strength series

B2B Expo set to bring local small businesses together

AGiftBeyondImagination

GoFundMe in place for local woman fighting cancer

Indigenous holiday market set for Harwin Elementary

Throwback Thursday: Week of December 5

Healthy North

Flu & COVID 19 vaccine clinics

Lung Cancer screening

Indigenous care co-ordinator stories: Lyndsey Rhea

NORTHERN HEALTH

Baby born on new hospital’s opening day

Avian flu case in BC was a one-off: Health ministry

Federal government boosts funds for breast cancer fight

Local Sports PGSS volleyball team grounded after winning title