Issue 43 october 29 2014 by Chetwynd Echo

OCTOBER 29, 2014

Councillors pursuing doctors for Chetwynd told “good luck”

by Mike Carter Chetwynd echo reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND - At a time when Mayor Merlin Nichols pledges to work tirelessly until doctors are “lining up for the privilege of working in our home town,” doctors are telling Chetwynd recruiters: “good luck.” That’s frustrating news for a leadership group that has worked hard to design and expedite the construction of a new medical clinic. The community has responded in a big way to the project, raising $536,220 in corporate and in-kind donations, but recent efforts are telling a tale that finding doctors to pay rent and occupy the new building won’t be easy. The district is in a rush to get the new medical clinic built before the doctor’s lease in what they call a less-than adequate Chetwynd Centre Medical Clinic expires in May 2015. Currently more doctors are on their way out of Chetwynd than are coming in. Although having a new, modern clinic will go a long way towards doctor recruitment, several factors combine to make

PFANNER northern cities and towns a tough pill to swallow for new family physicians. Factors such as high rent are highlighted by the Fort St. John group “Concerned Citizens for Health Care,” who claim that lower rent at medical clinic’s would help doctor’s make their choice on where to practice. Under the plan introduced in May 2014, Chetwynd plans to charge the occupants of the building a competitive $8,000 a month. Councilors Galbraith and Pfanner, both members of the Health Services Committee, recently traveled to the Fall Family Medicine Conference in Vancouver. Please see "PROFESSIONAL," page 3

CSS dual credit bus to Dawson Creek to remain until 2016 inside

$1.25 INCLUDES GST

CELEBRATING 55 YEARS IN 2014

It’s election time! by Mike Carter Chetwynd echo reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND – Six out of the eight contenders seeking election to the District of Chetwynd council will take part in a candidate’s forum tonight, at 7 p.m. at the Pomeroy Inn and Suites. Eight residents are vying for the six available spots on council. Joining incumbents Alec Brownlee, Rochelle Galbraith, Ernest Pfanner and Laura Weisgerber are: Clay Bassendowski, Mel Deck, Darren Shankel and Dale Tremblay. Weisgerber and Shankel will be absent from tonight’s forum. Weisgerber is on vacation, while Shankel will be attending a prior commitment in Alberta. Chetwynd’s Mayor Merlin Nichols has been re-elected by acclamation. Continuing a popular format from the 2011 municipal election year, the Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce will re-introduce the speed-dating format for the candidate’s forum. Those who attend tonight’s forum will be seated at any table of their choice. The tables will be numbered.

by Mike Carter Chetwynd echo reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND – A dual credit bus that takes Chetwynd Secondary students to Dawson Creek’s Northern Lights College for college-accredited courses will remain for at least one more year, School District 59’s Board of Education has decided.

Canfor Pellet plant approved Page 2

Candidates Forum to be held tonight

Each candidate will be asked to make a three-minute opening statement. After that, they will each draw a number from a hat and begin at the corresponding table. After 15 – 30 minutes, moderator Don Hicks will give the signal, and all of the candidates will rotate to the next table in a clockwise motion.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tonia Richter said she got the idea from the City of Kelowna. “Us chamber managers, we share all the time. It’s great,” she said. But plans may change rapidly. The amount of people who have RSVP’d is down significantly from 2011.

The bus will run from February 2015 – January 2016, after which it will be up for review once again. Wayne Ezeard, a school board trustee from Pouce Coupe, suggested that this service is essential for the district. “If we truly believe every child deserves equal access, then we have to find a way to support this bus,” he said.

In that year, almost 50 people had committed to the event, this time around less than 20 have said they will be attending. “It's going to be really flexible, it's going to change on a dime unless we get more people. If we get 50 people then it is going to work perfect.” Richter lamented on the lack of involvement, but her voice showed signs of hope that the community would show at the last minute to hear from the people who want to represent them on town council. “Who knows what's on TV that night and which hockey practice is on that night,” Richter said. “It all depends on the numbers. One year we did it with 20 people and last [time] was the first year we changed the format to be very casual and that's when we had the biggest turnout." This will be the last time the Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce will host a public forum of debate as Chetwynd residents go to the polls to decide on who will be their community leaders. Please see "CHAMBERS," page 2

Director of Operations Al Van Tassel warned that there would be a significant cost of up to $95,000 needed to maintain the current bus route. “As long as we’re willing to look at the cost I believe we can make it work,” he said. “We just need to have an understanding that there is extra cost to maintain that bus route.”

