AHN December 8 2016

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 2016 VOL. 73, NO. 96

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Plot chosen for Site C affordable housing project Ground could break this spring MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

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Lorissa Scriven warmed up the crowd at the Canadian Country Christmas show at the Lido Theatre on Dec. 4. The show was a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society and Kordyban Lodge in Prince George.

Knott earns Nobel praise for activism ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

A Peace Region woman is being recognized for her dedication to Indigenous land rights in Canada. Helen Knott, a poet and writer from the Prophet River First Nation, was selected as one of 16 women from across the world by the Nobel Women’s Initiative for its 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence.

“It’s very humbling, especially amongst the other women that have been chosen across the world,� she said. “I’ve been reading their profiles as well and I feel like I’m just beginning in this work. “It allowed for me to see what I have done and how I have contributed because often you just keep going and you don’t really take the time to stop and look.� From Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, the Nobel Women’s Initiative

is highlighting 16 grassroots women activists working for peace, justice and equality where they live. Knott is featured along with women from Mexico, Syria, Burma and other places where women are standing up and making their voices heard. To read Knott’s profile and those of the other women featured by the 16 Days of Activism, visit nobelwomensinitiative.org.

Officials have chosen a plot of land next to the Fort St. John fire hall for a 50-unit affordable housing project that’s part of the city’s agreement with BC Hydro over the Site C dam. The city is preparing to sell the land at 9404 93 Avenue to BC Housing for $1.245 million, with public notice expected to end Dec. 12. “Once the city’s public notice period is concluded, and the offer is accepted, BC Housing will proceed with the development process to deliver a total of 50 affordable housing units,� BC Housing Public Affairs Manager Ally SkinnerReynolds said in an email. “BC Housing hopes to break ground in the spring of 2017.� During the dam’s construction, 40 units will be used by BC Hydro for project managers working on the dam, while 10 units will be available for the city’s use. The full 50 units will be turned over to the community for use when construction of the dam is complete. BC Hydro will work with the city to incorporate energy efficiency design and technologies into the project, similar to those seen in the city’s existing Passive House on 94th Street. Further details about the development, including its total budget and design, were not provided. BC Hydro deferred comment to BC Housing. The land is currently zoned for commercial use and will need to be rezoned if the deal goes through. Mayor Lori Ackerman noted the proposed location was ideal for the development. “It’s close to recreation, it’s close to some amenities, shopping, etc.,� she said. “When you consider they hope to have it used for affordable housing, or housing for vulnerable populations, being close to those amenities is important.�

Panel hears environmental assessment concerns of locals BRONWYN SCOTT For the Alaska Highway News

Peace Region residents will have their say in the Ministry of Environment’s review of Canada’s Environmental Assessment processes. An independent expert panel tasked with reviewing the current system was in Fort St. John Dec. 5 and 6 to hear the thoughts and recommendations of individuals and organizations who

have had recent experience with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA). Recommendations pertaining to how environmental and cumulative impacts of major projects are dealt with, consequences for companies who do not comply with conditions outlined in their permits and certificates, and the level of municipal input in projects like Site C were just some of the speaking points. See CONCERNS on A14

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Hudson’s Hope Mayor Gwen Johansson worries that Canadian environmental assessment processes don’t fully account for environmental impacts as projects get bigger.

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