Prince George Citizen January 2, 2025

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Fighting a fire on Christmas Eve

Volunteer firefighters from Red Rock/Stoner were assisted by crews from other area halls when the weigh scales building on Highway 97 south of Prince George went up in flames on the morning of Christmas Eve. One firefighter suffered minor injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation. See the story on Page 3.

Rustad’s Conservatives probing fall election issues

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

BC’s new opposition leader is planning to release a report into the 2024 provincial election early in the new year.

Speaking with The Citizen on Monday, Dec. 23 to go over a 2024 that saw the Conservative Party of BC earn its best electoral results since forming a majority in 1949, party leader John Rustad said he’s received lots of questions about why the party didn’t question the results.

“I did that intentionally for two reasons,” Rustad said. “First of all, I wanted to make sure that I support democracy

and the democratic process, but I also wanted to give us time to do some research and to look into the issues and bring things forward at the appropriate time.

“I’m looking forward to January because we’re actually going to be bringing forward a report on what we have found from the election and why we need to be able to have an independent review of not just the election results, but also Elections BC.”

Multiple errors were noted by Elections BC in the aftermath of the Oct. 19 election.

In Surrey-Guildford, the agency responsible for running provincial elections discovered while getting ready for a judicial recount that 14 votes hadn’t been counted the first time around. There were similar errors in Kelowna Centre.

Around the same time, Elections BC discovered that an entire ballot box containing 861 votes wasn’t counted on election night in Prince George-Mackenzie and applied for a judicial recount in the district.

However, the missing ballots weren’t enough to swing the results away from

Conservative candidate Kiel Giddens, who ended up with 6,068 more votes than the person with the next highest number of votes, BC NDP candidate Shar McCrory.

In the wake of these errors, Premier David Eby proposed the creation of an all-party committee to investigate what went wrong.

Asked whether his party’s findings indicated wrongdoing or plain human error, Rustad declined to elaborate further.

“Unfortunately, I’m not going to reveal what we found so far,” he said. “But we are putting it together and we’ll be revealing all of that information certainly by mid-January at the latest.”

PG Humane Society preparing for expanded city role

The organization will now handle stray animal intake and adoptions

The City of Prince George and the Prince George Humane Society will soon be partnering with a new location opening in 2025.

It will be at 4011 Lansdowne Rd. The partnership is under a five-year contract with the option for a three-year renewal. This agreement came after the BC SPCA’s contract ended, with the city offering a $1,209,315 contract to the Humane Society. The SPCA will still continue its work in the city including working with bylaw in handling animal cruelty investigations.

The new location will offer community animal shelter services that will handle stray animal intake and adoption services for both cats and dogs.

The Humane Society has also decided to keep its current location on First Avenue open as to well allow for an expansion of services.

“We have a lot of programs and services that we believe would benefit

the community as well as the city,” said Humane Society president Angela McLaren.

“That includes working with pets with behavioural issues but also working on providing services for low-income community members. We’ve recognized that shelters are pretty overwhelmed with the number of animals that have been surrendered ... We felt that we needed to create solutions to prevent animals from coming into the shelters, we just couldn’t continue with our old

capacity. That’s a program we believe that with the city we can provide some additional support to the community members.”

The First Avenue location will specifically be the cat adoption and humane education centre and will continue to offer the same services and programs as before with no interruption expected.

As McLaren notes, this new location is expected to increase community engagement and volunteering efforts.

“I know a lot of people didn’t necessarily volunteer at the First Avenue location because we didn’t always have dogs, but now there will be opportunities for people to get involved with socializing and walking dogs, so we want to encourage people to go to our website and put in a volunteer application,” she said.

If you are looking to help out the Humane Society in the new year applications can be found at www.pghumanesociety.ca.

Rustad

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

HUMANE SOCIETY PHOTO

The Prince George Humane Society finds new homes for animals in need.

Red Rock weigh scale station lost to fire

CITIZEN STAFF

The Red Rock Inspection Station weigh scale facility on Highway 97 south of Prince George was lost to fire early on the morning of Christmas Eve.

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George reported Tuesday that the first call came in at 6:22 a.m. At about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday a passing truck driver took a photo of the building fully involved with flames visible on the roof and in the windows.

Fire crews from the Red Rock/Stoner volunteer fire department were the first on the scene, with assistance coming from the Buckhorn, Pineview, and Ferndale/Tabor volunteer fire departments. In all, 24 firefighters took part.

One firefighter suffered minor injuries. Damage is estimated at $850,000.

According to the Ministry of Transport and Transit there was nobody in

the building when the fire started. The cause is under investigation by the RCMP.

Ministry spokeperson Murray Sinclair said safety enforcement will continue with Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement staff being redeployed to mobile patrols and the weigh scales at Prince George North (on the Hart Highway, 6.6 km north of downtown) and Vanderhoof.

The building, 30 kilometres south of Prince George, opened on Oct. 16, 2010.

The facility is equipped with weighin-motion technology, which can remotely weigh and measure commercial vehicles for compliance at highway speeds. When it opened it was part of the province’s Weigh2GoBC initiative, a network of nine intelligent inspection stations along B.C. highways.

With files from Ted Clarke and Matthew Hillier

This was the scene of an early-morning fire at the Red Rock Inspection Station along Highway 97, 30 kilometres south of Prince George.

CITIZEN

Volunteer firefighters deal with the aftermath of a fire at the Red Rock weigh scales on Christmas Eve.

New MLA Bird puts emphasis on community relations

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Rosalyn Bird says she’s noticed a change in her discussions with area residents since getting elected this fall.

On Oct. 19, Bird was elected as the BC Conservative MLA for Prince George-Valemount, succeeding Shirley Bond after her 23 years in the Legislative Assembly.

The former naval officer received 55.2 per cent of vote cast, beating out BC NDP candidate Clay Pountney and Green candidate Gwen Johannson.

“It’s been an interesting journey,” Bird reflected in a Dec. 20 interview looking back at 2024 and looking ahead to 2025. “It’s been quite different since the election than before the election. The types of things that people are bringing to you or talking to you, they’re much more individual-focused rather than community-focused.”

That’s not to say that Bird is shifting her focus away from the communities she now serves.

On Dec. 15, a public memorial service was held for the late former BC Premier John Horgan received. Bird said she would have loved to attend, but she’d already committed to attending a Christmas Party held by members of the local Filipino community.

She said she felt heading into the election that there was a disconnect between people and their elected officials at all levels of government.

“People are starting to get more vocal about that and the fact that they’re wanting to see change,” Bird said. “I also think that post-COVID, people were very frustrated that they couldn’t reach people whether it was in a mayor’s office, whether it was a BC services office. There was this point in time where it was very, very difficult to get anything done.”

This was something Bird said she heard a lot about while knocking on doors during the campaign and she thinks part of party leader John Rustad’s success was a promise that the BC Conservatives would handle things differently.

Going to community events is part of that process.

“(It’s about) getting out there, talking to people and being communicative and letting them know that you’re there to hear their voices and concerns,” Bird said.

As a member of the party’s board of directors, Bird said she always believed that Rustad should be party leader. She also said she was “very hopeful” they would form government, but she’s not unhappy with the Tories being just two seats shy of the NDP in their first stint as Official Opposition since 1937.

Her faith in Rustad and the party was repaid when she was named to Rustad’s shadow cabinet as critic for citizen services.

Bird said she doesn’t think a lot of people realize just how big the portfolio is and what it entails. The ministry handles files like Service BC offices, the province’s IT strategy, BC Services Cards, properties and real estate services, government filings, open government documents, freedom of information requests and internet connectivity. Among those mandates, Bird said connectivity is one of her priorities. After the pandemic, she said a lot of people learned how important connectivity is for their physical, mental and spiritual health and communities learned how important it is for their

economic health.

Connectivity is especially important for her constituents in the Robson Valley, she said, given the area’s focus on tourism. She also said it’s important for rural and northern communities, especially for First Nations.

While she said she wouldn’t frame the situation as Jasper’s loss being her constituency’s gain, Bird said some people who would have visited the national park before its devastating fire this past summer might be interested in visiting the Robson Valley for its backcountry recreational activities and those opportunities need to be communicated to potential tourists.

One of her party’s priorities, she said, is to boost economic development and employment opportunities. One of the areas she said she believes will be key to that is boosting the fortunes of BC’s resource sector.

On that front, she said she’s supportive of her Prince George-Mackenzie caucus colleague Kiel Giddens to deal with a foreign subsidy issue that Tidewater Renewables said is making it difficult for its Prince George diesel refinery to compete.

Bird also wants to help the province’s forestry industry.

“I am exploring a project currently in the McBride area with a private investor

who is wanting to open a pellet plant,” Bird said.

The MLA’s other focuses for her constituency include looking into bringing a new hospital to the Robson Valley and improving road safety for Highway 5 between Tête Jaune Cache and Kamloops.

When the NDP and Greens announced their post-election confidence and supply agreement, the parties agreed that they would work together “to implement frequent, reliable, affordable regional transit on key interregional routes,” including Highway 16.

Transportation along the corridor is important, Bird said, especially for people travelling to and from medical appointments.

“There has to be a solid and well thought out transportation plan to address those types of things, but particularly around health care,” she said. She said she’d also like to see more detox and publicly-funded recovery beds for those recovering from addictions, as well as wraparound supports. While her constituency office isn’t open for business yet, Bird said hopefully it’ll be ready in the new year. In the meantime, constituents can reach her by emailing Rosalyn.Bird.MLA@leg. bc.ca or calling her assistant Wanda Jones at 778-744-8598.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird, a retired Navy officer, speaks during this past November’s Remembrance Day ceremony at the Civic Centre.

Giddens hits the ground running as newly elected MLA

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The new MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie says he went into his role as an elected official with “eyes wide open.”

The Citizen sat down with Kiel Giddens, the BC Conservative representative for that constituency, on Dec. 20 to go over his busy 2024 and look ahead to his work in 2025.

Though it’s his first time as an elected official, Giddens worked in the BC Legislature for six years, including stints as chief of staff for multiple cabinet ministers under the last BC United government, when the party was still known as the BC Liberals.

“I knew what I was getting into,” Giddens said. “I understand the role and want to hit the ground running here.”

While the job itself isn’t a surprise to Giddens, the way he got there was unexpected.

Of the three new Prince George MLAs elected in the Oct. 19 provincial election, Giddens had the most complicated path to the Legislature.

On Sept. 24, 2023, Giddens was nominated as BC United’s candidate for Prince George-Mackenzie, stepping in for Mike Morris who decided against running again.

In late August, party leader Kevin Falcon announced BC United was suspending its campaign to avoid vote splitting with the rising BC Conservatives. In the aftermath, the Tories replaced School District 57 trustee Rachael Weber with Giddens. Weber then ran as an independent.

On election day, Giddens took home a win with 60.92 per cent of the votes cast. He was later named to Opposition Leader John Rustad’s shadow cabinet as labour critic.

“If you’d asked me then I would have been very surprised,” Giddens said of that turn of events.

“But the reason I put my name forward was I saw that these legacy parties needed to renew and they weren’t doing the renewal process that was necessary. So, I tried in earnest to be a

renewal voice within that party but they just weren’t listening. That’s why the Conservative Party gained success and momentum.”

With the NDP only holding onto their majority by two seats and a supply agreement with the BC Greens, Giddens said his new party will “hold them to account every step of the way.”

One of his early efforts on that front has been to push the government to change rules governing renewable diesel subsidies.

Giddens has written a private member’s bill that would amend the Low Carbon Fuels Act so that foreign supplies of renewable diesel have any subsidies they receive in BC reduced by the same amount as foreign subsidies they receive.

Under the current situation, Giddens has said that foreign producers are double-dipping on subsidies, allowing them to offer product at a lower price than those within the province. He’s said this has specifically affected the Tidewater Renewables diesel refinery in Prince George, which opened last year.

Tidewater’s CEO told The Citizen that this situation has left them unable to compete and might have to close their facility by March if not addressed.

Going into a new session, the office of the clerk of the Legislature holds a draw to see which MLAs will be allowed to introduce their private member’s bills. Giddens said his name came up fourth.

However, the Legislature isn’t set to resume until Feb. 18, which is why he said he’s been raising the issue publicly to spur quicker action.

Elsewhere in his constituency, Giddens said he’d like to work on getting better healthcare results, calling programming introduced by the NDP like the urgent and primary care clinics as a “band-aid solution.”

He said Mackenzie’s emergency room has closed “too many times to count in 2024” and that patients in both Prince George and Mackenzie have struggled to find family doctors or receive surgeries.

On the reconciliation front, Giddens said party representatives met with Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan a couple of weeks ago. He said they spoke of the First Nation’s priorities for mental health and addictions as well as the community’s desire to have its different locations separated by the Fraser River connected by a bridge.

As labour critic, Giddens said he wants to see what the province can do to improve the climate for small businesses and various sectors, specifically the forestry sector.

He’s expecting the government to reveal its labour code review at some point and wants to address the ratio of public-to-private sector jobs being created in BC.

“Since Eby came in as premier in 2022, we’ve had a ratio of 12 pubilc sector jobs for every one private sector job created in this province,” Giddens said.

“That is completely unsustainable and we’re the only province in Canada where it’s that stark of a contrast.

Giddens said he doesn’t have any constituency offices set up yet, though he intends to open them in both Prince George and Mackenzie. In Prince George, he said he’s looking to take over the lease for former Morris’ office, but that process is being handled through the Legislature and he’s not sure when it will be finished.

In the meantime, constituents can reach him by sending an email to Kiel.Giddens.MLA@leg.bc.ca.

HANDOUT PHOTO

Kiel Giddens holds a copy of The Citizen with a front-page story about the election of three new Conservative MLAs in Prince George ridings.

Clare plans to investigate higher Cariboo gas prices

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

It’s been less than two months since he was sworn in, but new Prince George-North Cariboo Conservative MLA Sheldon Clare says he’s already had a surreal moment.

When attending former premier John Horgan’s funeral in Colwood on Dec. 15, Clare said he sat behind some very notable guests.

“It was kind of surreal sitting a few rows behind the prime minister and the leader of the federal opposition and seeing the premier about a few rows away, seeing all of these people I’ve watched on the news for years smiling at me,” Clare said.

Another cool experience Clare said he’d had was bringing out his bagpipes and playing them in the Legislature’s rotunda.

Despite his new position, he said he’s not trying to have people standing on ceremony. Similar to when he was a College of New Caledonia instructor, Clare said he invites people to call him Sheldon, rather than professor, MLA Clare or anything else.

It could be said that Clare had the most difficult route to getting elected back in October. Prince George-North Cariboo was the only constituency including Prince George where the incumbent was running for re-election.

Rather than swap parties when BC United suspended its campaign to avoid vote splitting with the Tories, Coralee Oakes ran as an independent.

However, Oakes managed just 21.84 per cent of the vote compared to Clare’s 56.82 per cent.

All three Prince George MLAs were given key roles in the Conservative caucus. However, unlike his peers, Clare was not given a critic portfolio but was instead named deputy whip.

“That actually has been quite a lot of fun,” Clare said. “I really enjoy the caucus we have. We have a varied caucus with some very smart and strongwilled people who have brilliant ideas. Everybody’s learning how to express themselves.”

Clare and whip Bruce Banman have already faced one test of caucus unity.

Surrey-Cloverdale Conservative MLA Elenore Sturko publicly commented that it was right for the Vancouver Police Board to accept the resignation of vice-chair Comfort Sakoma-Fadugba after social media comments made by the latter criticizing mass immigration, Diwali celebrations at schools and gender transitions surfaced.

Afterwards, a leaked letter from 13 Tory MLAs including Prince George-Valemount representative Rosalyn Bird requested that party leader John Rustad order Sturko to issue a written apology to Sakoma-Fadugba. Sturko has stood her ground thus far.

“I think it’s actually a really good thing that’s happened as early on as it has, because what this does is it clears the air to a certain extent,” Clare said.

“People get to align their positions on issues clearly. We also make sure that the conservative values are understood and made clear, as well as folks who have views which are not necessarily aligned with some of their colleagues are also able to be heard.”

Going forward, Clare thinks the party can learn how to disagree in a polite and respectful way from this experience. Some Quesnel residents have felt they’re being gouged by gas prices. According to GasBuddy.com on Dec. 23, the cheapest gas in Quesnel was 152.9 cents per litre. The Costco gas bar in Prince George, which is members only, was reported to have a price of 142.9 cents per litre the same day. The next cheapest was Super Save Gas at 144.9 cents per litre.

