AHN MAY 3 2018 by Alaska Highway News

THURSDAY, may 3, 2018 Vol. 75, No. 18

Serving Fort St. John, B.C. and Surrounding Communities

$1.50 inc. gst.

alaskahighwaynews.ca

“The Only Newspaper in the World That Gives a Tinker’s Dam About the North Peace.”

talking the future of firearms

olympicsized courage

apartments nearly completed

news A3

sports B1

Business A9

synchronized AHN wins silver, bronze at Ma Murray awards When You Are Out in the Field, Time IS Money. QUALITY PARTS, EXPERT SERVICE! HoursMon-Fri: 8am - 5pm Sat: 8am - Noon eve petford Photo

More than a dozen people turned out to 100 Street and 100 Avenue to celebrate World Tai Chi and Qigong Day with a public class on April 28, 2018. More than 100 cities in 80 countries took part in the annual celebration.

9224 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC (250) 785-0463

Northern resource corridor revisited matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

After Hours - Leave Message

 phone 250-785-5631  fax 250-785-3522  email circulation@ahnfsj.ca  online alaskahighwaynews.ca  facebook AlaskaHighwayNews  twitter @AHNnewspaper

The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality will look to revive a decades-old idea to develop resource corridor for the north when political leaders from across central and northern B.C. meet in Fort Nelson next week. The North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA), which represents local governments from 100 Mile House to the Yukon border, holds its annual meeting May 7 to 10. The NCLGA votes on policy proposals from member cities and towns, some of which become lobbying priorities of the Union of B.C. Municipalities.

Among the proposals on the table will be a plan to lobby the provincial and federal governments to develop a northern resource corridor, and shift resource transportation and exports away from large urban centres. “With all this damn fighting that goes on after you get a project (approved), why not get the fight done before the project?” said Northern Rockies Mayor Bill Streeper. “Why not get a corridor from here to Prince Rupert, where you can run rail if you want, road if you want, or power or a pipeline, or whatever’s coming up the road next year for technology?” The goal is faster, safer, and cost-effective resource trans-

portation, at a time when traditional routes through urban centres are becoming an escalating point of opposition and protest, as witnessed with the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. There’s opportunity to establish a right-of-way by piggybacking on surveys that were completed for a pipeline route for the now-cancelled Pacific NorthWest LNG project in Prince Rupert, Streeper noted. Consultations already took place, and the “only thing would be to go back and make it wider,” he said. Prince George is already a central hub with rail and road transport to the coast, Streeper added. See CORRIDOR on A10

SD60 files lawsuit over Ma Murray land deal matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The School District 60 Board of Education claims it was unaware it would be on the hook for nearly $200,000 worth of sanitary sewer construction when it bought land to build the new Margaret ‘Ma’ Murray Community School. The board has filed suit against Peace Holdings Inc. in B.C. Supreme Court, seeking $196,920 in damages for breach of contract, as well as other damages and costs for misrepresentation of the property. According to its claim, the board bought the land along the West Bypass Road for $2.82 million in March 2015. It alleges it received a tax bill

from the City of Fort St. John in May 2016 noting the land was subject to local area service charges to cover the cost of the design and construction of sanitary sewer works in and around the property. The work and charges amount to $11,583.50 a year until 2033. “Pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement, the seller represented and agreed, among other things, that there were no local improvement charges or special levies against the property nor had it received any notice of such propose local improvement charges or special levies,” reads the claim, filed on March 15. Schools are exempt from paying property taxes, but are not exempt from any fees or

charges for service levied by a municipality, according to the province. That includes local area service capital projects, such as sewer installations or road improvements, in which the city recoups it borrowing costs for the work through agreements with property owners. Board Chair Erin Evans declined to comment on the lawsuit. Peace Holdings has yet to file a response. In a statement, the company said it has had a good working relationship with the school district. “We’ve been building and developing in Fort St. John since 2005 and have gone above and beyond in our developments,” the company said. See LAWSUIT on A5

