Prince George Citizen January 23, 2025

City maps out 2025 budget

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Heading into budget deliberations, city administration’s proposed budget contained $56.3 million in capital spending and $177.5 million in operating spending.

City councillors began budget talks with a lengthy meeting on Monday.

Draft documents presented at the last 2024 meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance and Audit showed that staff was suggesting a 6.55 per cent tax increase.

That increase was made up by a proposed $6.7 million increase in the general operating budget, approximately $1.4 million more in infrastructure funding, $700,000 more in the snow control budget and $300,000 more for the road rehabilitation budget.

Combined, that would have represented around $9.1 million more for the operating budget compared to 2024.

However, in the documents attached to the agenda for the January budget meetings, that figure had been whittled down to 5.83 per cent. That number, if approved, would lead to the representative household receiving a $158.87 property tax increase.

BC Assessment’s 2025 figures list the

average value of a single-family residential home in Prince George as $451,000. Overall, the value of residential properties went up by an average of 1.9 per cent from 2024 to 2025.

In the revised proposal, the general operating fund increase was reduced to around $5.7 million with all other

categories remaining the same.

By comparison, council approved tax increases of 6.78 per cent in 2024, 7.58 per cent in 2023, three per cent in 2022 and zero per cent in 2021.

A chart comparing Prince George’s tax increases worth a total of 18.32 per cent over that timeframe to eight other BC municipalities showed that it was lower than Saanich (30.51 per cent), Nanaimo (26.05 per cent), Kamloops (23.95 per cent), Coquitlam (22.32 per cent), Maple Ridge (21.70 per cent), Victoria (21.44 per cent) and Chilliwack (18.93 per cent), but higher than Kelowna (17.52 per cent).

Budget documents also showed that the projected snow control costs for 2024 were $10.1 million — $200,000 less than was budgeted. If the final accounting shows that figure is correct, the surplus will be added to the snow control reserve for a year-end total of $2.4 million.

Taxpayers want status quo spending in 2025, council hears

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

On Monday, city manager Walter Babicz gave council a brief overview at the beginning of proceedings, outlining Prince George’s responsibilities and pressures as a municipal government, the history of the city’s growth and how that affects its infrastructure and how its size compared to its population complicates the municipal services it provides.

He said the replacement value of all the city’s infrastructure is more than $5 billion dollars, which includes 4,728 streetlights, 815 kilometres of water pipes, 701 kilometers of sanitary sewer pipes and 433 kilometres of stormwater pipes.

As she did at the Dec. 4 finance committee meeting, outgoing communications manager Julie Rogers went over what the city heard during public budget consultations last year and how those efforts could be improved the next time around.

Overall, residents expressed a desire for status quo spending in most spending categories. However, they did ask for more infrastructure spending and less spending on corporate services.

Rogers noted on Jan. 20 that residents have asked for that decrease in corporate spending each year she’s been at the city. While she said the feedback will be considered, she likened not funding corporate services to not buying insurance.

Discussing the city’s communication methods, Coun. Brian Skakun said he’s heard from residents that the city’s official smartphone app hasn’t been working for months and had problems accessing it from his own iPhone. Director of finance and IT services Kris Dalio said the vendor the city purchased the app from was bought out by another company and administration is trying to get the new owners to fix the problems before seeking a replacement. In his own presentation, Dalio said that Prince George has just about caught up to the rate of inflation as shown by the consumer price index with its property tax increases after that

zero per cent increase in 2021.

He did note, however, that the consumer price index tracks the price individuals pay for their goods, which don’t always line up with what municipalities must pay for.

On snow control, Dalio said the intent with the proposed $700,000 increase in the snow control increase is to account for the inflationary cost of an average snow year.

Budget documents also showed that the projected snow control costs for 2024 were $10.1 million — $200,000 less than was budgeted. If the final accounting shows that figure is correct, the surplus will be added to the snow control reserve for a year-end total of $2.4 million.

In 2023, the city budgeted $10 million for snow control but ended the year with around $10.8 in expenses.

The city’s proposed operating budget expenditures break down like this:

• Protective services (emergency services): $66,389,000

• Transportation: $27,762,000

• Recreation and culture: $27,060,000

• General government expenses: $24,796,000

• Debt servicing: $13,641,000

• Public transit: $8,329,000

• Environment and public health: $3,891,000

• Miscellaneous fiscal expenses: $3,136,000

• Planning and development: $2,514,000

Dalio noted that protective services costs usually aren’t reduced by governments, meaning that increases essentially become entrenched.

He also noted that of the taxes the city collects, not all of it goes to the city itself.

In 2025, the City of Prince George gets 70.93 per cent of collected property taxes, 17.12 per cent goes to provincial school taxes, 7.37 per cent goes to the Fraser-Fort George Regional Hospital Board, 3.09 per cent goes to the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, 1.07 per cent goes to 911 services for the regional district and 0.42 per cent goes to BC Assessment.

Another $4,500 goes to the Municipal Finance Authority, which is too low to register as a percentage in the breakdown.

Significant impacts to the 2025 operating budget include the city’s policing contract with the RCMP at a cost of $226,500 per member, transit cost increases in the city’s operating agreement with BC Transit, new borrowing

costs from debt issued in spring 2024, road maintenance cost increases, arts grants increases and cost increases for municipal contracts with service providers.

The proposed operating budget included an increase of 4.4 full-time equivalent staffing positions from last year, one of those in administrative services, 1.6 in civic operations and 1.9 in finance and IT services. If approved, Prince George would have the equivalent of 741.2 full-time equivalent positions on its payroll.

Dalio said that those new positions include a legislative services staffer, an electrician and technical support specialists for the RCMP building.

On top of those additions, administration recommended that council add funding for several additional staff, which would be on top of the expenses outlined in the proposed budget.

They included:

• $1,235,058 to add four more RCMP officers and three policing-related municipal staff,

• $734,122 to add five firefighters and to promote four existing firefighters to the rank of lieutenant,

• $395,672 to add four new bylaw officers

• $106,797 to add a communications specialist

• $198,574 to hire two arborists and buy $701,500 worth of capital fleet equipment for the parks department, the latter of which would not impact city tax levies until 2026,

• $208,278 to hire an event co-ordinator and add support for events and,

• $112,424 to add a parks planner. If these are all approved, it would increase the proposed tax increase from 5.83 per cent to 7.84 per cent.

This article was written after the first day of council’s budget deliberations and does not reflect the final decisions made after this edition of The Citizen went to print. Keep an eye on princegeorgecitizen.com and pick up next week’s print edition for more 2025 budget coverage.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

The 2025 City of Prince George budget could include a $700,000 increase in the cost of snow control, something city staff attribute to inflation.

Company wants to see city become a hydrogen hub

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

The decarbonized future is upon us and with his clean-burning hydrogen solution, Badr Abduljawad is already in on the ground floor of a wave that’s coming to the transportation sector.

And it’s not fuel cells he’s advocating for the trucking industry; he’s all about internal combustion.

As chief innovation officer and co-founder of Hydra Energy, a Vancouver company that intends to make Prince George a hydrogen hub with its proposed manufacturing/filling station on Sintich Road, Abduljawad says more truckers will be sold on the benefits of adopting the hydrogen advantage when they no longer see thick black exhaust fumes spewing from their diesel engines.

“Our technology allows us almost to have hydrogen almost at the exact same price as diesel, so the incentive is really behind decarbonizing your fleet,” said Abduljawad, who spoke at the Future Fuels Forum that wrapped up Tuesday, Jan. 14 in Prince George.

“The customers and the customers they service have large (emission) reduction targets and being able to decarbonize with a technology like co-combustion takes the uncertainty behind the technology out of it.”

Truckers like the peace of mind having a full tank of diesel provides during their long hauls and Hydra’s dual-fuel system won’t infringe on that comfort. The conversion to dual-fuel allows hydrogen to enter the combustion chamber at the air intake and mixes with air going into the engine, but it’s the diesel that ignites the compressed cylinders.

“It’s a dual-fuel technology so the hydrogen cannot combust without diesel, and if you run out of hydrogen or there’s an issue with the hydrogen system the vehicle will continue running on diesel,” said Abduljawad.

“So for both the fleet and the customer the goods are always being delivered and the hydrogen is just used to decarbonize that delivery. Until that

infrastructure and security is built it’s a perfect transition.”

Hydrogen is made by electrolysis, a process planned for the Prince George station that splits water molecules into the basic elements using electricity. The cost of making that hydrogen, which is about the same as diesel, has impacted the Hydra business model and the Prince George filling station, initially expected to be finished in 2024, won’t open until the fall of 2026.

“We can’t manufacture it below a certain price, whereas diesel and conventional fossil fuels due to the large economies of scale gets to be a lot cheaper than the other ones and that’s a big limitation for us,” said Abduljawad.

”We can only be at diesel parity to a certain point and then we can’t go below that. I speak for all of the hydrogen developers out there trying to build the infrastructure because it’s got to make sense.”

Paul Vendittelli, director of economic

refuelling a large fuel cell.

In March 2023, Hydra announced it has signed memorandum of understanding agreements with eight local trucking firms to convert Type 8 trucks to Hydra’s hydrogen-diesel system at the Velocity Truck Centres in the BCR Industrial Site. Velocity does the conversions and has a service bay dedicated to hydrogen/natural gas system repairs on vehicles with dual fuel and hydrogen fuel cell systems.

Abduljawad said there are eight trucks already converted and by the end of the year another 20-30 trucks will be running on hydrogen. A Hydra truck is currently on display at the Civic Centre for the BC Natural Resources Forum.

“We’ve had many single-truck trials and we’ve had conversations about converting more trucks but no one has said I’ll convert 50 trucks right away, it’s always a couple stepping stones first,” Abduljawad. “They’re all receptive to it, it’s just that the infrastructure is always the challenge.

development and transportation for the City of Prince Rupert, said there has to be more government investment in alternate fuel advancements and infrastructure to ensure large gaps along transportation corridors no longer exist.

“The main barrier is going to be power and de-risking this industry from private sector and that’s going to need assistance from the government to do that,” said Vendettelli. “There’s not a lot of trucking companies that are going to take the risk on (alternate fuel) trucks without some help.”

It costs about $60,000 and three or four days in a repair shop to convert a transport truck to a dual hydrogen-diesel system. Burning just hydrogen alone gives drivers a range of 1,000 kilometres before they need to switch on the diesel, resulting in a 40 per cent reduction in emissions between fill-ups.

Barar said dual-fuel hydrogen-diesel systems make more sense for large tracks due to the prohibitive cost of

“Having more municipalities or more provincial government commit some of their own vehicles and give a larger incentive to get those vehicles converted would build that infrastructure because economies of scale play a big role in reducing that price.”

Hydra has been in business since 2012 and currently serves commercial fleets in Prince George and Edmonton. The company is scaling up its operation in Prince Rupert and it envisions eventual expansion throughout Western Canada. Most of its efforts to create a hydrogen hub for the region have centred around Prince George.

“We’ve spent a lot of time in Prince George and we’re a strong believer in the city because it’s a big trucking hub,” said Abduljawad. “No matter what it was we’ve always targeted Prince George initially. There’s access to a lot of land and a lot vehicles are interested in doing it.

“Prince George is central to everything. It’s hallway to Edmonton, halfway to the port (Prince Rupert) and it’s the same distance to Vancouver. “It’s a very important space to have hydrogen.”

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

A transport truck that runs on hydrogen was part of Hydra Energy’s presence at the BC Natural Resources Forum last week in Prince George.

Premier, energy minister visit Tidewater refinery

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

BC’s premier and energy minister visited Prince George’s renewable diesel refinery on Tuesday, Jan. 14 to discuss issues with subsidies offered to American producers.

In separate interviews with The Citizen prior to the kickoff of the 2024 BC Natural Resources Forum, both Premier David Eby and Energy Minister Adrian Dix said they are committed to finding a solution to a “double-dipping” issue identified by both Prince George Mackenzie Conservative MLA Kiel Giddens and Tidewater Renewables.

In December 2024, Giddens announced he would be putting forward a private member’s bill that would reduce subsidies BC provides to foreign producers of renewable diesel by the same amount as subsidies they receive in other countries.

Tidewater CEO Jeremy Baines told The Citizen that same month that the US companies receiving subsidies in both countries is preventing his company from competing. Unless the situation is dealt with, he said their Prince George refinery would have to close by March.

“I met with the company directly to provide my assurance to them that would find a path forward and Minister Dix and his team have been reaching

out and working with the company,” Eby said.

“It was a very productive discussion and I’m very hopeful we’ll be able to find a path forward.

Dix said that both the province and people in Prince George have invested a lot in the refinery. The refinery was given financial support from the provinces through the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).

The energy minister went on to say he learned a lesson during the COVID-19 pandemic when BC was down to just a week’s supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) when purchased supply from the United States was denied entry into Canada.

“You have to have domestic capacity, too,” Dix said. “You can’t allow shortterm considerations to do that, so we’re working with Tidewater.”

Both the premier and minister took aim at Giddens’ remarks, saying that the BC Conservatives promised in the last election campaign to abolish the LCFS that enabled the refinery to be built in the first place.

“I’m glad to see he’s supportive of it now and I look forward to his support when we bring forward our solution for it,” Eby said.

Neither provided specifics when asked if their solution would be brought forward before the March deadline identified by Tidewater.

Eggs recalled due to salmonella

CITIZEN STAFF

Due to a possible salmonella contamination of several brands of eggs sold in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and other possible provinces and territories, there has been a recall issued, according to a report on the Government of Canada website for Health under Recalls and Safety Alerts. The recalled brands in alphabetical order include Compliments, Foremost,

Golden Valley, IGA, no name and Western Family eggs.

The expiry dates for recalled eggs are Feb. 16, Feb. 22 and March 1.

The recall says not to consume, use, serve or distribute the recalled eggs and advises consumers to throw the eggs away or contact the retailer that sold them.

The alert says food contaminated with salmonella might not look or smell spoiled but can still make people sick.

Premier outlines strategy to combat Trump tariffs

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Invoking a Haisla story about a rumoured monster on the Kitimat River that turned out to be a blessing in disguise, Premier David Eby said incoming U.S. President Donald Trump’s economic threats to Canada could end up being a similar situation for British Columbia.

The premier was given the first speaking slot at the kickoff to the 2025 BC Natural Resources Forum on the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 14 so he could start travelling to Ottawa after speaking to attend a meeting of all the country’s premiers as well as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau the next day.

The First Ministers met last week to speak about how the country should respond to the 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods that Trump has promised to enact as revenge for the supposed influx of illegal immigrants and drugs flowing south of the border.

In the Haisla story, it turned out that there was no monster but instead an area on the river ripe with oolichan that thousands of seagulls were feasting on. Oolichan are a small, oily fish that are an important part of the diet of many Indigenous peoples on the west coast of North America.

“Right now, this looks like a very scary monster for many families in British Columbia,” Eby said. “But my hope is that we can use this to strengthen our provincial economy in a way that turns out to double our prosperity and increase it for everybody in our province.”

The tariffs, Eby said, will not only be devastating for BC but for Americans as well.

The premier said forestry would be particularly impacted by the tariffs as the sector has already been hit with softwood lumber duties. He credited new forestry minister Ravi Parmar for meeting stakeholders and reviewing BC Timber Sales.

BC’s response to the tariffs, Eby said, will have three key components:

respond, strengthen and diversify.

The discussion among the premiers will be how to carry out the first part of that plan across the country.

Eby said BC is ready to support retaliatory tariffs and export bans if necessary. On a more diplomatic front, Eby said he is in regular contact with the governors of Washington, Oregon and Colorado, who will be among a delegation of governors visiting BC soon.

In February, Eby said he will join a delegation of premiers going to Washington DC to meet with officials to deliver the message that Canada and America provide the materials needed to keep each others’ economies going.

As an example, he brought up the Teck smelter in Trail. He said it produces metal needed to create electronics like night-vision goggles, a metal that China has recently banned the export of to the United States.

In an interview with The Citizen before the forum officially kicked off, Eby said he and his fellow premiers are “committed to stepping into, frankly, a bit of a vacuum that’s been left by the federal government with the political shifts that are going on there.”

That’s a reference to the recent announcement by Trudeau that he will be stepping down as prime minister once the Liberal party chooses a new leader, which will happen in March. In the meantime, Parliament has also been prorogued.

Though the provinces may have different approaches, Eby said they’re all working towards the same purpose: to protect Canadian jobs and the Canadian Economy while underlining the economic risks to the United States.

Recently, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made waves when she travelled to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to meet with the president-elect directly.

Eby said Smith leveraged her relationships with Republicans to get the meeting.

“I think that’s great for her,” he said. “For me, I’m leveraging relationships with governors down the West Coast and we’ll be meeting with a senator

Premier David Eby addresses the 22nd Annual BC Natural Resource Forum as the first keynote speaker at the Celebrating Natural Resources Banquet at the Civic Centre Tuesday, Jan. 14.

from Washington State so that we can ensure that we’re talking to the companies in their states and their business associations about the impacts that they’re going to see so they can also lobby directly.”

To strengthen and diversify BC’s economy, Eby told the forum that the province’s businesses need to be successful and that will involve “responsible, sustainable development of our natural resources.”

On the government’s end, the premier said he once committed to forum attendees that he would lower permitting times. For mining, he said permitting times have been reduced by 35 per cent.

He also spoke of the need to train the next generation of tradespeople, making sure industrial land is available for development, expanding electricity production, attracting capital investments, reducing other red tape.

With hostility south of the border, Eby

said BC needs to expand its economic partnerships with countries in Europe, Asia and other continents and make sure businesses in the province have the infrastructure they need to get their products to those markets.

On that last point, the premier referenced upgrades to Highways 37 and 51 in northwest BC, which he said have improved safety and access to the Galore Creek Copper Mine in the area.

Despite that hostility, the premier said BC firefighters are headed to California to help fight the wildfires that are devastating parts of the Los Angeles area.

“There’s no question we’re having a moment right now with the incoming U.S. administration, but we will always be there when our American neighbours are in need,” Eby said.

“That’s just who we are as Canadians. They’re friends, they are family. We will always be a partner and ally to the United States, but we are also a proud and independent country and while we are proud of our products and they are absolutely for sale, this country is not for sale.”

That last line earned a round of applause from the audience.

In a brief question-and-answer session after his remarks, Eby was asked what his priorities are for natural resources and whether he would share the mandate letters he gave to his cabinet ministers.

On the former point, he said his priorities are those laid out in his speech, especially those around electricity and reducing red tape. He did not say whether he would share the mandate letters.

He also said that BC Hydro has a $10 billion capital projects budget to help expand its services and said that a project to expand the exporting capacity at the Port of Delta might be accelerated given current circumstances.

“The message is quite straightforward,” the premier said at the end of his remarks. “Over the next four years, our government wants to be partners with you in increasing the prosperity of the province and we’re excited to get to work.”

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Rustad slams Eby’s response to changing U.S. relations

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

If John Rustad were premier, he said, he would give Donald Trump what he wants to avoid the 25 per cent tariffs the U.S. president-elect has threatened to put in place when his second term starts on Jan. 20.

BC’s Opposition leader wasn’t referring to Trump’s recent comments imagining Canada as the 51st American state, but instead his criticism that illegal immigrants and drugs are flowing south of the border.

Rustad opened the second day of the 2025 BC Natural Resources Forum with a breakfast on Wednesday, Jan. 15, using the opportunity to rebut Premier David Eby’s speech from the previous night that included a rundown of what his government will do to try and head off the tariffs.

Roughly half of his caucus, including all three of Prince George’s Conservative MLAs, were in attendance for the breakfast at the Coast Hotel.

The premier talked about launching a diplomatic campaign and the need to strengthen BC’s economy.

Rustad likened Eby’s plan to “getting on one of his NDP fast ferries with a pop gun, firing back.”

“We should just be dealing with the issue at hand as opposed to this trade issue,” Rustad said. “David Eby said he’s going to head down to Washington with the premiers and he wants to talk about how he can clean up the permitting process — which I would absolutely welcome if (he was) serious about it.

“And he wants to be able to expand our trade and to be able to make sure that we diversify trade. This is a government that shut down all of our trade offices overseas and he shut down all of the activity that we had been building over the years with other jurisdictions to diversify our trade.”

He said there’s a three- to five-year wait to get permits to salvage wood affected by wildfires and a 15 year-wait for mining permits.

As for Trump’s requests, he said his response would have been to

Rustad said he’s a “huge fan” of hydrogen energy projects, but he said they need to be able to generate their own electricity as the province doesn’t have the capacity to do so, especially since their products will end up being shipped overseas. Again, he touted natural gas power plants as a potential solution.

Another form of power Rustad expressed interest in was nuclear, though he said BC needs to be cautious of potential seismic problems that could affect nuclear plants.

this month that there were voting irregularities in last year’s provincial election, especially in the district of Surrey-Guildford where the Conservative candidate lost to the NDP by just 22 votes after a judicial recount.

Tory candidate Honveer Singh Randhawa has filed a lawsuit asked for NDP candidate Garry Begg’s win to be declared invalid in that district.

immediately recall the legislature to put funding in place to deal with border security and policing. He said he would have already visited the United States and started discussions on how the two countries can work together to protect our borders, instead of trying to ramp up a trade fight.

“Forestry is already on its knees and if the 25 per cent tariffs come in, forestry is gone from British Columbia,” Rustad said.

Moving on to more general conversation about the province, he said BC isn’t facing a climate change crisis. The real crises, according to him, is the amount of money the province is paying to service its debts and affordability by BC residents.

To deal with the deficit, Rustad said he would put in more work to streamline the permitting process for mines, open up liquified natural gas resources and remove climate targets.

There’s another window of opportunity for LNG projects coming up, Rustad said, and BC needs to be prepared to not freeze out investment by making too stringent requirements for investments.

While the opposition leader expressed openness to clean energy projects, he said they won’t be enough to meet BC’s demand with the province having imported 20 per cent of its power last year.

Instead of twinning the North Coast transmission line to bring power from northeast BC to northwest BC as Eby discussed the previous night at a cost of $3 to $5 billion, Rustad pitched building a $300 to $400 million natural gas-powered energy plant in the northwest instead.

During a short question-and-answer question, Rustad was asked about his stance on BC’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard subsidies as well as the carbon tax. He said he’s opposed to both and would remove them, though he would like to keep part of the LCFS program in place as it benefits renewable diesel refineries like the one operated by Tidewater Renewables in Prince George.

In the opening to his speech, Rustad reiterated concerns he first aired earlier

Rustad alleged that there were non-citizens voting, people who voted in ridings they didn’t live in and people voting multiple times. However, he once again did not offer proof of these allegations, saying that the province needs to suspend penalties under the Elections Act to encourage people to come forward with evidence.

Once again, he said that an independent review of the election process, Elections BC and the Elections Act needs to be carried out and that a “C” for “Citizen” needs to be put on BC-issued ID.

Opposition Leader John Rustad talks about Premier David Eby’s speech of the night before at a breakfast meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

OPINION

Finding the balance: BC could be importing electricity

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

Barry Penner made several points during one of the panel discussions at last week’s BC Natural Resources Forum. And every time, the Prince George Civic Centre audience cheered and applauded.

Penner, a former attorney general and environment minister, was on a panel called Stronger Energy Grid – Stronger Economy with BC Hydro president Chris O’Riley. O’Riley was making his pitch to the public that the province’s plan to go fully electric, phasing out natural gas in favour of hydroelectric power and renewables, is the best path forward. This extends to home heating, with natural gas furnaces being replaced in BC, and heat pumps installed in every home, business, office, school and hospital.

Penner was having none of it.

“Can you imagine what would happen if we did have blackouts and rolling brownouts and weren’t able to keep our industry, our hospitals, and schools functioning?” he said. “It’s a thought we don’t usually contemplate because we’ve been very successful over the past number of decades in avoiding those situations.” Big applause from the audience for that.