In Williams Lake, GasBuddy said the cheapest price was 149.9 cents per litre.

On Dec. 5, My Cariboo Now reported that the BC Utilities Commission was sending letters to fuel retailers in Quesnel. On that day, the outlet said the average gas price was 159.9 cents per litre.

“There’s a pretty clear pattern of a slightly higher fuel price regime in the Quesnel area,” Clare said. “There are people who have been tracking it quite thoroughly and documenting the difference.”

He said he has written to the BCUC about the situation and continues to

investigate it. Another issue he’s been engaging with is highway maintenance.

After Prince George hosts the BC Natural Resources Forum from Jan. 14 to 16, 2025, Clare said he’s hosting a “transportation summit.”

“We’ve invited the Minister of Transportation (Mike) Farnworth to Quesnel and we want to point out the need for significant investment in infrastructure maintenance and rebuilding,” Clare said.

“We’re also providing slides on a few areas that also cause problems.”

Other focuses of Clare’s heading into 2025 are health-care recruitment, crime, addictions, and competition issues raised by Tidewater Renewables regarding its Prince George diesel refinery.

Clare has already picked up the keys for his Quesnel constituency office and hopes to open it in early January.

He’s also working on finding another office in Prince George.

He can be reached by email at Sheldon.Clare.MLA@leg.bc.ca. To follow his work going forward, Clare said people can keep an eye on his social media pages.

Sheldon Clare was elected as the Conservative MLA for Prince George-North Cariboo in the Oct. 19 provincial election. He was later named deputy whip.

TNG welcomes charges over Mount Polley disaster

ANDIE MOLLINS Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG) is welcoming the recent charges related to the Mount Polley mining disaster, saying they are “long overdue.”

The governing body for six autonomous nations situated in British Columbia’s Chilcotin region, TNG has been calling for Indigenous-led monitoring, assessment and action involving the ongoing discharge of mining waste into their waters.

“The Mount Polley breach has shown everyone that mining practices in British Columbia have a long way to go in protection of lands, waters and animals,” said Troy Baptiste, Nits’ilin (chief) of Esdilagh First Nation (Alexandria) in a Dec. 18 press release.

“Our natural environment sustains us – why aren’t we all making a greater effort to protect it?”

Chair of TNG Nits’ilin Joe Alphonse said the Mount Polley mine disaster has had an “extremely negative impact” on the nation’s traditional fishing practices, causing many to step away from fishing in the Fraser River for fear of contamination.

“Instead of ensuring the right thing was done for salmon, the province dealt with the breach by issuing more mining permits to Mount Polley,” Alphonse said.

TNG said years later, the province still hasn’t addressed the nation’s concerns regarding the continued discharge of mining waste into both the Quesnel Lake and the Fraser River, the former resulting from Mount Polley’s ongoing operations, and the latter from the Gibraltar Mine.

The press release said Mount Polley’s ongoing discharge of tailings into the Quesnel Lake, without using sophisticated water treatment methods, is an “unacceptable mining practice.”

PG Community Foundation wraps another year of giving

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

It’s unlikely that you haven’t heard or seen at least some of the Prince George Community Foundation’s impact on this city.

With events, fundraisers, community gathering and celebrations, they have been prolific in both giving and community engagement in 2024.

Some of these community events and stories include the 24th Annual FARR/ WIC Golf Tournament, Legacy Giving Seminar and the PG Cougars Mega 50/50 Jackpot, among others.

As well, the organization raised a total of $94,434 through its Community Impact Grant in December to fund local non-profits like Scouts Canada’s Camp Hughes, Canadian Red Cross (Prince George), Prince George Conservatory of Music, The Exploration Place and the Pacific Autism Family Network.

Researchers set up sites along the Quesnel River to monitor sediment levels after the tailings pond spill at the Mount Polley mine in 2014.

On Dec. 10, 10 years following the Mount Polley mining disaster, a total of 15 charges were announced against Imperial Metals Corporation, Mount Polley Mining Corporation and Wood Canada for possible contraventions of the federal Fisheries Act.

In a press release dated Dec. 13, Imperial Metals Corporation, whose subsidiary Mount Polley Mining Corporation owns 100 per cent of the Mount Polley mine located 56 kilometres north

of Williams Lake, said it has invested more than $75 million in remediation efforts related to the 2014 disaster and has worked closely with First Nations in the process.

“This incident is a significant part of our history, and we have dedicated the past decade to addressing its impacts ... Our focus remains on maintaining the highest standards of environmental stewardship and upholding our commitment to the communities where we operate,” noted the release.

The corporation said its remediation efforts have led to “significant ecological recovery,” and were recognized by the industry, including by the Jake McDonald Annual Mine Reclamation Award in 2023.

A first court appearance date for the charges is scheduled for Dec. 18, in British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver.

With files from Canadian Press and Monica Lamb-Yorski

These funds built kitchens, playgrounds, and galleries for the community and for vulnerable people in desperate need of assistance.

Their most recent project saw the organization take part in the Miracle Theatre fundraiser for wildfire protection equipment which raised a total of $180,025 to help procure equipment for the firefighters of Prince George.

The Community Fund is still devoted to serving the community of Prince George and they already has a series of new funds to help local organization.

These funds are included but not limited to Prince George 2022 BC Summer Games Society to help support local youth athletes, The Kris Yip Memorial Fund to help support local health initiatives and the PGCF Legacy Award to help support SD57 grads pursuing post-secondary education.

OPINION

Local journalism protects against AI misinformation

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

Christmas brought with it the sad news that another Canadian community newspaper is shutting down.

The weekly Thompson Citizen, located in northern Manitoba, is closing after more than 60 years in operation. The community isn’t happy about it, and experts are telling the CBC and other outlets that this is part of a larger trend in that province of community newspapers struggling to stay afloat.

The fate of that Citizen could have been the fate of yours. As owner-publisher Cameron Stolz stated last week, The Prince George Citizen was facing closure a year ago. The paper’s corporate owner had already shuttered other BC publications, and it wasn’t looking good for your community paper. That’s why he and Terresa stepped up and invested in keeping Prince George’s only newspaper going. Close to a year later, we’re thriving.

The largest challenge to newspapers started in 2006 when Facebook and Google introduced news feeds. This led to advertising dollars shifting from local newspapers to US tech companies.

There are, though, new challenges facing legacy media. The latest, and possibly most dangerous, is artificial intelligence.

Two or so years ago, I tested ChatGPT by asking it to summarize the history of the city where I was living and working. Rather than provide an accurate retelling of the community’s

It wasn’t that long ago that artificial intelligence was a science fiction concept, usually treated as a threat, in books and movies like The Matrix and The Terminator. But now it’s very real.

well-documented founding and growth, the AI bot quickly told me that it had been founded by people fleeing slavery who sought refuge in central Ontario. This was not even close to true.

“OK,” I thought. “ChatGPT? Not a threat.”

That’s changed. The software has evolved exponentially and it’s now possible for someone, using the right prompts, to generate news content, which may not be entirely factual, using AI. It’s probably happening more often than you realize. YouTube is full of content that features AI voices reading scripts over AI video and still images. It’s getting tougher to spot.

But you do notice it. Maybe you don’t even realize you’ve figured it out. But AI is robotic, and looks, sounds and reads like it.

When digital special effects look a little off onscreen, we call it “the uncanny valley.” The same thing can happen

when you’re reading text written by a machine. Actual journalism is created by people, human beings who know their communities, work with their sources, gain the public’s trust and tell a town’s stories, typos included. When that’s lacking, readers can tell, even if it’s on a subconscious level.

But AI is spreading, and it is becoming harder to know what to trust. As it gets better, we face the possibility that our built-in ability to sniff out the robots will fade. Fortunately, independent, locally owned newspapers serve as a defense against AI-driven spread on social media.

The rapid dissemination of false or misleading information on social media platforms, often fueled by algorithms designed to maximize engagement, can distort public perception and manipulate audiences.

Newspapers and their websites, especially locally owned, community focused publications, provide a

much-needed alternative to that digital chaos and act as a counterbalance to the growing power of tech giants, who control much of the online discourse nowadays.

Local journalists have firsthand knowledge of the regions they cover, allowing them to fact-check information more effectively and present nuanced, accurate reports.

As well, we uphold journalistic ethics, focusing on the core principles of accuracy, fairness and transparency. Unlike social media platforms, where posts can be algorithmically boosted based on sensationalism, independent newspapers adhere to editorial standards and employ experienced editors who can scrutinize sources and verify information.

Papers also offer space for critical discussions and diverse viewpoints. AI systems in social media tend to create echo chambers, reinforcing existing beliefs and ideologies. In contrast, a well-rounded independent news outlet offers balanced debates and presents stories from multiple perspectives.

There are a lot of uses for artificial intelligence out there. News reporting is not one of them. We’re proud to head into our second year as a locally owned newspaper, proud that with the exception of our press every dollar we generate stays in Prince George, and proud that we will always be real people telling real stories about you and to you, no algorithms involved.

Happy New Year.

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

WARNER BROTHERS

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We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada.

Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

Kennedy Gordon Managing Editor

OPINION

More public input is needed on Civic Core Plan

ALBERT KOEHLER Guest Columnist

Revitalizing again?

Well, there is much to discuss and agree or disagree with when it comes to the recently introduced city plans and proposals!

When mayor Simon Yu introduced his proposal at the recent council meeting, it took me a while to let it sink in. No doubt, it is a gutsy and visionary proposal considering the future of our downtown and the potential growth of our city.

The proposal requires serious discussions within our community, while maintaining an open mind when looking at the next 50 or 100 years and beyond. Naturally, financing would require longterm planning as well.

However, I was positively surprised by the overall design, not leaving the impression of square “Lego Blocks” moving from one corner to another, or the other side of a street.

Urgent and Primary Care Clinic has gone downhill since changes

Since Northern Health and other authorities in B.C. have taken over our health care it has landed in the toilet! They do not pay our doctors and nurses what they are worth, they restrict doctors work in so many ways, what they pay them, how many patients they can see per day. They do not care about our citizens.

I am 76 years of age and without a family doctor the past four years, the first time in my life and possibly the most important time of my life not to have a doctor.

Go to a clinic, stand in line for over an hour just to see if you can get in that day, they take 50 people … oops, I am No. 51, come back tomorrow, same scenario that day too will you get in. Maybe.

More doctors would probably help and support this old clinic’s new structure if it was worth their time and energy but Northern Health would

Mayor Simon Yu drafted an ambitious look to the future with his Civic Core Plan, Albert Koehler writes today.

No, the proposal displays activity and dynamic, a sort of interesting and attractive “flow” not shown in earlier designs!

Independent of whether one likes or does not like the proposal, it should be acknowledged that the design has not cost the city anything, as far as I have been informed. I was also surprised that council only voted to receive the report,

LETTERS EDITOR to the

rather prosper and spend on other things instead of what is actually needed by the people of Prince George.

Please note that I am not knocking the clinic’s doctors and staff. They are doing what they can with what they are restricted to.

Karen Buckley

Prince George

Hats off to health-care workers, the tip of the spear

After being diagnosed with cancer when I was 20 years old, I was amazed by the nurses and doctors who treated me. And 10 years later I was diagnosed with bipolar mood disorder 2 with severe chronic depression. It has been 30 years since that diagnosis and I have suffered a lot of other medical problems.

Everybody who worked during the pandemic is a hero! My niece is an RN

but further discussions did not take place other than that it was labeled as too expensive.

Switching from the mayor’s proposal to the two options of the downtown layouts provided by city administration: A two-hour discussion took place about the preferred locations of the “Lego blocks.”

All of that is certainly not easy to

and she got COVID twice! I was in the hospital a couple of months ago and I asked the doctors and the nurses if they were tired, and they are! Have you ever thought of what these wonderful human beings had to go through to become our life-carers? They say a little appreciation goes a long way. So when you have to see these amazing people, thank them for the hardwork they had to do, and still do daily!!

Darrin Hafner

Prince George

More apartment towers should light up at Christmas

Lots of homeowners go to extraordinary effort and expense to decorate/ light up their properties for the enjoyment of others that happen to drive/ walk/cycle by. Awesome. It occurred to me that if there was a similar effort in the apartment blocks in town, that it would be even more amazing. Anything over 3 stories is visible

decide and yes, it requires time and citizen involvement to decide on a layout which resonates with as many residents as possible. After a long discussion, Option 2 was voted on and accepted to be confirmed via a referendum.

That approach means that mayor Yu’s proposal will not be further considered. I strongly recommend not rushing with any of these important decisions but trying to get extensive consultations and input from our citizens. Final decisions would, in my opinion, not be required for one or two years.

Long-term implications will have to be considered. It may be even possible not to decide on one of the proposals BUT pick the good and common-sense sections from any of the proposals and merge them with a final version.

A downtown development committee should be established including non-council members!

Albert Koehler, P.Eng.,is a former city councillor.

from a greater distance than a single story house, and the displays would also be visible, some from blocks away. However, many apartment dwellers are likely thrilled they can pay their rent on time, possibly less motivated to spending $$ to decorate/light their balconies for the momentary enjoyment of others.

And presumably most apartment block owners are driven by ROI, not by how amazing their apartment block would look at Christmas.

Power/electricity cost wise, a string of 100 LED lights uses about seven watts. At the Step 2 rate for residential ($0.1408/KWH), it would cost (GST included), about 2.5 cents per 24 hours.

Anyone got any ideas how to make this happen, maybe for next year?

Maybe a contest for each apartment block, or a town-wide contest for best / highest participation rate for apartment blocks three stories or more?

Steve Cutts

Prince George

CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE

OPINION

Local arts council’s

Eli Klasner calls out Civic Core Plan flaws

I and others from the 11 user groups canvassed in the Prince George Civic Plaza Redevelopment Plan were at last Monday’s council meeting, and I am in comple agreement with Eli Klasner.

The BC Building Code and the Professional Governance Act of BC both require that to design, or EVEN TO PLAN, a Group

A Division 1 facility such as this, a Registered professional architect who is licensed to practise under the Architects Regulation is required.

An example of a successful project of this type is the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre in Camrose, Alberta which was built in 2014 at a modest cost of $17.5 million.

Unqualified City Staff should not be infringing on reserved practice and wasting time and money in the process.

Chris Peter

Local arts council’s Eli Klasner calls out Civic Core Plan flaws

Eli Klasner, you are absolutely correct regarding City Halls inability to get anything right on this plan. To exclude the groups who will be affected by the city’s ineptness is a travesty.

Trudy Klassen seems to be the only shining star since she has had her eyes opened by your comments. I wish you and all those involved in doing this correctly the best of luck.

Kerrye

Local arts council’s Eli Klasner calls out Civic Core Plan flaws

When I read the comments from Mike Hawes of the Spruce Kings, I was taken aback that obviously little to no consultation was done with this user group.

So as I read this I say that I’m sadly not surprised that yet another user group has spoken up about lack of consultation in this process. Why do we always have the tail wagging the dog in this city? Council and the planning department are NOT the stakeholders in this in any way, shape or form.

Les Jackson

Local arts council’s Eli Klasner calls out Civic Core Plan flaws

I’m still trying to figure out where everyone is going to park....

blahblahblahblah

Cbosen Civic Core Plan lacks vision, mayor says Thank you Mayor Yu. I agree, why should we be shortsighted on the downtown core plans.

Don’t we deserve something more modern? Something that will not only attract more citizens but more visitors to the downtown core? We deserve it.

Cheers & Happy Holidays

Alan Kavanagh

Cbosen Civic Core Plan lacks vision, mayor says I support Mayor Yu. He has vision and it makes perfect sense to me that we need, at the very least, a convention centre that can cater to the needs of large groups.

That will mean a core with amenities, and infrastructure to support the user groups. If we build it, they will come.

There’s very little competition from cities north of Kamloops and people will be happy to host in Prince George if the facilities exist. And we need an arts centre as well. It will generate economic and cultural activity which will also make our city more attractive for investment, tourism, and residency.

The anti-arts contingent should be ignored.

Athens Georgia

Rustad says BC Conservatives will release an election report in January

This sounds like a familiar playbook.

Mistakes will happen and yes, they did happen, but I have confidence in the integrity of the system.

If there’s room for improvement, make it so, and hopefully that’s all this is about.

Let’s not start pretending our elections are rigged.

Let’s not start vilifying election officials. It’s amazing what grown adults can be tricked into believing.