Who knows what’s on TV that night... Tonia Richter re: candidates forum attendance

Board members unanimously agreed at the October 22 board meeting held in Chetwynd, that the cost was worth it. “It’s very important that we have equal access,” said Chetwynd school board trustee Anita Prescott. “I am hoping that we will increase our dual Please see "WE NEED," page 3

TransCanada Pipeline granted EA Page 5

Wednesday, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Chetwynd Echo

Chambers throughout BC walking away from hosting candidate foContinued from page 1

A board meeting was held last Thursday, and Chamber directors voted to discontinue their participation in future political events. “We try to be neutral but it just seems that it doesn’t matter what we do, we get the backlash,” Richter explained. “Certain people in the com-

munity came in and were really rude to me and I said you know what, it's not worth them attacking our manager anymore. Some other group organization can host it and do it themselves.” Richter also said she polled other Chambers of Commerce from different towns and cities across the province and found that a lot of

them were also backing away from hosting these public debates “due to the political nature of it,” she said. Although each candidate has to pay $100 to participate, the Chamber of Commerce still operates the event at a loss each year once the cost of the venue, refreshments and advertising are considered.

Canfor pellet plant becoming a reality

by Mike Carter Chetwynd echo reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND – After a telephone conference with a community in Germany, District of Chetwynd councillors appear satisfied with giving approval to Canfor’s proposed pellet plant. The plant will be constructed on Canfor’s property within the town limits. During construction, the project will create “an unknown number of indirect jobs” and “16 to 20 fulltime employees” once up and running, according to Pacific BioEnergy spokesperson Paul Kalil. A 15-year purchase contract for the pellet’s the plant will produce has been signed with companies that would not be identified by Kalil. “The district required extensive background on the plant operations and the planned equipment,” Kalil said. “We are satis-

fied with their due dili- described council’s reagence.” soning for the project’s Pacific BioEnergy is a approval. partner with Canfor on “Noise levels are not the project. loud or irritating. The District of Chetwynd major noise source is the councillors were con- hammer mill used to recerned with a variety of duce the fiber to small issues inparticles for cluding compressing noise, dust into pellets,” control and the mayor emissions. said. “This But after cannot be discussions heard outNo smell except the with the side its community building. In ordinary, pleasant of Hosenfact, with smell of wood. flet, Coun. the new E r n e s t plant situPfanner beated says he and tween the others felt present mill the project and the resicould prodential area, ceed. noise may actually be reA development permit duced at the closest resihas not yet been given ap- dences.” proval at a regular council The sight and smell of a meeting. pellet plant outside of Nevertheless, Mayor Prince George was a conMerlin Nichols touted the cern for many residents. plant’s approval earlier However, the proposed this month, in a letter to Chetwynd pellet plant is the Chetwynd Echo, which not at all like the one in

Prince George, the mayor explains. “The plan allows for storage of a maximum of five day’s supply of raw material. The storage will be inside, undercover, sheltered from wind and rain. No smell except the ordinary, pleasant smell of wood. Enclosed conveyors will transport material from mill to storage to mill.” Emissions from the plant will be of no concern either, Mayor Nichols added, saying they will only be of two kinds: “white steam from the belt dryer (like we see from the kilns on a cold winter day); and all-butinvisible combustion emissions, pre-treated by two precipitators in series to remove particulate.” The pellet plant, and a similar one being constructed in Fort St. John, is the first of their kind for Canfor and Pacific BioEnergy. Many similar plants exist in Europe.

Chetwynd Chamber Executive Director clarifies trip to China: paid for on own tab she says

by n aoMi L arsen Chetwynd echo editor –––––––––––––– CHETWYND - Local Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tonia Richter has been receiving criticism over her recent trip to China which took place Oct. 7-17. Richter has been accused of using Chamber of Commerce money to finance the trip. How-

ever, she says that is not the case. “I would like to clarify that my recent trip to China was not paid for by the Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce,” she said. “As the Executive Director I received and invitation at an amazing price, but it was paid for from my own pocket and I used my own personal holidays." However, Richter said the trip

was Chamber-related and it gives the Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce a chance to sell 10-day tour packages at a discounted rate. “And it gives your local chamber $500 pre-package as a revenue generator,” she said. “Even though I paid for the trip, I represented my Chamber and my home town and promoted it as best as I could.”

Wednesday, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Chetwynd Echo

A dual credit bus taking Chetwynd students to and from Dawson Creek costs $95,000 a year to operate. It’s future beyond 2016 is uncertain. School District 59 is preparing to petition the Ministry of Advanced Education for transportation fundPhoto file ing to cover the bus beyond 2016.