O’Riley responded with comments on advancements in energy storage. “We’ve seen a whole host of storage solutions come available that didn’t exist 10 years in the past,” he said to a few polite claps.

British Columbia stands at a pivotal

moment in its energy future. The government is pushing for a transition to a cleaner, electric-powered economy, but as Penner noted there’s an important discussion that’s often overlooked: Can we afford to make that change? Specifically, can BC’s growing resource-based industries in the North thrive? The reality is that we need the reliability of natural gas or nuclear power in addition to renewable sources if BC is to realize its potential.

For decades, people have been anticipating the growth of Northern BC’s resource sector. Some of us have been eyeing this opportunity since the 1990s. And yet, despite all the talk and preparation, we still face major infrastructure gaps. If we are serious about leveraging the immense potential of Northern BC’s resources, whether it’s natural gas, minerals (including rare earth minerals needed for electric vehicles), or other key industries, then we must confront the energy needs.

The lower mainland will also be driving the increased demand for electricity over the next five year as the provincial government has mandated that 90 per cent of all vehicles sold in BC by 2030 will have to be zero-emission.

Renewables like hydro and wind are part of the future, but they are not enough to meet the growing demand of industries in the North. The Site C hydroelectric project and nine new smaller renewable projects, while valuable, will not provide sufficient electricity to meet the surging needs of industry, healthcare, and the day-today functioning of communities, not to mention future growth.

Going back to Penner’s mention of a world where blackouts and rolling brownouts are a regular occurrence: Could BC’s industry continue to function if power interruptions became a common reality? Could hospitals remain operational? Schools? The economy itself? How will this increased demand affect the price homeowners pay? The last thing we want is to be caught unprepared in the face of a rapidly changing world. The global geopolitical landscape is shifting, and as seen with recent political events, instability can escalate quickly. If BC is left without sufficient power sources, it risks falling behind, especially when larger energy players like the United States have the capacity to dictate the terms of the energy market.

The need for diversified infrastructure

goes beyond electricity. It includes rail, roads and reliable energy systems. Without this kind of development, Northern BC will not be able to unlock its full potential.

For years, BC has been talking about the opportunities of the North, but progress has been slow. Energy storage solutions, though improving, are still in the early stages. While BC is fortunate to have hydroelectric reservoirs and plans for new battery storage systems, these technologies alone cannot provide the reliability and scalability needed for an industrial boom.

There are two options to bridge the gap in our energy needs: Nuclear and LNG. The first generates no greenhouse gases, the second taps into BC’s abundant natural gas resources. Both are used extensively in Canada. In Alberta, 74 per cent of its electricity is generated through natural gas. In Ontario, 58 per cent of their electrical production is nuclear. Both can provide a critical backup to renewables and help power industrial development.

This is particularly important in the North, where the energy demands of large-scale resource extraction and processing cannot rely solely on intermittent renewable sources. Nuclear and LNG provide a stable, high-energy resource that can ensure economic growth without sacrificing environmental goals.

It’s time to embrace a balanced energy future that prioritizes both sustainability and growth.

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OPINION

Despite what The Donald says, America does need us

As I See It

“We don’t need their lumber. We have massive fields of lumber. We don’t need their lumber; we have to unrestrict them because stupid people put, you know, restrictions on, but I can do that with an executive order, we don’t need anything they have. We don’t need their dairy products. We have more than they have. We don’t need anything.”

So says Donald Trump.

Trump seems to not understand that trade isn’t a favour nor is it “subsidizing” Canada, nor does trading with Canadians make us a state.

For a businessperson, he seems to have a poor understanding of basic economics.

The reason the United States buys anything from Canada is because they need it.

Trade is not in luxury goods but in necessities.

Take lumber. Massively important to the Prince George and northern economy. And our lumber is massively important to the American economy.

I am told by people in the industry

that Canada accounts for around 30 per cent of the American lumber market. BC accounts for a majority of the lumber so many items – houses, stores, furniture, etc. – built south of the border have significant Canadian content.

Right now, softwood lumber still has a 15 per cent tariff on it, charged at the border.

Our lumber companies – for the right to sell into the American market – are paying a heavy price and the only way

powerful bully.

they can possibly recoup the costs is by charging more.

However, the market is depressed and so our companies are losing money. How then is this the United States subsidizing Canada? If anything, it’s the other way around. We keep selling into their market at below the costs of production simply to keep our market share.

Perhaps we really do need to find other markets. After all, if Trump doesn’t want our lumber, others will.

Ditto car parts and dairy and many other things that the new president has mused about.

What he hasn’t talked about is our oil or minerals. These are both critical to the U.S. economy.

As much as he would like to pretend the U.S. is self-sufficient in oil, it isn’t. About 27 per cent of their daily consumption comes from us.

Right now, we are tied in by the Free Trade Agreement signed in the 1980s, and its successors, to sell oil to the U.S. at below market value. Indeed, the whole point of the original FTA was to get permanent and unfettered access to our oil.

The United States’ domestic production was on the decline back then and they needed a way to ensure that they had a stable supply from a friendly country.

We sold it to them at a discount in exchange for removing tariffs and restrictions on the import and export of chickens, among other things.

If The Donald goes ahead with his tariffs, perhaps it is time to rip up the free trade agreements and start charging world prices for our oil.

Let’s see their economy survive that blow. After all, they do need our oil. They need us.

Todd Whitcombe is a chemistry professor at UNBC.

LETTERS EDITOR

to the

With Trump back in power, Liberal Party should return to BC

I am a senior from Prince George.

We do not have a Liberal Party in BC. We need a Liberal Party in BC.

We had Christy Clark and, in Prince George, we had Shirley Bond. They need to get them involved again.

I would vote for Mark Carney.

Donald Trump is scaring everyone. Jean Chretien has said when you are attacked you have to defend yourself, and FIGHT back against this big

The U.S. needs our lumber, our water, our gas and oil. With the fires in the U.S. they are really going to need our lumber, so my big question is why are we sending our raw logs to the U.S. and other places? We have had 13 mills close down.

We send our oil to be refined in the US and then buy it back?

We should be charging the U.S. tariffs. We need to start looking after ourselves and not be so dependent on the U.S. CANADA FIRST.

Helen Robertson

Prince George

Thursday, Jan. 16.

TODD WHITCOMBE

AP FILE PHOTO

U.S. President Donald Trump, who was sworn in Monday, has said he wants to enact 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods.

JASON FRANSON/THE CANADIAN PRESS

Mark Carney speaks during his Liberal leader campaign launch in Edmonton, on

OPINION

Forum hears different takes on BC Hydro’s ability to meet forecasted demand

BC was a net exporter of power to the U.S. during this time. We send them our RAW LOGS. The U.S. is going to need our lumber to rebuild after their fires, so why are we not producing it?

Most of our mills have shut down, that’s jobs gone. They need our oil and gas, we need to build our own refineries, they also need our water.

I think the U.S. needs us more that we need them , if we can get on track and get some good leadership .

Trump wants our natural resources, we should be charging them tariffs. Like Jean Chretien has said - when you are attacked you have to defend yourself, FIGHT back against this big powerful bully. CANADA FIRST.

FHR

Share your views on our stories at pgcitizen.ca

No details as College of New Caledonia discusses possible layoffs

Many programs at the college are still running great with domestic students. The many CNC facilities upgrades over the many years are paid for from the many international students tuition fees.

The provincal government model that funds cost recovery programs has not been changed to keep up with the times for many years.

Many students get a top notch education by the very gifted instructors CNC has.

Those students go on to being hard working tax paying local communities members. They know how to work hard and be successful.

Unfortunately there will be layoffs at many levels.

BCBenny

Prince George councillors to begin budget talks

“The second-lowest tax increase among its peers.”

And just what communities are PG’s peers ?

The main reason for annual tax increases are for paying the wage increases of municipal employees which surpass inflation.

Being a municipal employee is better than winning the lottery.

BGeez

Hydra Energy has big plans for Prince George I don’t think truckers care one way or the other about what type of fuel they burn as long as it is the cheapest fuel around.

If it subsidized by the taxpayer to bring the cost down then its not competitive.

Most truckers this day in age are just trying to keep from going broke.

I am not interested in subsidizing the trucking industry with my tax dollars.

If hydrogen power is plentiful and cheap then bring it on but I am thinking it is heavily subsidized like electric cars.

Alt Center

Premier says Prince George will get dedicated mental health resources

Stop putting people with mental health problems in the same basket with people with addiction problems.

Addiction is curable, stop doing drugs, mental health is a life sentence.

While I am at it - make our hospital a safe place.

Right now its a scary place when you could have drug addict in the bed next to you, and homeless people using the bathrooms, sleeping on benches and wandering the halls.

A hospital should be a hospital. How can you make more beds? you can not get parked now. Make use of the youth containment center?

FHR

Rustad slams Eby’s approach to Trump’s tariffs

In total agreement with John Rustad on using natural gas to generate electricity to power more mines and more employment in BC mines in the North west of BC.

Tired of seeing raw gas to be exported without any value added to the BC economy.

I am a little tired of stories that I am hearing about many BC employed miners living in Alberta where it is cheaper to live and fly in for two-week work periods.

I have been on airplanes from Alberta to BC and seeing camp job workers on them is disheartening.

Why are many of these BC camp job workers choosing to live in Alberta? BC needs to gets its house in order, lower taxes, be competitive with Alberta and create jobs for British Columbians.

Also completely agree that one needs to prove residency to vote.

BC is a disaster zone.

Waymar10@telus.net

Prince George Fire Rescue crews battle burning debris at Moccasin Flats

As i’ve said before, scoop it up, dump it in a truck, truck it down to Vancouver, dump it off on the steps of the BC Supreme Court of Nincompoops.

BGeez

Chief tells forum Lheidli T’enneh is ‘open for business’

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

With a biofuel facility close to beginning operations and a recently announced wind power project near Hixon, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Chief Dolleen Logan told the 2025 BC Natural Resources Forum that her community wants to partner with companies looking to “innovate and think differently” on Tuesday, Jan. 14.

On the first night of the forum, the chief told attendees that when former Prince George-Mackenzie Liberal MLA Pat Bell helped create the forum 22 years ago, its purpose was to bring people together to discuss the opportunities to develop the province’s natural resources.

Since then, Logan said, it has evolved to allow for the voices of First Nations to be respected and followed.

“Our purpose is the same as yours, to be partners in creating greater opportunities for our community and our people,” she said. “This is a strong purpose for us.”

Late last year, the BC Government approved nine wind power projects

co-owned by First Nations, allowing them to bypass the environmental review process.

One of them is a joint venture between Lheidli T’enneh and Spanish firm Ecoener to put 14 turbines generating up to 140 megawatts near Hixon.

“We’ll help offset the massive call for power in our community and provide new pathways for wind farm projects in our province,” Logan said.

“Our partnerships are key for everyone, but we need to ensure that our partnerships extend beyond short-term

financial gain and focus on the opportunity to partner together in greater environmental as well as economic outcomes for future generations.”

She also referenced the biofuel plant her community partnered with Arbios Biotech to build, saying that it recently finished construction and will soon open.

Prosperity for her community, the chief said, includes opportunities to create jobs, build houses, deliver services and build bridges.

On that last point, Logan said she means the bridge that is needed to connect two Lheidli T’enneh reserves separated by the Fraser River.

She encouraged forum attendees to consider the value of partnerships and discovering new opportunities while they’re at the event.

The First Nation was set up on the second floor of the Civic Centre during the forum to discuss forestry and other ventures it is interested in pursuing.

“Our doors are open and Lheidli T’enneh is always open for business,” the chief said.

Yu and 15 other mayors outline priorities for premier

CITIZEN STAFF

The BC Urban Mayors’ Caucus has outlined its top priorities for the provincial government, urging Premier David Eby and his cabinet to address critical issues facing urban communities across the province.

The mayors of 16 major municipalities in BC, including Prince George Mayor Simon Yu, sent a letter to the premier in December detailing 13 key recommendations aimed at tackling local challenges around issues such as mental health and substance use, community safety, housing, and municipal infrastructure.

“Premier Eby has expressed his intention to approach governance differently this term. While there have been some changes, such as shifts in the municipal

affairs portfolio, we are awaiting the release of the ministerial mandate letters to fully understand the direction his cabinet will take on issues important to local governments,” said Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto co-chair of the BC Urban Mayors’ Caucus. “The recommendations we’ve put forward are the result of careful consideration and consultation. We are hopeful that the Premier will listen to local governments and act on these suggestions.”

The suggestions include actions for a variety of provincial ministries:

• Expanding access to detox and stabilization beds and increasing local government involvement in mental health and addiction services.

• Establishing minimum shelter unit requirements and operational standards for supportive housing.

• Reforming BC Housing to enhance collaboration with municipalities and improve sheltering efforts.

• Supporting local governments in creating community safety and well-being plans, and establishing a provincial safety improvement initiative for urban downtowns.

• Advocating for bail reform and faster processing of repeat offenders through the court system.

• Collaborating across ministries to address complex issues such as poverty, encampments, and street disorder.

The caucus is asking that the premier incorporate these priorities into the forthcoming ministerial mandate letters, which typically outline each minister’s responsibilities.

As of now, the mandate letters for the current cabinet have not been released, though interim appointment letters were issued when the cabinet was sworn in on Nov. 18.

The BC Urban Mayors’ Caucus, which includes the mayors of Abbotsford, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Delta, Kamloops, Kelowna, Maple Ridge, Nanaimo, New Westminster, Prince George, Richmond, Saanich, Surrey, Vancouver and Victoria, represents 55 per cent of the province’s population.

• Expanding civilian-led mental health response programs and exploring cannabis revenue-sharing programs with local governments.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan (right), accompanied by Coun. Crystal Gibbs, speaks at the 22nd Annual BC Natural Resource Forum at the Civic Centre Tuesday, Jan. 14.

Call for Expressions of Interest

Tabor Mountain Ski Area

The Province is initiating a call for Expressions of Interest, seeking parties who may be interested in operating the Tabor Mountain Ski Area.

Tabor is a small community ski area located 20km east of Prince George on Hwy 16. On-hill recreation infrastructure includes a chairlift, T-bar, ski runs and trails, large workshop/maintenance building, ski patrol and first aid building and several smaller out-buildings. The Province is seeking Expressions of Interest from parties interested in pursuing an Operating Agreement with the Province with the intent to work towards reopening and operating Tabor under the All-Seasons Resort Policy.

The Province invites interested parties to submit an Expression of Interest.

For contact information and details on the requirements for submissions visit:

https://ow.ly/vj2B50U7g0T

The deadline for submitting an Expression of Interest is February 14, 2025.

Inquiries on submitting an Expression of Interest should be directed to the Mountain Resorts Branch of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport at mountainresortsbranch@gov.bc.ca or by phone at 250 371-3952.

Disclaimer This advertisement is part of the Call for Expression of Interest process. It does not constitute approval of development by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. Should the Province select a successful proponent, they will be asked to prepare a draft Master Plan and apply for an Operating Agreement, at which time public engagement will be initiated.

No official word on college layoffs

There have been concerns about layoffs at the College of New Caledonia after the federal government began reducing the number of international students allowed in the country last year.

However, there is no official comment from the college on when or how many jobs will be cut.

“In response to federal government restrictions involving international students, CNC has undergone a comprehensive review of the college’s operations, services, and programs across the six campuses to ensure we remain responsive to students, community, and economic growth in the region,” reads a statement from the college sent to The Citizen on Thursday, Jan. 16.

The college states that talks are ongoing with regard to staffing levels.

Bylaw services manager let go by city

Prince George has fired its manager of bylaw services.

By email, a city spokesperson confirmed that “Charlotte Peters is no longer employed at the City of Prince George,” but declined to comment further or provide an interview on the subject.

“Based on the information I got from my fellow councillors, it was termination,” Mayor Simon Yu said. “It’s not voluntary, it wasn’t exactly the way she wanted to leave.”

He said he discussed Peters’ departure with city manager Walter Babicz after hearing about it from other sources but was not told the reasons behind it.

City’s communications director resigns

The City of Prince George is losing its communications director. Julie Rogers confirmed to The Citizen by email on Friday, Jan. 17 that she has submitted her resignation effective Jan. 31.

Since joining the city in October 2021, Rogers has given its communications department an irreverent bent.

Social media posts under Rogers’s tenure with sayings like “Snow: it’s not our fault,” and “Gross! Scoop your poopsicles!” as well as another describing the anatomy of a pothole, earned Prince George the Canadian Public Relations Society award for best Canadian digital communications campaign of the year in 2022.

Godbout’s chamber position made permanent

The Prince George Chamber of Commerce has officially appointed Neil Godbout as its permanent executive director, effective immediately.

He has been serving as interim executive director since March 2024 and steps into the role permanently following the departure of former CEO Quynlan Young, who chose not to return after her maternity leave.

Godbout, a former Citizen editor, brings decades of experience in leadership, communications, and community advocacy, states a press release from the chamber.

Eby says PG will see dedicated mental health resources

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The chances of Prince George or the region getting a dedicated mental health and involuntary care facility are “100 per cent,” BC’s premier says.

Speaking to The Citizen before the kickoff of the 2025 BC Natural Resources Forum on Tuesday, Jan. 14, Premier David Eby discussed his priorities for Prince George over the next few years.

Though the BC NDP hasn’t had any MLAs elected in Prince George for many years, Eby said he thought his government has been “working well” with both mayor and council and Lheidli T’enneh First Nation on social issues.

“It’s our shared goal to close the Moccasin Flats encampment, to get people inside (housing) and to put the services in place to prevent the establishment of another encampment,” Eby said.

“Part of the work that we need to do and that we’re doing together is not just about housing, it’s also about mental health, addiction and brain injuries — making sure that those people are looked after.”

The City of Prince George intends to return to the BC Supreme Court to lift the injunction preventing it from evicting residents at the flats. New transitional housing at 397 Fourth Ave. has been built to help house those who lived there.

Some of the local conversations, Eby said, have been with Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan and her vision to establish a centre for excellence in mental health to support families and prevent them from ending up in encampments like Moccasin Flats.

Province-wide, Eby said, his government is working with Dr. Daniel Vigo on the establishment of a strategy to help people with brain injuries and serious addiction issues and get them the care they need. That includes involuntary care.

Last June, UBC professor Vigo was appointed at BC’s chief scientific advisor for psychiatry, toxic drugs and concurrent disorders.

When asked about Prince George or the region getting a dedicated care facility, Eby said it was 100 per cent.

“We understand that the people who

work at the local hospital in this area have called for additional expansion of the beds as the hospital has called for bed expansion generally, to make sure that people get the services they need,” Eby said.

“We’re going to partner with Prince George to make sure that happens.”

On the economic front, the premier said his government is working with the city to try and clear the way for opportunities it identifies.

Though Fortescue’s proposed hydrogen production facility in Prince George was cancelled last year, which Eby attributed to “global reasons,” he said his government has issued the company a letter guaranteeing that BC will make power available for any further projects that come forward.

“We know they’re using that to solicit interest in different proposals for the province as well as for the city and we’ll be working closely with them on that,” he said.

“Prince George is the gateway to the north, we need this community to be prosperous and successful and if Prince George is successful, so will BC be successful and that’s our shared goal.”

Premier David Eby answers questions from Sarah Weber, president and CEO of C3 Alliance Corporation, at the 22nd Annual BC Natural Resource Forum’s Celebrating Natural Resources Banquet at the Civic Centre on Jan. 14.

City begins clearing out what’s left of Moccasin Flats

Meanwhile, another fire broke out there on the weekend

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

The Lower Patricia Boulevard encampment in downtown Prince George known as Moccasin Flats has become virtually abandoned as city staff continue their efforts to clean up the site.

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the city brought in an excavator and a bobcat to load discarded shelter remnants and some of the belongings left by former residents in the snow onto a truck for disposal.

In May 2024 there were an estimated 44 people sheltering at the site in the area at least part of the week. That number dropped as new temporary housing units built by the province became available. There are now only a few occupied sites at the encampment.

“Today, we believe less than 10 individuals are sheltering on the property,” said Eric Depenau, the city’s director of administrative services. “We are pleased to share that we have seen a roughly 80 per cent decrease in individuals residing at the encampment since May of 2024.

“Further, in June, the city worked to clarify the boundaries of the encampment. At that time it was determined that there were 10 occupied camp sites near, but outside of the boundaries of the LPBE. Today, all but one site have been resolved.”

Moccasin Flats occupies a stretch of land at the base of the hill at Lower Patricia Boulevard, starting at the eastern end of Fifth Avenue and continuing eastward.

The city’s homeless population has been occupying that area for nearly three years and that has been a thorn in the city’s side as a sometimes violent and dangerous place. The camp has kept police, ambulance and fire crews busy with dozens of incidents of violence, drug overdoses and suspicious fires that destroyed many of the

ABOVE: Prince George fire crews work to extinguish a debris fire at Moccasin Flats on Saturday, Jan. 18.

RIGHT: The City of Prince George continues cleanup efforts at some of the shelter sites at the Moccasin Flats encampment on Wednesday, Jan. 14.

shelters and the personal belongings of the inhabitants.

The city wants to permanently close the encampment and has tried to do so several times. A court order made in BC Supreme Court on Feb. 23, 2022 legally prevents that from happening until the city can demonstrate camp residents can be accommodated in shelters or other indoor living spaces, which is ongoing.

The city also must demonstrate to the court there are adequate daytime facilities for people without permanent homes.

“The City of Prince George has worked collaboratively with the province and service agencies over the last few years to address the Lower Patricia Boulevard encampment,” said Depenau. “Good progress has been made, and we are working to return to court to discuss the future of this site and its resolution as an entrenched encampment.

“With this significant reduction in individuals on site, most of the lands

are unoccupied but are heavily littered. Refuse removal from the laneway, around fire hydrants, and from around the two large bins on site has been ongoing for some time to help manage waste from the site. When there is a structure fire or an area becomes abandoned the city works to remediate these sites when appropriate.”

Depenau said the Moccasin Flats cleanup began last April, when city crews supported a community volunteer project providing equipment to remove items identified by individuals living at the site. They were directed to leave what they did not want in the

laneway that bisects the camp and that was later picked up by city staff to reduce fire risks and declutter the area.

“Over 2024 more than a dozen structure fires occurred within the encampment,” said Depenau. “Thankfully, none of these fires spread far from their origin. This is a credit to the Prince George Fire Service, but also, in part, thanks to these ongoing clean-up efforts.”

The 42-unit Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) facility opened in late December, adjacent to Moccasin Flats at 377 Third Ave., after seven months of construction.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTOS

Judge reserves sentence for violent liquor store robber

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Prince George Provincial Court judge reserved decision Monday, Jan. 20 on the jail sentence for a man who pleaded guilty to theft under $5,000 and robbery.

The Crown wants Judge Judith Doulis to order a six-year jail sentence for Wilfred Patrick Prince while the defence proposed two years in jail plus three years on probation.

Court heard that Prince, 35, and an unidentified woman entered the River Point Liquor Store just before 11 p.m. on Sept. 14, 2023.

Two employees intervened as the woman began to steal liquor. Prince pulled an imitation firearm — a .177 calibre CO2-powered air pistol — out of his bag, pointed it at the employees and threatened to shoot them.

One of them gained control of the imitation firearm and a knife that Prince had and threw them aside.

Prince, however, withdrew a hammer from his bag and struck one of the employees on the head.

The two employees retreated to a bathroom and Prince took two bottles of liquor. He used the hammer to break the window on the door and flee.

The two employees called 911 and Prince George RCMP arrived at 11:10 p.m. Using a still image from the store surveillance video, Prince was found in the vicinity at 2 a.m. and arrested.

According to a victim impact statement, one of the men was unable to attend school classes for a week and has a permanent patch on his head. He is afraid to work alone during nightshift.

Crown prosecutor Stephanie Bowick said the victim’s injury and Prince’s weapons and level of violence are aggravating factors.