PGLocal

Rustad says BC Conservatives will release an election report in January

I would be more concerned if Elections BC told us that there were no errors found, considering the number of ridings and voters involved. Finding, admitting to and correcting any errors is what should be happening. There is a very large number of people required to conduct an election and thinking that it might be done error free is extremely optimistic.

Will we see reports from the Green Party, the NDP etc.?

The last thing we need is fearmongering that causes distrust in the system, there is already too much polarization and absence of elected representatives working for the good of the voters as opposed to sniping at one another looking for the tiniest thing to criticize.

Look at the numbers and realize that the governing party often gets there with under 40 per cent of the votes, clearly showing that they are not the choice of most people.

It is the job of the opposition to present alternatives to try improving legislation the government presents, not shriek that they are destroying.

RenoGuy24

Plan flawed, says community arts council director

The city failed to consult with user groups while drafting proposals: Eli Klasner

More than two hours was dedicated to the discussion of the city’s new Civic Core Plan at a recent council meeting, and a decision was made --- but without input from the groups that would use the space, a local arts leader told The Citizen.

Choosing from two plans developed by staff and a third option proposed by Mayor Yu, council members gave staff the directive to explore the second option.

“There’s something really dysfunctional about what’s happened,” said Eli Klasner, outgoing Community Arts Council of Prince George & District executive director.

“The complete lack of consultation with all of the user groups --- ice hockey and the arts --- on these concepts that were presented and then at the same time during the council meeting certain decisions were being made about specific design requirements, seating and capacity, etc. I feel like we were being gaslit here. I thought ‘is this really happening?’”

With the proposed second option of the Civic Core Plan under consideration, the Spruce Kings BC Hockey League team that uses Kopar Memorial Arena is in jeopardy because they can’t use a space that does not meet BC Hockey League specifications as explained in an in-depth story published in The Citizen recently.

“There is real jeopardy for them because of decisions that were made without any input or advisement from them,” Klasner said.

“Why, why, why did you do it this way? It seems like we know enough in this world about being inclusive and engaging people, building community support but this is the way not to do it. There were so many things that were

said and brought forward that just didn’t make any sense.”

In the Civic Core Plan Option 2 there is a small diagram called Performing Arts Centre that states it would have 800 seats.

“That’s not a performing arts centre,” Klasner said. “A performing arts centre has multiple theatres within it. It has significant space for things like rehearsals and set construction, prop storage, and administration.”

What is labelled a Performing Arts Centre on the Civic Core Plan illustration could more accurately be described as a concert hall.

“So why are we starting off right away by using the incorrect terminology?” Klasner asked.

“If you want to build a concert hall, build a concert hall. So right away you’re creating this confusion and you’re going to stymie the entire process now because there’s going to be lots of internal and external conflict about who’s involved and who’s not involved and why.”

Klasner heard a comment at the council meeting that mentioned demolishing the Prince George Playhouse located at the corner of Highway 16 and 97 with the intent to sell the lot to a developer, which was assumed to be a foregone conclusion.

“But OK, so where are you building a new 300-seat theatre to replace the playhouse because there’s a real need for that kind of venue here,” Klasner said.

“So you’re building an 800-seat venue and then we’re going to get rid of the playhouse. Well, that doesn’t make any sense. So then the fact that council then gives staff sort of no instructions on what they want to see as far as a planning process – ‘just start working on designs and technical studies, etc. and then get back to us on this’. No. That’s not how you start a project like this. If I was on council – and thank goodness I’m not - I would’ve said we’re giving you two months and then come back with an outline of what this planning project looks like – we want to see a table of contents, we want to see exactly what you’re studying and we want to see

what your community engagement is going to be and most importantly what is the budget for this planning process? I can’t see how they’re going to do all this work for less than a million bucks. And then in the same council meeting 45 minutes was taken up arguing about a $40,000 pilot project for security cameras downtown and then we hear this planning project is just going to be covered by operating costs and I’m thinking well that must be inadequate or you found a pot of gold you’re not telling us about.”

Klasner estimates there’s already been about $200,000 spent to get to this stage of planning the Civic Core District.

And that was only for the two-dimensional diagrams showcased at the meeting that did not include any details.

“So those are the things I think were missed,” Klasner said.

The Community Arts Council has a multi-year operating agreement with the City of Prince George for the Prince George Playhouse.

“So again, it would be nice to actually be part of that conversation,” Klasner said.

It was always understood that once a replacement building was built, the Playhouse would be torn down and the lot would be sold, he added.

“And then we’d would be in a lovely new building,” Klasner said.

“But the 300- to 400-hundred seat theatre was not prescribed in the council meeting so what’s the plan? And that’s why it all feels a little bit gaslighty – we’re thrilled – we are all thrilled that we are going to be moving forward with planning for these new buildings. That couldn’t be better yet the whole process that’s now being prescribed feels so inadequate, so dysfunctional. So you feel really good but then at the same time you feel really terrible and that is not a very comfortable place for all of these major community groups to

be put into right now.”

Klasner was part of a citizens’ group that presented a report in 2022 to the City of Prince George that created a Civic Core District Plan with input from the user groups that would either use it or be the facilitators of those buildings.

“We did far more consultation than the city has – we met with the user groups, we met with the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Prince George and Lheidli T’enneh and the Prince George Airport Authority,” Klasner said.

“And we were all on the same page. We wanted to see a conference centre slash entertainment complex that had professional space for performances, you could go right into the ice rink area where you could also have trade shows, connected to the conference centre. It was all very holistic and it made sense. I’m frustrated and we’re all angry that all of that research we did has been wilfully ignored.”

Klasner recently asked the city administrative staff who were managing this project for confirmation that the citizens’ group report had been passed along to the planners of the Civic Core District.

“The response was ‘what report?’” Klasner stated.

“There’s a number of ways of doing this and all I can say is what was brought to council was so sophomoric and rudimentary – it’s almost like no one looked at any of these other examples and models and structures out there. I’m probably coming off as sounding a bit bitter or sardonic but it kind of felt like somebody came home from school and they did two pretty pictures and then we put them up on the fridge and we said I think this one on the right is prettier. So, admin, go off and spend hundreds of thousands of dollars now to flesh out some details and don’t worry about getting any kind of community support on this or anything. Haven’t we learned enough in this city about how not to do capital projects? Do we just go blindly over the cliff and then litigate after the fact when it’s terrible and it doesn’t work and it’s flawed?”

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Klasner

Mayor says council played it too safe on Civic Core Plan

Simon Yu’s concept was rejected Dec. 16

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Prince George city council finally approved a direction for the Civic Core Plan at its final meeting of 2024, but Mayor Simon Yu doesn’t think it shows enough faith in the city’s future.

At the Dec. 16 meeting, council heard about three proposals for the Civic Core District, which includes the Civic Centre, the library, the former site of the Four Seasons Leisure Pool, the Two Rivers Art Gallery, Canada Games Plaza, Kopar Memorial Arena, City Hall, the former Fire Hall No. 1 site, the Knights Inn, Canfor Leisure Pool and Veterans Plaza.

Two of those plans developed by city staff were similar in layout while the third, developed by Yu himself, was

extremely ambitious.

Administration’s proposals included a new Performing Arts Centre, a new 4,500-seat arena to replace the aging Kopar Memorial Arena, a mixed-use

hotel and a mixed-use residential development.

Yu’s vision included not just a performing arts centre and 5,000-seat arena, but an expanded convention centre connected to a high-rise hotel and a high-rise apartment building, a new plaza behind the Civic Centre and a rapid transit line. On Connaught Hill, a new amphitheatre would be built along with either a new orchestra hall or IMAX theatre.

Ultimately, council chose one of city staff’s proposals.

Sitting down with The Citizen on Dec. 20 to reflect on 2024 and to look ahead to 2025, Yu said he started to develop his own vision for the core after seeing some of the comments being made during the city’s development process.

“I’ve done just as much research,” Yu said.

“I’ve been there to listen to the people, their criteria, what they want to do. I met with user groups before I became mayor.”

He added that he observed the results of a resident-led study on user groups’ needs for the redevelopment of the core, of which Citizen owner Cameron Stolz was a part.

As both mayor and an engineer by trade, Yu said he sees the possibilities for the Civic Core District and the pathway to get the project complete.

Looking at what city staff produced, the mayor was blunt. He said it was plain and that they played it too safe.

“What they drew up on that piece of paper, any kids can do that,” he said.

Fundamentally, because Prince George is a hockey town, Yu said a new arena must be part of a redesign of the core. Without it, he said people won’t accept a new performing arts centre because they’ll ask why Vanier Hall, Theatre Northwest and UNBC don’t already meet those needs.

He argued that the way to get the redevelopment moving forward is to tie-in a development that will drive economic activity.

For that reason, the mayor said expanding the convention centre is the most important part of redeveloping the Civic Core District.

When the Civic Centre hosts a convention currently, Yu said, there’s not enough room to host activities, meetings, displays and meal space. While there are hotel-based receptions, he said attendance is sporadic.

Another issue with the Civic Centre, he said, is that it’s not built to handle certain cultural groups. For instance, Yu said the local Punjabi community has complained to him that they couldn’t rent out the facility for a wedding because they wouldn’t be allowed to cook their own food.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

As city staff worked to draft two options for the Civic Core Plan, Mayor Simon Yu came up with his own. All three were presented to council Dec. 16, with Yu’s rejected in favour of the second staff-created concept.

PGSO director supports Civic Core Plan, with suggestions

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

In a response to the decision made by city council during the Dec. 16 city council meeting to go with Option 2 of the Civic Core Plan, PGSO’s executive director Ken Hall wrote a letter to mayor and council.

“I wanted to take the time to thank you for moving forward with the project to create a multi-use district to revitalize the downtown core on Monday night,” Hall wrote. “I also applaud the vision to create a connected, walkable multi-use complex that draws citizens and visitors of all types to the area.”

During an interview with The Citizen, Hall said he thinks the plan is a start.

“I think it’s exciting to see the city working on something – again,” Hall said.

“It’s not like this is the first time they started a project like this so we’re thrilled to see the engagement by the council and mayor. They seem to recognize that this is a big opportunity to move the city forward and just want to make sure the process happens in a way that we end up with a proposal that goes to the citizens that is exciting and well thought out and has some logic behind it.”

Hall wrote that he had a couple of thoughts about the space that was designated as a future performing arts centre, mentioning a separate plan drawn up by Mayor Simon Yu.

“On the hall size: Acoustic halls tend to be tall anyway, so adding balconies is an effective way to make a flexible audience space. Put 450 seats on the main floor, 50 in loge seats, 350 on balcony(s), and 150 on a choir loft behind the stage, and you have a 1,000-seat hall that can be made to feel like a 450, 600, 850 or 1,000-seat hall just by adjusting some light switches. I am a little skeptical about a partitioned space for many reasons, including acoustics as noted by Mayor Yu. I simply urge you to keep your options on the table.”

Hall continued to say that an 800-seat acoustic hall, as favoured by the symphony, a 1,400 seat proscenium theatre

suggested during the meeting by Coun. Kyle Sampson to accommodate touring shows and a black box theatre also mentioned during the meeting are three very different spaces.

“There are fundamental differences not just in the size, but in the stage design, construction materials, room dimensions, lighting, acoustic design, wing size, need for a fly tower, etc., that must be taken into account for each potential user group,” Hall wrote in his letter.

“There are ways to mitigate these differences, but it may be easiest in the end to simply build more than one room. There are many potential synergies in shared lobby space, box office, washrooms, backstage facilities, loading dock, office and rehearsal spaces, utilities, parking, etc., that make a shared facility make a lot of sense either way.”

During the interview Hall mentioned that he didn’t say in the letter to council that while it’s important to have that space for the symphony, it only works for the city if it’s a space that can be used by lots of different groups.

“One of the things that I’ve been saying and some of my colleagues have been saying is wouldn’t a thousand-seat beautiful concert hall make a great keynote space for the convention centre,” Hall said. “I know the mayor was very passionate about saying we need to expand the conference centre and I can agree with that but I think part of that expansion is the performing arts centre.”

Hall continued his letter by saying the PGSO remains open to compromise and

discussion on the facility design.

“But I would again urge you to keep all options on the table at this point to work toward a performing arts centre that serves as many groups and attracts as many visitors as possible. I only worry that a facility that is such a compromise isn’t really a good fit for anyone and will not ultimately serve your goals.”

Hall used an analogy during the

interview.

“There needs to be very different physical spaces,” he said.

“I like to use the analogy of a stadium. You can have a baseball stadium or a football stadium or a track and field stadium or a soccer stadium - they’re all stadiums but what’s actually in them is all very different.”

A stadium built for track and field would not be good for baseball, Hall explained.

“And it’s the same with theatres,” he said.

“There are very different styles and sizes of theatres that work for different things. So we want to make sure that it is very clear that we know what we’re building here. So it might be the perfect spot for the symphony but we need to know what that room can be used for and we don’t want it to be too broad either because if you try to build a room for everything then it won’t work for anything.”

The PGSO rehearses in a file photo. Executive director Ken Hall says he supports the city’s choice for the Civic Core Plan, which includes a new performance space.

Arbitrator determines Cariboo Pulp and Paper worker isn’t entitled to full compensation after suspension

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

An arbitrator ordered Cariboo Pulp and Paper Co. to pay a Unifor Local 1115 member $5,750 in damages, plus wages and benefits, in a Dec. 11 ruling on a long-running grievance.

“The present case is all about the grievor’s individualized assessment,” said the Labour Relations Code decision by Arne Peltz. “He has not been subjected to any blanket denial of opportunity. The disputed issue is the nature and pace of the company’s assessment.”

The grievor, whose name was not mentioned in the written decision, worked in the company’s Quesnel pulp mill since 1988 with a clear disciplinary record. For 15 of those years, the worker held the safety-critical job of control room engineer in the steam plant.

But trouble began on Feb. 26, 2020, when the worker failed to respond to 17 alarms in the control room, explaining he “failed to grasp the magnitude of the problem.”

The worker continued on the job, but was on leave due to pneumonia from March 16, 2020 until May 3, 2020.

The company became concerned about potential cognitive impairment due to memory lapses and mental confusion by the worker, who suffered a

stroke in 2017.

“The employer considered imposing discipline over the alarm incident but opted instead to investigate whether a potential medical issue was a causal factor,” the decision said.

“This triggered a lengthy series of contentious interactions between the union and the company over disclosure of the grievor’s personal medical information and the propriety of further medical assessment.”

The man was not allowed back to work and a grievance filed May 1, 2020, alleging unjust suspension. The parties agreed to an independent medical examination by Vancouver neuropsychologist Dr. Sarah Greer. Greer’s April

2021 report found the worker suffered from “permanent mild neurocognitive disorder” due to the stroke. Greer also noted the worker self-reported ceasing “heavy drinking” and “chronic cannabis use.”

The worker was found safe to gradually return to work under an occupational therapist’s monitoring. But the company demanded another independent medical examination to assess the worker’s substance use history.

“The grievor’s situation was dire as he was still not permitted to work and was receiving no income. He was on an unpaid leave but continued to receive benefits,” the decision said.

Arbitration hearings began in October

2021 and a preliminary January 2022 decision permitted the company to hold the worker out of service. It was, however, ordered to accommodate the worker in “an existing, nominally safety sensitive temporary position.”

Another doctor’s report in February 2022 found no substance use issue and the worker returned in March 2022 to a temporary stores job at a reduced level of pay — the minimum $32-an-hour mill rate. In April 2023, the worker was restored to his previous pay rate and returned to his previous job on a graduated schedule.

Peltz concluded the company, in general, “proceeded reasonably expeditiously,” and is not responsible for the grievor’s loss of full wages during the return to work period.

Peltz denied the union’s claim, “except that two months of wages and benefits shall be paid to the grievor for undue delay by the company” in retaining an occupational therapist after Greer’s November 2022 addendum report.

Last April, West Fraser Timber Co. announced dissolution of its joint venture with Mercer International Inc. at Cariboo.

The mill, which employs approximately 300 people, produces northern bleached softwood kraft pulp, related by-products and energy, according to West Fraser information.

Psych evaluation ordered for man after jail cell incident

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Judge Martin Nadon ordered a psychological report for a man who admitted on Wednesday, Dec. 11 to spitting in an RCMP officer’s face and smearing feces in a Prince George detachment jail cell.

Justin Alexander Book, born in 2000, pleaded guilty via videoconference to charges that he assaulted a peace

officer and committed mischief under $5,000.

Prince George Provincial Court heard that police were called at 6:12 p.m. on June 15 after a man complained that his neighbour had threatened him with a large pipe wrench.