“We need to keep this bus running,” Ezeard Continued from page 1

credit systems and there will be more people travelling or perhaps, have a dual credit [program] here in our community.” Chetwynd trustee Sorene Kampen added that the bus was very important for Chetwynd Secondary students. The matter of the potential cancellation of the bus was brought to the board’s attention via a latter from Keith Maurer, Director of Instruction, which argued the district should keep funding the bus. There are at this point, between nine and 11 students from Chetwynd Secondary School (CSS) who are registered in dual credit programs that will need to ride the bus from Chetwynd to Dawson Creek beginning this February. “Eleven students is 12 per cent of the grade 12 [class] at CSS,” Maurer

wrote. “In comparison, Dawson Creek Secondary School dual credit students represent 11.5 per cent of the grade 12 [class]. Even though the total CSS dual credit head count is not high,” he added, “they are holding their own in terms of the percent of students.” Board of Education chairman Richard Powell noted that the same dual credit bus that drives these Chetwynd students to and from Dawson Creek, is also contracted by parents of dual credit students in Rolla to bring their students into the city, which is something that should be a factor when the district contemplates the bus’s future. School District 59 plans to petition the Ministry of Advanced Education for transportation funding to continue the bus service beyond 2016. District Board Superintendent Leslie Lambie re-

minded the board that it had set aside $500,000 in a reserve fund and $100,000 from that could be used to maintain the bus service for this year. But she warned that the reserve fund is not a long-term solution. Ezeard noted that he had a chance to sit down with MLA Mike Bernier to discuss this issue, and that Bernier suggested the school board write a letter asking for funds from the Minister of Advanced Education, Amrik Virk. The board has decided it will do just that. “We have a minister who keeps harping that we have to step up and get more active in getting people out there trained for the jobs at hand. I [challenge] him to put his money where his mouth is and give us $100,000 a year to keep that bus running,” Ezeard said. “I believe we need to keep this bus running.”

Professional recruiter being considered Continued from page 1

“It’s like a fishpond full of big healthy, well fed fish. By going down there, we dropped a little hook in the pond,” said Pfanner. “Whether we get a bite I am not sure.” Pfanner questioned whether it was the district’s role or not to go down to these conferences and to take an active role in doctor recruitment when professional recruiters are assisting other cities and towns in the province. “I just don’t know that we're the right people to be doing it,” Pfanner said. “Nobody can promote Chetwynd better than we who were born and raised here can, but there are professional recruiters that can have more answers to the questions then we could provide for the meat and potatoes type stuff.” Pfanner said he was surprised to learn at the Vancouver conference that BC is divided into divisions for health recruitment. Each division has a recruiter dedicated to that area. However, Chetwynd is not included in any of the divisions. “I found it real interesting that we’re not in one,“ Pfanner said. “We questioned as to how to get into one and so we are going to pursue that with the Health Services Committee.” The program is government funded, he explained, and separated from Northern Health. This would mean another person aside from the District of Chetwynd and aside from Northern

It’s like a fishpond full of big healthy, well fed fish. By going down there, we dropped a little hook in the pond.

Health would be working to bring doctors to town. Mayor Nichols said it’s important that Chetwynd keeps up its recruitment efforts. “If we don’t do it, I am not sure that anybody else will,” he said. “I think we can’t afford to neglect to show our faces out there. We just have to keep on doing it. Yes it’s costly, but I think it’s much more costly to not do it.” Pfanner agreed, but reiterated that having a professional recruiter on board wouldn’t be a bad thing to look at. “We’ve talked to a lot of doctors and they all wished us luck, but it’s going to take a lot more than luck. We’re going to pursue it and fight and make things change because it’s not going to change on it’s own.” The latest recruitment trip yielded lots of names, but no firm commitments.