“This was premeditated,” Bowick told Doulis.

“The use of a firearm in the commission of a crime exacerbates its terrorizing effects, whether the firearm is real or a mere imitation,” she said.

Bowick also cited Prince’s lengthy criminal record, which includes 50 court order breaches, 22 youth convictions and 66 adult convictions, for crimes such as break and enter, assault causing bodily harm and possessing a firearm while wearing a disguise.

Prince has 20 convictions for property offences and three prior robbery convictions, including two at 7-Eleven stores.

In 2018, he was sentenced to six years

for a 2016 robbery.

Bowick conceded that addiction issues motivated Prince’s behaviour. Other mitigating factors include his guilty plea and Indigenous heritage.

“Prince George has the unenviable reputation for being a small city where violent crime is prevalent,” she said. “There is a significant need for deterrence of robbery in this community.”

Defence lawyer Connor Carleton said Prince was adopted at a young age and his “involvement in the criminal justice system and drug land in Prince George has been pretty much continuous since his childhood.”

Carleton said his client was homeless, drinking and relapsing into opiate use leading up to the 2023 crime.

He proposed Doulis sentence Prince to two years less a day in a provincial jail followed by the maximum three-year probation.

With credit for time served, the sentence would be 729 days.

“I think this is somebody who needs the assistance of resources, both in custody and then subsequently in the community,” Carleton said. “Mr. Prince needs to engage in an intensive treatment program.”

The hearing for Doulis’s decision is to be scheduled.

No jail time for shoplifter who stole items for daughters

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Provincial Court judge gave a 36-year-old Prince George man a suspended sentence and a year on probation for shoplifting nearly $600 of goods.

Travis Howard Golar pleaded guilty on Jan. 14 before Judge David Simpkin, who also banned him from going within 50 metres of Real Canadian Superstore. Court heard that a member of the Prince George RCMP Problem Oriented Policing team arrested Golar after a store detective noticed a theft in progress on March 28, 2024.

Upon arrest, Golar dropped items he

stole, worth $565.71, and showed the officer his government-issued identification. He was charged with theft under $5,000.

Simpkin called the circumstances “a little strange” because Golar was not shoplifting to support a drug habit. Instead, Golar was motivated by three daughters visiting from out-of-town.

“He found himself in dire financial straits and he didn’t have food in the house, and he didn’t have anything to give them as kids,” Simpkin said. “So he committed this offence and stole items such as groceries, earrings, makeup, and the like. Stealing the jacket and putting it on under your own jacket, that seems to be more for your benefit.”

“I wanted to look sharp,” Golar interjected. “I hadn’t seen my daughters for years.”

Crown prosecutor Stephanie Bowick sought a 30-day jail sentence and one-year probation, based on Golar’s criminal record. Bowick said he had breached 25 orders, undertakings and probation and was convicted five previous times for theft. His last time in jail was 2017, a 120-day sentence for assault causing bodily harm.

Golar’s lawyer, Connor Carleton, asked for a suspended sentence and condition to stay away from the store. He said Golar is the father of seven children, with an eighth on the way, and emphazied his Indigenous background

as a Burns Lake-born member of the Lake Babine Nation. Carleton said Golar became certified last year as a forest firefighter and gained a month’s work experience.

Simpkin said he understood the Crown’s sentence proposal, but told Golar “it would be a retrograde step to send you back to jail.”

“People commit offences for a whole host of reasons and you had your own very personal reasons for this offending behaviour, which I don’t think it’s going to reoccur,” Simpkin said. “You told me that if I don’t send you to jail, I’ll not see you again, and that’s a good thing. I think you seem very genuine about that, Mr. Golar.”

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

A man armed with a pellet gun and a knife used a hammer to attack a liquor store employee after the other weapons were taken from him during a robbery on Sept. 14, 2023.

Man admits sexually assaulting woman near library

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A 57-year-old man pleaded guilty

Wednesday, Jan. 15 in Prince George Provincial Court to sexually assaulting a woman last summer near the Prince George Public Library.

Judge Judith Doulis heard that a witness saw Louie Tommy appearing to perform chest compressions on a woman at a green space near the library. When the witness approached, she found Tommy’s hands down the front of the woman’s pants, trying to take them off. The victim was incoherent and Tommy claimed she was his sister.

The agreed statement of facts, read by Crown prosecutor Gregory Furmaniuk, said the witness called Prince George RCMP at 11:11 p.m. to report a sexual assault in progress. She noted the woman appeared to be breathing, but could not wake her up. When she stepped away to call the RCMP, the

witness said she saw Tommy jump back on top of the victim.

RCMP officers attended and found Tommy next to a female that they

described as grossly intoxicated and barely responsive. The victim was lying on the grass, partially exposed below the waist. Tommy’s belt was undone

and the zipper on his pants pulled down.

After arresting Tommy, police tried to wake the victim. Furmaniuk said she did not respond to verbal cues, would not open her eyes and was so intoxicated that she could not form words.

Police called an ambulance, which took her to hospital.

The victim later gave a statement, telling police that Tommy was a friend that she ran into on a night of drinking cocktails with her husband. The last thing she remembered was drinking.

She woke up in the hospital with a sore shoulder, scratched cheek scratched and feeling as if someone had punched her.

Defence lawyer Keith Jones asked for pre-sentencing reports, including a forensic psychiatric assessment and analysis of how Tommy’s Indigenous heritage influenced his behaviour.

Doulis adjourned the case to Jan. 30 to schedule the next hearing.

Auto yard intruder charged with B&E pleads guilty to lesser charge

BOB MACKIN

2025 Budget Deliberations

The Board of Directors start 2025 budget deliberations on Friday January 24, 2025 at 9 am. The Committee of the Whole agenda with budget details will be on rdffg.ca by January 16. Individuals and organizations can comment on this budget by:

• addressing the Board of Directors at the January 24 meeting (register in advance at 250-960-4444 or 1-800-667-1959)

• emailing budget@rdffg.bc.ca

Registrations or emailed comments must be received by January 23 at 12 pm.

Sign up for news and notices at rdffg.ca/subscribe

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A 54-year-old man received a suspended sentence and 12 months probation on Wednesday, Jan. 15 in Prince George Provincial Court, after pleading guilty to mischief interference with lawful use and enjoyment of property.

Jason Elmer Flack had been charged with break and enter with intent to commit an offence.

Judge David Simpkin agreed to the sentence jointly proposed by Crown and defence lawyers.

Court heard that a witness called Prince George RCMP at 7:08 p.m. on July 14, 2024 to Prince George Auto Wrecking where two men intruded into the gated compound.

An officer arrested Flack and another man for break and enter. They were released from custody on an

undertaking.

Flack’s defence lawyer, Connor Carleton, told the court that Flack had a relapse into cocaine use last summer before he committed the offence. Flack and the other man were looking for items of value.

Flack is employed as a support worker with a social housing society, but is involved in a daytime treatment program. Carleton said he never intended for the case to go to trial and wanted to take responsibility.

“There’s an aggravating feature, which is your criminal record Mr. Flack, but it’s getting dated now,” Simpkin said. “Your last conviction is from Feb. 15, 2019. You received a suspended sentence and probation at that time. Your issue here is drug use, but you’re doing your best to address that.”

That matter stemmed from 2018 charges of assault and breach of undertaking or recognizance in Abbotsford.

A witness told court saw a man who she at first thought was performing chest compressions on a woman lying on grass near the library last summer.

Former Moccasin Flats resident not guilty in drug case

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The judge found a former resident of the Moccasin Flats homeless camp not guilty of possessing methamphetamine and cocaine for the purpose of trafficking almost four years ago in Quesnel in Provincial Court Friday, Jan. 17

Justice Marguerite Church acquitted Chet Lee Bradley, 46, of the charges because she had reasonable doubt about his alleged connections to a backpack containing drugs and to the bedroom where he was found.

In her oral verdict, Church said that Quesnel RCMP had a house on Doherty Drive in Quesnel under surveillance beginning in February 2021. Known drug dealers were observed on the premises. When RCMP officers executed a search warrant on March 5, 2021, they found Bradley sitting on a bed in an unlocked bedroom and a backpack containing the drugs.

Bradley was arrested and charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. He admitted to various facts, but maintained a not guilty plea when his trial began Aug. 13, 2024.

Church said the only issue to decide was whether Crown had proven beyond reasonable doubt that Bradley had “constructive possession” of the drugs.

“That is, that he had the drugs in a place for the use or benefit of himself or another person,” Church said.

The judge said Crown counsel pointed to a police officer’s evidence that Bradley was found seated on a bed, beside the backpack, and that that the backpack was slightly open with illicit drugs visible at the top.

“Counsel also pointed to the evidence of the other illicit drugs found in plain sight on a table in the same room, arguing that the presence of the other drugs in ‘close proximity strongly indicates knowledge and control’,” Church said. Prosecutors also relied on the

Six people charged and weapons seized by RCMP after shots fired

Six people were arrested and police seized weapons and a vehicle after a report of shots being fired in the Giscome area.

It happened Sunday, Jan. 12 when officers were called to a home on the 16700 block of East Perry Road near Upper Fraser Road at about 1:30 p.m.

“Due to the nature of the incident and the known history of those residing at that location, police officers contained the residence until they could obtain a firearms search warrant for the home,” stated Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, the Prince George RCMP’s media relations officer. RCMP officers arrived and quickly determined the need for additional support. The North District Emergency Response Team (ERT), RCMP helicopter Air 3 and the Police Dog Services unit were brought in.

Six people were arrested in

accused being the only occupant of the bedroom. A BC Hydro bill in his name was found in the bedroom and he possessed keys for the lock on the bedroom door.

But Church said she heard conflicting testimony from two police officers and questioned whether the backpack was found beside Bradley with his hands near it or whether he was found holding it.

“There is nothing connecting him to the backpack or its content,” Church decided.

The BC Hydro bill was the only residency or identification document in Bradley’s name that was found in the bedroom, suggesting he was likely the occupant. “But, without more, it only establishes the fact that the accused resided at that address and had a utility account for that address in his name, something that would also be consistent with the defence theory that the accused was the landlord,” Church said.

The judge could not accept the

Crown’s urging to consider the proximity of fentanyl and methamphetamine on a glass table in the bedroom to Bradley as “a strong indication of knowledge and control.”

“In my view, there is nothing about the presence of those drugs in plain view that can give rise to a reasonable inference that the accused must therefore have been aware that he had custody of the illicit drugs in the backpack,” Church said.

The hearing happened one day shy of a year since the Jan. 18, 2024 sentencing of Bradley in Quesnel Provincial Court for trafficking a controlled substance. He received a 13-month jail sentence and lifetime firearms ban for the July 8, 2022 offence.

Bradley was identified as a tattoo artist on disability for severe anxiety disorder in Justice Simon Coval’s February 2022 dismissal of the City of Prince George’s application to close the downtown Prince George homeless camp, also known as Moccasin Flats.

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connection with the ongoing investigation. Five of them were later released pending further investigation, while one individual remained in custody on outstanding arrest warrants.

Officers seized two firearms and a stolen vehicle during their search of the residence and surrounding property. The investigation is ongoing. No further details were released by the RCMP.

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CITIZEN STAFF

The RCMP’s North District Emergency Response Team has a specialized utility vehicle.

Building goes up in flames

Downtown fills with smoke as the former City Second Hand at 4th and Dominion is lost to fire

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Fire broke out at a vacant downtown store on Thursday, Jan. 16.

The former City Second Hand store is located at the northeast corner of Fourth Avenue and Dominion Street. The building was reportedly being used to store furniture.

The city closed surrounding roads as smoke filled the downtown. Bylaw officers arrived first, followed by police for traffic control as fire crews worked. There were five trucks and about 25 firefighters on scene.

“The fire is in a vacant building and so far, no injuries have been reported,” stated Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP, as the fire was being fought.

Employees and residents of nearby buildings were evacuated as the fire suppression efforts continued. There was minor smoke and water damage to

the adjacent Croft Hotel.

Jason Stewart was next door when he noticed the fire.

“I was in the Croft and smoke ended up coming through the bathroom vents … I immediately got everybody out of there. Tabitha, the bar manager, I retrieved her from the upstairs and I brought her back downstairs and I brought her out.”

The City of Prince George updated the situation on Friday, Jan. 17, noting that crews stayed on the scene overnight to deal with hot spots.

There were no injuries to either firefighters or members of the public. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The intersection remained closed Friday as the cleanup and investigation continued.

At the scene Friday, Jan. 17, fire Chief Cliff Warner commented on the nature of the fire and how his crews fought the inferno. The building, also a former gas station, was being used to store

furniture, all of which burned.

“Our crews encountered an extreme fire load inside that restricted their ability to get into the scene of the fire,” said Warner.

“This resulted in the fire expanding quickly. We had to pull out and do a defensive attack. Once it was through the roof, the contents heated up and fully ignited and it really shifted our focus to protecting the Croft and the rest of the block. Our crews did an amazing job of keeping and limiting the fire to just the building of origin.”

Warner was co-ordinating efforts with BC Hydro and Fortis to make the scene safe.

He noted that crews will likely have the intersection of 4th Avenue and Dominion Street closed for some time until the intersection lights are reconnected by BC Hydro.

Warner also expressed his thanks to other first responders and the local community.

“I’ve been sharing the great support we received from many other entities in the community,” said Warner. ”Our members did a great job, but we had good support from our friends from Fortis, Hydro, police, and sheriffs who were helping out, bylaw and ambulances. There were even people who stopped by and dropped off food and some nourishment for our firefighters. It’s just really appreciated. It’s a huge team effort for something like this. So it worked out as well as could be, other than losing a building.”

An investigation into the cause will be taking place in the following week once the scene is safe and clear of any danger, Warner confirmed.

There is no current estimate on the cost of damage to the building.

Smoke and water damage to The Croft was minimal, the city reported Friday, with the bar’s Facebook page confirming that there was only minor smoke and water damage.

Fire consumes the building that housed City Second Hand Shops and Movers at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Dominion Street Thursday, Jan. 14.

Crews arrived on the scene around 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14. It took several hours to put out the fire. There were no injuries.

While the former second-hand store is vacant, it was being used to store furniture.

LEFT: Firefighters break through a security door at The

the burning building.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

The fire attracted onlookers, some of whom snapped photos as crews dealt with the situation.

CITIZEN PHOTOS BY CHUCK NISBETT ABOVE: Crews from multiple halls responded to the fire.

Croft, the tavern next door to

ALAN RAMSAY PHOTO

The view from a nearby office building offers a look at the firefighting effort from above.

COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT OF A PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN

APPLICATION NUMBER: FOR-N-PMP-2025-2030

Applicant: Ministry of Forests, Range Branch 441 Columbia Street, Kamloops, B.C., V2C 2T3

Contact:

Email: invasive.plants@gov.bc.ca | Phone number: 250 219-3349

Members of the public are invited to comment on a multi-agency Pest Management Plan (PMP) for Northern B.C. The purpose of the proposed PMP is to manage invasive plants on provincial public land under the jurisdiction of the Ministries of Forests; Transportation and Transit; Water, Land and Resource Stewardship and Environment and Parks in Northern B.C. The proposed PMP applies to areas located in the Regional Districts of: Bulkley-Nechako, Fraser-Fort George, Kitimat-Stikine, North Coast (excluding Haida Gwaii), Peace River, Stikine and Northern Rockies Regional Municipality.

The pest management methods proposed for use within the area to which the PMP applies include mechanical and biological control, and the use of herbicides. The active ingredients and examples of trade names of the herbicides proposed for use under this plan include: aminocyclopyrachlor (Truvist, Navius VM); aminopyralid (Milestone, Restore II, Restore NXT, Clearview and Reclaim II A); chlorsulfuron (Truvist); clopyralid (Lontrel XC); dicamba (Dyvel, Vanquish, Banvel); diflufenzopyr (Overdrive); flazasulfuron (LongRun); flumioxazin and pyroxasulfone (Torpedo); fluroxypyr (Starane, Pulsar); glyphosate (Roundup WeatherPro, Vantage Plus Max/VPM II, Vantage XRT, Roundup Transorb HC); 2,4-D (2,4-D Amine 600, Reclaim II B, Restore B, Grazon XC); halosulfuron (Sandea WG); imazapyr (Arsenal, ArsenalPowerline, Habitat); indaziflam (Esplanade SC); MCPA (DyVel); mecoprop-p (Dyvel DSp); metsulfuron-methyl (Escort, Clearview, Reclaim A, Navius VM); picloram (Tordon 22K, Grazon XC, Tordon 101); propyzamide (Kerb SC); florpyrauxifen-benzyl (Rinskor, Milestone NXT, Restore NXT); rimsulfuron (Prism); and triclopyr (Garlon RTU, Garlon XRT, Triclopyr 480).

Herbicides will be applied using selective application methods such as wick/ wipe-on, stem injection, ground vehicle mounted sprayers and backpack or handheld sprayers. Aerial application is not permitted under this PMP.

The proposed duration of the PMP is from May 12, 2025 - May 12, 2030.

A draft copy of the proposed PMP is available at gov.bc.ca/invasive-species

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 or email address above within 30 days of the publication of this notice.

Judge tosses lawsuit against health authorities

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A B.C. Supreme Court judge threw out a lawsuit filed against the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and Northern Health Authority (NHA) because it was deemed too long, unclear and unlikely to succeed.

In a Tuesday, Jan. 14 written ruling, Justice Kenneth Ball agreed with an application by the two health authorities to strike out and dismiss the entirety of Tanya Akonwie’s statement of claim. The decision came after an Oct. 8 hearing in Prince George.

The Vanderhoof Metis woman sued for negligence, breach of privacy and intentional infliction of mental suffering.

Ball wrote that Akonwie “used an unusual format” to outline a series of events that occurred over a one-year period. The allegations related to failure of three doctors and a nurse to test and assess the plaintiff’s symptoms, including the health of her unborn baby, in December 2022. The unidentified physicians were not employed by NHA.

“The allegations in the claim that pertain to the FNHA appear to amount to a claim in negligence,” the judge wrote.

“The plaintiff alleges that two FNHA employees, a nurse and an ‘officer worker’, were negligent and reckless in calling the RCMP to conduct a wellness check. The plaintiff alleges that the

FNHA workers did not have the authority to do so.”

The wellness check in July 2023 was prompted by a call the plaintiff made to an FNHA nurse who became concerned Akonwie was in distress and suicidal, court heard.

Akonwie’s claim sought various damages, including under the constitutional right to life, liberty and security of person.

“The claim does not make a formal Charter (of Rights and Freedoms) challenge, nor does it disclose facts which would implicate the NHA or the FNHA in any Charter challenge,” Ball wrote.

Akonwie represented herself in the action. FNHA and NHA each had a lawyer.

One lawyer acted for both the Attorney General of Canada and the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General of B.C.

The National Self-Represented Litigants Project website offers an online library of guides for self-represented litigants in civil and family matters and a national directory of professionals offering services to self-represented litigants. It is a legacy of a 2013 study, by University of Windsor law professor Julie Macfarlane, that concluded “there is an urgent need to address the consequences of the large and growing numbers of people representing themselves in both family and civil court.”

Business makes donation of $92K

ANDIE MOLLINS Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Orange Shirt Society accepted a $92,000 donation Jan. 14 from Carl Johnson, owner of Kit and Kaboodle in Williams Lake.

“It helps keep our doors open,” said Phyllis Webstad, founder and CEO of the Orange Shirt Society (OSS).

The non-profit organization was formed in 2015 to help advance Indian Residential

School Reconciliation and to promote the ‘Every Child Matters’ message.

Webstad thanked Johnson for his part in making this happen. This isn’t the first time Johnson has donated to the OSS; he’s known Webstad and her story for over 20 years, and became the organization’s main orange shirt supplier a few years ago. The $92,000 donated this year represents 10,000 shirts sold and brings his overall donations to the OSS to almost half a million dollars.

Tourism Valemount has big plans for visitors’ centre

ABIGAIL POPPLE Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Marcie Down, executive director of Tourism Valemount, has big plans in mind for Valemount’s visitor information centre. In an interview with The Goat, she said she plans on making the centre a place where locals and visitors alike can learn about what Valemount has to offer.

Tourism Valemount recently took over management of the centre from the village, which had been operating the centre since 2018.

The handoff has been in the works since May 2024, when Down first suggested Tourism Valemount taking over the facility from village staff. Now that the details of the transition have been worked out with the Village and Destination BC – the Crown corporation that supports B.C.’s tourism industry – the centre is officially under Tourism Valemount’s management.

Down hopes the new space will allow Tourism Valemount to increase its capacity. The centre is much larger than Tourism Valemount’s previous office – a tiny 5th Avenue building shared with Royal LePage real estate – which

will allow Down to hold meetings and conferences.

Additionally, the centre’s operating hours will change: from February to April, it will be open Thursday to Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. From May through September, it will be open seven days a week, according to Down.

Valemount residents will benefit from

the change, too, Down says. She plans on installing interactive displays in the centre, and changing them from season to season – that way, locals can visit the centre a few times a year, and hopefully learn something new each time. She’s working with the Valemount Museum to include displays from there as well, she added.

Advice from the previous manager of the centre, Wendy Dyson, has been invaluable, Down said. Down plans on restoring some of the programs Dyson ran when she was managing the centre.

“The biggest thing is having interpretive talks here again – having something going on throughout the year to bring visitors and community members and stakeholders in,” Down said. “Making it more of a community centre as well as a visitors’ centre.”

Additionally, Down will make the centre a site where locals can access SuperHost, a series of customer service courses administered by go2HR, the association for human resources and health and safety in B.C.’s tourism industry.

While the courses do cost a small fee, Down hopes offering them in Valemount will make the program more accessible for local hotel staff.

These changes will take time, Down said, but she will update locals on her plans through the Tourism Valemount newsletter, website and Facebook page.

“We’re very excited about this endeavour,” Down said. “We’re looking forward to 2025 and all the opportunities there are.”

Upper Fraser snowpack inching closer to normal levels

ABIGAIL POPPLE

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Upper Fraser East region –which stretches roughly from Valemount to Prince George – is hovering at 82 per cent of its normal snowpack after about three years of drought, according to the latest snow survey and water supply bulletin from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

While slightly below normal, the figure is a far cry from last January, when the region sat at 63 per cent of normal. Below normal snowpack may amplify drought in spring and summer, though weather conditions may change and bring more snow before then, the Ministry says.

The rest of the province is enjoying higher snowpack, too. Last year, the provincial average was 56 per cent of normal.

This year, the province has an average of 87 per cent of normal snowpack.

Three to four months of snow remain, the bulletin states. During that time, BC may see the effects of La Niña – a term for the phenomenon where cooler than normal waters appear in the Pacific Ocean, as explained on the Environment

and Climate Change Canada webpage on the topic.

This typically translates to cooler temperatures and more precipitation in BC, according to the ministry.

However, the ministry forecasts above-normal temperatures for January through March. Still, the province may see above-normal precipitation in that period, though precipitation forecasts are difficult to predict at a seasonal scale.

The ministry is set to release eight snow survey and water supply bulletins this year, from January through mid-June.

While release dates are subject to change based on data variability, the next bulletin is scheduled for release on Feb. 10 or 11.

ABIGAIL POPPLE, LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Marcie Down of Tourism Valemount shows off brochures at the Visitor Information Centre. Previously run by the village administration, the centre is now under Tourism Valemount’s management.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

The snowpack in the Upper Fraser East region is at about 82 per cent of its usual levels after three years of drought.

What’s happening in PG

Robbie Burns Celebration goes Thursday, Jan. 23 at Nellie’s Pub, 2280 John Hart Hwy. Presented by the Prince George Pipe Band, the event includes piping, drumming, Highland dance and haggis. Tickets are $10 available at Nellie’s and at 203-1378 Fifth Ave. Doors open at 6, Toast to the Haggis at 6:30p.m. For more information contact vhawke10@gmail.com.