Book fled in a vehicle, but was eventually located by RCMP officers who used their vehicles to surround his.

Court heard he complied with their orders to remove the keys from the

ignition. An officer noticed a large pipe wrench on the passenger seat and pulled it away from Book, who exited the vehicle and was arrested without incident. Officers found fireworks in his glove compartment and a lighter and matches elsewhere in the vehicle, all significant because Book had been prohibited in Ontario from possessing explosives, accelerants and lighters. Book denied that he threatened the man with the wrench, but police

reported his eyes were glossy and partially closed, he slurred his words and moved slowly.

The vehicle was impounded and Book banned for driving for 24 hours. Book spat in a sergeant’s face at the detachment where he also defecated on the floor and smeared it around a cell.

Nadon ordered a pre-sentence report and a psychological report with a risk assessment for the next court date on March 12.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Cariboo Pulp and Paper is located in Quesnel.

Eight homicides in Prince George and area in 2024

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Last year was a record-setter for homicides in Prince George and with less than two weeks left in 2024 the city has matched that sobering total. Sort of.

In 2023 there were eight people killed within the city limits at the hands of another person.

This year there have been six homicides in the city and two in the surrounding area close to Prince George.

Either way, it’s been a bad year for Prince George RCMP homicide investigators, whether they work out of the downtown detachment or North District office.

“That’s high,” said Prince George RCMP Spt. Darin Rappel. “It’s consistent with last year and it’s probably contributing to our higher crime severity index.”

Although the RCMP are noticing an increased presence of Lower Mainland

gang members moving into Prince George to a try to take a bigger share of the illicit drug trade, Rappel said that’s not the reason the homicide rate has hit record levels the past two years.

“I don’t want to lead anybody with the misapprehension that it’s a gang-violence thing at all,” he said. “Some of them are drug-related and some of them are not.”

By comparison, Calgary, a city of about 1.6 million, has had 17 homicides this year. With eight killings this year in the greater Prince George area out of a population of about 80,000, our homicide rate is considerably higher.

Rappel said the annual crime severity index which ranks Canadian cities according to the number and seriousness of violent crime now puts more

weight on homicides, as compared to previous years, and that will likely be reflected when the 2024 figures are released sometime next spring.

The Prince George index rose sharply in 2019 to 250.76 (up 47.91 percent) but dropped to 227.14 in 2020, and hovered close to that in the following three years – 232.49 in 2021, 209.88 in 2022 and 233.10 in 2023.

“Having six homicides is definitely going to weigh on the CSI and where it’s actually going to wash out we won’t know until they do all the numbers next year,” said Rappel. “It’s hard to go back in time to look at it because they’ve made modifications in how they do the crime severity index.

“What it does for me is demonstrate the workload for us. We’re high compared to other places and behind in others yet. If you have a high crime severity index you can be sure the members are more taxed than perhaps a detachment that has a low one. It’s a good indication it’s a busy place for cops.”

Police search of fentanyl dealer’s safe leads to guilty verdict

His lawyer plans to argue that the case took too long to go to trial

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A judge found a Prince George man guilty Friday, Dec. 20 in Provincial Court of two counts of possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking.

Prince George RCMP arrested and seized drugs from Cody Allen Stovin, 40, before 11 p.m. on April 12, 2022, while he was under surveillance. He had just left an apartment building near Parkwood Place.

Later, police obtained a search warrant and seized a further quantity of drugs on April 13, 2022 from a safe inside a suite.

Judge Cassandra Malfair said when police arrested Stovin, they found keys, more than $2,100 in cash, a digital scale

in a backpack and a cellophane bag containing five smaller cellophane bags, hidden in his underwear beside his inner left thigh.

“Three of the smaller cellophane bags contained a 69.95 gram mixture of fentanyl and caffeine, a 5.95 gram mixture of fentanyl benzodiazepine, caffeine and diphenhydramine and 1.57 gram mixture of fentanyl and caffeine,” Malfair said.

Stovin “does not really contest his possession and control of drugs” found at the time of his arrest, the judge said.

When police entered the apartment unit after 4 a.m., they found a bag containing 830.15 grams of caffeine on top of a black safe.

Officers forced their way into the safe and discovered cellophane bags containing the following: 462.86 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and caffeine; 179.63 grams of fentanyl; 71.09 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and caffeine; 16.87 grams of a mixture of fentanyl lidocaine

and diphenhydramine; 14.56 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and caffeine; and 6.44 grams of fentanyl.

“The affixation of the safe and contents of the room suggest this was a space dedicated solely to storing a drug supply, as opposed to being a typical living space used by the occupants of a home for everyday purposes,” Malfair said.

Malfair was satisfied that Stovin had a key to both the apartment and padlocked room so that he could access the safe. While she could not determine if the drugs he possessed on his person and those found in the safe were from the same supply, there was a similarity of the type of drug and similarity of the purpose for which the drugs were being possessed, thus connecting Stovin to both supplies. Malfair also said the quantities of fentanyl were consistent with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

“From that evidence, I infer Mr.

Stovin was accessing the larger drug supply from the safe to supply smaller amounts he carried on his person, for the purpose of trafficking,” the judge said.

Ultimately, Malfair was satisfied, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the Crown had proven Stovin’s guilt on both charges.

Stovin had also been charged with possessing cocaine and methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, but Malfair ruled he was not guilty because the Crown did not provide evidence at trial. Crown also stayed a firearms possession charge.

Stovin’s lawyer is seeking a hearing date to apply for a stay of proceedings based on the age of the case. A 2016 Supreme Court of Canada ruling on unreasonable trial delays set 18 months as the “presumptive ceiling” for cases tried in provincial court. Delays attributable to or waived by the defence do not count.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Police tape and evidence markers define the area where a body was found following a shooting on Victoria Street on Nov. 7.

Brothers lose suit against BC Hydro over power pole

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Self-represented brothers who aired their grievances in court about BC Hydro replacing a power pole more than a decade ago lost their case on Thursday, Dec. 19.

James and Michael Cavanagh had accused BC Hydro of damaging their driveway and culvert by removing an old power pole and placing a new one too close to a creek, thus endangering fish. For that, Michael Cavanagh told the court, BC Hydro should be fined $4 million to $11 million.

But B.C. Supreme Court Justice Ronald Tindale dismissed the Cavanaghs’ trespass and damage lawsuit in its entirety after a five-day trial last April and June.

“The plaintiffs have not proven on a balance of probabilities that the damage to the driveway was caused by BC Hydro or even when the damage to the

The court dismissed a case filed by two brothers who argued that BC Hydro’s installation of a utility pole on their property endangered fish in a nearby creek.

driveway occurred,” Tindale wrote.

James Cavanagh testified that his brother “came to his house and was very agitated” on May 15, 2014.

“James Cavanagh testified that his heart and soul were damaged by the actions of the defendant. He does not understand how they approved this

theft from him,” Tindale wrote.

BC Hydro denied the allegations. Its powerline technician, Lee Simpson, testified that subcontractor All-Tec conducted the pole replacement and the company was hired because it “did good work.”

Under cross-examination, Simpson said it was not a common practice to

replace a pole in the same hole as an existing one, “though that does occur on occasion.” Crews try, however, to set a new pole in place “as close to the old pole as possible without disturbing ground.”

BC Hydro argued that the plaintiffs readily acknowledged they have blocked BC Hydro access to the property since the new pole’s installation.

Tindale ruled that BC Hydro was authorized to enter the property to install the new pole, which happened April 17, 2014. The Cavanaghs noticed the alleged damage to the driveway almost a month later. There is no evidence that BC Hydro harmed McMillan Creek.

“It is clear that the plaintiffs are deeply upset that BC Hydro installed the new pole on the property, however in my view the plaintiffs’ emotions have interfered with their judgment in the conduct of this litigation,” Tindale wrote.

Tribunal dismisses violent man’s bid for conditional discharge

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A tribunal in B.C.’s highest court dismissed the custody appeal of a Prince George man found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder (NCRMD) on four occasions.

David Walter Cuthbert’s case was heard Tuesday, Dec. 17 in BC Court of Appeal against the Adult Forensic Psychiatric Services and Attorney General of BC His lawyer, Katherine Kirkpatrick, unsuccessfully asked appeal court judges to replace a custody order with a conditional discharge or have the matter sent back to the Review Board for reconsideration.

“The Review Board’s conclusion that the appellant’s continued detention was necessary was reasonable and supported by the evidence,” said the ruling, written by Justice Nitya Iyer with agreement from Justices Lauri Ann Fenlon and Karen Horsman. “In arriving at its conclusion, the board considered

all of the appellant’s risk factors, which included, but was not restricted to, the need for an expeditious return to hospital if he discontinued his medications.”

Iyer’s decision said Cuthbert has a lengthy history of mental illness, including schizoaffective disorder, that contributed to violence.

In 1990, Cuthbert appeared at an RCMP detachment with an axe or tire iron while suffering a manic episode with psychosis.

Cuthbert was deemed NCRMD on three occasions in the 1990s, when he attempted to kill people at a gas station and stab himself (1992), stalked a woman (1995) and fled a boarding house and broke into a residence (1998).

He received absolute discharge in 2000 on the latter two cases, but has been readmitted to hospital after failing to take his prescribed medications on several occasions.

In 2020, Cuthbert shoved a man into a Prince George apartment, locked the door, choked the victim and hit him

over the head repeatedly with a beer bottle. He was charged with unlawful confinement, assault by choking, suffocating or strangling and assault with a weapon, but declared not criminally responsible in 2021.

Cuthbert was detained at the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Coquitlam, where the Review Board decided he should remain in 2022 and 2023.

Last May 29, a majority of the board ordered a custodial disposition, reviewable within 12 months. Their decision would permit Cuthbert to have consecutive overnight stays in the community of up to 28 days.

His psychiatrist said Cuthbert was “currently stable and was responding well to treatment and supervision,” but the board decided he still poses a significant threat to the public and rejected an absolute discharge.

It noted that Cuthbert had been driving a vehicle contrary to conditions, skipped some midday check-ins in favour of swimming and continued to

“The Review Board’s conclusion that the appellant’s continued detention was necessary was reasonable and supported by the evidence.”

rent an apartment in the Prince George building where the 2020 attack took place.

The board considered “the least onerous and least restrictive” disposition — to allow overnight stays in the community of up to 28 days, only at a transitional facility in Prince George.

Cuthbert’s lawyer argued the custodial order was not justified because the majority found that he was not a risk to the public while residing in the community under conditions.

CRIME NOTES

Houston man airlifted to UHNBC after stabbing

Houston RCMP found a man who had been stabbed Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 1:29 a.m. on the 3100 block of Hagman Crescent.

The 33-year-old man was attended to on scene by first responders but was later transported to a hospital in Smithers and subsequently the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia in Prince George.

Following an investigation, Houston RCMP identified a 36-year-old male suspect who was arrested for aggravated assault with a weapon, and held in custody.

RCMP say this was a targeted attack and there is no danger for residents of Houston.

Local man wanted by RCMP on Canada-wide warrant

The RCMP has issued another notice with information about a city man wanted on a Canada-wide warrant.

Police first brought the public’s attention to Rodney Abraham, 44, two weeks ago.

Abraham is Indigenous, standing 5’7” (170 centimetres) tall and weighing about 146 lbs (66 kg). He has black hair and brown eyes.

He has been known to use the alias Rodney Yellowback, say police. Abraham’s tattooes include markings on his neck reading “hate” and “don’t,” a full sleeve on his left arm featuring skulls, flames, a cannabis leaf and the initials “T.S.,” as well as tattoos on his head and hands with various words and images. His body also bears tattoos referencing “Brown Pride” and “True Dawg.”

Police say Abraham is dangerous and should not be approached.

Anyone with information is asked to contact their nearest police detachment or call 911.

‘Prolific

offender’ charged after shotgun found in car

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

A Fort St. John RCMP officer stopped a vehicle at 2:44 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, suspecting it had been involved in a recent theft from police.

During the investigation, Kelly Shular, who was driving the vehicle, was arrested on warrants for charges that include two counts of driving while prohibited, flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and failing to comply with a probation order.

Inside the vehicle, the officer allegedly found a loaded sawed-off shotgun. The suspect was already prohibited from possessing firearms and is facing multiple new charges as a result.

“Kelly Shular is a known prolific offender with a history of unlawfully possessing weapons and driving while prohibited,” said Const. Chad Neustaeter, media relations officer for the Fort St John RCMP.

“A proactive traffic stop by one of our officers led to getting a prohibited weapon out of the hands of the criminal

Police find rifle during landlordtenant dispute

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Provincial Court judge gave a 66-year-old man an absolute discharge after Prince George RCMP found a rifle in his closet.

Police attended Jagtar Singh Thiara’s residence after his tenant complained that their dispute over rent and living conditions erupted on April 15.

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, a Crown prosecutor sought an 18-month suspended sentence and five-year ban for the possession of the firearm without a licence or registration charge.

element and keeping our community safer.”

New charges include:

• Careless storage of a firearm,

• Possess prohibited firearm without a registration certificate,

• Occupy a vehicle knowing there was a prohibited firearm in the vehicle,

• Possess a loaded prohibited firearm without authorization,

• Possess prohibited firearm knowing that he was not the holder of a license,

• Fail to comply with probation order and,

• Three counts of possessing a firearm while prohibited.

Police allege that Shuler had driven to the location. Since the suspect was prohibited from driving at the time, additional Motor Vehicle Act charges are being sought, police say.

Shular was held in custody before making a court appearance.

The Fort St John RCMP continue to investigate and are asking anyone who may have additional information to call 250-787-8100.

Defence lawyer David Jenkins Sr. said Thiara, at one time, had a possession and acquisition licence, but overlooked its renewal. The rifle police found during their cursory check of the residence was not loaded and Thiara had no ammunition.

“It was a clear oversight on his part not to have done the regulatory homework he should’ve done in order to continue to possess the gun,” Jenkins said.

Court heard that Thiara had no prior convictions.

Judge Martin Nadon opted for the absolute discharge, which is a finding of guilt without a criminal record. Nadon also gave Thiara a five-year firearms ban.

Thiara had also been charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, but Crown stayed the charge after he agreed to enter a one-year peace bond arrangement.

RCMP PHOTO

Fort St. John RCMP laid several charges against a man described as ‘a prolific offender’ after stopping this vehicle early Friday, Dec. 20.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

A man ended up in court on a weapons charge after a landlord-tenant dispute.

Abraham

What’s happening in PG

New Year’s Boogie goes Monday, Dec. 30 at the Prince George Public Library main branch. Itty Bitty Boogie for those up to five years old goes from 11 to 11:45 a.m. with ball drop at 11:30 p.m. Big Boogie for all ages goes from 1:30 to 3 p.m. with ball drop at 2:45 p.m. Families with children in both age groups are encouraged to attend the Big Boogie. This is a free drop in event. Light snacks and drinks provided. For more information about the event and its accessibility visit www.pgpl.ca/ events/new-years-boogie.

Year of the Brainium – New Year’s 2025 goes Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. Come ring in the new year with Brainium for their debut headlining performance, along with Infectious, Examine the Bore, and Rabbit Soup. Advance tickets are at Black Sheep Gifts, Unit 206 at Pine Centre Mall for $15, or $20 at the door.

Legion 43 New Year’s Eve Party goes Tuesday, Dec. 31 beginning with cocktails at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 and appies at 11 p.m. at 101-1116 Sixth Ave. Music by the Wranglers. Tickets are $50 at the Legion Lounge or by calling 250-562-1292.

East Coast New Year’s Dinner & Fireworks goes Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 5 to 11 p.m. at the Prince George Golf & Curling Club, 2601 Recplace Dr. Buffet dinner is at 6 p.m., ball drop at 8, Halifax time. Bubbly toast included and fireworks. Tickets are $70 each for adults, $12 for youth aged seven to 12 and $10 for children between three and six years old.

Northern Lights Winery New Year’s Eve Dinner goes Tuesday, Dec. 31, 745 Prince George Pulpmill Road, with two seatings at 5 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

Celebrate with an unforgettable dining experience at Northern Lights Estate Winery’s Riverhouse Restaurant with a specially curated menu, wine pairings and a cozy atmosphere. Three-course dinner available. Book early to reserve a spot at 250-564-1112.