PAVING % 100 Canadian Owned

Residential • Commercial • Industrial Roads • Driveways • Parking Lots

The Alaska Highway News returned home with a pair of awards from the annual Ma Murray newspaper awards held in Richmond on April 28. For a second year in a row, AHN won bronze for newspaper excellence in its circulation class. The award recognizes everything from a newspaper’s content, photography, advertising, design, print quality, and online presence. “This paper is adept at breaking down news and delivering it in a digestible manner that must ingratiate them into the community,” the judges noted. “The overall package is thorough and insightful with a commitment to craft that is appreciated.” Sixteen newspapers were eligible for a newspaper excellence award in the 6,00113,000 circulation class, judged independently by a panel of three industry experts. The Alaska Highway News was judged on its May 4, 2017, provincial election edition, as well as its Dec. 14, 2017, edition that was anchored by the NDP government’s decision to continue building the Site C dam. Whistler’s Pique Newsmagazine won gold, while Sechelt’s Coast Reporter won silver. Meanwhile, Managing Editor Matt Preprost earned silver for editorial writing, for a November 30, 2017, article about a personal health scare and the important work the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation does to raise money to buy critical, lifesaving medical equipment not fully paid for by the province. “A personal health story grabs attention for an exploration of how small communities manage to gain up-to-date technology and the importance of volunteers to ensure that equipment,” the judges noted. Kelsey Klassen of the nowclosed Westender won gold for an editorial about Vancouver’s Pride Parade; Gail Sjuberg of the Gulf Islands Driftwood won bronze for an editorial about incorporation on Salt Spring Island. The Ma Murray Awards are held annually by the BC & Yukon Community Newspapers Association, which represents 98 member newspapers. Awards were handed out in more than 40 categories at the April 28 gala, held at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond.

FREE ESTIMATES

250.719.0686

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL GRAVEL SALES AND DELIVERY Serving Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, Fort St. John & Surrounding Areas

33490

A2 THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

Local News

contents

vandals strike museum

A3 A6 A9 A11 A13 B1 B6

News Opinion Community Court Docket Perspectives Sports Classifieds

Over the weekend of April 28 to 29, someone broke into two of the historic buildings in the yard of the Fort St. John North Peace Museum. The plywood blocking the door of the Allen Homestead House (still under restoration) was pulled off, giving the intruder access to an unfinished building. One panel on the door of the furnished and fully restored Paddy Carroll Peck Cabin was punched through so that the intruder could unlock the deadbolt and door handle. Fortunately, the intruder did not have any wire-cutting tools and could not break through the visitation fence blocking off the artefacts in the cabin from the visitation area.

this week’s flyers Jysk Walmart Home Hardware Rona Windsor Shoppers Drug Mart Canadian Tire The Brick No Frills Pet Valu Save-On Foods Safeway Peavy Century 21 Real Estate Guide

The museum has constantly dealt with issues from homeless people finding shelter in the historic outbuildings and sheds at the museum. Over the past few years, intruders have attempted to break into the museum, camp out in the museum’s vehicle sheds, and break windows of historic buildings. The North Peace Historical Society, a non-profit society, operates the Fort St. John North Peace Museum. Repairs to damage caused by intruders cut into the museum’s budget, reducing the funds available for preserving artefacts and buildings, developing educational programs and events, and constructing new exhibits. Pictured: Dave Sjoblom attends to damage at the Paddy Carroll Peck Cabin heather sjoblom Photo

Would you wear shoes made from chewing gum?

GAS WATCH KNOWBEFOREYOUGO Prevailing Prices Dawson Creek

129.9

Fort St. John

138.9

RHINO REPORT: The news keeps on coming, and we keep on chewing. Last week animal medical history was made at the Chicago Zoo. A 2,000-pound rhinoceros underwent a CT scan for a nasal obstruction. Zoo staff are still not sure what caused the rhino’s huge nose to become blocked. There’s a rumor the rhino inhaled a little old lady who was visiting the zoo and she stood too close.

CRANE FAME: Fort St. John resident Landon Kosior collected a gold medal last week as BC’s top mobile crane operator at the annual Skills Canada Competition. Fort Nelson 151.9 Landon recently worked on the construction of the new trades centre at Northern Groundbirch 129.9 Lights College in Dawson Creek. Here’s my question: When you’re a highly skilled t St. John, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment Canada like Landon, are you operator Chetwynd 129.9 crane banned from playing those arcade games where you operate a little crane inside a Tumbler Ridge N/A glass booth to grab a soft toy and drop it down a chute? Just asking.