Kiwanis Alefest 2025 goes Friday, Jan. 24 and Saturday, Jan. 25 with afternoon and evening tasting sessions on both days at Two Rivers Gallery. Kiwanis AleFest will host craft breweries, cideries, and several local restaurants during the event which features more than 50 different craft beverages to sample, complementary local food, a silent auction, 50/50 draws, music, and more. For more information and tickets visit www.kiwanisalefest.ca/ tickets.

Live Pro Wrestling presented by Primetime Entertainment goes Friday, Jan. 24 and Saturday, Jan. 25 with VIP doors at 5:45 p.m., general admission doors at 6:30 and bell dings at 7 p.m. at the Prince George Civic Centre. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Scrapbook Zone on 18th Ave, J&A Stereo +. General tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. VIP tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

Prince George Cougars Indigenous Weekend goes Friday, Jan. 24 and Saturday, Jan. 25, presented by Four Rivers Co-op and PRD Construction. Fastpaced hockey meets the vibrant cultures of Northern BC, including special Indigenous jerseys designed by Dakelh fine artist Kobe Antoine of the Lake

The Prince George Pipe Band is hosting a Robbie Burns pub night on Thursday, Jan. 23 at Nellie’s Pub.

Babine Nation. There will be a game worn jersey auction, live performances by Indigenous groups & artists on both nights. Artisan vendors & performers throughout the arena. Jersey raffle – win one of three Indigenous jerseys. Autograph signing with the Cougars after Saturday’s game, presented by CIBC. On Friday the Cats face-off against the Brandon Wheat Kings and on Saturday they go up against Kamloops Blazers. For tickets visit ticketsnorth.evenue.net/ events/CSG.

Robbie Burns Night goes Saturday, Jan. 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Coast Hotel, 770 Brunswick St. This is a fantastic celebration of Scottish culture. The Prince George Symphony Orchestra hosts this traditional fundraising event featuring dinner, a fun Salute to the Haggis and

lively Highland dancing. For tickets and more information visit https://pgso. com/concerts/robbie_burns_2/141 Tapestry Singers Silent Auction and Dinner Fundraiser goes Saturday, Jan. 25 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Columbus Community Centre, 7201 St. Lawrence Ave. There will be a performance by the Tapestry Seniors Singers along with the dinner and silent auction. Net proceeds will support the Tapestry Senior Singers’ March 2025 trip to the Kamloops Performing Arts Festival and their April 2026 trip to the Canadian Rocky Mountain Festival in Banff. There are Swiss chocolate door prizes and a cash bar. Tickets are $55 each and can be purchased by emailing carolynduerksen@gmail.com.

2025 Vintage Snow Machine Show

and Shine goes Sunday, Jan. 26 at the PG Snowmobile Club, 12000 Scott Road. Registration is at 10 a.m. for racers it’s $2. Race starts at 11 a.m. Vintage ride is on Schlitt trail that takes about 45 minutes. Noon is the show and shine, with awards and prizes presented at 4 p.m. Prizes for best vintage sled, best vintage mountain modified, best vintage mountain attire. There is a concession, 50/50 draw, firepit and social from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fantasy Fantasie Faculty Chamber Concert goes Sunday, Jan. 26 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Prince George Conservatory of Music, 355 Fifth Ave. Step into a world of wonder and imagination during this concert that blends myth, magic, and musical mastery. Featuring music from the fantastical realms of The Lord of the Rings and classical works in the ‘fantasie’ genre. This performance spans centuries of musical storytelling, brought to life through saxophone, guitar, voice, flute, violin, and harp. Admission is pay-what-you-can.

Pizza Making Workshop for children eight to 12 years old goes on Pro-D Day, Monday, Jan, 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is hosted by the Prince George Italian Club, 1209 Fifth Ave. Participants will make their own personal-sized pizza, learn some kitchen safety, and some Italian vocabulary. Cost is $20 per child for non-members and $15 per child for Italian Club members. Register by Monday, Jan. 20 by emailing princegeorgeitalianclub@gmail.com and pay by e-transfer to pgitalianclub1@gmail. com.

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PRINCE GEORGE PIPE BAND PHOTO

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Learn How to Take Care Of, Groom and Ride Horses Day Camp goes on Monday, Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 9550 Patterson Rd. E. Presented by Hylee Training this day camp is suitable for children seven and older. This is the best way to spend a Pro-D Day - surrounded by horses. Ride, learn about how to take care of our four-legged friends, and practice your stable management skills in this one-day adventure camp. Cost is $120 plus GST.

Pottery Mug Painting Class goes Thursday Jan. 30 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Northern Lights Estate Winery, 745 Prince George Pulpmill Road hosted by Three Mad Potters. During this event people can choose a bare pottery mug to customize. All painting supplies, glazes and expert instruction is included along with a glass on Northern Lights wine. The completed mug will be kiln-fired. Tickets are $110 at www.buynorthernlightswines.com/ madd-potter-class

Beaded Feathers goes Jan. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Two Rivers Gallery. Learn basic peyote stitch to create a beaded stem on a naturally harvested feather using different coloured seed beads. Join Indigenous programmer Crystal Behn to create a customized accessory. Enjoy freshly made treats while learning traditional Indigenous art. Everyone is welcome. $31.50 for one session. Register at tworiversgallery.ca/ programs/beaded-feathers.

Susie Roth Show goes Saturday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. at Deadfall Brewing Company, 1733 Nicholson St. S. This is a free show but donations are appreciated.

Live Music with Jayde goes Saturday, Feb. 1 from 8 to 10 p.m. at Trench Brewing, 399 Second Ave. Jayde’s artistry shines through her deep connection to her music and the experiences she channels into her songs. Her authentic and soulful style sets her apart, as she creates music with emotional depth and resonance. Jayde’s work is a beautiful reflection of her personal story and her heartfelt approach to music. No cover,

tips welcomed.

Coastal Drifters with Highbush Caribou goes Saturday, Feb. 1 at 9 p.m. at the Prince George Legion, 1116 Sixth Ave. Coastal Drifters! Rez Rock band from Kitselas, B.C. guarantees to get the party started with a high-energy performance and catchy original tunes. Live at the Legion joined by fellow northwest coast spooky surf rockers High Bush Caribou. Doors at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets 19+ only are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Tickets at madloon.ca.

Breaking the Ice with Mama’s Broke, John Wort Hannam and Reckless Burning goes Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. This is the kickoff for the Coldsnap Music Festival featuring an evening of authentic folk and roots music, where soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics resonate. Rich storytelling and emotive performances take centre stage, captivating audiences with songs that touch on life’s raw truths. For more information and tickets visit www. coldsnapfestival.com.

IceJam – Songcraft by the Tracks with John Wort Hannam goes Thursday Feb. 6 at noon at the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum, This is a free Coldsnap Music Festival workshop. Against the backdrop of a museum that is historically charming, this event features an afternoon of storytelling, fond insights into songwriting, and acoustic songs by one of Canada’s leading folk artists. For more information visit www.

coldsnapfestival.com.

IceJam – Mama’s Broke goes Thursday, Feb. 6 at 5 p.m. at the Two Rivers Gallery, 725 Canada Games Way. This is a free Coldsnap Music Festival workshop. Enjoy a fantastic late afternoon performance that invites people to enjoy a captivating blend of folk, roots, and raw energy. In addition to the music, there will be food for attendees to enjoy while soaking up the ambiance. A celebration of community, culture, and creativity not to be missed. For more information visit www.coldsnapfestival.com.

IceJam – Stories & Song with Jeff Stuart & Lindsay Pratt goes Friday, Feb. 7 at noon at PG & District Seniors Centre, 425 Brunswick St. This is a free Coldsnap Music Festival workshop. Sweet Americana-inspired folk songs, combined with dreamy harmonies, take the listener’s heart. Together Stuart and Pratt offer an experience that is as emotionally moving as it is entertaining. Don’t pass up the chance for an afternoon of entertainment and intimate storytelling. For more information visit www.coldsnapfestival.com.

IceJam – Celtic Jam with Beolach, Jocelyn Pettit and Under the Rocks goes Friday, Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, Heritage Hall, 1448 Fifth Ave. This is a free Coldsnap Music Festival workshop that is an acoustic Celtic kitchen party-style jam which invites local music lovers to experience a dynamic and intimate performance where artists share tunes, stories, and

spontaneous collaborations. Participation is not just encouraged but celebrated - it’s a perfect opportunity to trade songs and stories with other musicians in a relaxed, welcoming setting. For more information visit www. coldsnapfestival.com.

Bookworm Boogie with Ginalina goes Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10:15 to 11 a.m. at the Prince George Public Library’s main branch. This is a free Coldsnap Music Festival workshop. Everyone is invited to join Juno nominated singer-songwriter Ginalina, who is known for her cheerful and heartwarming folk songs that applaud nature, family, and community, inspiring children and parents alike with singing, dancing, and connecting. The event will start with a music-themed reading to welcome the children and make for a good transition to an interactively engaging performance. For more information visit www.coldsnapfestival.com.

BC Old Time Fiddlers’ Jams and Lessons go every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 483 Gillett St. Everyone is welcome to attend. Drop-in fee is $5 at the door.

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

Craft & Chat at the main branch of the Prince George Public Library goes every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the magazine corner, second floor, where fibre artists are invited to bring their latest projects to share, vent frustrations, brag about successes, get and give help and join in lively discussions. Snacks provided. This event is in partnership with Great Northwest Fibre Fest.

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

TWO RIVERS GALLERY PHOTO

Beaded Feathers will take place Jan. 30 from 6-9 p.m. at Two Rivers Gallery. Learn basic peyote stitch to create a beaded stem on a naturally harvested feather.

Heart of P.G. Rock brings joy to local park explorers

Tina Garlick likes to bring Prince George a little surprise joy through her art

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Ever wonder who paints those rocks we discover all over Prince George?

When walking through pretty much any park in Prince George, and especially Cottonwood Island Park lately, there is no doubt you will find a painted rock or two or 10.

On any given rock there might be a sassy little unicorn, a bouquet of flowers, a fancy heart or two, some daisies, owls, more hearts, lady bugs and butterflies, a peace sign, angels, snowmen, poppies for Remembrance Day or even a trumpeting elephant.

But isn’t that part of the woodland adventures experienced here in Prince George?

It sure is and sometimes the right rock will find its way into the hand that needs it most because at its core these rocks are simply a gift to the community, said Tina Garlick, who is the talented Métis artist behind Heart of P.G. Rock.

To date she has painted more than 14,117 rocks. She started counting when she realized this was going to be her thing so she has actually painted more.

It all started back in 2017 when Prince George took in more than 7,000 people from Williams Lake as that entire town was under BC Wildfire evacuation orders.

“One day my husband and I were walking in the park and we were talking to a couple of ladies who were from Williams Lake and they were really sad because they weren’t sure they would have homes to go to when they went back,” Garlick said. “So I gave them each a little rock with a heart on it and they were really touched by it and I thought ‘I’m going to keep doing this’ and now the rocks are everywhere.”

As she and husband Carlyle kept walking Prince George parks, Garlick

Tina was in Tumbler Ridge years ago and reached into her pocket for a rock to give to a lady.

“I pulled out a hummingbird and gave it to her,” Tina said.

The lady gasped when she saw the rock.

“She pointed to the tattoo on her leg and it was of a hummingbird – same colours and everything,” Garlick recalled.

The emotional reaction came as the lady explained the tattoo was to honour the memory of her grandmother to whom she was deeply connected. “It turned out her grandmother collected hummingbirds,” she said.

“So I keep doing it because no matter which rock I pull out of my pocket to give to a certain person there are so many times when people will ask ‘how did you know?’ and that’s why I keep doing it,” she said.

Sharing joy and connecting with people is so important to her.

She knows it takes team work to make it happen and her daughter put it into words best when she gifted her parents with T-shirts that say “Carlyle – Chauffeur * Muscle” and “Tina - Founder * Designer * Artist.”

And when it comes to the park rocks Garlick always hears things like that if it weren’t for the rocks moms would never get their kids out to the park and they would tell her, who they called the ‘Rock Lady’, all about their adventures.

“Don’t leave the rocks outside in the park, I want people to take them home, that’s what they’re for,” she said. “They don’t want to stay outside!”

In the winter they can get lost in the snow, too.

would continue to gift the rocks and would hear “I’m taking this home with me,” with some people meaning places like South Africa, Germany, New Zealand and England, to name just a few.

“When we go on holidays I put them everywhere we go,” she smiled. And the other side of that is they also

collect rocks from different river and lakeshores in the province.

“We collect bucket loads,” she laughed. “My basement is full of them so we’re either collecting them or I’m giving them away. I always have a handful of rocks in my pocket because almost every time I give somebody a rock they share a story with me.”

To combat that blip, the couple created the Rock Shelf on the front lawn of their home so people can get their rocks despite weather challenges.

Mostly it’s the icy surfaces that are so daunting and the Rock Shelf, that is actually a quaint little cabinet with an extended roof over it, is set up for easy access for neighbourhood residents.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Tina Garlick of Heart of P.G. Rock has painted more than 14,000 rocks that she gives away or hides in Prince George Parks for people to find. Here are some of her favourites.

CNC Faces Program Cuts as International Student Changes Hit Home

INTERVIEWER: IAN GREGG

In a recent interview with CFUR Radio, the College of New Caledonia’s Vice President of Student Affairs and Interim VP Academic, Shelley Carter-Rose, revealed that CNC is bracing for significant program changes and potential layoffs following recent federal immigration policy shifts.The changes, which don’t affect universities like UNBC but hit colleges hard across Canada, stem from new requirements that college programs must align with specific Classification of Instructional Programming

(CIP) codes for international students to be eligible for post-graduate work permits.

“That is the real game changer,” Carter-Rose explained to CFUR’s Ian Gregg. “When students come to Canada to study, the majority want to stay in Canada to work. If you’re not in one of those programs aligned to the CIP codes, then you’re not eligible for a work permit.”

The impact is already being felt. While CNC’s fall 2024 enrollment wasn’t affected thanks to early booking, January intake is looking quite different. International applications have dropped significantly as students choose other countries for their studies. The college now finds itself in a position where it cannot ethically accept international students into programs that won’t qualify them for work permits after graduation.

But it’s not just about numbers on a page. International students, who pay higher tuition fees, have been vital to CNC’s financial health and campus culture. “They bring diversity and cultural awareness,” Carter-Rose noted. “They’re very involved in our student life and student engagement exercises. The silver lining? CNC’s domestic enrollment has been growing over the past three years. The college is now doubling down on local recruitment

across all four of its academic schools - trades, health, business, and more. For current and prospective students wondering about the future, Carter-Rose emphasized transparency: “We’re working through budget reviews, looking for efficiencies.” While some programs and services will face cuts, the college is focusing on maintaining programs that meet community needs.

The situation highlights a broader shift in Canadian post-secondary education, where colleges must adapt to changing immigration policies while trying to maintain their role as vital community institutions. For now, CNC is taking it one step at a time, reviewing existing programs and keeping communication channels open with staff and students alike.

Students interested in learning more about affected programs or upcoming changes can stay tuned to CNC’s official communications or contact the college’s student services office for the latest updates.

Thiscontentwasmadepossiblewiththesupportand fundingoftheNationalCommunity-CampusRadioAssociation,theGovernmentofCanada’sLocalJournalism Initiative(LJI)Program,andtheCommunityRadioFund ofCanada.

Reclaiming Time: Finding Joy in the Slow Moments

BY ISABELLA MESQUITA

During my recent holiday break, something strange happened. Free from school, work, and other commitments, I finally had time to relax – yet I couldn’t fully enjoy it. While reading, I felt pressured to rush through the pages. While cooking, I grabbed prechopped garlic to save precious minutes. Why was I so focused on efficiency instead of enjoying these moments?

This experience made me realize how our fastpaced world affects our daily lives. We’re constantly bombarded with notifications, social media updates, and endless content streams. This constant connectivity, combined with internalized capitalism – the belief that our worth depends on our productivity –creates a toxic cycle. We feel guilty during downtime, anxious about “wasting” moments that could be spent being productive.

This Western mindset of equating productivity with self-worth leads to burnout and perpetual dissatisfaction. While striving for improvement is healthy, never feeling “good enough” takes a toll on our mental health. When we take breaks or enjoy leisure activities, we often feel we’re failing to meet society’s expectations.

But what if we reframed “wasting time” as “reclaiming time”? This shift involves recognizing that rest and personal rituals aren’t just acceptable – they’re

essential for our well-being. Take cooking, for example. As a broke university student, I initially viewed food preparation purely as fuel, choosing quick and convenient options. Over my five years of undergrad, however, cooking has become my ritual for reclaiming time.

Now, I find joy in each step: discovering new recipes, selecting fresh ingredients at the store, preparing food by hand, and even washing dishes. These moments aren’t just means to an end – they’re opportunities to experience life fully. Feel the crisp apple in your hand at the market. Inhale the aroma of spices warming in the pan. Savor your meal while it’s hot. Peel the damn garlic. You deserve it.

Here’s how you can start reclaiming time:

•Create mindful breaks: Schedule intentional pauses for activities that bring joy, whether it’s working out, playing board games with friends, or yes, even scrolling through Twitter guilt-free.

•Establish daily rituals: Build small, meaningful practices into your routine, like a morning coffee ritual or evening vinyl listening session. These scheduled moments of peace can become treasured habits.

•Set clear boundaries: Designate specific spaces for work and relaxation. I never study in my bedroom – it’s my sanctuary for rest, preventing my

mind from associating my personal space with stress.

•Practice self-compassion: Remember that rest isn’t lazy – it’s essential. Be gentle with yourself and acknowledge that downtime makes you more effective when you do work.

Reclaiming time is a radical act of self-care in our productivity-obsessed world. By embracing rest and rituals, we create a life enriched with meaning and balance. It’s a journey that requires patience, but the reward is profound: rediscovering the magic in life’s ordinary moments.

Isabella Mesquita Taco’s With Fresh Salsa

The College of New Caledonia is bracing for program changes and potential layoffs following recent federal immigration

Down the Rabbit Hole: The Search for Prince George’s Cold War Bunker

BY: AHMAD JALIL

I never thought Prince George would hold such fascinating historical secrets. The city always seemed too quiet, too ordinary for anything truly intriguing to be hiding beneath its familiar streets. That all changed when I visited the Nelson Museum and discovered something unexpected - this northern city might have played a significant role in Cold War defense planning.

During my visit to Nelson’s Cold War bunker, I stumbled upon a fascinating map that sparked my curiosity. The map detailed various Zone Emergency Government Headquarters (ZEGHQs) across B.C., with Prince George designated as the Northern Zone HQ. This discovery led me down a path of research into our city’s Cold War preparations, revealing a complex network of emergency planning that extended throughout the province.

My research into Prince George’s Cold War infrastructure has proven challenging, with the only concrete reference

being a facility designation found on a map created by Andrew Burtch. The challenge in uncovering its history lies in the scarcity of official documentation and verifiable information. Like many aspects of Cold War infrastructure, concrete information about which facilities were actually constructed remains elusive.

The broader context becomes clearer when examining similar structures across B.C. In Lone Butte, for instance, a tiny concrete bunker still stands as a testament to this era. Unlike the larger government headquarters, this smaller bunker was designed for the local postmaster to conduct radiation monitoring in case of nuclear attack. These varying scales of Cold War infrastructure – from major regional headquarters to local monitoring stations – paint a picture of how comprehensive civil defense planning was during this period.

What makes Prince George’s

potential bunker particularly interesting is the strategic thinking behind its location. While the city served as a key transportation hub and regional center, it was specifically chosen as a “non-target” area. Unlike major urban centers that might be primary targets in a nuclear attack, Prince George’s relative isolation made it an ideal location for emergency operations. The bunkers of this era weren’t designed to withstand direct nuclear strikes, but rather to provide safe locations for continuing government operations in less-targeted areas.

The image of the status board from the Diefenbunker in Ontario, where the Prime Minister would have been stationed, gives us a glimpse into how these facilities were meant to operate on a national scale. The interconnected nature of Canada’s emergency response network linked facilities across the country, from the highest levels of government down to local monitoring stations.

Following the Clues

Based on my analysis of historical maps, if the marked location is accurate, the bunker site would likely be somewhere north of the Nechako River, between the Hart Highway and Miworth. However, I’ve learned that these maps were often drawn for representation rather than precise accuracy.

Several possibilities have emerged in my investigation:

The Prince George Post Office

seems a likely candidate, following the pattern seen in other communities like Nelson where postal facilities played crucial roles in civil defense. City Hall or other government administrative buildings might also have housed such facilities. Given Prince George’s importance as a transportation hub, the bunker might have been integrated near railway or other critical infrastructure.

The Search Continues

My investigation isn’t over. I’ve submitted a freedom of information request to the city regarding building permits for government structures from that era and any information about bunkers built in Prince George. I’m also working to establish contact with Public Safety Canada, the organization that superseded earlier Emergency Management Organizations in Canada.

The image of the status board from the Diefenbunker in Ontario, where the Prime Minister would have been stationed, gives us a glimpse into how these facilities were meant to operate on a national scale. The interconnected nature of Canada’s emergency response network linked facilities across the country, from the highest levels of government down to local monitoring stations.

The search continues for more concrete evidence about our city’s Cold War bunker. If you have any information that might help solve this historical mystery, please contact ote@unbc.ca.

Historical map showing Prince George’s strategic position in B.C.’s emergency planning zones during the Cold War era.

Interior of the Diefenbunker in Ontario, showing the emergency facilities status board that coordinated responses across Canada during the Cold War.

Photo by Laurie Parent

Graduate Student Faculty Ambassadors: Your Peer Support Network at UNBC

By: Nazanin Soroosh

Need help navigating graduate life at UNBC? Your Graduate Student Faculty Ambassadors (GSFAs) are here to help! We’re current graduate students who understand the unique challenges you face because we’re experiencing them too.

What We Do As your peers across UNBC’s five faculties, we connect you with the right resources, opportunities, and communities to help you thrive. Whether you need guidance on student services, faculty-specific opportunities, or professional development, we’ve got your back.

Your GSFA Team

Faculty of Science and Engineering Nazanin Soroosh (Master of Computer Science)

GradAmbassadorFSE@unbc.ca

Faculty of Environment Jhoan Chavez Suazo

GradAmbassadorFE@unbc.ca

Faculty of Business and Economics

Zeta Adjei-Bruce

GradAmbassadorFBE@unbc.ca

Faculty of Human and Health Sciences

Sama Ardeh

GradAmbassadorFHHS@unbc.ca

Faculty of Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities Kiah Leone

GradAmbassadorFISSSH@unbc.ca

Ready to make the most of your graduate experience? Reach out to your faculty’s ambassador today!

For additional graduate student resources, visit unbc.ca/current-students/ graduate/student-services.

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I’ve noticed some articles in Over the Edge seem like they could be AI-generated. Can you clarify your stance on AI usage and explain how you ensure the content is original and student-driven?

Yes, we use AI tools at Over the Edge, but our student journalists drive every story. AI helps with grammar, transitions, and flow, but the ideas and content are entirely student-created. We’re still learning how to best use these tools and value reader feedback as we refine our process. Student journalism remains at the core of what we do!

The Ambassadors!

Photo by Nazanin Soroosh

Rural Healthcare in BC’s North: Students Witness Change in Action

BY BEHROUZ DANESH

As a second-year UBC Occupational Therapy student at UNBC, I witnessed firsthand how northern communities are tackling their healthcare challenges at the 2024 Rural Voices Gathering. This virtual event brought together over 430 healthcare professionals, community members, and decision-makers to shape the future of rural healthcare in British Columbia.

The gathering zeroed in on three pressing issues: getting patients to and from medical services, training healthcare providers, and developing hybrid care models that work for remote areas. What I found most striking was the dedication of northern healthcare providers working against incredible odds.