Wednesday, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Chetwynd Echo

Ghomeshi’s cool persona unsustanable on CBC Guest Editorial

oor CBC. Reeling since the loss of its most prestigious and lucrative property, Hockey Night in Canada, Les MacPherson StarPhoenix along with two of its biggest stars, Don Cherry and George Stroumboulopoulos, the network finally found its feet again last week amid the swirling craziness on Parliament Hill. The CBC's calm and professional reporting in those chaotic hours earned widespread acclaim for a public broadcaster badly in need of a win. After just three short days to savour the favourable attention, the CBC is back under a cloud with star radio host Jian Ghomeshi unceremoniously fired for what, exactly, we are not sure. We only know it has something to do with the sordid sex scandal that began to emerge soon thereafter. Ghomeshi stands accused in the Toronto Star, by three unnamed women, of physically assaulting them during sexual encounters. The women reportedly did not report the assaults to police at the time for fear of retaliation by the popular radio host and his supporters. Ghomeshi tried to get ahead of the story by admitting on his Facebook page his appetite for rough sex, but only with consenting partners, he insists. The allegations of assault he says are lies, part of a campaign of harassment by a bitter exgirlfriend. The CBC appears unimpressed by his $55-million suit against the network for wrongful dismissal. What a lot of people don't understand, perhaps Ghomeshi among them, is that an employer doesn't need any reason to fire someone, never mind a good reason. An employee fired without notice or cause is only entitled to reasonable compensation, the amount depending on years of service, future prospects and so on. Ghomeshi's situation was a little different from that of the typical working stiff since he was under personal contract to the CBC. These contracts always have conditional provisions for termination by either side. The network's legal department would have tried to make sure he gets everything to which he is entitled. Like a lot of other CBC radiophiles, I personally feel a little soiled by this unsavoury episode. I liked Ghomeshi's Q radio show. It was one of just a few remaining windows on popular culture I had not slammed shut to keep out the noise. He interviewed some of my favourite artists, along with quite a few I never heard of, and made them all sound engaging. His Kumbaya monologues didn't thrill me, but this was just the dim entryway into the showroom where his real work was done. Ghomeshi became something of a hero of mine when he famously kept his composure while interviewing the disagreeable Billy Bob Thornton. I would have lost my temper. Ghomeshi, the cool professional, instead helped him make a fool of himself. Thornton was resoundingly booed when his band opened the next night in Toronto for Willie Nelson. It colours it for me, learning now that the coolerthancool radio host is into roughing up women, whether consensually or not. I am not sure I could overlook this when he came on the air. Neither, apparently, could the CBC. Leave aside for the moment the relevant labour laws and contractual obligations. Ghomeshi has violated what Glen Sather, as coach of the Edmonton Oilers, was said to have imposed as his one and only rule with respect to player conduct: You don't embarrass the team. Ghomeshi claims he was fired for having a normally unconventional sex life. Except a normally unconventional sex life usually does not involve the Toronto Star. The important thing now is to give him the benefit of the doubt with respect to anything criminal. No one has made a complaint. No one has signed a sworn statement. No one in authority has investigated. We only know what the Toronto Star says that unnamed others are saying about Ghomeshi. Three of them. Independently. With a fourth alleging sexual harassment at work. Not cool hardly covers it.

MP Bob Zimmer reflects on attack on Parliament Hill

n Wednesday, a terrorist tried to strike at the very heart of our democracy. He tried to create a Canada ruled by fear and suspicion. He has failed to accomplish this. He failed because we are a nation with a strong foundation built on the principles of freedom. He failed because of the bravery and sacrifice of Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers, Parliament Hill security, the Ottawa Police, and the RCMP. We first heard a loud thump outside of our Conservative Caucus meeting room, and wondered if the sound was blasting in the area due to

construction. Once the was run down by another sound became a loud and Islamic extremist this rapid popping sound, it week in Quebec. They was clear that it was gun were deliberately tarfire and it was close. geted because they Shortly after the shooting donned the uniform of had stopped, Sergeant-at- our military and commitA r m s ted their Kevin Vicklives in the S ers came in service of us and briefed EPORT all. Corporal about us Cirillo was with the situastanding Bob Zimmer guard at the tion and the actions National taken to stop the terrorist. War Memorial, a place of All of us must remem- reverence for Canada’s ber the two men who lost fallen soldiers. His murtheir lives in the past few der at that place of hondays. Corporal Nathan our is a clear reminder of Cirillo was shot and the price our nation has killed at the National War paid to defend our CanaMemorial and Warrant dian values. Fear is not Officer Patrice Vincent among those values, nor

MP R

will it ever be. Parliament Hill is an open, welcoming place because it is a powerful symbol of our democratic principles. Going forward, there likely will be changes to security in Ottawa. But those security measures must be balanced not to harm the general public’s access to Parliament and the perception that Canada remains a safe, prosperous nation. The responsibility to protect our God-given right to liberty falls on all of us elected to Parliament, regardless of party, and our resolve will not dim in the face of terrorism.