Nelly’s Neon New Years Party goes

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

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

Glitter and Ice, a magical winter night presented by the Prince George Pride Society on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave., downtown. Family friendly evening, late lunch and

adult dance to follow. There will be a silent auction, live music, late lunch, photo area, drinks, dancing and any other fun little goodies we can pull off. Bring friends, family, and remember to sparkle. For more information and tickets visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/ nye-glitter-and-ice.

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

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

236-423-0065.

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

Swing into 2025 on New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Underground Show Lounge. Roar into 2025 with a night of vibes as swinging sounds created by Artistic DJs Phat Funk, Play On and Bruce Illest. Two floors of fun to enjoy. Private outdoor smoking patio. Affordable drink prices. Friendly staff that do our best to keep our patrons safe and happy. 19+, cash bar. For information and tickets visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ swing-in-the-new-year-the-underground

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CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Fireworks will be part of the East Coast New Year’s Dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at the Prince George Golf and Country Club. It’s one of the many New Year’s Eve events happening around the city.

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

Sleigh Ride Fundraiser goes Saturday, Jan. 4 from noon to 4 p.m. at Crazy M Ranch, McBride Timber Road. Enjoy the tranquility of a horse-drawn sleigh ride, winding through scenic trails and meadows. This unforgettable experience is part of the Light the Way Fundraiser, supporting vital community initiatives. Book an hour-long sleigh ride at noon or 1:30 p.m. The hour-long ride will end at the wood-stove heated Sleigh Shed with complimentary hot beverages, appetizers, and a chance to win up to $10,000 at the 50/50. Outside, gather around a roaring bonfire, and roast wieners and marshmallows. The 50/50 will be drawn at 3:30 pm.  Tickets are $27 for adults, $17 for youth at www.eventbrite. ca/e/2025-sleigh-ride-fundraiser.

Legends, Live! presents Happy Birthday, Mr. Presley goes Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Thirsty Moos Pub at UNBC. It’s Elvis’ 90th birthday celebration where tribute artists honour the King of Rock ‘n Roll with Tyree Corfe as Elvis Transformed and Kat Fullerton as Almost Marilyn. Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 in advance at www. eventbrite.ca/e/legends-live-presentshappy-birthday-mr-presley-tickets

Remembering Kris Yip goes Saturday, Jan. 8 at 10:30 a.m. at Forests for the World, meet at Kueng Road parking lot then at 1 p.m. attend CrossRoads

Brewing, 508 George St. As we mark two years since Kris Yip’s passing, we invite you to join us in celebrating his life and legacy. Let’s come together in his memory and share the stories that keep his light shining in our hearts. Snowed in Comedy Tour goes Friday, Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Vanier Hall, 2901 Griffiths Ave. Celebrating its 16th year the Snowed In is the biggest comedy tour in Canada. Four internationally-renown comedians will take to the stage including founder Dan Quinn, Erica Sigurdson, Pete Zedlacher and Paul Myrehaug. Tickets are $50 at https://www.jumpcomedy.com/e/

clone-of-clone-of-kamloops-saturday-2 Wats, Wadis and Waterfalls book signing goes Friday, Jan. 10 at 11:30 am. At Books & Co., 1685 Third Ave. Monica Murphy showcases her book about her 20-year teaching and traveling overseas visiting seven different countries in Asia the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Colour & Shades in Acrylic workshop goes Saturday, January 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. This free workshop offers a chance to learn how to mix colours, balance light and dark in painting and blend acrylic paints with

self-taught artist Linda Abbott. To register send an email to info@ominecaartscentre.com

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

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

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

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

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

SNOWED IN COMEDY TOUR

The annual Snowed In comedy tour, with Pete Zedlacher (left), Erica Sigurdson, Dan Quinn and Paul Myrehaug comes to PG on Friday, Jan. 10.

Being a reporter means meeting wonderful people

Writer Christine Dalgleish revisits some of the interesting local stories she shared this year

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

There is nothing that gets me more jazzed than writing about the wonderful people of Prince George being their wonderful selves.

Whether it’s people achieving their athletic goals, showcasing artistic talents, reaching milestones or following their passions, it is always an honour and a privilege to share a bit of them with our readers. In no particular order here are some of my top picks from 2024.

Randy Mackus

When I went to interview Randy Mackus I was immediately so blown away by his attitude toward life. He’s a quarter-amputee after having his left arm and shoulder taken by cancer in 1996.

This athlete had to pivot in a way few people experience and when he took those swings at the driving range last summer, putting all the twoarmed golfers to shame with his powerful backhand it made me gasp in amazement. The combination of his having to overcome so many physical challenges while getting his head around the whole thing to achieve championship goals is truly inspirational.

Mrs. Doreen Denicola

One of my favourite people in the whole wide world is Mrs. Doreen Denicola. She is a living breathing encyclopedia of Prince George knowledge and she does not hesitate to share it all. She’s passionate about Mr. PG and how the forest industry changed the landscape of the growing city.

She only wants the best for this city and when there was a lull in the production of the little Mr. PG icon in wooden statue form in 1990 – when she was 61 years old – she took it upon herself to build them herself. She asked her beloved husband, Armand, to teach her how to make them and he bought her all the tools, showed her how to use them and off she went, creating more than 243 dozen of the little treasures before someone else took it over in 2012. She is another true inspiration showcasing her tenacity.

Gladys and Allan Thorp

Allan and Gladys Thorp celebrated 70 years of marriage this year. At 93 and 92

pocket. Talk about history.

And this couple who have enjoyed more than 70 years together are the perfect picture of love.

Elder Darlene McIntosh

I have been a big fan of Lheidli T’enneh Elder Darlene McIntosh since the first time she told me to stop and take a deep breath and ground myself to Mother Earth. I am so glad I listened. Man, did I need to hear that.

And I am sure I was not the only one at that gathering, at that place, at the time where hundreds of people were because Darlene provides that safe space to take that deep breath and stop for a moment every time she welcomes us to the traditional territory of Lheidli T’enneh on we which we all live, work and play.

years old they are a couple anchored in love.

I went to their house to do the interview with the charming duo. Gladys very charmingly came to the door to greet me wearing her nightie because her wedding dress, that yes, she can still fit into 70 years later, is old-timey lace with about 100 buttons up the back and I was going to help do it up.

The dress was still beautiful and delicate and with less than nimble fingers I did my part as we chatted about the quality of clothing from that era.

Al had his original wool suit and as beautiful as Gladys looked, Al looked so very handsome, too. The suit was a little baggy, he admitted.

And then he did the thing I’ve been talking about since it happened. He pulled a mint out of his pocket that he had placed there on his wedding day 70 years earlier. When we were done, he just slipped that candy back in the

She is the cultural advisor in the Aboriginal Resource Centre at the College of New Caledonia and the University of Northern BC Chancellor and she is a force as strong as Mother Nature herself.

She is a great advocate for human beings everywhere and I am thrilled to know her. She is such an accomplished person and with her knowledge, wisdom and guidance we can all learn a little bit more on this journey toward Truth & Reconciliation.

Rae McIntyre

Rae McIntyre, 88, had done some wood carving throughout his life and decided in 2021 that he was going to create vignettes in bottles, like a ship in a bottle, only images that were reflective of his family’s lives.

He created a vignette featuring three hand-carved golfers in a bottle to honour his son, Ken and the scene of a hunter with his loyal dog was dedicated to his son Gary.

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CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Allan and Gladys Thorp celebrated 70 years of marriage in 2024.

Mackus

Mrs. Denicola

McIntosh

They

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Prophetically, Rae said something in the interview that shook me a bit about an upcoming project.

“It may be the last project I ever do.”

Rae unfortunately took ill and passed away three short months after his story was published in The Citizen. I am so honoured that I could share Rae’s story. Rae was kind enough to call me when he saw the story in the paper to thank me and say that he was truly enjoying his newfound fame.

I was thrilled for him and looking back I am especially happy I wasn’t too late to share his talents with his friends, family and Citizen readers.

Prince George

Spencer Rourke and Sam Russell, Special Olympics athletes

Let’s talk about circumstances that are so very touching, it’s 11 months later and I still get goosebumps. Spencer Rourke and Sam Russell are two Special Olympic athletes who were at curling practice at the Prince George Golf & Curling Club heading to the National Special Olympics championships.

Sam was sitting beside Spencer and told him he had just lost his beloved grandmother the day before. Spencer wrapped his arms around Sam and immediately reacted with words of comfort.

“We’ll play at Nationals for your grandma, Sam, we’re going to get through this together, right Sam?” Spencer said. “Remember, we’re family.” It was almost my undoing.

Many of you know I made the choice a long time ago that I wasn’t going to be that hardened reporter that just shakes off all the emotions. I wear my heart on my sleeve and cry right along with you as you share your heartfelt stories with me and I own it. Heck, I’ll even bring the Kleenex.

So be proud of me, I didn’t start to blubber. I had to keep it together for their sakes. It’s one of my favourite memories and I feel honoured I witnessed that precious moment between friends.

Murray (Murph) Laidlaw

Now this is a fun one. Murph Laidlaw came to my attention after I saw local commercials he was in. He plays a funny character enjoying some local vendors’ food in one, then he wanders over to a golf course in another to exemplify the perfect ‘don’t be that guy’ character.

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Spencer Rourke, left, Sam Russell, are Special Olympics curlers that headed to Nationals on Feb. 27 are seen here with training coach Peter Goudal. McIntyre

Sharing their

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And slowly but surely Murph became a big deal. He’s in a Paramount Plus commercial and I’m not sure who’s the sidekick - him or the mountain goat, and he was the Canadian tuxedo guy in the Summer Olympics Petro Canada commercials. Since then he’s been working on a secret, something I’m sure we’ll see soon enough. Murph is one of those one-in-a-million guys who just lights up a room when he walks in. You know he’s up for some fun and brings that sense of mischief with him everywhere he goes. Be sure to keep your eye out for Murph. He’s everywhere these days.

Christina Watts

Christina Watts, who was part of the Prince George & District Community Arts Council for years and most recently has come on board with Tourism Prince George, had a scare this year. From one moment to the next her eyesight was severely compromised and the healthcare system saw a hiccup that could have interfered with her treatments.

Luckily, after months of treatment for

stories is one of the best parts of this job

her wet macular degeneration in her left eye, her sight has improved and Christina was kind enough to share with readers what it was like to go through the struggle she endured mid-crisis. Something not many people are willing to do. But her thinking is if it can help one other person, she’s all in.

I am a great admirer of those who are on-the-fly adapters, who see the problem and instead of sitting and thinking about it, just leap into it with both feet and start running and that’s Christina. Thanks for being an inspiration. I appreciate you showing us how it’s done.

Harry Backlin

Harry Backlin, 95 years old, continues to work as a commercial realtor in Prince George. Over the last 49 years he as been an integral part of commercial and industrial development in the city. Earlier this year when Mayor Simon Yu asked Backlin what businesses he had a hand in bringing to Prince George he decided to put them down on paper.

There are 35 game changers on the list, including White Spot, Tim Hortons and Wendy’s, Costco, Canadian Tire

and Princess Auto. Industrial developments like Boundary Road, and spaces for oil, lumber and forestry companies, several banks and impactful institutions like the University of Northern BC and the Prince George courthouse..

And there’s no end to that list.

“There’s a lot more opportunities to be had in Prince George, we just have to be positive about it,” Backlin said.

Tuomas Ukonmaanaho

Tuomas Ukonmaanaho is the first member of the Prince George Track & Field Club who was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award as he approached 80. He is the current Canadian record holder for the decathlon for men aged 75-79 and the athlete that currently holds 29 records including world records for the 4x400m relay and the 4x800m relay. And he’s a sprinter. He’s held at least 47 records in the past

but can’t be sure the exact number because he doesn’t keep track and doing research can only access records listed online.

Ukon Tom, as he is known at the track, has spent his time training with the young ones in the club. He mentors them, he offers advice on how to tweak things for better results and he offers encouragement. Tom runs like a gazelle and it’s amazing to watch him in action.

Shirley Bond

When the rug was pulled out from under Shirley Bond’s feet earlier this year, she just skipped right over it and kept on moving forward – like she always has. Kevin Falcon yanked BC United out of the provincial election without any notice. It was a shock to everyone, including Bond, and she chose to end her stellar career as a beloved MLA on her terms, choosing not to run as an independent in the election in October.

Community members honoured Bond with a tribute not long after that to give her a glimpse of the impact she made on Prince George and the Province of BC. She is truly a remarkable woman who gives of her time so generously and continues to do so as she most recently became the director for public relations for the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games that will take place in Prince George from July 10 to13. Can’t wait to see what she takes on next.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

A lot of buildings in Prince George have Harry Backlin’s stamp on them.

Laidlaw

Watts

Ukonmaanaho

Bond

Scam alert: How to beat the AI ‘bots’ after your money

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

AI technology is evolving at a rapid pace. This unique new technology has helped coders, businesses, mapping technologies, financial planners and, unfortunately, scammers.

A recent report from Bolster.ai states there has been a 94 per cent increase in AI based scams, with a projected loss of more than $10.5 trillion by 2025.

If you’ve been anywhere on Facebook marketplace in the last little while you may have noticed a frequent rise in complaints about purchases leading to fake addresses, non-delivered items or even entirely fake pages.

This rise in scammers is mostly due to the availability and the advancement of AI. With a couple prompts and some patience a person can make dozens of fake accounts with photos, frequent posts and even post interactions with other AI accounts owned by the scammer.

Outside of Facebook Marketplace, these scammers can use fake accounts to send phishing links. These are malicious links that when clicked on can track your online and personal information with data mining software.

These links can be sent over Facebook or even to your personal email if listed. Make sure to never click on a link unless it is posted or sent by someone you have met outside the internet.

Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to browsing marketplace safely:

• Avoid accounts with no profile picture or limited or even no activity on their profile, unless you know them personally

• Avoid recently created profiles, with lots of activity in a short time.

• Avoid pages with generic or copyand-paste posts, as well as pages with lots of AI generated photos.

• Avoid sellers with no reviews or negative reviews from other buyers/sellers.

• Avoid profiles with mismatched

Scammers are using artificial intelligence to try to defraud people over the phone and online, including on Facebook Marketplace. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

posts and strange or incorrect information.

• Avoid ridiculously cheap offers or items.

If you have trouble identifying AI-generated photos or text, there are websites that can identify them for you. These include but aren’t limited to sightengine, Is It AI?, Quillbot and GPTzero.

AI isn’t just used by Facebook scammers. There is a world of scams that use AI tools to catch you off guard. One new scam stems from AI voice calls.

Have you ever gotten a call in which the other end was completely silent and then quickly hung up? These calls are the first step in tricking you into giving away your hard-earned cash to scammers.

These calls are looking to get one thing

This is because stress and pressure tactics can stop a person from stepping back and more closely examining the situation or checking with other loved ones to confirm.

Scammers have even been known to use AI voicing to urge victims to not tell other family members about the fake incident out of embarrassment or due to legal issues.

So how do you avoid these scams? First and foremost, it’s always a good idea to double-check. If you do get a call saying a family member is in jail and needs money, just hang up and call back or call another family member to confirm. Sometimes that’s all it takes to avoid having someone take advantage of you.

Another good way to avoid these scams is to avoid picking up calls from unknown numbers.

If you do end up taking a call from a suspicious source wait a while, if there is no reply followed by a dropped call, its likely you just avoided a possible scam.

Scammers can get your number from a lot of sources for example, if your number is publicly listed, if you click on a phishing link, or if you browse torrenting and pirating sites, these can all be used to get a hold of your personal phone number.

from you: Your speech and voice patterns. In most cases, these calls are not made by humans. They are mostly bot calls where the only thing on the other end is a recorder that will feed your voice into an AI system.

Reports say that it only takes around 30 seconds of decent audio to replicate someone’s voice.

After this system gets enough information it will call your relatives and friends seeking more personal information or requesting money. A common method to obtain this money is by applying pressure to the possible victim.

This can come in the form of an AI voice requesting money for bail, money to pay back angry debtors, money for a lawyer, and even money for a ransom for themselves or another loved one.

Other ways to avoid falling victim to these calls or other similar scams include:

• Having a safe word for loved ones to use over the phone in emergencies.

• Blocking scam and suspicous looking calls immediately

• Register your family’s numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry

• Avoid giving or posting any unnecessary personal details over the phone or social media. (names of friends, events you are attending, place of business, etc)

However, the most important advice to take away for these new scams, comes from an old, time-tested phrase: If it seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Condor Classic finals go to the wire

ABOVE: College Heights’ Lorenn Caceres bats down the ball as Duchess Park’s Mercedes Black tries to get a shot away during the senior girl’s final.