“We provide care across an area the size of Vancouver Island with just two OTs, one physiotherapist, and one rehab assistant,” explained Valerie Pagdin, an Occupational Therapist at St. John Hospital in Vanderhoof. Her team serves multiple communities including Vanderhoof, Fraser Lake, and Fort St. James. Transportation emerged as a major hurdle. One participant highlighted a common crisis: patients being discharged in Prince George or Vancouver with no way to get home. “Not everybody has someone in their

UNBC Submits Draft Business Case for New Student Housing

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) has officially submitted a draft business case proposal to the Ministry of Post Secondary and Future Skills (PSFS) for a new student housing project. This proposal is still in draft form, meaning that the plans and specifics are not yet finalized and are subject to change.

The proposed six-story building aims to accommodate 149 students, featuring a mix of standard single-occupancy bedrooms designed with accessibility in mind. To promote community living, the building will include shared washrooms along with communal kitchen and laundry areas, fostering social interaction among residents. An indigenous-focused space will incorporate a smudging area and washroom for elders or guests. Students will also have access to a semi-outdoor space for year-round activities, allowing connection to UNBC’s winter climate.

The total estimated cost for the project is approximately $59 million. If the proposal receives approval, construction is planned to commence in May 2027, with a completion target set for June 2029. The timeline aims to have the new housing ready to welcome its first students for the Fall 2029 semester, signifying a significant step forward in addressing student accommodation needs at UNBC.

life to take care of them or support them,” they noted.

The conversation around end-of-life care particularly resonated. Pagdin emphasized how crucial it is for rural residents to receive care in their communities: “People have often been here for decades. Their families are here, their properties are here, their horses are here.” She stressed the importance of accommodating Indigenous families’ cultural needs during end-of-life care. From Virtual to Reality: Vanderhoof Takes Action The momentum continued with an in-person follow-up session in Vanderhoof, where local leaders gathered to transform ideas into action. A troubling revelation emerged: the College of New Caledonia’s Licensed Practical Nursing program is seeing declining enrollment, with multiple empty seats in both years of the program.

In a conversation with Saik’uz First Nation Chief Priscillia Mueller, she called for UNBC to broaden its engagement with rural First

Nations communities beyond Prince George. “We need more engagement at the leadership levels,” Chief Mueller emphasized. “How do we prepare and support students coming from isolated communities?”

The gatherings produced concrete next steps:

• Developing community ambassador programs

• Creating early exposure to healthcare careers in schools

• Building stronger connections between educational institutions and rural communities

For UNBC students considering northern healthcare careers, the message is clear: rural communities are actively working to support healthcare professionals, especially those returning to serve their home communities.

Want to get involved? Contact the Rural Coordination Centre of BC at RuralVoices@rccbc.ca.

President Answers

I have owned both over the years and like both but currently in a sedan

Behrouz at the 2024 Rural Voices Gathering

Photo by Behrouz Danesh

People in The Trees II

BY JACINTA MUBIRU

Four days since Emily disappeared. Four days since that wretched beach, since I made her come with us. The police assured me it wasn't my fault—said it was just self-blame, that the other girls felt it too. But they didn't have it as bad. They weren't the ones who made Emily come. They weren't the ones who let her wander off alone. I could still hear Janice telling the police that Emily was my friend; she'd never even met her before.

I kept replaying the scene: Emily walking into the woods alone.

"Maybe if we just helped look—" I started, but Mom cut me short.

"Bea, Emily's a big girl who can make her own decisions. She chose to go into that forest. It wasn't your fault."

I sighed deeply. "Then why do I feel terrible?"

She had no reply, just patted my back and disappeared into the kitchen. I sat staring out the window, thinking about Emily's parents, her cat. As if summoned, Sammy strutted by, white tail high and alert. He stopped directly in front of me, meeting my gaze. I froze.

"Mom!" I called.

Before she could answer, the doorbell rang.

"You're probably just hungry," I muttered to Sammy, carrying him to his bowl before answering the door.

I found Emily's mother, Jen, on the doorstep. My hands trembled as she pulled me into a hug.

"It's okay, Hun. It wasn't your fault.

They'll find her."

I broke down then, sobbing as she held me. Mom invited her in for hot cocoa, and we moved to the dining table—where Jen suddenly froze.

"He's staring?" she whispered.

I turned to see Sammy watching us, unblinking. I laughed nervously and picked him up. "Yeah, it's creeping me out."

Jen gave me a pointed look but shrugged it off. "He's just a very weird cat."

She turned her attention to Mom in the kitchen, almost too quickly. I moved to the sofa, gazing out at the city line where it met the trees, hoping to spot Emily. The longer I stared, the stranger my vision became. Blue and white spots appeared on the treetops, like something was... wrong. Sammy pawed at my chest insistently.

I snorted at myself—here I was, staring at trees like Emily used to. "What's up, Sam?"

He locked eyes with me, then glanced out the window, placing a paw on my chest as if trying to communicate. Following his gaze, I saw something—someone?—dressed in blue and white, waving. I jumped up, dropping Sammy. My heart pounded as I scanned the trees, searching for the figure. Jen, who'd been watching me, approached slowly, her eyes wide.

"Well," she said, her voice low, "we need to talk."

Thirsty Moose Pub patrons enjoy a salsa dancing night on the UNBC campus. The pub is a popular destination, with special events held throughout the year. CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

UNBC Launches Own Death Star - FLASHBACK

BY BOB WOOB AND JACQUELINE ROULETTE

Jubilant celebration greeted the unveiling of the new UNBC Death Star this week at the Prince George campus. Until recently, the project was in secret development, constructed without public knowledge underneath the new ‘supposed’ medical building.

The UNBC Death Star is made of top secret materials at the cost of several billion dollars, but in keeping with the architectural tradition of our school, the outside of the Death Star is done in a tasteful wood finish. “This really represents Northern BC,” said Rob van Adrichem in an interview from the bridge of the Death Star. “Not only does the use of local wood show off our forest industry, but the Death Star also shows the desire of Northern Canadians to let other Canadians know that we’re up here and demand attention.”

When asked about the impact of a wood hull

on the new Death Star’s space-worthiness, van Adrichem replied by saying, “well, yeah, it probably wouldn’t go into space, but realistically, we’d be using the Death Star to raze rival campuses, and the wood paneling is really boss, don’t you think?”

The wood finish is also beneficial as it has allowed for the creation of a completely smooth surface with no trenches or openings to the reactor core, unlike the first two models. It’s also handy since UBC is currently working on developing its X-Wing program which will see fully equipped rebel flyers in the air by 2006.

The Death Star is fully equipped with all the modern amenities of war and pleasure. In addition to more than 16,000 gun turrets, 1200 kill lasers, and the large-scale CFUR sonic pulse cannon, the Death Star is also air-conditioned, wheelchair accessible, and has its own daycare. “The Death Star is a

true family project,” said van Adrichem. “It allows people to learn together, play together, and of course kill together. This ship is a community builder above all else.”

The UNBC Death Star is also ‘green’ in accordance with the strictest emission protocols. The main reactor is powered by the souls of the damned, which is the new ‘ultimate clean’ renewable energy source. “We were going to go with solar power,” said van Adrichem, “but we ended up going with soul power because it’s just cheaper and more reliable.”

“I’m really in favor of the green element of the Death Star,” said a PGPIRG representative who preferred to remain unnamed. “The killing and destruction seem like a bad idea, but as long as we’re doing it in a way that respects the environment, it will send a positive message to other campuses building Death Stars. You know, like, you can still be green while de-atomizing entire planets, right?”

The Death Star will be entirely non-smoking, a move that has been widely applauded by many health advocates. It will also feature a Canadarm® on the underside for scratching purposes only. There were a few voices of dissent at the grand opening of the Death Star, but they were quickly silenced by a demonstration of the massive weapon’s precision destructive capabilities. “This is WRONG! just plain wrong,” said Graham Stark, a UNBC student in the arts faculty. “Who are we to build this weapon of mass destruction and turn it YAARRRghpfftht...” was all O.T.E. managed to quote before he was liquefied and his spiritual essence added to the soul-powered generator, kicking it up to 560,001 megawatts a second. So far, plans for the UNBC Death Star are just to have it roll around campus and look cool, since the enormous wooden catapult that is needed to launch the new Death Star into space is not due to be completed until January of 2007.

The Death Star as seen from the Prince George Campus

Photo by Bob Woob and Jacqueline Roulette

Botanical Garden to Beautify Campus - FLASHBACK

BY COREY SCOFIELD

In an attempt to bring the beauty of our surrounding landscape even closer to the hearts and minds of the students, faculty, and staff here at UNBC, the David Douglas Botanical Garden Society is hard at work in the development of UNBC’s own botanical garden. The garden will showcase a diverse collection of the central interior’s indigenous plant species. Now in phase one of the project, the society is currently laying the groundwork for their central display garden and formal area, which will see intimate seating areas among lush displays of native flora, interlaced with meandering pathways of fine brickwork; an excellent setting for which to center one’s chi after a particularly hard week of study and revelry.

Coupled with this more formal area will be the garden’s central wetland where the society has already been busy planting native sedges, grasses, and shrubs along the shoreline in an attempt to integrate the natural ecosystem of the location with the species to be planted. “We

want it to ‘find its own way,’” said Grace Morrace, President of the Society. The central area is to be framed on both sides by flourishing alpine-style gardens. The final product will overlook a picturesque vista of the city of Prince George, making it the perfect spot to view the stars over the city on one of our cold but clear winter nights.

Some exciting displays to look out for will be the collection of Preston-Skinner lilacs—world-renowned lavender flowering lilacs which will bloom the whole winter through—the evergreen Swiss stone pines which are now on display around the central pond, as well as displays of sterile crab trees. The trees will bloom in the spring but will not produce fruit, which is an appropriate choice to consider when planning to landscape in bear country. In this same spirit, the society plans to experiment with many other trial species in order to gauge how these species will hold up in our rugged northern climate. The society hopes to one day establish a full partnership

with the university, and integrate the study of botany and local flora with hands-on experimentation and research in the UNBC curriculum with the aid of the newly developed botanical garden area.

As well as working on the development of UNBC’s botanical garden, the society is constantly at work within the community supporting the work of local gardeners. Along with their annual Seedy Saturday event which celebrates horticulture within the Prince George area, the society also organizes UNBC’s annual plant sale and participates in the Communities in Bloom competition where municipalities compete to be the most aesthetically beautiful. The society is always looking for fresh hands and further support. Anyone interested in further information or volunteering with the David Douglas Botanical Garden Society should visit their website at www. ddbotgarden.bc.ca or contact Grace Morrace, president of the society @ 563-8924.

The Death Star as seen from the Prince George Campus

Photo by Bob Woob and Jacqueline Roulette

Breaking Bug: A Student’s Adventures in Legal Home Brewing

BY EMMA GRYG

Fancy drinks are my weakness – not alcohol, but those pricey bubblies and San Pellegrinos that keep my chronic under-hydration at bay. When my wallet couldn’t keep up with my fizzy habit, I dove into the world of DIY fermentation, starting with kombucha.

Let me be clear: I’m no fermentation

expert. I can barely bake banana bread (just ask my partner – his face says it all). But armed with a gifted kombucha SCOBY from a friend, I grabbed a glass jar with a spout from Canadian Tire and stocked up on black fruit tea and sugar. Game on!

The process seemed simple: steep tea bags, add sugar, cool to room temperature, combine with the SCOBY, and cover with cheesecloth. Let it breathe, right? Wrong. My first batch grew fuzzy mold – definitely not what I wanted. Round two, I channeled my inner scientist and sanitized everything twice. Two weeks later, I had a drinkable brew with added ginger for flavor. But waiting weeks for a drink? That wasn’t going to cut it. Enter the ‘ginger bug’ – a simpler fermentation project promising fizzy drinks in less time. No mysterious mushroom-looking SCOBY

required, just ginger, sugar, and water.

The beauty of a ginger bug is its versatility – you can use it to ferment anything from fruit teas to juices, adding both fizz and guthealthy probiotics. The shopping list couldn’t be simpler: fresh ginger root and raw sugar.

Following my aunt’s wisdom (“never use metal spoons!”), I combined filtered water, chopped ginger with skin on, and sugar in a mason jar, stirring with a wooden spoon. Each day, I’d feed my jar a tablespoon each of grated ginger and sugar – like having a very lowmaintenance pet.

After several days of nothing happening, Reddit’s fermentation community came to my rescue. The culprit? My budget-conscious choice of non-organic ginger. Store-bought conventional ginger is often irradiated, killing the natural bacteria needed for fermentation. One organic ginger purchase later, and boom! Within three days, I had bubbles, fizz, and a

sweet-spicy aroma filling my kitchen. This fermentation journey taught me two things: we’ve lost touch with traditional food knowledge in our convenience-driven world, and as a student facing rising food prices, these kitchen experiments are both fun and practical. It reminds me of being a kid mixing ‘potions’ in the back of the fridge (sorry, Mom and Dad!).

Next up: creating the perfect fizzy drink recipe with my ginger bug. Stay tuned for more adventures in fermentation!

Photo by Emma Gryg

Photo by Emma Gryg

The Process

The Process

Sara Toneguzzi of

Green Force Unites UNBC Community for Sustainable Living

BY YUG RATHOD

“We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”Howard Zinn

At the University of Northern British Columbia, Green Force is revolutionizing how the campus community thinks about sustainability. Through bi-weekly meetings, this initiative brings together students, staff, faculty, and Prince George community members to brainstorm and implement eco-friendly practices on campus. “Sustainability is a shared responsibility,” says Ann Duong, sustainability manager. “Everyone has a role in building a better future.”

During the winter season, Green Force launched “Green the Season,” an innovative program challenging traditional gift-giving culture. The initiative featured a re-gift station and workshops where participants learned to craft gift bags from recycled materials, including old brochures and T-shirts. Drawing inspiration from the First Nations Centre, the program demonstrated how everyday waste could become personalized, eco-friendly gift wrap.

“Not everything needs to be expensive and complex,” explains a Green Force team member. “We’re showing that sustainable solutions can be both

cost-effective and fun.” The initiative particularly aims to counter holiday materialism. “There’s so much pressure for people to buy things they don’t need,” notes Duong. “We’re trying to show that it’s not about the money spent but about spending time together.”

Sustainable living extends beyond special occasions, and Prince George offers numerous resources to help community members adopt eco-friendly practices. The Recycling and Environmental Action Planning Society (REAPS) regularly hosts workshops on zero-waste living, complementing Green Force’s efforts to make sustainability accessible to everyone.

Green Force’s advice is straightforward: start small. Whether it’s gifting experiences instead of objects, sharing a meal with friends, or finding creative ways to repurpose materials, these actions add up. “If they’re truly your friend, they won’t mind if you don’t buy them a gift. Instead, focus on making them feel special in other ways,” the team suggests.

The initiative’s message resonates

clearly across campus: sustainability requires community-wide participation, and everyone can contribute through thoughtful, daily choices. As we enter 2025, Green Force reminds us that joy doesn’t need to come with an environmental cost. Through zerowaste practices and stronger community connections, we can build a more sustainable world—one small step at a time.

TOYS

The Green Force in Action

Photo by Yug Rathod

We Are Proud of You, Rick

BY BEHROUZ DANESH

During my occupational therapy practicum at St. John Hospital, I met someone who left an indelible impression on me - a patient named Rick. While I typically write about OTE to reflect on inspiring stories and people within our community, this story takes us beyond campus walls to highlight an extraordinary individual.

Rick, a 69-year-old patient who has spent over a month in the hospital, demonstrates remarkable determination in his rehabilitation journey. Each day, he works tirelessly with the rehab team, showing more fighting spirit than many people half his age. His motivation stems not just from personal recovery goals, but from a genuine desire to make his healthcare team proud of his progress.

In healthcare, we often think of ourselves as the ones providing support and guidance. However, patients like Rick become our greatest teachers. Through his unwavering resilience and ability to maintain his sense of humor despite challenging circumstances, Rick exemplifies true strength of character.

This may not be a typical student newspaper story, but it carries an invaluable lesson. Our most meaningful education often comes not from textbooks or lectures, but from individuals like Rick who demonstrate the importance of perseverance and remind us that health is our most precious asset.

Before sharing his story, Rick wanted to pass along this message to the OTE community: “Have a great

Christmas! Try to GET OUTSIDE! There’s so much out there, way more than what you see on TV, way more fun than video games!”

UNBC Alumna Shares Inside Track on Federal Career Success

BY: EHSAN TAGHIZADEHGHOO

A successful UNBC graduate recently returned to campus to share valuable insights about breaking into the federal public service. Melissa Lynn Bolster, who graduated in 2006 with a joint major in Political Science and International Studies, spoke at the third Empowering Connections event hosted by UNBC’s President on December 3, 2024.

Now serving as Manager of Border and Travel Health Policy at the Public Health Agency of Canada, Bolster credits her UNBC education for her impressive career trajectory. “The International Studies program gave me both the theoretical foundation and community-focused perspective I needed to tackle complex challenges,” she explained.

Her accomplishments include supporting Canada’s position on Indigenous rights at the United Nations, developing strategic plans for Arctic research, and bridging Traditional Indigenous Knowledge with Western research approaches.

During the informal session, Bolster offered practical advice for students eyeing government careers. She emphasized

the importance of maintaining two different resumes: a concise networking version (2-3 pages) and a comprehensive application version (10+ pages) for government job portals.

“When applying to federal jobs, details matter,” Bolster stressed. She advised students to mirror the exact language from job postings and use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to showcase their experiences. Unlike private sector hiring, government applications undergo multiple screening stages, including blind evaluations by panels.

Bolster also addressed the evolving landscape of federal work. While the pandemic initially expanded remote work opportunities, she noted that some departments have reverted to restrictive hybrid models. She argued this approach could limit diversity in the public service, particularly for Indigenous employees and those outside Ottawa.

Drawing from her own journey, Bolster shared how she transformed her childhood dream of working in government into reality. After graduating from UNBC,

she spent a year in Vancouver’s private sector before landing her first federal role with Transport Canada. Through persistence and strategic moves, including completing a master’s degree, she secured a permanent position by 2009.

For students considering federal

careers, Bolster emphasized the power of civic engagement. “Your voice matters,” she said, encouraging students to connect with MPs about issues like remote work policies. She noted that public feedback can directly influence policy development when citizen interest reaches significant

To Rick: Keep being the best you can be, and know that everyone at St. John Hospital is proud of your hard work. Best wishes, my friend.

Rick and Occupation therapy team

Photo by Behrouz Danesh

Melissa Lynn Bolster at Empowering Connections Photo by: Ehsan Taghizadehghoo

Award-Winning Indigenous Design Transforms UNBC Court

BY DAN O'CONNOR

The Brownridge Court at UNBC’s Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre (NSC) has scored big - winning the prestigious 2024 Sport Floor of the Year Award from Treeco Distribution and Bona Sport.

Unveiled last August, the court’s stunning redesign features an Indigenous logo created by Gitxsan artist and former UNBC student Trevor Angus. The project was a collaborative effort between the UNBC Timberwolves, the University of Northern British Columbia, and Titan Sport Systems, with support from the City of Prince George. The competition was fierce, with seven top projects vying for the grand prize - a framed portrait of the winning floor design. UNBC’s entry stood out for its innovative approach and exceptional execution, according to Treeco representatives.

“UNBC’s winning project is a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets collaboration,” praised a Treeco spokesperson. “The team’s ability to combine cutting-edge design with unparalleled craftsmanship, while maintaining a deep commitment to client satisfaction and excellence, set this floor apart from the competition.”

The Sport Floor of the Year Award celebrates excellence in hardwood sport flooring across Western Canada, recognizing designs that inspire both athletes and spectators. For UNBC, the award highlights how the university’s commitment to Indigenous art and athletic excellence has created a truly unique home court for the Timberwolves.

The Lost Art of Conversation

BY ISABELLA MESQUITA

Look familiar? You spot someone you know at the mall, but instead of saying hi, you duck behind a display. Or maybe you’re in an elevator, instinctively reaching for your phone rather than acknowledging the person next to you. As someone born in 2002, I’ve noticed my generation increasingly choosing avoidance over connection – and technology is making it easier than ever.

We’ve mastered the art of escape. Our phones offer endless scrolling, videos, and games instead of engaging with the world around us. But at what cost? Every time we retreat into our digital bubbles, we miss opportunities for genuine human interaction. Just look around any public space – how many people are lost in their screens rather than present in the moment?

This pattern of avoidance goes beyond missed social connections. We’re dodging uncomfortable conversations, challenging situations, and even our own emotions by seeking refuge in our curated digital worlds. Yet personal growth happens precisely when we step outside our comfort zones. Breaking free from this cycle starts with small steps. Next time you’re in an elevator, try putting your phone away and saying hello. When you spot a familiar face, initiate

a conversation instead of pretending not to see them. Yes, it might feel awkward at first, but these minor interactions can lead to meaningful connections.

Being present is crucial. When you’re with others, resist the urge to check your phone. Focus on listening – really listening – to the person in front of you. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn about others and yourself in these moments. The ability to connect with different people and adapt to various social situations isn’t just a life skill; it’s an asset for future success.

Even daily commutes offer opportunities for connection. Instead of immediately disappearing into your phone, observe your surroundings. Maybe someone’s reading your favorite book or wearing merchandise from a band you love. These small observations can spark unexpected conversations and connections that enrich our lives.

Remember, connecting with others isn’t just a privilege – it’s essential for our growth as individuals. Don’t let technology rob you of these valuable experiences. Put yourself out there, embrace the occasional awkwardness, and discover the countless fascinating stories and perspectives around you.

The Award Winning Floor

Photo by Dan O’Connor

Visiting Woodland Caribou at Kennedy Siding

BY KLEE LEMAN

The sound of clacking antlers greets visitors immediately upon exiting their vehicle. Only meters away from the dirt road, male caribou spar in pairs while others jostle for positions next to the feeding trough. Dozens of animals wander around the area, with young ones trotting after mothers and males locking antlers. As our group takes in the scene and starts snapping photographs, Doug Heard, a researcher specializing in caribou management and experienced with this herd, appears from behind the research station and welcomes us to come closer to see his current work.

This herd of caribou visits Kennedy Siding, a short distance from Mackenzie, reliably every year on their migration route. They’ve come down from the mountains to avoid the deep, soft snow that settles in the early part of winter. They also know that food is available here; in addition to natural lichens, there is a feeding trough next to the research station filled with pellets containing oats, alfalfa, corn, soybeans, and many micronutrients. The trough is refilled regularly by Doug and other researchers from UNBC as well as by members of the McLeod Lake Indian Band. This feeding plan is one part of the research on this herd that has been ongoing since 1992, with the supplemental feeding beginning in 2014. Due to a combination of management treatments, from the supplemental feeding to wolf population control, this herd’s numbers have increased from 41 individuals in 2012 to now exceeding 115. Doug introduces us to another aspect of the

research: collection of hair samples. He demonstrates a simple claw arm device that pulls a small clump of loose hair from caribou eating pellets. After photographing each sampled caribou, he stores the hair in a labeled baggie inside the station. He then presents a more high-tech method: a gadget that shoots out a small clip like a frog’s tongue to grab hair samples, which is then reeled back in like a fishing rod. The DNA within these samples will be analyzed to determine population ancestry, parentage, and even specific ages of calves who have been analyzed each year from birth.

Throughout our visit, caribou come and go from the

feeding trough constantly. Despite being only meters away, they’re used to seeing people and ignore us amidst their pushing and nudging to get close to the trough, which is equipped with a scale to weigh them as they eat. After capturing a few hair samples and photographing the most striking sets of antlers, it’s time to leave. We make our way back to the vehicle, weaving between caribou and trees, taking a final glance at the sea of motion as the animals continue to spar and play, their breath steaming and beads of snow glistening on their winter coats in the morning sunlight.