Royal Canadian Legion poppy sales beginning soon

by naoMi Larsen Chetwynd echo editor –––––––––––––– CHETWYND – Remembrance Day recognizes and honours those who have served our nation and given their lives. It is our opportunity to preserve their legacy and to encourage new generations to remember the important contributions so many brave Canadian men and women have made to our country and the world. This year marks the centenary of the beginning of World War One and the 75th anniversary of the start of the Second World War, the

70th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. There are many more milestones in our military history both past and present to be remembered. Remembrance Day is observed Nov. 11 to recall the official ending of World War 1, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. The red Poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day. Poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War 1, their brilliant red color an appropriate symbol for the blood spilt in the war. Still today there are wars being

fought in parts of the world. Men and women laying their lives on the line to protect and keep us safe in a free country. The annual Poppy Campaign goes on every year, raising money to aid any veterans that may need assistance in some way. “Wreath orders are now coming in,” Legion Vice President Karen Buckley says. “There is still time to order yours. Poppies will be on sale by the end of October, when you see them please purchase and wear one to Remember and show that their sacrifices have not been forgotten.”

Wednesday, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Chetwynd Echo

TransCanada's Coastal Gas Link pipeline gets Environmental Assessment approval

by Mike Carter Chetwynd echo reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND – A 675kilometre, 48-inch diameter natural gas pipeline that will stretch from the Groundbirch area outside of Chetwynd, to Kitimat, was granted an environmental certificate from the BC Environmental Assessment Office on Friday, Oct. 24. The certificate was issued with 32 conditions outlining pipeline best practices for preventing environmental damage, and a number of projectspecific concerns raised by local aboriginal communities. At least one condition seeks to gather data that will show what benefit these projects bring to communities, and if these benefits are in fact substantial. These include: participation in government-led programs to manage key wildlife populations of concern, especially southern mountain caribou and grizzly bear, development of a socio-economic effects management plan to monitor effects of the project on community infrastructure, labour, employment and contracting opportunities and continued engagement with First Nations and local governments along the pipeline route to collect ongoing

The project awaits this final investment decision, the issue of permits from the BC government and other regulatory approvals before it could begin construction. The company is hopeful that the pipeline can move ahead in 2016, with an inservice date “by the end of the decade.” The Coastal GasLink

project is part of TransCanada’s $38 billion capital growth plan that includes more than $12 billion in proposed natural gas pipeline projects in BC. Next steps for the proposed pipeline include detailed engineering and construction planning. TransCanada has also submitted applications to the BC Oil and Gas Commis-

sion for the permits required to build and operate the pipeline. Regulatory review of those applications is progressing on schedule, the company says, with permit decisions anticipated in the first quarter of 2015. The BC government says the project will create about 150 direct and indirect jobs once in operation.

TransCanada’s Costal GasLink pipeline, which begins in Groundbirch, has been given environmental approval. 32 conditions for the project must be met. A final investment decision from LNG Canada has not yet been made, and several federal and provincial permits must still be approved. Photo submitted feedback. “Achievement of an environmental assessment certificate is a significant milestone for both Coastal GasLink and TransCanada,” said Russ Girling, president and CEO of TransCanada. “We appreciate the contributions and input from all those who participated in

Pacific NorthWest LNG president resigns unexpectedly

the environmental assessment process.” The pipeline has not yet received a final investment decision from LNG Canada, which is a consortium of companies that includes Shell Canada, subsidiaries of PeteroChina Company Ltd., Korea Gas Corp., and Mitisubishi.

by Mike Carter Chetwynd echo reporter –––––––––––––– VANCOUVER – The president of a big player in BC’s promised LNG economy has resigned suddenly, a spokesperson for the Malaysian owned energy giant Petronas said on Monday. Greg Kist, who was the president of Pacific NorthWest LNG, told the Canadian Press he plans to return to his family in Alberta. Pacific NorthWest’s plans to build a multi-billion-dollar liquefied natural gas project near Prince Rupert are not affected by Kist’s decision. “Under Greg’s leadership, the company was formed and continues to work towards a final investment decision this year,” said Pacific’s chairman Dato’ Wee Yiaw Hin in a statement. “He leaves [us] as a strong company with an excellent management team and a committed, dedicated group of employees.” Progress Energy Canada Ltd.’s chief executive Michael Culbert, who also serves as a director of Pacific NorthWest LNG, will take over as acting president of the company. Progress Energy is also owned by Petronas. Pacific NorthWest LNG is one of several groups developing LNG projects on te Wesrt Coast. The company said earlier this week that it is reviewing the details of the BC government’s new LNG tax. Tan Sri Dato’ Shamsul Ashar Abbas, the CEO of Petronas, had raised concerns that an earlier version of the tax, along with a sluggish regulatory process, had put the economics of the proposed export facility into question.

With files from the Canadian Press.