LEFT: College Heights Secondary School’s Kayleigh Kennedy dribbles into the key around DPSS player Emily Clarke during the senior girls’ final.

College Heights Secondary School’s Olivia Young defends against a driving Emily Clarke of Duchess Park Secondary School, forcing her to pass through the key during the senior girls’ final.

Friday, Dec. 20 saw the closing games of the annual Condor Classic tournament at Duchess Park with the home team DPSS taking on College Heights SS in the senior girls’ final and College Heights SS and Prince George SS battling it out in the senior boys’ final. Ultimately, CHSS was victorious with a 66-59 final score in the girls’ final. The boys’ game was even tighter with Eli Mogus of PGSS sinking a three-pointer with seconds left for the 61-59 win over CHSS.

Jeona Gill of College Heights drives around Prince George Secondary School’s Ken Ishimwe during the senior boys’ final. See more sports coverage on Pages 33-39.

College Heights’ Alex Lucarelli launches himself around Prince George Secondary School’s Kabir Banthal during the senior boys’ final.

Prince George Secondary School’s Hunter Anderson tries to block a leaping Tolu Bankole of College Heights Secondary School during the senior boys’ final.

On a day trip with the ‘Train Lady’ of Prince George

This is Part 2 of a 3-part series

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Prince George’s Train Lady, Linda Campbell, hosts train trips to remote communities in the outlying areas mostly along the East Line rail geared for those who wish to step back in time for a moment or two.

Campbell first got the idea of hosting the train trips when she attended a talk at the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum and heard historian Ray Olson chat about life on the East Line in days gone by.

“Ray’s passion, interest and willingness to share has just been so important to me wanting to do something as well,” Campbell said.

“He and I got to be friends and he’s just opened up a whole new world out there. It’s fun to be able to do the train trips with him. You learn one thing and you want to learn more.”

Hearing about the contribution people made in the outlying communities surrounding Prince George made an

impact on Campbell, she added.

“Ray often talks about the fact that more people lived on the East Line than in Prince George back in its heyday and I find that amazing,” Campbell said.

“There was such a life out there. The contribution the people in those communities made is part of the history of the area and I thought that was really interesting. So I tootled out there and then I thought a train trip out would be fun.”

People just don’t talk about trains anymore, she noted.

“So many people don’t even know that Via Rail still exists, even though their name is written on the Prince George station. So I thought it would be fun to take a train trip with my grandkids. So about six or seven years ago we went on a trip to Sinclair Mills and my husband picked us up and brought us back to Prince George. And it was fun.”

Talking about the trip with Campbell’s coworkers led to an Ecole Franco-Nord class trip.

“And the lovely people at Sinclair Mills opened up their community hall and shared a bit about their life and history and we had goodies and the kids had a wonderful time.”

When people hear about Campbell’s train trips they usually share that they’ve either never been on a train or had only been on a train as a child, she added.

“And that’s my experience,” Campbell said. “I had gone across Canada with my mum.”

And the train trips now?

“It’s all about going back in time, exploring, learning and chuckling with the great people you meet on the trip and out in the communities and the views people see along the way are not what most people see because the tracks usually go right along the rivers and lakes where the roads don’t,” Campbell said.

Cory Antrim of Antrim Charters provides the shuttle that brings people back to Prince George.

“Between Cory, Ray and I we are kind of a team,” Campbell said.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Linda Campbell, the Train Lady, moves to the front of the Dome Car to tell everyone how things will work upon arrival at Dome Creek during the trip from Prince George.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

The dome car, which offers an amazing view of the trip, can be seen as the train stops at the railway crossing just outside of Dome Creek to let passengers off.

Her father worked for the railway as a telegraph officer

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

“And isn’t this how it always works? One thing leading to another? The trips are historical and pure enjoyment just because of the experience of being on a train. And I say historical because Ray often comes along and speaks about what we’re seeing and what we’re not seeing anymore along the way and then he speaks at the community hall where we stop.”

Campbell said she finds these adventures very fulfilling.

“And it always makes me happy to meet new people,” Campbell said.

Before each trip, Campbell creates a little group on Messenger for those going on the trip. Everyone shares information and Campbell will share old photos and stories about the communities they will be going through and visiting.

The Train Lady also hosts special niche trips geared for some of her favourite people, her grandchildren Sam and Sarah who were six and three when they started their train adventures together.

The Grammy Train trips were the brainchild of Campbell and her dear friend Carol Bajkov who has sadly passed away. Bajkov might be best remembered as a dedicated longtime volunteer with the Festival of Trees.

“When you’re retired like me, I find it important to have activities,” Campbell said.

“I like meeting new people so I just kind of thought I could do this for seniors and that’s primarily what I do.”

The Grammy Train most recently took a trip to the Sturgeon Centre in Vanderhoof. That train goes both ways, Campbell noted, so no shuttle back is required. Campbell’s interest in trains goes back to her earliest memories.

Campbell’s family moved to Prince George from Prince Rupert immediately after she was born.

“Dad worked at the railway as a telegraph officer, I think they called him in those days,” Campbell said.

“There was a repeater station right by the train station. We lived on Quebec Street. Once upon a time in the 1950s there were three little train houses

Once upon a time in the 1950s there were three little train houses there that they rented out to employees and that was where my life was until I was

about 13 ...’

there that they rented out to employees and that was where my life was until I was about 13 years old and then we moved away.”

Living right on Quebec Street offered some unique features to the families.

“We always heard the sound of the trains, including the clickety clacking that trains don’t do now but it was just our life being around trains,” Campbell said. “I guess it’s just in my blood, but I didn’t really know that until a few years ago and that’s pretty special.”

NEXT WEEK: PART 3

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Via Rail train No. 6 slips into the station as passengers wait to board for their journey back to BC’s pioneer days.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

The train speeds across a bridge over the Fraser River as it approaches Willow River.

Breakfast with Santa Claus

Emergency test for city, RDFFG, Lheidli T’enneh

ABIGAIL POPPLE Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

When it comes to fighting fires, sometimes the best offence is a good defence.

To demonstrate how the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George (RDFFG) prepares for wildfire, and to give local jurisdictions a chance to test out their emergency operations centres, on Dec. 5 staff organized a tabletop exercise where officials walked through the steps of responding to a wildfire, from receiving the first phone call about a fire to activating the RDFFG emergency operations centre.

The tabletop exercise, held in front of an audience in the RDFFG board room, simulated an emergency affecting three jurisdictions: The Regional District, the City of Prince George and Lheidli T’enneh First Nation.

It began with Andrea Rainey, a wildfire prevention officer with the BC Wildfire Service, receiving a tip about lightning-caused fire in the woods north of Prince George.

What followed was a flurry of phone calls: First from Rainey to the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, and then to officials from Prince George, the Regional District and Lheidli T’enneh First Nation.

Rainey discussed the situation with representatives from each jurisdiction, outlining critical infrastructure and letting them know they should prepare for a potential evacuation order.

Later in the afternoon, the three local

governments each activated their emergency operations centres for a surprise drill on wildfire response.

The tabletop exercise and drill were a good opportunity to practise interjurisdictional emergency management, Rainey told The Rocky Mountain Goat. Emergency response can be hectic and messy when just only one municipality is involved, she said, and it gets even more complicated when several governments have to collaborate on the fly.

“Emergency events don’t have administrative boundaries. So with something like this, where you’ve got a fire crossing three administrative jurisdictional boundaries, each of those local governments might have different policies, procedures, plans,” Rainey said.

“In an emergency, public safety is at risk – we need to be as co-ordinated as possible.”

The exercise gave practical experience to officials who are responsible for emergency management, but it also allowed participants to put names to faces and forge relationships that will make collaboration more natural in the future, Rainey added.

This is the first time the RDFFG has done a cross-agency emergency response exercise like this, she said, and it allowed every agency to give their staff hands-on experience.

“They can see where they’ve got some strengths, as well as see where they’ve got opportunities to streamline training some of their staff,” she said.

SUE LORRIE PHOTO

Santa Claus (Gerald O’Donnell) helps Adelynne, 9, with her breakfast at Grama’s Inn on Saturday, Dec. 21.

ABIGAIL POPPLE, LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER PHOTO

Representatives of the City of Prince George, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George take part in an emergency preparedness exercise.

Throwback Thursday: Week of January 2

Dec. 31, 1993: It’s out with the old and in with the new as Prince George said goodbye to 1993, complete with help from Rachael Thompson, 16 months, who proved it doesn’t take long to learn how to celebrate the new year. CITIZEN FILE

and his

Dec. 31, 1958: Postal clerks Mrs. Alan James (this is how women were identified in the paper back then) and C.B. Pickering were photographed looking over insufficient, wrong and illegible addresses on letters piled up after the post office’s temporary Christmas rush staff of 70 was reduced back to its usual 31. The remaining clerks were left to cross-check every letter with the city directory and their own knowledge of local names. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY HAL VANDERVOORT

PHOTO BY DAVE MILNE

Jan. 1, 2004: Kyle Berry, left, Nicole Kerr and Gary Dow braved the icy water and jumped into a hole cut into the ice near the Ness Lake Bible Camp on New Year’s Day. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

BY DAVE MILNE

Dec. 31, 1969: Outgoing Mayor Garvin Dezell

10-year-old grandson Michael Dezell look to Prince George’s big-city future in the form of a projected model of the city’s downtown core and what it could look like. The mayor retired in the first week of 1970 after guiding the city through the 1960s.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY ROBERTSON

Healthy North

Healthy Habits

Now’s the time to get your flu and updated COVID shots. They help protect against serious illness and hospitalization. Check Northernhealth.ca/healthtopics/covid-19-and-flu-immunization-clinics for up-to-date COVID and flu clinic information. Learn more about healthy preventative habits by visiting: HealthyHabitsBC.ca

Urgent Primary Care

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

Province expands medical travel assistance program

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

BC Ferries is expanding its route to cover round trips for medical purposes from Metlakatla, Oona River, Kitkatla, Hartley Bay, Tuck Inlet, and Dodge Cove to Prince Rupert.

Six new free ferry routes are now available to assist patients in remote and rural communities in reaching Prince Rupert for specialized medical services.

The Ministry of Health announced an addition to their existing Travel Assistance Program (TAP), effective Dec. 19. This program helps reduce transportation costs for eligible B.C. residents who need to travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services unavailable in their own local communities.

Until now, BC Ferries operated a service between Skidegate, Haida Gwaii, and Prince Rupert on the northwest coast. However, the service has been newly expanded to include round trips from Metlakatla, Oona River, Kitkatla, Hartley Bay, Tuck Inlet, and Dodge Cove to Prince Rupert.

“Dealing with health-related matters can be stressful enough, without the added burden of extra travel costs,” said Mike Farnworth, minister of Transportation and Transit.

Residents enrolled in the Medical

Stay

Services Plan (MSP) can fill out a TAP form given by their physician, nurse practitioner, or specialized clinic referring them for a service requiring travel. Once they have completed their form and received a TAP confirmation number, they can use it when booking and presenting it at the terminal to claim the full discount.

Patients can also obtain an escort if they are 18 years of age or younger or if they are unable to travel independently due to medical reasons.

“The expansion of the Travel Assistance Program will not just ease the

financial burden of those who have to leave their communities in order to access specialist services, but also ensure that health-care equity increases across the province,” said Tamara Davidson, MLA for North Coast-Haida Gwaii.

However, travelling through TAP only covers referrals for services insured by the MSP, not those paid for privately by the patient. Eligible medical services encompass non-emergency services provided by specialists at the nearest location outside the patient’s community and diagnostic procedures,

laboratory procedures, diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine procedures.

It also covers services from the B.C. Cancer Agency, Transplant Units, HIV/ AIDS treatment at St. Paul’s Hospital, and specialty clinics at B.C. Children’s Hospital, as well as other services from tertiary care hospitals.

If patients require a follow-up appointment, they must fill out another TAP form.

TAP is a corporate partnership between the Ministry of Health and private transportation carriers.

healthy this winter with a flu shot: Northern Health

CITIZEN STAFF

It’s that time of year: Sniffles, aches, fever and a cough could mean a cold ... or something worse.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an upper respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. It spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact with others.

Flu symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, cough, and extreme tiredness, with children sometimes also experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

These symptoms can last from seven to 10 days and are typically more severe than those of a common cold.

Flu-related complications, such as bacterial or viral pneumonia, can be life-threatening, with approximately 1,400 deaths in BC each year due to the flu and its complications.

The seasonal flu vaccine, available across Northern Healt’s area, is recommended for everyone aged six months and older to help protect against seasonal influenza, a potentially serious illness that can lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable groups.

Residents can book flu shots online through the Get Vaccinated system or by calling the toll-free number 1-833-8382323. Vaccination clinics are available at local health units, pharmacies, and through family doctors.

The flu vaccine is provided free of charge to those at higher risk of complications, including:

• Seniors aged 65 and older

• Residents of long-term care facilities

• Individuals with chronic health conditions such as heart or lung disorders, diabetes, cancer, and

kidney or liver disease

• Children and adults with severe obesity

• Indigenous peoples

• Pregnant individuals

• Inmates in provincial correctional institutions

• Health care workers and those in contact with high-risk individuals Additionally, people who work in essential services, such as first responders and corrections workers, are encouraged to get vaccinated, as well as anyone who wishes to reduce their risk of contracting the flu.

SCOTT ARKELL PHOTO

BC Ferries is expanding its route to cover round trips for medical purposes from Metlakatla, Oona River, Kitkatla, Hartley Bay, Tuck Inlet, and Dodge Cove to Prince Rupert.

Northern Health Indigenous care stories: Patricia Hoard

TERESA BENNETT Northern Health

The Indigenous Patient Experience (IPE) team walks alongside Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) patients and families to help provide culturally safe experiences by building respectful and equitable relationships within the health care system.

The IPE team works in collaboration with key internal and external partners in health care and in the broader community to develop, implement, and evaluate processes that address Indigenous peoples’ experiences while accessing Northern Health’s services.

In this article, we highlight and hear from IPE advisor Patricia Hoard.

“I love supporting our people with their health care experiences,” says Patricia. “I enjoy giving them the ability to have a safe space to tell their story and being a part of the changes

on how health care works with our people. Health work is in my blood. My great-grandfather was a medicine person, and I believe that need to support

our people with their health comes from him.”

Advisors work to establish and cultivate culturally safe care and

experiences.

They listen and support Indigenous patients when they experience unsafe practices within Northern Health Authority’s health care sites across Northern BC, and work to develop and build relationships with the Indigenous communities so that they have a clear understanding and feel supported to step up and put in a complaint when needed.

Patricia, a resident of Mackenzie, has been with Northern Health for just over a year and comes from a 20-year career in health director and Friendship Centre executive director roles.

A long-term resident of the North, Patricia loves the outdoors and being in nature, specifically the mountains and Morfee Lake, five minutes away from her home.

Patricia welcomes patients to reach out to the Indigenous Patient Experience team via their email at IndigenousPatientExperience@northernhealth.ca.

Lighting the path to sustainability at Dunrovin Park

EMILY PRESTMO

Northern Health

In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, Dunrovin Park Lodge in Quesnel has installed new integrated LED light fixtures, marking a milestone in energy efficiency.

These lights are expected to save 6000 kWh of electricity per year, equivalent to the energy consumption of an average household.

Before the upgrade: Dunrovin Park Lodge’s old lighting system, soon to be replaced with energy-efficient LED fixtures.

Integrated LED lights connect directly to electrical systems and last 25 times longer than regular incandescent lightbulbs.

Switching to LED lights also helps facilities to move away from fluorescent lights, which contain mercury and can be hazardous when disposed of.

This upgrade not only looks sleek and

Dunrovin Park Lodge in Quesnel has installed integrated LED light fixtures to enhance energy efficiency, saving 6000 kWh annually and contributing to environmental sustainability.

modern (updating the living environment for residents), but also significantly reduces energy usage.

Rose St. Pierre, energy and environmental sustainability manager at Northern Health, highlighted the broader impact of this project: “By reducing energy consumption, we can help minimize the need for new

infrastructure, both at our facilities and on the utility side, which is beneficial for the environment.”

Changes like these reduce the demand on the electrical grid, making it more stable and reducing the need for environmentally harmful infrastructure like dams.

This year, Northern Health has

completed nine other lighting upgrades, saving over 1,000,000 kWh of electricity — equivalent to the yearly power usage of approximately 200 homes and saving around $100,000.