With the continuation of management treatments and longer-term conservation measures, this herd is expected to continue growing, though habitat loss or increasing predator populations could reverse this trend. The positive results indicate the importance of expanding research and conservation efforts to preserve threatened species like the Woodland Caribou. Doug encourages members of the UNBC community to visit the herd in mid-to-late fall for a unique opportunity to photograph these animals up close. When proper caution and respect is shown, the caribou become relatively comfortable with people. The chance to see caribou in their natural environment may not exist within students’ lifetimes, making this an excellent opportunity to experience what the north has to offer.

An informational sign details the Kennedy Siding Caribou Research Project’s conservation efforts and safety guidelines. Photo by Klee Leman

Woodland caribou gather around a feeding station in the snowy Kennedy Siding research area.

Photo by Klee Leman

Artist has painted more than 14,000 unique rocks

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

It’s mostly children who are regular visitors to the Rock Shelf.

There is a gentle reminder on the Rock Shelf - ‘one each please’ so that people don’t scoop up all the painted rocks and so far the honour system has worked very well, Garlick said.

“I’ve watched some of the children grow up around here,” she said. “There’s one family that comes to visit every week or two and they come and each take a rock and then when they come back they return the rock they had and choose another one.”

Each rock is a tiny masterpiece but for Garlick “artist” isn’t a title she embraces easily.

“I started painting hearts on the rocks and I did 1,000 of them,” she explained her start.

“So then I got bored of the hearts and started painting other things on the rocks but I’m not an artist. My husband keeps telling me I’m an artist but I’m not.”

Garlick gets her ideas from what she sees as she browses the internet.

She uses acrylic paint and although her art studio sees pots of paint brushes at the ready, she usually uses just one tiny paint brush that always gets the job done.

Then she mod podges the rock and completes the process by spraying a protective seal on it.

Garlick paints only the top of the rock so that people can see the details of the natural beauty their rock possesses, which is half the fun, as so many of the rocks Tina and Carlyle collect have bits of agate or quartz embedded in them or possess other interesting features.

Over the years people have brought rocks to her so that she could paint them which morphed into her doing commission work if people are so inclined but the rocks are never huge just something you can carry easily in your hands.

A lady brought her a rock that looked like the face of a bear and in her usually modest way, Garlick denied it took any talent to create the image but the photo

does not lie and it is stunning.

She said collecting the rocks is a great form of exercise and so is hiding them at the parks.

“We’ll get up early in the morning and go for a bike ride to place all the rocks in the park before anybody else goes out,” she said with a secret smile.

The conversation always comes back around to what keeps her going.

“And it’s always the stories that come in reaction to the rock being gifted,” she said.

“People will look at me and then look down at the rock in their hand and they’ll tell me about what a bad day they were having until they got their rock and that’s why I will keep painting rocks.”

Everyone is welcome to go rock hunting in the parks in Prince George or for a closer look, check out the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ HeartofPGRock.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTOS

Tina Garlick of Heart of P.G. Rock has painted more than 14,000 rocks that she gives away or hides in Prince George Parks for people to find. This is her favourite go-to paint brush that helps her work her magic, like this ‘bear’ rock below.

COMMUNITY

IceJams and other free workshops come to Coldsnap

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

As part of the Prince George Coldsnap Music Festival held from Wednesday, Feb. 5 to Sunday, Feb. 9 there are free-to-attend daytime IceJams and Workshops included in the programming.

Each year IceJams and Workshops are an important staple of the festival which is presented by the Prince George Folkfest Society.

“This year we are excited to be hosting events at a variety of venues throughout the day,” Katherine Benny, communication and operations manager of the Prince George Folkfest Society, said.

“We think this will provide something for everyone. These are unique opportunities for both newcomers and devoted ‘Coldsnappers’ alike to engage with our artists, enjoy some great music and conversation, and maybe learn a thing or two!”

Here is the schedule for the IceJam and workshop series:

Songcraft by the Tracks with John Wort Hannam goes Thursday, Feb. 6 from noon to 2:50 p.m. at the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum, 850 River Road. Join John Wort Hannam for an intimate workshop and performance. Against the backdrop of a museum that is historically charming, participants are presented with an afternoon of storytelling, fond insights into songwriting, and acoustic songs by one of Canada’s leading folk artists, the website described.

Mama’s Broke goes Thursday, Feb. 6 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Two Rivers Gallery, 725 Canada Games Way. Enjoy a fantastic late afternoon performance where participants can enjoy this captivating blend of folk, roots, and raw energy which fills the marvelous art-filled space. In addition to the music, there will be food to enjoy while soaking up the ambiance, the website described.

Stories & Songs with Jeff Stuart & Lindsay Pratt goes Friday, Feb. 7 from noon to 1 p.m. at the PG & District

Songer-songwriter performs at Two Rivers Gallery on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 5-6 p.m., part of Coldsnap Music Festival’s IceJam series.

Seniors Activity Centre, 425 Brunswick

St. Join this musical duo for soothing melodies and witty charm for some sweet Americana-inspired folk songs, combined with dreamy harmonies. While Pratt, with a charming and mischievous stage presence that promises lots of laughs, this duo offers an experience that is as emotionally moving as it is entertaining, the website described.

Celtic Jam with Beòlach, Jocelyn Pettit and Under the Rocks goes Friday, Feb. 7 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Knox Performance Centre, Heritage Hall, 1448 Fifth Ave. This is an acoustic in-the-round session featuring a blend of captivating folk and roots music that invites local music lovers to experience a dynamic and intimate performance where artists share tunes, stories, and spontaneous collaborations. It’s a perfect opportunity to connect with the music, the performers, and the community in an unforgettable afternoon of melodies and harmonies, the website described.

St. Arnaud at the Gallery goes Friday,

St.Arnaud & The Hearts goes Saturday, Feb. 8 from 3 to 4 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, Heritage Hall, 1448 Fifth Ave. This is a distinctive kind of performance in which the artists gather and share their songs and stories with inspiration in a collaborative, up-close setting. Experience the raw magic of acoustic performances with varied musical styles in this cozy venue, the website described.

Wax Mannequin at The Gallery goes Saturday, Feb. 8 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Two Rivers Gallery, 725 Canada Games Way. Witness and appreciate the artist as Wax Mannequin commands the stage with raw energy, thought-provoking lyrics, and stirring melodies. In addition, food will be available for sale during the show so audience members can enjoy a delicious treat while taking in an animated musical performance, the website described.

Feb. 7 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Two Rivers Gallery, 725 Canada Games Plaza. Guests are invited to step into the world of the band’s unique indie-folk-and-storytelling concoction inside the truly inspiring environment of a gallery. Food is available during the performance. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this merrymaking, community-building, art-imbued celebration of music, the website described.

Bookworm Boogie with Ginalina goes Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10:15 to 11 a.m. at the Prince George Public Library’s main branch, 888 Canada Games Way. Everyone is invited to join Juno nominated singer-songwriter Ginalina, who is known for her cheerful and heartwarming folk songs that applaud nature, family, and community, inspiring children and parents alike with singing, dancing, and connecting. The event will start with a music-themed reading to welcome the children and make for a good transition to an interactively engaging performance, the website described. Acoustic In-the-Round with

Arts & Crafts with the Garrys goes Sunday, Feb. 9 from noon to 1 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. Join the relaxed and interactive workshop on making music and getting into the scene. With live performances by The Garrys, attendees will learn songwriting basics and are welcome to ask questions about how to manage the transition from a new band to a popular act. Ultimately, whether you’re just starting out or are simply curious about what goes into the craft, this workshop gives an up-close look into the creation of music, the website described.

Acoustic In-the-Round with Kobo Town and special guests goes Sunday, Feb. 9 from noon to 1:25 p.m. at the Knox Performance Centre, Heritage Hall, 1448 Fifth Ave. This event is a rare opportunity to hear the artists strip down their songs and weave in their stories and insights. Kobo Town is known for their vibrant blend of calypso, reggae, and world music, and will be bringing their signature charm and energy into this format joined by some talented special guests, the website described.

For more information visit www.coldsnapfestival.com/ coldsnap-2025-concert-schedule.

WAX MANNEQUIN PHOTO

Founder finally has Goodsir just the way he wants it

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

It’s been 35 years of work, but the founder of Goodsir Nature Park says his creation is finally set up the way he’s always dreamed.

Speaking with The Citizen earlier this month, Jim Good said that the final elements of his vision were finally put in place this past June when trails in the park were upgraded to be wheelchair and stroller friendly and a wheelchair-friendly pit toilet was installed near the entrance.

Good purchased the land on Old Summit Lake Road in the late 1980s with the aim of turning it into a park with plant and tree species from across the country.

“I travelled to every province and territory, personally collecting tiny little seedlings and some of them I brought back in seed format,” Good said. “It covers the entire country, coast to coast to coast.”

The only jurisdiction not represented in the collection of trees is Nunavut, as they only grow in the southernmost reaches near the border with Manitoba.

Over the years, Good has also set up two museums in the park, one housing his substantial collection of 43,000 vinyl records and a botanical museum with plant samples from around Canada.

The vinyl museum also broadcasts music over a radio frequency through the park and around the area with a homemade system. Good said he’s tried to get the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission to grant him a broadcast license in the past without success.

Since opening, Good said, he’s

received hundreds if not thousands of students visiting the park from School District 57.

These days, he said there are even some younger parents that have never seen a vinyl record before.

Around six or seven years ago, Good had heart attacks that have since limited what he can do around the park.

Thankfully, he’s had volunteers helping him out.

He said the park has a reputation of being a destination for activities in the warmer months, but that it’s open for business in the winter as well.

For instance, the 1890s-themed cabin on the property near Little Goodsir Lake can be rented out in the winter and there’s winter camping available as well. Good said it’s first-come, first-served for the camping and advises visitors to call ahead to book the cabin.

Visitors can also engage in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Even if people have visited before, Good said with all the additions over the years, it’s worth coming back down to see what’s changed.

Though the work developing the park is finished, Good said he still needs volunteers to help with maintenance and upkeep.

“I’m hoping someday it may become a day-use government facility, even a provincial park or national park,” Good said.

Admittance is through donation, and Good accepts general donations to go towards the upkeep of the park. Larger donations can be eligible for tax receipts as the park is a non-profit.

More information about the park can be found by calling 250-971-2337 or visiting goodsirnaturepark.ca.

Mayor to attend Hospice’s Lunar New Year fundraiser

MATTHEW

HILLIER Citizen Staff

PG Hospice’s Home Hospice Programs, Mayor Simon Yu and his wife Momo Yu will be celebrating Lunar New Year together on Feb. 1 at the Prestige Hotel Ballroom.

The Lunar New Year is based on the lunisolar calendar, which is determined by both the moon and the sun.

The new year starts on the new moon that’s closest to the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.

This date usually lands somewhere

between Jan. 20 and Feb. 20.

The event aims to raise money for the Hospice program which aims to provide 24-hour care and provide compassion and dignity to people facing the end of their lives.

“The reason why we started doing this, we wanted to do it this year is because it’s our mayor’s culture,” said Hospice employee Jenna Phillips. “We’ve always thought that Chinese New Year’s would be a really fun event. And we didn’t do anything for our actual new year. So we thought this is a great opportunity.”

Tickets are $125 each, which includes

a multi-course dinner, a cultural performance and entertainment and presentations that highlight the Lunar New Year and Chinese culture.

Phillips also stressed the importance of Hospice care, not only for patients but also for the community itself.

“Hospice is a place that not only does what most people understand what hospice does, which is when people are at the end of their lives, we give them a safe, comfortable place for families to be all together and make people as comfortable as possible,” she said. “We also have so many other programs that a lot of people don’t even know that we

have. We have various grief programs. Everything from a children’s group to a family group, to one on one. So that when people have lost somebody, then you know that it’s not over because they’re grieving and so we have these programs to help them through their healing process as well.”

Funds from this event will also be going to Hospice Home Care which provides at-home care for patients facing end of life.

To find more information or to purchase tickets visit pghpcs.ca or purchase them in person at Solace Centre, 1506 Ferry Ave..

Trails are clearly marked at GoodSir Nature Park, which also offers a cabin for rent in winter and much more.

Morning moose meetup

A moose stops alongside a trail in College Heights for a quick bite to eat last weekend.

The Citizen’s Michael Kast was walking the trail on the morning of Sunday, Jan. 19 when he spotted the young bull munching from a tree along the trail that runs behind Polaris Montessori School. He estimated the moose at about 2-3 years old. Kast said that after he passed by, shooting photos and videos, the moose emerged from the woods and onto the trail about 30 metres away before heading off.

SD 57 families invited to Indigenous education dinners

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

An event geared toward connection and conversation around Indigenous education within School District 57 is set for Wednesday, Feb. 12 at Prince George Secondary School.

Organizers of the SD 57 Indigenous Education Community Dinner are inviting Indigenous families into this safe space where facilitator and SD 57 Elder Vince Prince will guide discussions on what’s working and what’s not.

To make this a family-friendly event, childcare will be provided, along with dinner and door prizes.

“We’re looking to get Indigenous families to attend to get feedback from community on the programs that we are offering and we’re basically asking what’s going well and what needs work,” Jennifer Pighin, SD 57 Indigenous education vice principal, language and culture, said.

“We’re also looking to see what the

needs are and we’d like to hear right from community.”

SD57 receives Indigenous Education Targeted Funding, provided by the BC government to boards of education as a targeted spending portion of the operating funds to support school-age students who self-identify as being of Indigenous ancestry participating in Indigenous education programs and services. These funds are to be spent on the provision of enhanced Indigenous education programs and services that are in addition to any other programs and services to which the student is eligible. The amount is in addition to the basic per-pupil allocation.

“We get this funding and so getting input from community is really important,” Pighin said.

SD 57 Indigenous Education Community Dinners are a series of events that will also take place place at McLeod Lake Indian Band Office gymnasium and the Mackenzie Secondary School Learning Commons on May 7.

“This is a space where people can provide feedback for the school district in general as well,” Pighin said. “It’s a safe space where we have Vince Prince facilitating the discussion. We’re trying to create a space where people can speak freely. During the discussion period staff won’t be there so that community input can be the focus.”

Because the event offers free childcare, the district is looking for certified youth babysitters to keep the children entertained with a variety of activities during the discussion portion of the evening.

“That will help families in attendance to focus more on the discussion,” Pighin said.

“That was one of the points made by the feedback we got from our first dinner held in November, noting that families needed childcare to be able to attend so we want to provide that.”

The community dinners will also address the issue of Indigenous education equity within SD 57 that seeks to improve the success of Indigenous

students and increasing access to education. This work involves addressing systemic barriers, increasing Indigenous representation, and creating inclusive learning environments, the SD 57 website explained.

“And that’s the biggest thing, seeing where the supports are needed and how we can help individuals and families with their student’s success,” Pighin said.

“We want to see how we can really support students in the school setting but also about how we can support parents while they are supporting their children through the education system. We want to make sure we have a safe environment for their learning journeys.”

All ages are welcome to attend the SD57 Indigenous Education Community Dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Prince George Secondary School cafeteria, 2901 Griffiths Ave. Dinner and door prizes provided. Register with Dorthy at 250-562-4843 or dstewart@sd57.bc.ca.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAST

Throwback Thursday: Week of January 23

Jan. 22, 1971: ‘Mush,’ cries Derk Albers of Horsefly as Winter Carnival president Con Nostwold strains against the harness to give Art Warburton a practice sled ride. Carnival organizers rejoiced over the snow falling in Prince George, just in time for the carnival, which ran until Jan. 31. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Jan. 23, 1958: A young couple was left homeless when fire levelled their home. Mr. and Mrs. Michael DuBitz stayed at the Freeman Street home of a relative, Mrs. Velma Demchuk (right) overnight. They lost everything and received donations from the Red Cross and Salvation Army. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY HAL VANDERVOORT

Jan.23, 1987: Kim Krebs, 19, left, Randi Talkington, 16, and Shauna Alderson, 15, get ready for a dance routine by the Judy Russell Enchainement Dance Studio. Two days of music, song and dance were planned for the annual Shriners-CKPG Telethon running Jan. 31-Feb. 1, with local entertainers joining six headline acts from the U.S. and Canada in a bid to raise funds for nine organizations working with youth. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY BROCK GABLE

Jan. 24, 2009: Tom Johnston, Tamara Newell and 200 others can’t wait to taste the haggis, carried by David Fyfe, at the Excalibur Theatre Arts Robbie Burns Night at the Coast Inn of the North. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVID MAH

‘Tails for Triumph’ raises close to $20K

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Prince George Humane Society has had a busy month.

After a recent successful move the organization has been running a monthlong fundraising campaign.

Tails for Triumph has been ongoing since Dec. 16 with the goal of raising funds for rescue, food, vet bills and everything that goes into taking care of an animal at the shelter from start to finish.

So far the fundraising effort has received almost $20,000.

“We just took on a second location, that’s going to take a lot of financial resources,” said fund development co-ordinator Taylor Caros. “We’re already in the process of renovating and things like that. A lot of the money ends up with the animals as well. It’s the high cost of bringing dogs in for rescue and cats as well and getting them through vet care, spays, neuters, vaccines, all that good stuff and just having them on site and providing food and enrichment.”

Many local businesses are also setting out to support the PG Humane

Society. The Wall of Fame restaurant downtown is donating $2 from every sandwich and matching their tips for donations.

In addition to the Wall of Fame, Aces K-9 Care, Westwinds Veterinary, Brink Group of Companies, Selen Alpay at Canadian Tire and many more have also donated and shown their support for their fellow animal lovers.

“I think events like this are so

important for the Humane Society, but also the community,” Caros said. “People are coming together through animals, and that is absolutely a positive benefit for everyone involved. And it’s great for the Humane Society to get some face time, tell some feel-good stories, some success stories, and get our name out there in the community and tell people more about the great work that we do.”

BC Parks reservations now open

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Ministry of Environment and Parks has announced that provincial park campsite bookings, including for the May long weekend, are now open. There are 60 new campsites across three BC Parks, the ministry also announced.

These parks include:

• 30 new campsites at Fintry Provincial Park

• 17 new walk-in campsites at Rolley Lake Provincial Park

• 13 new campsites at China Beach Campground in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, including eight park-side tent sites and five walk-in sites

Reservations for Fintry and Rolley Lake parks opened at 7 a.m. (Pacific time) on Jan. 15, for arrivals starting May 15, 2025. Reservations for China Beach will open at a later date.

For more information about campsite reservations, visit bcparks.ca.

Prince George’s Omineca Arts Centre welcomes new staff

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH

Citizen Staff

Amy Smith is the new manager of the Omineca Arts Centre in downtown Prince George and Mallory McKinney takes on the role of executive assistant.

These changes took place as Fernanda Salla left her position as the nonprofit organization’s arts coordinator as she pursues other artistic endeavors in the community.

Salla was with the arts centre for about 18 months.

This restructuring of staff at the centre will facilitate extended hours of operation while enhancing community engagement and expanding programming.

Smith brings nine years of experience

as a community programmer, artist and musician.

Smith recently moved to Prince George from Vancouver Island and holds a bachelor of fine arts degree in visual arts from the University of Victoria and a masters in museum education from the University of BC.

Smith understands the importance of using art to support education, mental health, and community, and said in a recent press release she is excited to work on the territories of the Tse’khene and Lheidli T’enneh.

As executive assistant McKinney

will work with Smith to support programs and operations.

McKinney has a fine arts degree from the Victoria College of Art and brings more than a decade of experience in various administrative and management roles. She excels in streamlining processes and supporting creative initiatives.

Omineca Arts Centre staff will work closely with local artists to continue to host free community programs such as Beading Wednesdays, Creative Connect Thursdays, Coffee House Open Mics and other workshops and special

events. The Omineca Arts Centre’s efforts are crucial to fostering creativity in Prince George through diverse programming.

Funding from the Vancouver Foundation and tentatively BC Arts Council has made this opportunity possible.

“We look forward to seeing how these changes will strengthen our vision of providing a space for creativity to flourish and supporting innovative, collaborative, and marginalized art forms in North Central BC,” said Jennifer Pighin, Omineca Artist Run Centre Society Chairperson, in a recent press release.

For more information about the Omineca Arts Centre visit https://www. ominecaartscentre.com/

Smith McKinney

CITIZEN PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER

Taylor Caros is the Prince George Humane Society’s fund development co-ordinator.

Hospital and health centre ‘decades in the making’

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Plans for a new hospital in Fort St. James have been discussed since 2008. On Tuesday, Jan. 14, it opened.

“The new hospital has a huge benefit for the community in terms of delivering better healthcare close to home,” said BC Health Minister Josie Osborne. “I know this means a lot for the region. They’ve been waiting for decades to get out of the ATCO trailers and have the modern facility that will be here. So I think this will attract new workers to come to the region, which is going to be a huge benefit in just delivering better healthcare for people living in a rural area.”

The previous hospital, which opened in 1972, had 12 beds with no access to a decontamination room or dedicated area to receive or triage patients.

The new hospital is located at 606 Stuart Dr. E. The current Fort St. James Health Centre will be integrated with the new hospital at this address. All staff will be transferred to the new hospital with several new positions opening up soon.

The new facility will be three times the size of the previous hospital. It will have 27 beds, with 18 long-term care and nine acute-care beds. It also has an expanded emergency department with two treatment rooms, a trauma bay, and an ambulance bay. In addition, there will be bigger laboratory and diagnostic-imaging spaces.

“This is about providing equitable

access for people who live in rural areas to health care,” said Osborne. “There are too many barriers and challenges that people living in small rural northern remote community spaces when it comes to accessing health care so this is about putting all those services together, expanding them, making sure that people can stay closer to home and this will go so far in helping the community stay resilient and be well.”

The total cost of the new hospital is estimated at $158 million, including almost $140 million funded by the province through Northern Health, with a contribution of more than $18 million from the Stuart-Nechako Regional Hospital District.

First Nations in the surrounding

community have been heavily involved in consulting the project, as the new hospital wants to ensure it is reflective of the local Indigenous culture and welcoming to everyone.

“There are five Indigenous nations in the region, and they’ll be using this facility too and so they participated in some of the activities throughout planning the project,” said Osborne.

“They contributed to the direction of building design and looked at room layout, indoor gathering spaces and provided information about what was appropriate for them. Things like a healing garden and traditional plants and medicines can be put into some of the outdoor spaces, and then making sure that the theme of the building and the design elements are all congruent

with Indigenous culture and create that feeling of a safer place for people.”

Osborne thanked community leaders past and present as well as regional hospital district leaders.

“This is decades in the making,” said Osborne. “It’s the advocacy that people have put forward and explained to governments over and over about why this project was so important and I’m proud to be part of a government that listened and heard and I’m glad that John Horgan was able to be in the community in 2020 and make that announcement that the new hospital would be coming. I think (it is) a special day and the beginning of new and better services for Fort St. James.”

Demolition of the previous hospital is anticipated to begin in March.

Valemount hiring consultant to review air quality data

ABIGAIL POPPLE

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In the latest move to reduce dust storms in Valemount, council has passed a motion to hire a consultant who will help collect and review evidence of dust being blown into the village from the Kinbasket Reservoir. Additionally, the village will collect data on silica dust in Valemount – a type

of particulate which can cause chronic lung problems, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

The Clean Air Task Force, a council committee that makes recommendations to the Village on how to improve air quality in Valemount, recommended that the village create a new email account to receive photos and videos of dust storms on the Kinbasket Reservoir.

The email would be open for six months, and the committee would submit the evidence to BC Hydro as part of a request to measure and report Valemount’s PM10 levels –fine particulate matter, such as dust. Currently, PM2.5 – less fine dust, which typically comes from wood smoke – is monitored on a daily basis, but PM10 is monitored for 24 hours once every six days.

Staff would have to review each submission to verify its authenticity, then cross-check the video evidence with data on weather and air quality monitoring, a task which the Village lacks expertise for, the report says. Finally, the report adds that PM10 is already monitored by the Ministry of Environment, and the resulting data is available in an Environmental Monitoring database.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH PHOTO

People in Fort St. James and area will have enhanced access to health care in state-of-the-art surroundings as the new hospital is now open.