You can email us at editor@chetwyndecho.net; mail to Box 750 Chetwynd B.C. V0C 1J0 or drop of your letter at 5016 50 Avenue. All letters submitted must be signed with a return address and daytime telephone number so we can confirm that it came from you. The Echo reserves the right to edit letters for clarity, legality, length and to refuse publication of any submitted material. We may also choose to use a letter as the basis for a story. So, be sure to keep your letters brief and to the point. Letters originating from the Peace region get priority. We encourage new contributors as we attempt to publish a cross- section of public opinion. - Naomi Larsen,

Wednesday, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Chetwynd Echo

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

'Connections for Women' support group. Wednesdays 1-2:30pm starting November/14 Register by phoning 250-788-1986

Chetwynd Community Arts Council Annual Fall Gala and Art Show November 8. Doors open 6 pm. Pomeroy Inns & Suites Ballroom. Tickets available from any member watch for posters around town. Free English Practice Mondays 9:30 am at Northern Lights College and Wednesdays at 5:30 pm at the Chetwynd Public Library Call 250-788-2559

Chetwynd Breastfeeding Support Network meets every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m at the Chetwynd Public Library.

Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Pine Valley Seniors Centre Call 250-788-3306 Pine Valley Seniors Hall weekly activities including Cribbage, Whist, Bingo and Carpet Bowling. Call Anita at 788-2307 for info. Pine Valley Seniors Hall Carpet Bowling Tuesdays @ 1:30 pm.

FREE Cree Lessons Wednesdays 56 pm at Tansi Friendship Centre Baby’s Best Chance Pregnancy Outreach Program Drop in : Mondays 10am to Noon. Weekly Group Sessions Tuesdays 11 am-1pm. Located at Kici.

Alanon meetings 6:30 pm Tuesdays Mickey’s Place (behind A&W)

Chetwynd Society for Community Living Board Meeting. First Monday of each month. 4699 Airport Road Ph: 250-788-4889. Homeschooling Network Thursdays 1 pm - 2 pm at the Chetwynd Public Library

Muskoti Learning Centre Homework Club Mon-Thursday 3 - 4:30 pm

Quintessentials Quilters Guild. Meetings held every third monday at 7 pm at the Shared Ministry Church. Contact Joan at 250-788-2714 for more information.

What’s Happening sponsored by:

This spot is available for sponsorship Call for details

FamilyFun for a SPOOK?tacular Hallowe en2014 SuBMITTED –––––––––––––– (Toronto, ON – October 14, 2014) – Halloween isn’t just about dressing up and trick-or-treating – it’s also a great opportunity to learn together as a family! Kids love Halloween and spooky things. ABC Life Literacy Canada offers these tips, tricks and treats for the whole family to enjoy in the days leading up to Halloween. 1. Tell each other spooky or scary stories – makebelieve or real-life (“the scariest thing that ever happened to me was…”). 2. Count pumpkins, ghosts and witches. Take a walk around the neighbourhood and count the Halloween items on porches, lawns and store displays. Keep track of them all on a chart and predict which item you will

see the most. Take it further: Visit FamilyLiteracyFun.ca and download the Neighbourhood Scavenger Hunt activity to see what others things you can identify in your neighbourhood. 3. Make a Halloween treat. Teaching kids how to follow a recipe is great for reading math and skills. Get the kids to pick a recipe, read the instructions and measure the ingredients. 4. Use orange and black construction paper to

Legend of

make Halloween themed paper weave decorations to display around the house. The instructions for paper weaving can be downloaded at FamilyLiteracyFun.ca. 5. Make a Hal-

loween c o s tume with material from around the house. Get the kids to write a list of what is needed for the costume and then gather all the materials together.

Jack o METRO –––––––––––––– The tradition of jack-o'lanterns began in Ireland and Scotland, and pumpkins were not the first gourd of choice to use as lanterns. Turnips and rutabagas were often used because of their availability. When

6. Research the history of Halloween (how it began, and why it’s celebrated) and share what you learned with family and friends. 7. Organize Halloween candy in different ways. Sort and count by candy type, shape or size. This activity reinforces basic math, association and matching skills (and also slows down the sugar rush!). Literacy benefits the entire family—enjoying reading and other learning activities together for at least 15 minutes a day has tremendous benefits for both children and parents. Whether you’re reading a spooky story or making ghost cupcakes, learning can happen at any time. For more fun activities you can share with your children, visit FamilyLitera-