Facilities like Dunrovin Park Lodge are leading the way in showing how small changes can make a big difference for the environment.

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO

Patricia Hoard is an Indigenous Patient Experience advisor with Northern Health.

Local Sports

Dave Bellamy keeping oldtimers’ hockey alive in PG

The grand poobah of the Rusty Nails played on the Mohawks team that helped open the Coliseum in 1958

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Dave Bellamy was a 16-year-old Prince George Mohawks winger on Wednesday, March 19, 1958, the day the Prince George Coliseum hosted its first hockey game.

Built for the princely sum of $455,000, the rink replaced the old Prince George Civic Arena which collapsed under a heavy snow load in two years earlier.

The Mohawks were a new team started by player/coach Ernie Rucks, formed in the fall of 1957 to replace the Lumbermen, who had folded the previous season because they had no place to play except for an outdoor rink that didn’t allow enough spectators to pay the bills.

Before they adopted their name, the Mohawks were the Timbars and wore that name on their sweaters in a few exhibition games in the spring of 1957. Leading up to that Coliseum christening, the Mohawks had played all their North Central Interior Hockey League games on the road except for a couple outdoor games at the Civic Centre that February.

“I was a decent hockey player back then,” said Bellamy. “ I could skate, and I was also fairly aware. I could hold my own in the game. I didn’t have the height but I was stocky. I killed penalties, speed helped there too. It was a good league, I’ll tell ya that.

“I was so ecstatic to be there nothing would have mattered. I guess I was a kid but I grew up pretty damn quickly.”

Playing with and against men in a men’s league, Bellamy learned early in his Mohawks career how to take a hit, but he left the rough stuff to the team’s

enforcers, and one of them was named Joe Yates.

“He had fists like a sledgehammer,” said Bellamy. “We were playing in Vanderhoof one game and they had a big defenceman, Hodgson I think was his name, and he was hounding me pretty good. Between periods Joe said, ‘Davy, you grab that puck and just keep coming around from the left side right behind the net and over my way.’ This fellow was a train engineer and he said, “I’ll teach this guy what it’s like to meet another engineer.’

“There was a door tied shut there and Joe knocked him right through the door and into the foyer of the rink. I never got bothered by him ever again in my life.”

A crowd of about 900 packed into the brand-new Coliseum for that first game against the Vanderhoof Bears, and it ended in a 6-6 tie.

The Citizen published Monday-Friday

back in those days and was there to cover the game. Although it’s in black and white, the red-haired Bellamy is featured in a pre-game photo sitting at the end of the bench in the Mohawks’ dressing room. The team also had two 15-year-olds,

Larry Allen and goalie John Hunter.

“That was my NHL,” said the now 83-year-old Bellamy.

“Before the Mohawks were named they had an old set of uniforms with Timbars on them and we played a couple exhibition games wearing those.”

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

defenceman

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Dave Bellamy, second from left, was one of the founding members of the Prince George Rusty Nuts when they starting playing oldtimers hockey tournaments in 1986. The team executive, from left, Norm Schmitz, Gord Flewelling, Neil Bilodeau, Wes Zapotichny and Charlie Freeman, presented Bellamy with his framed jersey following their game Friday, Dec. 20 at Kin 1.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Prince George Rusty Nuts oldtimers hockey team traveled to Canberra, Australia in September 1997 and won the World Masters Games championship.

Rusty Nuts going to Chilliwack for over-70 tournament

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

The NCIHL was a four-team league and the Mohawks dominated, posting a 10-1-1 record.

But there were no playoffs that year. An unseasonably warm March melted the outdoor rinks in Williams Lake, Vanderhoof and Quesnel, and Mohawks manager Tom Hennessey proposed the league host all its playoff games at the Coliseum.

The Williams Lake Stampeders and Quesnel Kangaroos thought it was a good idea but the Bears, fearing they wouldn’t draw enough of their fan base, voted the idea down, and as regular-season champions the Mohawks were awarded the trophy.

Bellamy went on to play eight seasons with the Mohawks until the spring of 1965, when he started his own company, Dave Bellamy Trucking, which eventually became Coyote Transport.

He continued to play with the Mohawks Oldtimers until he was in his mid-40s. A new chapter in his hockey career opened when he helped form the Rusty Nuts Oldtimers team with Don and Lorne Delisle and Frank Speed.

In 1986, they started a 45-and-older team for a tournament in Saskatoon and that began a tradition that has continued.

They’ve travelled across the country to Ottawa and Quebec City representing Prince George in oldtimers tournaments and in 1997 the Nuts went to Canberra, Australia for the World Masters Games and won the hockey title.

In April, they’ll send a team to Chilliwack for a 70-and-older tournament.

“Frankie Speed came up with the name, he saw it somewhere in the newspaper and the team had folded, so he knew it was open,” said Bellamy. “I was a rookie there again, because we were trying to start a 45-and-over and I was 45.

“The timing was just right. I still played Monday and Thursday with the Mohawk Oldtimers until one night they caught me five or six times when I was going to take a shot on goal and I

realized, time for me to look for something else, and I was 67 or 68 years old.”

Bellamy began hanging out with players closer to his own age and played with the Rusty Nuts until he was 79.

The Rusty Nuts are now a group of 42 players aged 62-77 who meet for morning games at Kin 3 rink Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

In 38 seasons they’ve never had an 80-year-old still playing but that could happen soon.

Defencemen Charlie Freeman and Glen Bauman are both going strong at 77, and 79-year-old goalie Keith Young this month has come out of retirement.

They come for the fun of playing the game and as much as it’s good for the body to get out, stretch and build up the cardio, skating as much as three times a week for an hour and an half each time, it’s a revitalizing tonic for mind and soul.

The close camaraderie and laughs each morning make Rusty Nuts sessions an essential winter pastime from October-April.

“Once you have a friend in hockey you’ve got a friend for life,” said Bellamy.

“The war vets don’t talk about it very much, whereas us hockey guys love to brag. I always loved hockey because I had a fair amount of stress running my company, and when I went to hockey that stress all went away. It’s good for the mind.”

After their last game before the Christmas break, the players gathered in the dressing room at Kin 1 to present Bellamy his Rusty Nuts jersey placed in a wood frame with the team photo from that Australian trip. The guys autographed the back of the frame with the date each of them started playing with the Nuts.

“We didn’t want him to have that sweater in the closet, we wanted him to hang it on his wall for everyone to see,” said Rusty Nuts defenceman Gord Flewelling.

“Dave’s been doing this since 1986.

Sixteen-year-old Prince George Mohawks winger Dave Bellamy, right, puts on his game face in the dressing room of the Prince George Coliseum before stepping out onto the ice to face the Vanderhoof Bears in the first league game ever played in that rink, March 19, 1958. The Mohawks and Bears skated to a 6-6 tie.

He ended up being the financial guy, plus he’s a hell of an organizer. I said it to Dave several guys and guys have said it to me, this is their sanity through

the winter months and it adds to their quality of life.”

Note: Ted Clarke is a member of the Rusty Nuts.

Caledonia hosting youth/junior biathlon world trials

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

will be coming back to Prince George Jan. 3-7 at Otway.

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

in Canmore. She placed 17th overall at the trials.

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

Also returning to their hometown

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

Green and Cadell, who train with the Biathlon Alberta team, both competed in the 2023-34 youth world championship in Estonia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Striker Rhyan Barfoot commits to UNBC Timberwolves

UNBC ATHLETICS

UNBC Timberwolves Women’s Soccer head coach Neil Sedgwick has announced the commitment of 2007born striker Rhyan Barfoot of Nanaimo. Most of Barfoot’s youth soccer has been played for the Mid-Isle Soccer Association (12 years), Elite XI and

mostly recently with the Lake Hill Premier Women (on a youth permit).

Last season for Chad Lintott’s Elite Xl Soccer Academy, she notched seven goals, along with four assists during the Spring season. She added two goals with Shawn Fiddick’s Lakehill Premier club. She’ll be suiting up with Nanaimo United in the Spring.

During a visit to UNBC in late November, Barfoot, a soon-to-be graduate of John Barsby Secondary School, was immediately impressed with UNBC and especially her now future teammates.

“The indoor soccer facility is amazing, but it was mostly all the great people I met on my visit,” reflected Barfoot.

“They are all super nice and made me

feel very welcome. They like to laugh and have fun off the pitch which helped me feel more at ease on my visit.”

Barfoot plans to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management.

Her other interests include baking and playing basketball. She also used to race BMX bikes.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY TED CLARKE

Aliah Turner finishes in silver-medal position in the senior girls pursuit at the 2022 Canadian championships at Otway Nordic Centre. Turner, now a University of Calgary student,

Police take on firefighters for the Sirens Cup

The Sirens Cups Charity Hockey Game comes to the Kopar Memorial Arena at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25. Police and firefighters have had a friendly rivalry since the birth of emergency civil services, and on Jan. 25 Prince George’s RCMP officers and firefighters will put that rivalry to the test on the ice. The funds raised through ticket sales and during the game will be split evenly between two chosen charities: Cops for Cancer Tour de North and the Prince George Firefighters Charitable Society. Last year the game raised more than $6,000. The firefighters won 9-5 in the inaugural Sirens Cup in 2022. Last year the police celebrated a 4-3 victory. Tickets are $5 and are available at the Spruce Kings office and online (English only) at www.sprucekings. bc.ca/sirenscup.

PG Cougars to wear Ninja Turtles jerseys

CITIZEN STAFF

The Prince George Cougars and RE/ MAX will bring Nickelodeon Night for Children’s Miracle Network to the CN Centre on Saturday, Jan. 4, at 6 p.m. as the Cougars take on the Seattle Thunderbirds.

The Cougars will wear limited-edition retro Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles jerseys during the game, which will be auctioned off online, with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network.

The Nickelodeon-themed event, which debuted during the 2022-23 Western Hockey League (WHL) season, is a charitable initiative spearheaded by RE/MAX in partnership with Paramount Global, the parent company of the beloved kids’ brand Nickelodeon. This season marks the third instalment of the event, which has already raised nearly $300,000 over the past two seasons.

The funds support children’s hospital foundations across Western Canada, including BC Children’s Hospital,

Stollery Children’s Hospital, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Manitoba.

“RE/MAX has been a strong supporter of Children’s Miracle Network for over 30 years,” said Christopher Alexander, president of RE/MAX Canada, in a press release. “Through creative initiatives like Nickelodeon Night, we’re able to contribute in fun and engaging ways to an important cause. We’re excited to kick off the third season and continue raising funds for children’s hospitals across Western Canada.”

The evening will feature fun, family-friendly entertainment, with Nickelodeon’s iconic characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol and Dora the Explorer, among others, bringing added excitement to the event.

WHL teams across all 16 Canadian markets will also host Nickelodeon-themed nights, showcasing unique jerseys, giveaways, and in-game activities.

The Prince George Cougars will wear Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles jerseys for a special fundraising game in January.

All funds generated through this initiative will go directly to local children’s hospital foundations, improving the lives of young patients across the region.

Howden in ski cross spotlight

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

In the second half of an Italian doubleheader on the World Cup ski cross, BC native Reece Howden showed he still knows the fast way to the finish line.

The 26-year-old from Chilliwack held off Alex Fiva of Switzerland and Italian Simone Deromedis in the big final Sunday, Dec. 22 to claim gold on the slopes of Innichen, Italy.

That moved Howden, the 2021 Crystal Globe World Cup points champion, into second place in the world standings heading into the Christmas break. Howden now has 296 points, 14 behind leader Florian Wilmsmann of Germany, who won the Dec. 20 race at Innichen.

Prince George ski crosser Gavin Schmidt, who qualified 19th for Sunday’s race, was eliminated when he finished third in the eighth-final round.

Kristofor Mahler of Collingwood, Ont., Nicholas Katrusuak of Whistler, and Chris Drury of Toronto all advanced in their eighth-final heats but were eliminated in the quarterfinals.

In the women’s race, India Sheritt of Cranbrook got to the big final but finished fourth and was shut out of the medal podium.

The small final featured three Canadians. Hannah Schmidt of Ottawa won that race ahead of Marielle Thompson of Whistler and third-place Courtney Hoffos of Invermere.

Daniella Maier of Germany, who won on Thursday, Dec. 20, took over as World Cup points leader with 369. Sherritt is in second place (325) and Thompson is third (320). Schmidt ranks seventh (206) and Abby McEwen of Edmonton is 10th in the world (137).

Drury is also in the top-10 in the men’s point standings, ranked sixth overall (169).

The World Cup tour resumes Jan. 14 in Reiteralm, Austria.

NICKELODEON PHOTOS

College Heights breaks PGSS Polars’ grip on Spirit Cup

CITIZEN STAFF

High school hockey spirit is alive and well in Prince George.

No better way to start the Christmas school vacation than a renewal of the rivalry on ice that was the 20th annual Spirit of Hockey & Community Cup game at CN Centre on Friday, Dec. 20.

A two-decade tradition that has the Prince George Polars taking on the College Heights Cougars on the last day of school before Christmas gives the winning team hockey bragging rights that last a whole year and on Friday the Cougars laid claim to that title with a 4-1 victory in front of rowdy crowd of about 2,000 elementary/secondary students.

Ryan Peasgood opening the scoring for the Cougars late in the first period and Maddox Moreland added the total at the 12:30 mark of the second.

It remained a 2-0 game until the final minute of the second period when Carter Birks took a pass from teammate Owen Johansen and snapped the puck into the net behind goalie Payton Panetta, on loan from the Northern Capitals U18 triple A female team.

Johansen made it 4-0 four minutes into the final period.

Judah Rayner started in goal for the Polars and Planetta took over the crease about five minutes into the second period.

The Cougars started with Aidan Bouchard in goal and switched to Jacob Stewart halfway through.

Sam Bogle spoiled the College Heights

shutout, scoring the only goal for PGSS with 1:14 left on the clock.

PGSS has won the Spirit Game Cup 12 of the 20 years.

The Polars won it in 2022 and 2023. The game was not played during the pandemic years, 2020 and 2021. School resumes Jan. 6.

Swedish defenceman Ludvig Basth joins Spruce Kings

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

How Swede it is!

The Prince George Spruce Kings announced Thursday, Dec. 19 that they signed 19-year-old Swedish defenceman Ludvig Basth from Brynäs IF J20 for the remainder of the BC Hockey League season.

Basth, who stands six-foot-one and weighs 180 pounds, was in his fifth season with the Brynäs IF J18/J20 program. In 29 games this season in the 20-team

J20 Nationell league he had two goals and nine assists.

“Ludvig is a well-rounded player who defends well, likes the physical play but who can also join the rush and initiate offense,” said Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes.

“He is a great addition to our D core. You can never have enough depth at that position especially at this point in the season. We are thrilled to add Ludvig to our team.”

Basth is the second overseas player who signed with the Spruce Kings in

December.

Earlier, the Spruce Kings announced 20-year-old forward Min Joon Huh for the rest of the season. Hu, a native of Seoul, South Korea, was captain of the Korean team that played at the world junior Division 2, Group A world junior championship in 2024.

The Kings returned from the Christmas break on Saturday, Dec. 28 to take on the Nanaimo Clippers in the first of a weekend doubleheader at Kopar Memorial Arena, with the rematch on Sunday

The Spruce Kings announced they’ve signed Swedish defenceman Ludvig Basth.

The CHSS hockey team celebrates with the Spirit Cup after defeating PGSS 4-1 Friday, Dec. 20 at the 20th Annual Spirit Hockey Game at the CN Centre. See more photos from the game on Page 40.

Cougars packed the CN Centre for 2024 playoff run

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

For a while at least, 2024 was the year of the Cats --- until their season ended in double overtime May 6 in 2-1 loss to the Portland Winterhawks in Game 6 of the Western Hockey League Western Conference final.

Until that point, Prince George Cougars fans truly believed their team was going to go all the way.

Winterhawks forward Josh Davies ended that dream, 5:40 into the second overtime period, clinching the series with a 30-foot shot into the Prince George net that silenced the crowd of 6,016 that packed into CN Centre, hoping their Cougars would continue to write uncharted history.

“I’m almost speechless, it’s such a tough feeling, honestly,” said Cougars captain Hudson Thornton, who played his last junior hockey game that night. “We’ve been through so much this year as a group and we’ve come so far and this city deserves so much.

“We try to give our best every single night and at the end of this you wanted to give them a championship and obviously we didn’t do that so it’s pretty disappointing. Overall we had a tremendous season and the group that we have is so special, we’re brothers for life.”