Creating a new culturally safe space in Fort St. James

EMILY PRESTMO Northern Health

The new Fort St. James Hospital and Health Centre is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of community, culture, and working together. From the start, we’ve involved the community in this project.

Through online surveys, in-person events, and working groups, we gathered valuable input to make sure the new hospital would be welcoming and culturally safe for everyone.

We are very thankful for everyone who provided feedback; all of it has significantly influenced the hospital’s design and construction.

One feature is the use of signs in Dakelh, the language of the Nak’azdli Whut’en territory. These signs were created with help from Elders and language experts from the Nak’azdli, Binche, Tl’azt’en, Yekooche, and Takla First Nations.

When we asked the community what would make the hospital culturally safe, they highlighted several key elements:

• Showing the seasons of the year, which helps reflect Dakelh culture and worldview.

• Representing nature, because it’s healing and welcoming to all cultures.

• Having windows to provide natural light and views of the sky, lake, and trees.

• Creating spaces for the community to come together to feast, celebrate, and grieve.

• Incorporating the importance of fire into the design.

• Including circles on the ceiling (representing drums) in spiritual spaces.

The final color palette for the hospital showcases the beauty of the community’s changing seasons, with two color schemes inspired by warmth and frost. Natural light is a priority, with large windows throughout the building showcasing views of the mountains, lake, forest, and gardens.

Bringing loved ones together is important, so we’ve made sure there’s

plenty of space for community gatherings. A gathering space has been created with tables and chairs for meals, card games, or other activities, all built around a fireplace. In long-term care, there’s a relaxing lounge in the common area for residents and family to visit, also featuring a fireplace.

The palliative care suite features two separate spaces: one large room for patient care and another adjoining

room where family can stay, complete with a kitchenette. The palliative suite opens onto the garden, where culturally important plants and trees will grow. The doors in the palliative care suite are wide enough to allow a bed to be wheeled out to enjoy the garden.

The spiritual space is equipped with special ventilation to accommodate smudging ceremonies.

The spiritual space, available to all

who visit the hospital, has been heavily influenced by community feedback. It features a large window looking out to gardens, circles on the ceiling that represent drums, and a special ventilation system to accommodate smudging.

The opening of this hospital is a chance to reflect on our past and plan for a positive future. By using the Dakelh language and incorporating community feedback, Northern Health aims to create a space that is not only functional, but also culturally safe and welcoming for all.

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO

The new Fort St. James Hospital and Health Centre was thoughtfully designed to be a culturally safe and welcoming environment.

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO

A newly installed sign in the facility displays Dakelh syllabics.

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO

The family lounge in the palliative care suite offers a comfortable space for loved ones to gather.

New provincial health minister outlines priorities

NORA O’MALLEY Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It was only fitting that the former Mayor of Tofino gave her first public speech as B.C.’s health minister during a Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce luncheon last month at the Wickaninnish Inn.

With local physician and Tofino General Hospital chief of staff Dr. Carrie Marshall by her side, Osborne shared how living in a rural community like Tofino in Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s traditional territory helped her land what is arguably the most challenging ministry appointment.

“When the premier first told me, I was very surprised,” Osborne told the room full of Tofino business owners.

“I don’t have a health care background, in terms of my life experience or education, but the premier did tell me he felt it was really important to have someone from a rural community step into this role for a while because we know that health care delivery touches every single person, every single day.”

“People living in rural, remote and Indigenous communities have more barriers to accessing health care in an equitable way and it’s something that’s very near and dear to my heart.

All rural issues have been and it’s something that I’ve always been really proud of to take that voice into cabinet,” said Osborne, who was the mayor of the small coastal town during the first six months of the pandemic.

Osborne moved to Tofino over 20 years ago to work as a biologist for the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC). She expressed her gratitude for her time working with Nuu-chah-nulth communities because it gave her a deeper understanding of the barriers that people face – and the racism.

In 2020, B.C.’s Minister of Health Adrian Dix established an independent investigation into systemic Indigenous-specific racism in health care in British Columbia.

The investigation found extensive profiling of Indigenous patients based

on stereotypes about addictions.

It was also uncovered that this “widespread racism has long been known by many within the health care system, including those in positions of authority, and is widely acknowledged by many who work in the system.”

The review team involved with the investigation published a report called In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care, which offered a number of recommendations based on the findings.

Mandating training for Indigenous cultural safety in B.C.’s health care workers, improving how to handle complaints of racism and meaningfully integrating Indigenous practices and knowledge into the health care system were noted as tools to change the current racist climate of B.C.’s health care setting.

Osborne acknowledged there is a lot

of work to do.

“The goal is to eliminate anti-Indigenous racism in the health care system,” said Osborne, adding she thought creating more culturally safe physical spaces at hospitals is important.

She lent the example of the Tofino General Hospital being gifted the Nuuchah-nulth name Šaahyitsapaquwił”, (pronounced, shah yit sa pa qu wilth), which translates to “A place where people go to get well.” Šaahyitsapaquwił replaced the Nuu-chah-nulth word for hospital, “Taaił łuuwas” (Ta/ilth/thloo/ wus), which translates to “a place to go when you are sick.”

“It’s just turning our heads from a place where a hospital is a place where people are sick to a health care system is a system of people and places to help people get well and stay well,” Osborne continued.

She told the Ha-shilth-sa her past work as a fisheries biologist and having a degree in biology and ecology taught

her how to look at the big picture and the relationship between systems.

“The health care system is just that. It’s a nested group of relationship and systems. It’s all connected. It’s more of a holistic view of looking at things, which seems so complementary to an Indigenous world view,” said Osborne.

The decision to bring the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions back into the Ministry of Health was taken, according to Osborne, because the toxic drug crisis is a health issue.

“I think a lot of the policy work that was done (by the independent ministry) and the work to reduce stigma and be able to talk openly about opioid use and drug and alcohol use in general was really important. But bringing the two ministries back together means we can be more efficient and expedient with decision making and really accelerate the development of a continuum of services,” said Osborne.

NORA O’MALLEY, LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Josie Osborne, BC’s new minister of health, speaks during a Dec. 17 holiday lunch at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino. It was the former mayor of that municipality’s first formal speech in her new role.

Local Sports

Winter Classic: Northern Capitals put deep freeze on Rush, Cariboo Cougars lose to Giants

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Outdoors, indoors, it didn’t matter to the Northern Capitals.

They brought their winning form to the ice over the weekend at the sixth annual BC Winter Classic and swept the two-game BC Elite Hockey League female triple-A series with the Fraser Valley Rush.

The Capitals got started Friday night in Fort St. James when they beat the Rush 4-3 on the outdoor rink at Ernie Sam Memorial Arena.

Caps defenceman Taylor Siemens scored twice in the opening period and Gabriella Meier added two more before the intermission to give the Caps a 4-1 lead.

The Rush made it interesting when Anna Diane McKee scored late in the second period on a power play and made it a one-goal game with her hat trick goal 15:21 into the third period but that’s as close at it got.

Payton Planetta stopped 22 of 25 shots to earn the victory in net.

The Prince George-based Capitals beat the Rush 3-2 Saturday at Vanderhoof Arena. Nicole Bateman, Ali Caron and Meier scored for the Caps, who outshot their opponents 43-21.

The two wins improved the Capitals’ second-place record to 11-10-0-1, while the Rush (7-11-1-20 remained fourth.

The Capitals will be in Vernon this weekend to take on the third-place (9-10-2-3) Thompson-Okanagan Lakers.

Meanwhile, in the U18 male division, the Winter Classic featured a first-place showdown between the Cariboo Cougars and Vancouver North West Giants and the Giants took both games.

On the outdoor ice Saturday night, goals from Nikhael Dhaliwal, Jared Miskiw, Avery Lowe and Jacob Bauman staked the Giants to a 4-0 lead after 40 minutes and they went on to defeat the Cougars 5-1.

Blake Lambe was the lone goal scorer for Cariboo.

Shay McVicker made 43 saves in goal for the Giants, who were outshot 44-36. Jaxson Dukur took the loss.

In Sunday’s rematch at Fort Forum in Fort St. James, the Cougars fought back

fuel up with a post-game meal

from a 5-2 deficit to tie it up in the third period but went on to lose 9-6.

Ryder Marks notched the gamewinner for the Giants with less than five minutes left. Miskiw and Coltan White, with his third of the game, scored empty-netters for the Giants.

Nicolas Gordon had two goals, while Jaxon Larmand, Jack Tidsbury, Ryan Richter and Lambe fired singles for Cariboo. Roman Singh made 34 saves to win the goalie battle over Cariboo’s Andrik Lygas. The Cougars outshot the Giants 40-36.

The Giants (19-7-0-1) leapfrogged the Cougars (18-6-1-1) into first place in the U18 standings. Cariboo is on the road in North Vancouver this weekend to face the Vancouver North East Chiefs (fifth place, 12-12-2-2).

The Cariboo Cougars U17s dropped both their weekend games in North Vancouver to the Vancouver North West Hawks, losing 6-3 Saturday and 5-3 on Sunday. Cariboo hosts the Hawks in a return engagement Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m., both at Kin 1.

FACEBOOK PHOTO

The Northern Capitals spent some time Friday with the students at Sinkut View Elementary School in Fort St. James before they played the Fraser Valley Rush in the BC Winter Classic.

FACEBOOK PHOTO

The Cariboo Cougars

prepared by Kim Lodge in Fort St. James after their game against the Valley West Hawks on Saturday.

Young Inner City boxers win gold in Medicine Hat

JASON PETERS Special to the Citizen

Audrey Edmunds and Thunder Innis gave dominant performances on their way to Alberta Silver Gloves championships in Medicine Hat on Saturday, Jan. 18.

Both members of the Inner City Boxing PG Wardogs won their bouts by unanimous decision, Edmunds against Evelyn Custer of North Battleford, Sask., and Innis against Rannoch Derkson-Gamble of Lethbridge, Alta. A third Inner City boxer, Josh Greenwood, fought well but lost his opening match to Steven Carabali of Edmonton.

The tournament was for boxers with up to 10 fights of experience.

Edmunds, 12, entered the Silver Gloves with two exhibition bouts on her resumé.

The fight against Custer was her first against an opponent the same age and in the same weight class, 54 kilograms.

“She came out hard right from Round 1,” Inner City coach Jag Seehra said of Edmunds. “She was pushing the pace, the girl just had her guard up. Audrey had her on the ropes and just unleashed combinations.”

Edmunds was so good in the first two rounds that, according to fellow Inner City coach Kenny Lally, she had Custer “like a deer in headlights.” Edmunds was a little more on the defensive in the third round, as Custer valiantly tried to get back in the match. But, in the end,

it wasn’t enough, and the referee raised Edmunds’ arm in victory.

“That girl, she’s on Cloud 9 right now, which she should be,” Lally said. “She did amazing. She’s put so much work in, and for being so young.”

Innis, a 16-year-old who fights at 85kg, defeated Derkson-Gamble by using his ring smarts and his intimidating power.

“(Derkson-Gamble) came out just banging, actually,” Seehra said. “He didn’t have much technical ability but he was a strong, strong kid. He caught Thunder with a few shots in the beginning but then Thunder just found his feet and started moving around

and catching the guy with his uppercuts, with his hooks. Moving the way he does, it was a beautiful display of boxing, for sure.”

Between exhibition bouts and fights, Innis has now been inside the ring six times in his young career and has yet to be seriously challenged.

Greenwood, 17, took on Carabali in a large 60- to 65kg weight class but came up short of victory.

By Lally’s estimation, the first round was close, the second round went to Carabali, and the third round was all Greenwood.

“Josh fought to the end,” Seehra said.

“That’s the thing about Josh – there’s no quit.”

The Inner City coaches were hoping to line up a set match for a fourth boxer, 17-year-old Ben Ruttan. Unfortunately, there was no opponent for Ruttan, who fights at 90 kilograms.

The Inner City boxers will be back at training this week, while their coaches find the next fights for them.

“We’re just super-proud of all the kids,” Seehra said.

“This just goes to show that everything we’re doing is on the right path. They’re listening to us and they’re following the program.”

Spruce Kings lose two more players to major junior

the Baie-Comeau Drakkar.

The Prince George Spruce Kings continue to suffer the effects of U.S. college hockey’s rule change that allows players with major junior experience to join the NCAA.

On Monday, Jan. 20, defenceman Evan Bellamy became the fifth Spruce King to defect to the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League in the past six weeks when he accepted an offer to play for

Considered one of the Kings’ top defencemen, the 19-year-old from Hampton, N.B., had three goals and 14 assists for 17 points in 32 games in his second BCHL season in Prince George He joins former Kings forward Skogan Schrott, a 20-year-old Michigan Tech recruit who left for Baie-Comeau.

Last week the Kings lost 18-year-old forward Brogan McNeil, their third-leading scorer, who went to the Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL. McNeil had

11 goals and 12 assists for points in 32 games and scored his first BCHL hat trick Jan. 11 in a game against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

Nineteen-year-old forward Ethan Montroy became the first to leave the Spruce Kings for the QMJHL when the Ottawa native joined the Charlottetown Islanders in early December.

Forward Lucas Veilleux, 19, was in his second season with the Spruce Kings when he bolted for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL) after playing his last

BCHL game in Nanaimo Dec. 29. Until the rule was changed last summer, CHL players were considered professionals, ineligible to play in the NCAA because their major junior teams paid a monthly stipend of up to $600. Collectively, BC Hockey League teams have lost more than 60 players to major junior teams and most have gone to the QMJHL. Talk of the NCAA problem dominated the discussions among league governors at the all-star break this past weekend in Salmon Arm.

Coach Jag Seehra (left), boxers Josh Greenwood, Thunder Innis and Audrey Edmunds, with coach Kenny Lally, celebrate their success at Alberta Silver Gloves championships in Medicine Hat, Alta. on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

Silvertips too slick: WHL leaders hand Cougars their fourth straight loss

50+ YEARS OF SUPPORT!

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

WOULD LIKE TO THANK

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

HOCKEY ASSOCIATION THANK SUPPORT!

&

CURRENT & PAST VOLUNTEERS EVERYDAY HOCKEY!!

MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR

WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR 50+ YEARS OF SUPPORT! &

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR 50+ YEARS OF SUPPORT! &

while the Cougars lost their grip on first place in the BC Division, dropping to 24-14-3-2.

WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR YEARS OF SUPPORT! &

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

WOULD LIKE TO THANK & THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERY DAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY FOR 50 + YEARS OF SUPPORT!

WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR YEARS OF SUPPORT! & TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS MAKING EVERYDAY DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR

WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR 50+ YEARS OF SUPPORT! &

50+ YEARS OF SUPPORT! &

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR

WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR

50+ YEARS OF SUPPORT! &

The Prince George Cougars are on a bit of a nasty streak. They can’t seem to win for losing.

50+ YEARS OF SUPPORT! &

WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR 50+ YEARS OF SUPPORT!

The Cats suffered their fourth straight loss Saturday night, a 4-1 decision handed to them by the top dogs in the WHL, the Everett Silvertips.

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR

MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR YEARS OF SUPPORT! & TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS MAKING EVERYDAY DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

50+ YEARS OF SUPPORT! &

WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR 50+ YEARS OF SUPPORT!

WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR 50+ YEARS OF SUPPORT!

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

Tarin Smith led the Silvertips with a goal and an assist and was named the first star.

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR 50+ YEARS OF SUPPORT!

50+ YEARS OF SUPPORT!

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR YEARS OF SUPPORT! & YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR YEARS OF SUPPORT! & YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

50+ YEARS OF SUPPORT! &

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

The Victoria Royals (25-12-3-4) pasted the Kamloops Blazers by identical 7-1 scores Friday and Saturday in Victoria to move four points ahead of Prince George in the standings.

The Cougars’ road woes began last weekend with 6-3 losses in Kelowna and Kamloops. On Friday, they took 10 minor penalties against the Spokane Chiefs and lost 5-2.

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR

YEARS OF SUPPORT!

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR 50+ YEARS OF SUPPORT! & THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR

MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

LIKE TO THANK FOR YEARS OF SUPPORT! & OUR CURRENT & PAST AND VOLUNTEERS MAKING EVERYDAY DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

PRINCE GEORGE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK FOR 50+ YEARS OF SUPPORT! THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

50+ YEARS OF SUPPORT! &

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

He opened the scoring 6:08 into the first period and much of the opening 20 minutes was played in the Cougars’ end. Outshot 20-8 they got out of the period with score knotted 1-1. Washington Capitals first-rounder Terik Parascak potted a rebound late in the period for his 20th goal this season to get the Cougars on the board.

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

50+ YEARS OF SUPPORT! &

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT & PAST SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR MAKING EVERYDAY A GREAT DAY FOR HOCKEY!!

The gamewinner came 8:29 into the second period. Tyler McKenzie scored shorthanded with Everett forward serving a hooking penalty and the Silvertips got the insurance goal from Cole Temple a couple minutes into the third period.

Dominik Rymon capped the scoring into an empty net.

Raiden LeGall stopped 19 of 20 shots between the pipes for the Silvertips to improve his record to 7-1.

The Cougars were outshot 41-20.

Josh Ravensbergen, listed by NHL Central Scouting last week as the top North American goalie available in the 2025 draft, took the loss in net for Prince George.

The Silvertips improved to 35-5-3-3

LOOSE PUCKS: The Cougars were without defencemen Alexsey Chichkin and Corbin Vaughan. Chichkin, acquired Jan 7 in a trade from the Regina Pats, served a one-game suspension for a cross-checking major penalty he was handed in the Spokane game. Vaughan, also a trade pickup from the Pats, served the first of a fourgame suspension for a cross-checking major infraction in the Jan. 11 game in Kamloops. Vaughan received the harsher sentence as a repeat offender ... Rookie D-man Leith Hunter took advantage of the additional icetime in the absence of Vaughan and Chichkin and was paired with Bauer Dumanski. Associate coach Jim Playfair said the six-foot-six Hunter stood out Saturday as the Cats’ top defenceman ... The Cats hope to regain their winning ways after a week of practice when they head into Indigenous Weekend at CN Centre to face the Brandon Wheat Kings on Friday (7 p.mn.) and the Kamloops Blazers on Saturday (6 p.m.).

Weekend losses for both UNBC Timberwolves teams

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Viktoriia Filatova’s career-high 20-point game wasn’t enough to stop the Trinity Western Spartans.

They left Brownridge Court with a 26-point win over Filatova’s UNBC Timberwolves, defeating the hosts 88-62 Saturday night at the Northern Sport Centre.

Shemaiah Abatayo picked up a game-high 26 points for the Spartans. Cassidy Buchanan netted 19 points and Colette Van der Hoven came off the bench to sink 15.

Spartans forward Jasmine Avila delivered 11 rebounds.

The Spartans overcame a seven-point deficit at the end of the first quarter and outscored UNBC 23-10 in the second quarter to gain a lead they held the rest of the game.

Sveta Boykova hit double figures for the TWolves with 11 points, while

UNBC Timberwolves player Evgeny Baukin keeps pushing against the Spartans’ David Mutabazi’s screen on the way to the basket Saturday at UNBC’s Brownridge Court.

rookie Avin Jahangiri finished with nine.

Trinity Western (7-5) remained third in the Canada West Pacific Division standings. The sixth-place TWolves (3-9) lost their fourth in a row.

In the men’s game that followed, the

Caledonia Nordic biathletes top North American charts in Italy

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Prince George biathletes Aliah Turner and Liam Simons were the top-finishing North Americans in Monday’s pursuit races at the FISU World University Games in Turin, Italy. Racing on the course that will be used for the 2026 Olympics, Turner finished 29th out of 50 starters in the 10-kilometre women’s pursuit, while Simons ended up 26th out of 45 men in the 12.5 km pursuit.

Urged on by a crowd of parents and siblings who gathered at what has become known as “Canadian corner,” Turner got off to a great start when she cleaned her targets in both prone shooting bouts. But she had some trouble in her two standing shooting sessions and missed two in her first session and had three misses in the second, which forced her into the penalty loops.

The 18-year-old kinesiology student at the University of Calgary, clocked 45:47.1 -9:04.5 off the gold-medal pace of Barbara Skrobiszewska of Poland, who shot 17-for-20 and completed the course in 37:40.6.

Turner, a member of the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club who trains in Canmore with the Biathlon Alberta Training Centre, was 26 in the sprint and 22nd in the short individual race. The sprint result determines the starting order for the pursuit.

In the men’s pursuit, Simons went 15-for-20 on the range, missing two in his first bout and leaving just one target up in each of his next three bouts.

The 20-year-old UBC-Okanagan chemistry major crossed the finish in 47:34.0. That was 9:45.1 off the winning time posted by sprint bronze medalist Bohdan Borkovskyi of the Ukraine (37:48.9, 0+2+1+1) who also won gold in the short individual race.

Pacific Division basement. Trinity (6-7) sits third in the Pacific.

Josh Bevin, with 21 points, and Jerric Palma, with 16, provided the offensive spice for the visitors. Spartans guard David Mutabazi contributed six assists and nine rebounds.

Evgeny Baukin, the TWolves’ scoring leader, collected a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. Marcus Wilson shot a career-high 13 points and Chis Ainsley ended up with 11.

UNBC forward Josh Gillespie played his first game in two months since suffering an ankle sprain Nov. 9 in Victoria. The Idaho product played 28 minutes Saturday, shot 2-for-5 from the field and hit for five points.

injury-plagued TWolves were unable to overcome an 18-point deficit at the half.

Both UNBC teams lost their Friday games at the NSC to the Victoria Vikes. The women were defeated 71-50 and

Cal Johnson wins $33.6K in World Series of Poker

‘I could afford to lose $1.7 million in chips and I was still in good shape,’ he says

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Cal Johnson proved last weekend in Calgary that he knows when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em.

After 13 hours of playing cards in the World Series of Poker seniors event, the 68-year-old from Prince George won that final hand and a $33,600 payoff. Not bad for a $400 entry fee.

Johnson topped the list of 464 players and celebrated his biggest-ever win holding two fistfuls of cash. It got down to just him and Carlos Alaniz of Vancouver in the final hand and it ended just past 12:30 a.m. Sunday morning.

Johnson knew he was in good shape when they got down to the last 10 players and moved his tall stacks of chips to a different room for the final showdown.

“There were 10 of us that go to the head table and I had 70 per cent of the chips by then - I was kind of just a bully,” Johnson said.

On the final hand, Alaniz was showing an ace and a seven of spades and pushed all-in with his first bet, while Johnson held up a king and a six. The other three cards (the flop) in the fivecard hand were dealt face-down to each player. Alaniz bet again and Johnson called to see what was in each player’s hand.

The first turn out of Johnson’s flop was a king, giving him a pair of kings in his hand, while Alaniz still had only ace-high in his hand. They each bet two more times before the final cards were revealed.

“I could afford to lose $1.7 million in chips and I was still in good shape,” said Johnson.

“The only card he could beat me with is an ace and no ace came. So I had the kings and he ended up with ace-high.”

Thirteen hours at the table was a marathon like no other Johnson has had to

endure. At six hours the players get a 45-minute lunch break and every three hours they get a 15-minute bathroom break.

He was exhausted at the end but celebrated his biggest-ever poker win over a couple of beers with his buddies from Prince George, Doug Berry and Don Kehler. They got knocked out early and were in the gallery around the table with a bunch from Vanderhoof watching those final games unfold.

“Everybody was standing around watching, just like on TV,” said Johnson. “It’s definitely stressful and you’re second-guessing yourself. But when you’ve got that many chips you can afford to

was his job for five years until 2016 when he retired at age 60.

Stock car racing fans will remember Johnson for his open-wheel racing bravery behind the wheel of a supermodified sprint car. He used to race that in the Interior Open Wheel Association series at PGARA Speedway in Prince George and other short tracks in the region, a hobby he kept up for 20 years.