lante Irish immigrants migrated to America, they brought their jack-o'lantern traditions with them. Turnips were not as prevalent on this side of the Atlantic, so carvers turned to pumpkins, which were larger and easier to carve. Jack-o'-lanterns get their name from Irish folklore, particularly a character named Jack. Jack liked to drink and couldn't pay his pub tab, making a deal with the Devil for his soul to cover the pub fee. Jack agreed, but he tricked the Devil to get away with his soul and captured the Devil. Jack agrees to free the Devil if he makes a new deal that the Devil can't ever have his soul. Years pass and Jack eventually dies. Because of his poor lifestyle, he is not material for heaven, and Jack is once again reunited with the Devil. Because the Devilremembers he cannot have Jack's soul, Jack is forced to roam the twilight world forever as a lost soul. The Devil gives Jack a few embers to burn to light the way, which Jack stores in a hollowed-out turnip. Eventually these lanterns, used to keep scary spirits at bay, were called jack-o'-lanterns.

Wednesday, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Chetwynd Echo

Overpass idea shot down

District of Chetwynd brings four road priorities to Ministry of Transportation

by Mike Carter Chetwynd echo reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND – Over the next nine weeks, the BC Ministry of Transportation will conduct consultations with the public, First Nations and local government with the hopes of delivering a 10-year transportation plan called “BC on the Move”. The ministry hopes to identify road priorities across the province, and Chetwynd’s mayor and council combined their collective minds to come up with what they thought were the most pressing road issues in our area. Four priorities were identified, and they are: Bringing sections of the highway near Mount Le Moray up to class “A” level, road maintenance generally, possible passing lanes on the Chetwynd side of Moberly Hill, and a general assessment of the area’s speed limits. An overpass for the railway tracks that pass through town was briefly discussed but than shot down. Councillors, and especially the mayor, considered the project too expensive. “Whoever goes [to meet with the minister], we should have them look at putting a couple of passing lanes coming down this side of Moberly Hill,” said Coun. Larry Vezina, who operates a septic hauling business. “There are some really long straight stretches there and no passing lanes, yet they are on the other side. I have people pass me every time I come down with the truck because I am doing 60 km/h and they just ram on by you.” Councillor Pfanner petitioned for road mainte-

Whoever goes [to meet with the minister], we should have them look at putting a couple of passing lanes coming down this side of Moberly Hill. VEZINA nance, saying this is always a pressing need for our region in the winter months. “The roads are not what they should be and so we should either take some more money or whatever it takes to improve maintenance. I think that should be very high on our list,” he said. Coun. Rochelle Galbraith suggested that an increase of the speed limit on the Braden Road should be considered, while Mayor Nichols thought a speed limit increase on Highway 29 towards Hudson’s Hope was necessary. The government, through the Ministry of Transportation will be accepting feedback from local governments and the general public until Dec. 12, 2014. A discussion guide and feedback form are available online at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/transporta tionplan/

The input gathered from this province wide engagement will be considered along with technical information and input from key stakeholders. The priorities that make the cut will have a focus on growing the economy, moving goods and people safely and reliably, connecting and strengthening communities, and maximizing collaboration and investment with partners including First Nations, the federal government, local governments, and the private sector. “Through this engagement, British Columbians can help shape our transportation priorities for the next decade,” Minister of Transportation Todd Stone said in a government news release. “A safe, efficient, integrated, cost-effective transportation network is the backbone of our economy, so tell us about what’s important to you.”

Wednesday, OCTOBER 29, 2014

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Chetwynd Echo

No grant money issued for Chetwynd Secondary shop

Dawson Creek rakes in $14,000

by Mike Carter Chetwynd echo reporter –––––––––––––– DAWSON CREEK – The BC Construction Association has received $250,000 from the Northern Development Initiative Trust to help upgrade high school shop classes in northern BC in partnership with a program called Project Shop Class. Dawson Creek Secondary School raked in $14,000 through the program to help replace ageing high school shop equipment, and according to BC Construction Associaton spokesperson Abigail Fulton, the school will be receiving even more money before Christmas. Chetwynd Secondary did not receive a grant. “What we did was we

put a request out to all the high schools about a year ago saying, you have an opportunity to apply let us know what you need to update your shop class equipment,” Fulton said. “We raised about $300,000 initially and [with NDIT grant] we are up to about $600,000. Some donors have specified they want to donate to their local school. So the ones that have their name

on it, we're giving those away first.” The BC Construction Association (BCCA) started Project Shop Class after recognizing a need for apprenticeship and industry training. Working with an advisory group representative from the provincial government, the BC & Yukon Construction Building Trades Council, BC Colleges, Skills Canada BC,

and others, the focus of the campaign is to raise money to refit and support shop classes in secondary schools in BC. “We are very pleased that Northern Development Initiative Trust has chosen to support this worthy undertaking,” said Rosalind Thorn, president of the BCCA. “This is just the type of commitment our region needs to help promote economic development in our communities and encourage our youth to consider a career in the trades.” Fulton explains a committee vets the applications it receives from high schools before doling out the funds. “We ask when people donate if there is a specific school, or would they donate to the greatest need. We are hopeful that the greatest need is the most common donation,” she said. The BC Construction Association represents over 250 construction employers across northern BC.