In 2023-24, their 30th season in Prince George, the Cougars established franchise records for wins (49) and points (102), they won the Western Conference regular season title and their second-ever BC Division crown and finished the season as the Canadian Hockey League’s top-ranked team.

For only the fourth time since the franchise moved north from Victoria in 1994 the Cougars advanced to the third round of the WHL playoffs and fans flocked to the ticket booth, lining up to buy up tickets as playoff fever built.

The postseason started with a firstround sweep over the Spokane Chiefs. The Kelowna Rockets took it to five games and by Game 5 is was sellout city at CN Centre with crowds of 6,000-plus for the rest of the playoffs, and it sure was fun while it lasted.

Cougars winger Terik Parascak helped fuel the Cougars’ 2024 playoff journey, which fell short when the Portland Winterhawks won the deciding game in the Western Conference final in May.

All that team success brought plenty of individual accolades.

Winger Terik Parascak lit up the league with 43 goals and 105 points and was the BC Division’s top rookie. Head coach and general manager Mark Lamb won the WHL coach-of-the-year and executive-of-the-year awards after he bolstered the lineup through trades to acquire forwards Borya Valis and Matteo Danis and defenceman Chase Pauls.

Six Cougars made the WHL all-star list, including Zac Funk, a Lamb trade acquisition the previous season who finished second in the ’23-24 scoring race with 123 points. Joining Funk on the first all-star team was Riley Heidt, who ended up third in WHL scoring with 117 points, and Thornton, who had 18 goals and 74 points, fourth among WHL defencemen.

Goalie Josh Ravensbergen had a smashing debut as a 17-year-old WHL rookie. He tied a league record for first-year netminders with six shutouts and was picked for the second all-star team, along with Parascak and Cats’

Prince George native Jared Young rounds the bases after hitting a home run while playing with the Doosan Bears in South Korea earlier in 2024. He would later sign a contract with the New York Mets in his return to MLB.

defenceman Viliam Kmec.

The Cougars increased their attendance 29 per cent, tops in the WHL, and raised season memberships 43 per cent as the BC Division nominee for business of the year.

There were more rewards waiting for the Cougars at the NHL draft in June

when Parascak was picked 17th overall by the Washington Capitals, Ondrej Becher went to the Detroit Red Wings in the third round and Hunter Laing was a sixth-round selection of the Calgary Flames.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Here’s a look back at top local sports stories of the year

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Prince George native Miguel Marques of the Lethbridge Hurricanes was also chosen in the third round by the Nashville Predators.

Looking back on 2024, it’s hard to ignore what Prince George native Jared Young did to earn himself a one-year contract with the New York Mets. Young started his eighth year of pro ball in the St. Louis Cardinals’ organization after being claimed on waivers from the Chicago Cubs. He began the season with the triple-A Memphis Redbirds and put up solid numbers, hitting .285 with 11 home runs, 15 doubles with a .411 on-base percentage and a .917 OPS (on-base plus slugging).

On July 30, the Redbirds released Young so he could pursue an opportunity in the Korean Baseball Organization with the Doosan Bears. In his second game with the Seoul-based Bears, Young hit 5-for-6, including two home runs, and drove in eight runs to trigger a 30-6 win over the first-place Kia Tigers.

The left-handed-hitting Young finished the season in Korea with a .326 batting average with 10 homers, 39 RBI and a 1.08 OPS. He’ll head to the Mets’ training camp in Florida having played all position as a pro except centerfield and catcher.

“There’s not too many teams bigger than them,” said Young after a trip to New York to sign with Mets on Dec. 17. “It’s really humbling and an awesome opportunity for me. It makes it easier when you know where you’re going and you have a goal in mind.”

The UNBC Timberwolves men’s basketball team had their own objectives as they headed into the Canada West playoffs in Winnipeg. Ranked 12th out of 12 teams, the TWolves used that as incentive and became the talk of the town as they pulled off three shocking upsets to emerge as bronze medalists – the first UNBC team ever to win a Canada West medal.

It started Feb. 22 when they took on they defeated the No. 5 UBC Thunderbirds, a team that included former

94-80 winners.

“No one expected us to be here,” said graduating guard Darren Hunter. “We don’t even have an all-star. We did it as a team and I just love these guys so much, we have a great team, probably the best team off-court I’ve ever been on.”

On the international stage, Carolina Hiller continued to make PG proud as one of the world’s best long track speed skaters.

In February, Hiller teamed up with Ivanie Blondin and Maddison Pearman in Calgary to repeat as ISU world champion in the women’s team sprint. In October, the 27-year-old Prince George Blizzard alumna won the Canadian 500-metre title for the third consecutive year, and in November she combined with Blondin and Beatrice Lamarche to win the Four Continents team sprint.

UNBC veterans Fareed Shittu and Micah Jessie. Six UNBC players – Jutin Sunga, Spencer Ledoux, Darren Hunter, Josh Gillespie, Evgeni Baukin and Chris Ross - hit double figures in points and combined for a smothering defence that added up to an 86-76 win that eliminated UBC.

The following day UNBC took on the No. 4-ranked Manitoba Bisons and beat them 84-78, setting up a semifinal playoff against the top-ranked Victoria Vikings. Trailing by six at three-quarter time, the TWolves refused to wilt and with 4:47 left they grabbed a 62-61 lead on a Hunter jumpshot, but could not contain their opponents down the stretch and lost 80-68.

But the best was yet to come for UNBC in the bronze-medal game against the Calgary Dinos. Clinging to a threepoint lead to start the fourth quarter, the TWolves made five three-pointers, including two from Chris Ross on his way to a game-high 25 points, and they outscored the Dinos 23-12 down the stretch to head to the medal podium

In snowboard cross, Evan Bichon laid down his best-ever World Cup results near the end of the season in March. After placing a personal-best seventh in Montafon, Austria, the Mackenzie native made his first World Cup big final and finished fourth in Mont-Saint-Anne, Que. Meryeta O’Dine and Colby Graham are back this season on the national snowboard cross team, while Gavin Rowell held his national team spot and is competing in World Cup ski cross events in 2024-25. Emily Dickson of Burns Lake posted her first top-12 solo finish earlier this month on the IBU Cup biathlon circuit in Europe.

In August, Joel Ewert of Prince George played wheelchair rugby for Canada at the Paralympics in Paris. The Canadian team went 2-3 in the tournament an finished sixth.

In March, the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club hosted the Para World Biathlon Championships and Para Nordic World Cup on consecutive weeks at Otway Nordic Centre.

In April, the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame inducted boxer Kenny Lally, baseball/hockey/softball player Amanda Asay, biathlete Megan Tandy, baseball/ hockey builder Edna Stitt and wheelchair curling coach Joe Rea.

Prince George Blizzard Speed Skating Club member Carolina Hiller spent 2024 making her mark as one of the best speed skaters in the world.

That’s high school hockey spirit in action

The Prince George Polars have taken on the College Heights Cougars just before every Christmas break for most of the past 20 years. The winner takes home the Spirit Cup bragging rights until the teams meet again the following year. This year the victory went to College Heights. See the full story on Page 37.

CITIZEN PHOTOS BY CHUCK NISBETT

ABOVE: Prince George Secondary School’s Cameron Jefferies gets a shot away Friday, Dec. 20 at the 20th Annual Spirit Hockey Game between CHSS and PGSS at the CN Centre.

LEFT: PGSS’s Lane Broster tries to control the puck while under pressure.

BELOW LEFT: A CHSS defender lifts the stick of PGSS player Maddy Niesh to prevent a shot on goal.

BELOW RIGHT: PGSS’s Sam Bogle shoots one past the stick of College Heights Secondary School goalie Jacob Stewart to get PGSS on the board.

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North Central Bailiffs Ltd. Court Bailiff Cassandra Ettinger

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The New Year brings challenges that can change many things in your life. You need to be prepared not only to confront them but also to deal with what happens afterward.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You have what it takes to set your goals quite a bit higher this year. Learn what you need to know and put what you learn into your efforts. A partner offers loving support.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) In true Gemini Twin fashion, you’re conflicted about a decision you know you’ll have to make in this New Year. Best advice: Get the facts before you make any commitment.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A friend offers you an exciting opportunity for this New Year. Although your positive aspects are strong in most respects, caution is advised. Investigate before you invest.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) You can make this New Year a roaring success! Start by readjusting your goals to reflect the changes in the economy. Your den-mate offers both wise and loving support.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) The New Year brings new opportunities for change. But you need to be ready to move away from the comfortable status quo to the challenging unknown. It’s up to you!

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Your most important New Year’s resolution should be to work out problems with a family member in order to avoid continuing misunderstandings. Do it soon for both of your sakes.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) The New Year has much to offer the intensely determined Scorpian, who isn’t afraid to take on challenges and stay with them until they surrender their rewards.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) You’ll have many fine opportunities in this New Year. But be warned: Reject offers of “help.” You work best when you’re free to be your own creative self.

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CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) The New Year offers changes that you might feel you’re not quite ready for. Best advice: Deal with them one step at a time until you’ve built up your self-confidence.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Travel is a dominant aspect of the New Year. This could mean relocating to another city (or even another country) in connection with your education or career.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) This New Year brings news about a change you’ve been anticipating. You might have a problem persuading a loved one about your new plans, but they will soon go along with your ideas.

Homes & Living

Low cost or free winter fun with the grandchildren

Winter offers a unique opportunity to create special memories with your grandchildren through a variety of lowcost or free activities. Embracing the season’s charm can lead to countless hours of fun and bonding without straining your budget.

One of the most delightful winter activities is playing in the snow. If you live in an area where it snows, bundle up and head outside for some classic winter fun. Building a snowman, making snow angels, or having a friendly snowball fight are timeless activities that children love. You can also get creative by building a snow fort or going on a snowy scavenger hunt. If you have a sled or can borrow one, find a nearby hill and enjoy the thrill of sledding together.

For those days when it’s too cold to stay outside for long, indoor activities can be just as enjoyable. Baking is a wonderful way to spend time together and warm

dream door starts here

up the house. Choose simple recipes like cookies, muffins, or homemade bread that your grandchildren can help with. Measuring ingredients, mixing, and decorating baked goods can be both fun and educational. Plus, you’ll have delicious treats to enjoy together. Crafting is another fantastic indoor activity that can keep kids entertained for hours. Gather materials you already have at home, such as paper, markers, glue, and recycled items, and let your creativity run wild. You can make holiday decorations, create homemade cards, or even try your hand at making simple ornaments. Crafting not only sparks creativity but also provides a great opportunity for conversation and bonding.

Reading together is a cozy way to spend a winter afternoon. Visit your local library to borrow books or explore your own collection at home. Choose a mix of classic tales and new stories to keep

things interesting. Reading aloud can be a magical experience, transporting you and your grandchildren to different worlds. You can also take turns reading to each other, which can help improve their reading skills and confidence. Exploring your community can lead to unexpected winter adventures. Many towns and cities offer free or low-cost events during the winter months, such as holiday markets, light displays, and winter festivals. Check local event listings to find family-friendly activities happening in your area. Visiting a nearby museum, indoor playground, or community center can also be a fun and educational outing. Many of these places offer discounted or free admission days, so be sure to check their schedules. Winter provides numerous opportunities for low-cost or free family fun with your grandchildren. Whether you’re playing in the snow, baking treats, crafting, reading, exploring

your community, or enjoying games and puzzles, the most important thing is spending quality time together. These activities not only provide entertainment but also create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

GO FOR GOLD.

Safe Use of Space Heaters: Tips for Staying Warm and Secure

As temperatures drop, space heaters become a popular choice for providing extra warmth in homes and offices. While these devices can be efficient and cost-effective, improper use poses significant safety risks, including fire hazards and carbon monoxide poisoning. By following a few essential guidelines, you can enjoy the comfort of a space heater without compromising safety. Choose the Right Space Heater Look for Safety Features: Opt for heaters with built-in safety features, such as tip-over protection, overheat shutoff, and cool-to-touch surfaces. These features can prevent accidents and minimize risks.

Check Certification: Ensure the heater is certified by a recognized testing laboratory, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories), ETL (Intertek), or CSA (Canadian Standards Association). Certification indicates that the product meets safety standards. Select the Appropriate Type: Choose a heater suited for your needs. For example, radiant heaters are ideal for spot heating, while convection heaters work better for warming entire rooms.

Proper Placement

Maintain a Safe Distance: Place the heater at least three feet away from flammable materials, such as curtains, bedding, furniture, and papers.

Stable Surface: Position the heater on a flat, stable surface to reduce the risk of tipping over. Avoid placing it on countertops or other elevated surfaces where it might fall.

Avoid High-Traffic Areas: Keep the heater out of walkways to prevent accidental trips and falls.

Outdoor Use: If you’re using a space heater outdoors, ensure it is specifically designed for outdoor use and is protected from moisture and debris.

Safe Operation Practices

Plug Directly into the Wall: Always plug the heater directly into a wall outlet. Avoid using extension cords or power strips, as they can overheat and cause fires.

Supervise Usage: Never leave a space heater running unattended, especially when sleeping or leaving the room. Turn it off when not in use.

Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Read and adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation, usage, and

maintenance.

Monitor Children and Pets: Keep children and pets away from the heater to prevent burns or accidental tipping. Preventing Carbon Monoxide Hazards

Choose Electric Models Indoors: Avoid using fuel-burning heaters inside your home unless they are specifically labeled as safe for indoor use and equipped with proper ventilation systems.

Install CO Detectors: If using a fuelpowered heater, ensure your home is equipped with carbon monoxide detectors and test them regularly.

Maintenance and Inspection

Inspect Regularly: Check the heater for any visible signs of damage, such as frayed cords or cracked housing, and discontinue use if issues are found.

Clean Routinely: Dust and debris can accumulate on the heater’s surface or in vents, increasing the risk of fire. Clean the heater as recommended by the manufacturer.

Emergency Preparedness

Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby: Have a fire extinguisher easily accessible and ensure everyone in the household knows how to use it.

Develop an Exit Plan: In case of a fire, have a clear evacuation plan and practice it with your family. By following these safety measures, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of a space heater while minimizing potential risks. Stay informed, vigilant, and proactive to keep your home safe and cozy during the colder months.

Pankaj Sharma

Sarah Pineau

Mackenzie

The benefits of pet adoption

Adopting a pet can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make, bringing numerous benefits to both you and the animal. Pets offer companionship, emotional support, and a sense of purpose, significantly enhancing your quality of life. Whether you choose a dog, cat, rabbit, or any other animal, the bond you form with your pet can be deeply fulfilling.

One of the most immediate benefits of adopting a pet is the companionship they

provide. Pets are known for their loyalty and unconditional love, which can be especially comforting if you live alone or are going through a tough time. The presence of a pet can alleviate feelings of loneliness and provide a sense of security. Dogs, for instance, are always eager to greet you with wagging tails and joyful barks, while cats often show their affection through purring and cuddling. This companionship can lead to a happier and more contented life.

In addition to companionship, pets can have a profound impact on your mental health. Studies have shown that interacting with animals can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The act of petting a dog or cat can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and relaxation. This can lower your blood pressure and heart rate, creating a calming effect. Furthermore, pets can provide a sense of routine and structure, which can be beneficial for those struggling with mental health issues. Knowing that your pet relies on you for food, exercise, and care can give you a sense of purpose and responsibility. Physical health benefits are another significant advantage of pet adoption. Dogs, in particular, require regular exercise, which means that as a dog owner, you are more likely to engage in physical activities such as walking, running, or playing fetch. This increased level of activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve cardiovascular health, and boost your overall fitness. Even smaller pets, like cats or rabbits, can encourage you to be more active through play and interaction.

Adopting a pet also has social benefits. Pets can be great conversation starters

and can help you connect with other pet owners. Dog parks, pet-friendly events, and even walking your dog around the neighborhood can lead to new friendships and social interactions. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may find it challenging to meet new people or who are looking to expand their social circle.

From a broader perspective, adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization helps combat the issue of pet overpopulation and reduces the number of animals in need of homes.

By choosing to adopt, you are giving an animal a second chance at life and freeing up space in shelters for other animals in need. This act of kindness not only saves lives but also supports the efforts of animal welfare organizations.

Adopting a pet offers a multitude of benefits, from companionship and improved mental health to physical fitness and social opportunities. The bond you form with your pet can bring immense joy and fulfillment to your life, while also making a positive impact on the animal’s life. If you are considering adding a pet to your family, adoption is a wonderful and compassionate choice that can enrich your life in countless ways.