Johnson was also one of the movers and shakers who in 2002 got the go-kart track built at PGARA Speedway adjacent to the three-eighths-mile stock car racing oval, which helped groom his son Brad into a Canadian champion.

Before Sunday, Johnson’s biggest poker win was a $5,000 cash-in at a Super Bowl party at Kehler’s house. In Calgary he also entered the knockout event a $1,000 game in the two days he was on the tables in Calgary.

He said he plays at the Treasure Cove Casino in Prince George but only a couple times a year.

“I’ve always played cards but never got much into poker until the last 10 years, “ he said.

Kehler finished 18th in another event and earned himself a $3,500 payday while Berry ended up in the money in another event, winning $2,100.

Johnson’s Calgary WSOP win pays his $10,000 entry fee for the Tournament of Champions event in June in Las Vegas. The event has a million-dollar prize pool and the winner takes home about $200,000 US.

lose 300,000 (in chip value).”

The $180,000 prize pool was divided among the top 80. Johnson was also presented with a ring for his Calgary win.

Johnson says he’s always liked card games, dating back to when he was a kid growing up in Princeton, playing blackjack and euchre. His dad was a logger and he followed him to Prince George as soon as he graduated high school. He has lived in the city ever since.

After his logging days were done he worked as an office manager for Williams Petroleum and was there until he bought Polytech Manufacturing, which

‘It was going to be in L.A. but with the fires they moved it to Vegas.”

Johnson’s wife, Maxine, was in Nanaimo when he won his big game and when he told her how much he’d won she immediately asked where they were going on their next holiday.

Johnson has had a bit of heart trouble lately that’s kept them from travelling out of the country to their winter getaway in Yuma, Ariz., but he’s been feeling better lately and is hoping his new medication and some tests in Vancouver will give him medical clearance to board that plane to Vegas this spring.

“It seems to be getting better every day,” he said.

HANDOUT PHOTO

Cal Johnson of Prince George holds the $33,600 he won at the World Series of Poker seniors event in Calgary on Sunday, Jan.12.

Life Events

Congratulations!

We are so blessed to celebrate your birthday with you.

Love, Donna (Martin), Deborah, Richard (Joyce), Royce (Cara), your 14 Grandchildren and your 14 Great Grandchildren

Beloved Husband and Father

Orest Petraschuk

May 23, 1938 - January 23, 2023

It’s been a year since you left us, but not a day goes by that you’re not in our hearts Miss you always, Love Victoria and Andrew

In Loving Memory

Karin Broessler

I think of you in silence, and often speak your name. Now all I have is memories, and your picture in a frame. Franz and family

June 18, 1960 - November 9, 2024

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of our son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend Peter Phillip Broessler.

After a very brief yet courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Peter passed away peacefully on November 9th, 2024 surrounded by the love of his family.

Peter is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife Debbie, his three daughters, Stephanie (Adam), Emily (Linus), and Amy; his two granddaughters, Ella and Addisyn; his father, Franz; his two brothers, Mike and Dean (Joanne); additional family members, and countless friends he made along the way.

Peter is predeceased by his mother Karin Broessler who passed away in January of 2022.

Family and friends described Peter as kind and stoic. He was always quick to offer help with a home renovation or anything else that needed to be done. Unknowingly, he often inspired and lifted individuals’ spirits.

During his 30 plus years career as a carpenter, Peter left an undeniable mark in the construction community. He demonstrated a strong work ethic and craftsmanship.

Peter/Dad, We hope you know that everything you have built, the kindness you have shown, and the love you radiated each day will never be forgotten. You may have left this world feeling ordinary. We are here to tell you, you are not just ordinary but extraordinary.

Our family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr.

December 23, 1946 - January 8, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ronald Michael Karachok on January 8, 2025, at the age of 78. Ron was born on December 23, 1946, in Thunder Bay, Ontario. In the late 1970s, he moved to British Columbia, where he built a life rooted in hard work, love, and cherished memories.

Ron fought a courageous seven-year battle with cancer, facing each challenge with remarkable strength and grace. He dedicated many years to BC Rail, where his commitment and work ethic left a lasting impression. Outside of work, he found joy in the great outdoors, spending countless days camping, fishing, and enjoying the companionship of his beloved dogs.

Ron was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Nellie Karachok.

He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Kathy; his sister, Deb (Eugene); his niece, Stacey (Auden), and nephew, Landry (Bev). Ron is also survived by his stepchildren, Trevor (Allison) and Jennifer (Curtis), as well as his treasured stepgrandchildren, Shealyn, Casey, Frederick, and Nelly. Additionally, Ron is survived by his brothers-in-law, Don (Marilyn), Ken, and Keith (Ruby).

frontdesk@pgcitizen.ca or call 250.562.2441

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Lamb and the staff at the cancer clinic, Dr. Wooldridge, and the compassionate teams at UNHBC and Hospice House, whose care and kindness provided comfort during Ron’s final journey.

In keeping with Ron’s wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Prince George Hospice House in Ron’s memory.

Ron will be remembered as a man who loved deeply, lived fully, and left behind a legacy of warmth and kindness.

May he rest in peace.

Ronald Michael Karachok

Peter Phillip Broessler

Happy 90th Birthday Richard Lazar

Gerald Jameson

On December 27, 2024, Gerald passed peacefully surrounded by family after losing a short battle with cancer at the age of 67. He was predeceased by his parents William and Ellen Jameson.

Jerry leaves behind his loving wife Cindy, sons Cameron and Ryan and daughter Amanda (Jason). He will be missed by his granddaughters Addison and Emery, Charlette, Maisy and Brenna.

A service will be held at the Evangelical Free Church - January 25, 2025 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the PG Hospice House.

Dorothy (Dot) Range

April 23, 1931 - December 19, 2024

Not missing Ted anymore. Now dancing together In the glow of headlights On a gravel road. A wonderful lady. Will be missed.

Hark when the night is falling Hear-hear the pipes are calling Loudly and proudly calling Down through the glen Where-where the hills are sleeping Now feel the blood a-leaping High as the spirits of the old island men

Dorothy Gladys Zastre (nee Godson) passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025 at Gemstone Care Facility in Kamloops, BC. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years John Zastre, and their children Monique Zastre, Michael Zastre, Tony Zastre (Tina), Lucille Zastre (Matt) and Theresa Ramgren (Fred). She is also lovinglyremembered by her grandchildren ErinKugi (Mike), Sean Mulholland, Michael Doolittle, Victoria Marroquin (Jerson), Amanda Ramgren, Rebecca Ramgren and three great-grandchildren Scarlett, Miles and Felix. She is also survived by her sister Jean Momney of Windsor Ontario, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was born in Winnipeg, the youngest of four girls, in 1937. She met her true love, John, on Valentine’s Day in 1955 in Winnipeg and they were married in 1958 in Vancouver BC.

Throughout the years, Dorothy and John built a life together in Vancouver, Prince George, Cache Creek, and finally Kamloops.

She was an avid reader of mystery novels, loved crossword and jigsaw puzzles, loved music (Especially Roy Orbison), and was an excellent dancer.

Her family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr Sigalet and the care team at Gemstone, especially on the Copper Ward.

Donations in her memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation and/or to the Kamloops Chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association are greatly appreciated.

A memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on

Lloyd Cyril Cooke

June 8, 1929 - January 6, 2024

On January 6th our dear Uncle Lloyd passed in his sleep, as we promised, in his home.

Lloyd was a wonderful caring husband, brother, Uncle and friend. He will be missed by all.

His nephews and nieces have many lasting memories running around on their beautiful lawn playing tag, kick the can and hide n seek, were our favorites! Also we’ll never forget Auntie and Uncles bountiful garden.

Every child has a special place in their memory, the memories at 3342 Underhill are mine and will never be forgotten. I will never forget you Uncle Lloyd. Love, your son Curtis.

Survived by brothers Earl and Barry, sister Charmaine and the many nieces, nephews and their families.

Special thank you to our amazing cousin Gwen for her love and support. XOXO

Sincerely, the Cooke Boys

Dorothy Gladys Zastre (nee Godson)

Classifieds

HAY FOR SALE

5x5 Round Bales

Net Wrapped Stored In Shed $165.00 Each 250-614-6667

250-568-2338

Firewood

BIRCH Firewood in 20 foot lengths. Delivered by dumptruck load. $1100. or bucked to length $1300 per load delivered 250- 614-6667

3 BEDROOM DUPLEX

1749 GORSE ST FRIDGE AND STOVE NO PETS REFERENCES REQ’D $2250/ MO + UTILITIES

250-614-6667

250-568-2338

New Forest Stewardship Plan

First Nations Woodland Licence: N2T

A new Forest Stewardship Plan has been prepared for First Nation Woodland Licence N2T located at Fort Ware and surrounding area. The licence is held by Kwadacha Nation’s economic development corporation, OBO Forest Management General Partnership (GP). The new plan will cover the period 2025 to 2030. In accordance with the Forest Planning and Practices Regulation, a copy of the Forest Stewardship Plan and map is available for public review and comment during regular office hours (8:00 am to 4:00 pm) between the period of January 23 to March 24, 2025 at the following locations:

• Industrial Forestry Service Ltd. (IFS) located at 1595 Fifth Avenue, Prince George, BC

• Kwadacha Natural Resources Office located in Fort Ware, BC

To arrange an appointment to review the plan or to obtain a copy of the plan, please contact Mike Trepanier by phone or email as indicated below. Written comments should be received no later than March 28, 2025 and be addressed to:

Mike Trepanier, RPF

Industrial Forestry Service Ltd. 1595 Fifth Avenue

Prince George, BC V2L 3L9

Phone: (250) 564-4115, extension 2249

Email: mtrepanier@industrialforestry.ca

WAREHOUSEMAN’S LIEN ACT

Whereas the following are indebted to Ace Auto Wrecking Ltd., dba NC Ron’s Towing, for towing and storage of personal property, and ought to have been paid, and are still unpaid, notice is hereby given that the said properties will be sold to pay the outstanding debt, plus costs of seizure, advertising and sale, one week from the date of this notice on the 30th day of January, 2025, at 1360 Foley Cres, Prince George, BC

Name Year/make Model VIN

Unknown 2004 Volkswagen Jetta 3VWVH29M74M027616 5,149.70

Jesse Briault 2004 Volkswagen Passat WVWPD63B14P244594 4,220.97

Tennille Jean Milkovich 1996 Harley Davidson 1HD4CAM10TY201970 3,990.30

Wynona Louie 2008 Chevrolet Malibu 1G1ZG57B98F166820 3,851.46

Marie Morin 2016 Dodge Journey 3C4PDCCGXGT230073 3,790.92

Evangeline MacMillan 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 1D7HU18N62S666712 3,678.03

Victor Edwards 1996 Honda Accord 1HGCD5634TA809582 3,317.02

Easy Road Auto Inc 2011 Chevrolet Malibu 1G1ZD5EU9BF370800 3,184.55

Juston Doherty 1999 Ford F250 2FTPX28L9XCB06647 3,302.41

Quentin Comeau 2008 Jeep Compass 1J8FF47W58D575167 3,311.13

Greta Woods 2019 Jeep Cherokee 1C4PJLABXKD429137 3,274.12

Brandy Gross 2005 GMC Jimmy 1GKCT18X85K119037 3,134.21

Darcy Tomah 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 3GNEK12T75G296237 3,058.39

Julian Wich 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 1D7HU18DX4J160087 2,929.41

Jesse Boake 2008 Mazda Mazda 3 JM1BK34F581113872 2,761.00

Annie Brown 2002 Ford F250 1FTNX21L82EA54450 2,906.17

Marina Connors 1993 Lincoln Mark 8 1LNLM91V9PY625150 2,742.04

Kappil Contracting on Deman 1998 Toyota Sienna 4T3ZF19C2WU088966 2,425.68

Booking deadline: Friday noon

Approval deadline: Monday at noon

250.562.2441

APPLICATION FOR PRIVATE BILLS

NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to Standing Order 97 of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, applications for Private Bills must be filed with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly not later than 14 days after the opening of a Session. A new Session is expected to open on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

Applications for Private Bills must conform to Standing Orders 97-115 of the Legislative Assembly (available online at www.leg.bc.ca). For further information, please contact the Office of the Clerk, Room 221, Parliament Buildings, Victoria, BC V8V 1X4, Tel: 250-387-3785, E-mail:OfficeoftheClerk@leg.bc.ca.

Kate Ryan-Lloyd Clerk of the Legislative Assembly

FULL-TIME REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST

Dr. Mirko Pellizzari in Quesnel is hiring a FULL-TIME REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST 54-58$ per hour depending on experience. $5,000.00 signing bonus. Contact Debbi for more details at 250-992-2511 or send resumes to drmpellizzari96@gmail.com

Dease River First Nation NOTICE OF ELECTION Nominated Candidates

Notice is hereby provided that an election for Chief and Four (4) Councillors will be held on January 24, 2025, in the Dease River First Nation office in Good Hope Lake BC. The election will be conducted according to the Regulations for the Custom Election of the Chief and Council of the Dease River Indian Band.

Nominated Candidates

The following candidates have been nominated:

Chief Johnny, Carol Ann Manygreyhorses, Myles

Councillor

Carlick, Crystal Rose Carlick, Kevin

Carlick, Priscilla

Johnny, Christian

Who Can Vote

Johnny, Edna Ella Johnny, Michael Johnny, Raymond Johnny, Ruby Malone, James

Members of the Dease River First Nation who will be sixteen (16) years old and older on January 24, 2025 may vote. A membership list is attached to this notice. If you believe that there is someone missing from the list or if you believe that there is someone on the list who should not be, contact the Electoral Officer at drfn-eo@shaw.ca

There are a number of members for whom there is no current contact information, and this is noted on the voter list posted on the DRFN web site. If you have any information about these members, please provide that to the Electoral Officer at drfn-eo@shaw.ca

How to Vote

Eligible voters may vote in-person at a poll in the Dease River First Nation Band Office in the community of Good Hope Lake on January 24, 2025. The poll will be open from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm Mountain Time.

Eligible voters may also vote electronically by Internet or telephone from 9:00 am on January 15, 2025 until the close of the poll at 7:00 p.m. January 24, 2025. PINs and instructions for electronic voting will be sent to all members for whom we have a valid email address or cell phone number.

There will be no proxy voting. There will be no Advance Polls. There will be no in-person polls outside of the poll in Good Hope Lake on January 24th.

Questions about the election should be directed to the Electoral Officer.

This notice is dated January 9, 2025. Kit Spence

Electoral Officer – Dease River First Nation Toll Free: 1-877-541-9017

Text: (250) 881-0142

drfn-eo@shaw.ca

https://www.deaseriverfirstnation.com

BUYING

Coin Collections, Old Coins, Royal CDN Mint Coins, Antique Paper Money, Sterling Silver, Gold, Jewelry, Bullion, Rifles & Ammo Todd 250-864-3521

DOORS, WINDOWS, SIDING

Rememberance Day - Remember Small Repairs GREAT NORTHERN SIDING & WINDOWS

BBB Acredited

BBQ melted siding repair, gutter cleaning and repair downspout repair and replacement, window replacement siding, soffit and fascia repair and replacement HUGE SAVINGS

Act: Notice of Application for a Disposition of

Take notice that CITY WEST CABLE & TELEPHONE CORP. from PRINCE RUPERT, BC, have applied to the Ministry of Forests (MOF) Smithers, for a Licence of Occupation for a telecommunication line that will be used to connect residential homes with direct fiber to the home network, situated in the vicinity of Cluculz Lake, UNSURVEYED CROWN FORESHORE BEING PART OF THE BED OF CLUCULZ LAKE, TOGETHER WITH PART OF DISTRICT LOTS 4971, 940, 1719, 1140 AND PART OF W1/2, DISTRICT LOT 1417, CARIBOO DISTRICT, containing 2.67 hectares, more or less.

The Lands File for this application is 7410328. Please visit the website at https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ to view the application and submit comments online. Alternatively, written comments can be directed to the Authorizations Specialist, WLRS, at Bag 5000 – 3726 Alfred Ave, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0. Comments will be received by MOF up to February 14, 2025. MOF may not be able to consider comments received after this date.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. For information, contact the Freedom of Information Advisor at Ministry of Forests operations’ office in Smithers.

* On Feb. 3, 1953, French oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau published a memoir co-written with Frederic Dumas, “The Silent World,” about his time exploring the oceans. It was made into an Oscar-winning documentary directed by Louis Malle three years later, the success of which allowed Cousteau to retire from the navy and devote himself full time to oceanography.

* On Feb. 4, 1913, Rosa Louise McCauley, better known to us today by her married name of Rosa Parks, was born in Tuskegee, Alabama. The lifelong civil rights activist’s refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus to a white man in 1955 remains a defining moment of America’s civil rights movement.

* On Feb. 5, 2012, 36-year-old Josh Powell, who had been labeled a person of interest in the 2009 disappearance of his 28-yearold wife, Susan, locked out a social worker before killing himself and his two young sons, Braden and Charlie, by setting fire to his Graham, Washington, home. Susan Powell’s remains have still not been found.

• 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 Feb. 6, 1928, a woman calling herself Anastasia Tchaikovsky (later Anna Anderson) and claiming to be the youngest daughter of murdered Russian czar Nicholas II arrived in New York City. Though she fought for recognition of that identity for more than 50 years, it was never verified.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Your batteries should be fully recharged by now, making you more than eager to get back into the swing of things full-time. Try to stay focused so that you don’t dissipate your energies.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You’re eager to charge straight ahead into your new responsibilities. But you’ll have to paw the ground a little longer until a surprise complication is worked out.

• 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.’”

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Rival factions are pressuring you to take a stand favoring one side or the other. But this isn’t the time to play judge. Bow out as gracefully as possible without committing yourself to any position.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22)

Reassure a longtime, trusted confidante that you appreciate their words of advice. But at this time, you need to act on what you perceive to be your own sense of selfinterest.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) You need to let your warm Leonine heart fire up that new relationship if you hope to see it move from the “just friends” level to one that will be as romantic as you could hope for.

• 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.”

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) There’s still time to repair a misunderstanding with an honest explanation and a heartfelt apology. The sooner you do, the sooner you can get on with other matters.

• 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.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)

Expect a temporary setback as you progress toward your goal. Use this time to reexamine your plans and see where you might need to make some significant changes.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Some missteps are revealed as the cause of current problems in a personal or professional partnership. Make the necessary adjustments, then move on.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Jupiter’s influence helps you work through a pesky problem and allows your naturally jovial attitude to reemerge stronger than ever. Enjoy your success!

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19)

Set aside your usual reluctance to change, and consider reassessing your financial situation so that you can build on its strengths and minimize its weaknesses.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Some recently acquired information helps open up a dark part of the past. Resolve to put what you’ve learned to good use. Meanwhile, travel plans continue to be favored.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Act on your own keen instincts. Your strong Piscean backbone will support you as someone attempts to pressure you into a decision that you’re not ready to make.

The Benefits of a Good Home Humidifier During Winter

As winter arrives and temperatures drop, so does the humidity in the air. Dry indoor air is a common problem during the colder months due to the increased use of heating systems. This lack of moisture can lead to a variety of issues, from health concerns to damage to your home and belongings. Investing in a good home humidifier can help combat these problems, offering numerous benefits to improve your comfort and overall quality of life during the winter.I

One of the most significant benefits of a humidifier is its ability to relieve respiratory discomfort. Dry air can irritate your nasal passages and throat, making you more susceptible to colds, sinus infections, and flu. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping to keep your respiratory system hydrated. This can alleviate congestion, reduce coughing, and make it easier to breathe, especially

door starts here Homes & Living

for those with asthma or allergies.

Winter often brings dry, itchy, and cracked skin due to the low humidity levels. This can worsen conditions like eczema or dermatitis. A humidifier helps to restore moisture to the air, preventing your skin from drying out. This added humidity keeps your skin softer and healthier, reducing the need for excessive lotions and creams.

Dry air doesn’t just affect your health—it can also harm your home and belongings. Wood furniture, floors, and instruments like guitars or pianos can shrink, crack, or warp in low-humidity environments. A humidifier maintains a stable level of moisture in the air, preserving these items and preventing costly repairs.

Humidified air feels warmer than dry air because moisture helps retain heat. By using a humidifier, you may feel more

comfortable at a lower thermostat setting, potentially saving on heating costs. This added comfort can make long winter nights more bearable and improve overall home satisfaction.

Dry air can cause snoring and discomfort during sleep due to a dry throat and nasal passages. A humidifier helps to keep these areas hydrated, promoting better sleep quality for you and your family. It also creates a soothing environment by reducing airborne irritants and white noise from the humidifier itself, which can aid relaxation.

Viruses, such as the flu, tend to thrive in dry conditions. By increasing the humidity in your home, a humidifier can reduce the spread of airborne viruses, helping to keep your household healthier during flu season.

A good home humidifier is a valuable tool during the winter months. It improves

your health, safeguards your home, and enhances your overall comfort. Selecting a high-quality humidifier that suits your specific requirements ensures that you can enjoy the colder months without the drawbacks of dry indoor air.

GO FOR GOLD.

Ice melt alternatives Cleaning solution alternatives

Finding effective and eco-friendly cleaning solutions can be a game-changer for maintaining a clean home while being mindful of the environment. Fortunately, there are several natural alternatives that are just as effective.

One popular option is vinegar, which is a versatile and powerful cleaner. It can be used to clean glass, remove stains, and even disinfect surfaces. Mixing vinegar with water creates an excellent all-purpose cleaner. For tougher stains, adding baking soda can enhance its cleaning power.

Lemon juice is another fantastic natural cleaner. Its acidity makes it effective at cutting through grease and grime. Lemon juice can be used to clean cutting boards, remove stains from fabrics, and even polish metal surfaces. Plus, it leaves a fresh, citrusy scent.

Baking soda is a staple in natural cleaning. Its abrasive nature makes it perfect for scrubbing surfaces without scratching them. Baking soda can be used to clean sinks, countertops, and even deodorize carpets. When combined with vinegar, it

creates a fizzy reaction that can help unclog drains.

Castile soap is a plant-based soap that is gentle yet effective. It can be used to clean almost anything, from dishes to floors. Diluting castile soap with water creates a mild, all-purpose cleaner that is safe for most surfaces.

Lastly, essential oils can be added to homemade cleaning solutions for their antibacterial properties and pleasant scents. Tea tree oil, lavender oil, and eucalyptus oil are popular choices. They not only enhance the cleaning power but also leave your home smelling wonderful.

Ice melt alternatives to salt are becoming increasingly popular due to their reduced environmental impact and lower corrosive effects. Traditional rock salt, or sodium chloride, is effective at melting ice but can cause significant damage to infrastructure, plants, and water sources. As a result, many people are seeking safer and more sustainable options.

One common alternative is sand. While sand does not melt ice, it provides traction on slippery surfaces, making it a practical choice for improving safety. It is inexpensive and readily available, but it can be messy and may clog drains if not used carefully.

Calcium chloride is another effective ice melt alternative. It works at lower temperatures than salt and acts quickly to melt ice. However, it is more expensive and can be corrosive to concrete and metal surfaces. Despite these drawbacks, its efficiency makes it a popular choice in extremely cold climates.

Magnesium chloride is similar to calcium chloride in that it is effective at lower temperatures and less corrosive than salt. It is

also more environmentally friendly, though it can still cause some harm. Its higher cost is a consideration, but its benefits often outweigh this drawback.

Kitty litter is a readily available and inexpensive option that provides traction without melting ice. It can be messy and may require frequent reapplication, but it is a practical choice for those looking for a simple solution

These are just a few of the many alternatives to traditional rock salt for melting ice. By considering factors such as cost, effectiveness, environmental impact, and availability, it is possible to find a suitable ice melt alternative that meets your specific requirements.

Pankaj Sharma

Sarah Pineau

Mackenzie