Wednesday, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Chetwynd Echo

Chetwynd to apply for age-friendly funding

by Mike Carter Chetwynd echo reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND The District of Chetwynd will apply for a grant of up to $20,000 from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) for age-friendly funding which it plans to use to make it’s trails more accessible for seniors. These improvements could include additional benches in parks and enhanced lighting on trails. Both of the projects would encourage increased activity and social connectivity for seniors, along with the rest of the community, the District of Chetwynd says. In the past funding has been received by the District of Chetwynd under the same age-friendly title. It was used to make a video for the Chetwynd agefriendly task force, which identified and captured concerns that local seniors had on a range of issues. The 2015 age-friendly community planning and project grants program provides funds for projects that help seniors live active, socially engaged and independent lives through policies, services and structures designed to support them. With funding supplied by the province, the UBCM has provided support for seniors since 2004 through its Seniors’ Hous-

ing & Support Initiative. Finding has assisted the creation of age-friendly assessments, physical fitness and nutrition programs, community gardens, and seniors’ information services. “As with the 2014 program, the priority in 2015 is to engage communities that have not yet completed an age-friendly plan or undertaken an age-friendly project in their community,” the UBCM said in a release. Where Chetwynd has received money before, this could hamper their efforts this time around to receive a grant. A maximum of 25 grants will be handed out. Applications are due this Friday, October 31.

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Wednesday, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Chetwynd Echo

Substance abuse, drug trafficking and impaired driving remain high priorities for local RCMP by Mike Carter Chetwynd echo reporter –––––––––––––– CHETWYND - RCMP Sergeant Olivia Tremblay, provided a policing report the District of to Chetwynd last week that outlined a steep decline in property crime and a steady parade of traffic offenses in the community. “Last summer we had a huge problem with property crimes, especially business property crimes,” Tremblay said. “We called that person a prolific offender in property crime and spent all last summer targeting him and finally caught him and arrested him. Since that time, this whole year we've had three break and enters and they were only residential, we've had no commercial break and enters.” At their last presentation to mayor and council in

April, Chetwynd RCMP set four top priorities. They include: substance abuse and drug trafficking, traffic enforcement with a focus on impaired driving, identifying violent and repeat offenders, and community relations. Tremblay reports that the force in Chetwynd has made a total of 13 drug seizures so far this year, and an additional 13 seizures related to alcohol. In terms of traffic enforcement and impaired driving, the Chetwynd RCMP issued 143 driving violation tickets, 180 written warnings, 31 90-day roadside prohibitions related to impaired driving, several three-day prohibitions and one seven-day prohibition. A total of four individuals have been charged under the criminal code with impaired driving charges.

Chetwynd RCMP has conducted three roadblocks so far. “We’ve set out to make 700 contacts this year,” Tremblay said, “that doesn’t mean tickets for impaired driving, just 700 contacts in total and we are about a third of the way there.” The RCMP continues to monitor and gather information on the drug trade in Chetwynd. No search warrants have been drafted or executed this year, but Tremblay says the force is hoping to do a few searches before the end of the year. “We have one, what we call prolific offender identified in drug trade. That's what we're really focusing on now so that sort of goes hand in hand with our first priority,” she said. In regards to community relations, several officers on the force have once again been assigned to a Chetwynd school where they will attend various functions and give monthly talks. The Chetwynd RCMP

TREMBLAY has also been involved with the Chetwynd Youth Council. Tremblay believes increased visibility in the community will help with crime prevention. This spring will mark her third anniversary in Chetwynd. Since her arrival, she has consistently made impaired driving a priority. “I think the more visible we are in the community… it helps drive down more serious offences,” she said. “I feel that our increased visibility has driven down our fatal [accidents],” she explained. “The first summer I was here I think we had three fatals and then the next year we had two and we haven't had knock on wood - any so far this year so, I do believe there is a correlation between contacts and driving down serious motor vehicle accidents.” Chetwynd RCMP recently added a First Nations police officer to their staff. Cst. Sue Harvey has been workimg with the two First Nations communities outside of Chetwynd, recently starting weekly ball hockey tournaments.