137.9

way: Michael Jackson did not invent the moonwalk. The moonwalk was invented by a guy who got a nasty wedgie and he was trying to walk it off.

Bob Snyder Chews the news

REBA REPORT: Singer Reba McEntire announced she’s engaged to a geologist. Really? A geologist who likes country music? He should be into ROCK.

VERY VEGGIE: From wedgies to veggies: A new study shows a vegetarian diet is one of the fastest ways to lose weight. Check your local supermarket, there are all kinds of vegetarian substitutes for meat. There’s even vegetarian gristle.

DUCK DETAILS: Last week in China, MOVIE MEMO: Peace Country theatres a truck flipped on a busy highway and showed the new movie I Feel Pretty. The spilled its load of 100,000 duck eggs. I’m critics say this film “body shames” people working on a duck egg joke that’ll make who are not attractive. I know from personal you quack up. experience how that works. I have suffered from REVERSE body-shaming. Just because BLOOD BULLETIN: Under a new law https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html I’m amazingly great-looking. in British Columbia, payment for blood and plasma will be prohibited. There’s CHICKEN CHUCKLE: It was announced already a similar law in Alberta. The laws Chicken Run is finally getting a sequel. That are designed to prevent private clinics was the animated movie with the lovable from making a profit by selling Canadian chickens. I hate that movie. Since I saw blood overseas. .I have a mental image of Prince George 126.9 THRONE CLONE: The big news from Chicken Run, I can’t eat McNuggets without someone in Africa getting Canadian blood Home  Environment and naturalLondon resources  Weather Weather  Local  British Columbia was the birthinformation of a royal baby. I feeling likeforecasts a murderer. and suddenly experiencing an uncontrolHythe 135.8 was watching CBC news, they said the lable desire for poutine. What we need is new kid is fifth in line for the throne. And SHOOZ NOOZ: In stores soon: Sneak- a law that says Revenue Canada is not alGrande Prairie 126.4 I was thinking, “That’s ridiculous! These ers made from recycled chewing gum. By lowed to try getting blood from a turnip. people are rich. For gosh sakes, buy more “recycled chewing gum” I’m guessing they Observed at: Fortmean St. John Airport 10:00 Tuesday 1 May 2018 SLUMBER NUMBER: A new study thrones!” Did you see pictures of the new “scraped off AM theMST sidewalk.” Here’s Current Conditions Calgary 128.2 t Nelson, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment Canada royal baby? Cute kid! They grow so fast, an idea:https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html Shoes made from bubble gum. If shows too little sleep is bad for your soon Partly he’ll beCloudy sitting on his potty Temperature: throne. they’re too tight, blow in them until Condition: 10.0°C Wind: SW 14 they km/hfit. health. It also shows too much sleep is Edmonton They 101.6 certainly took their time coming up bad for your health. You know you’ve had 126.0 Pressure: kPa Dew point: -1.4°C Visibility: 81 km with a name for the new prince. I guess SHOOZ NOOZ TOO: In other shoes news the exact right amount of sleep when Tendency: Rising Humidity: 45% royal kids forget how to spell their chews: You could own the shoes Michael you stop having nightmares about studVancouver 159.6 ifname they can check the spelling on the Jackson wore when he first performed the ies that show you’re not getting the right nametag inside their crown. moonwalk. They are up for auction. By the amount of sleep. Home  Environment and natural resources  Weather information  Weather  Local forecasts  British Columbia Victoria 152.9 Alberta-B.C. border

Fort St. John, BC

10°C

Fort Nelson, BC

WEATHER & ROAD REPORT

CAD$ per litre, prices as of May 1. Source: GasBuddy.com

Forecast Current Conditions Tue 1 May

Issued: 11:00 AM MST Tuesday 1 May 2018 FORTat: ST.Fort JOHNNelson Airport 10:00 AM MST Tuesday 1 May 2018 Observed

Wed Thu Condition: Partly Cloudy 3 May 2 May Pressure: 101.2 kPa Tendency: Steady

Please Please

12°C recycle this newspaper recycle this 16°C 15°C newspaper.

A mix of sun and cloud

Mainly sunny

Forecast 1x2 Tonight notice Night General

Wed The Tue contents of this newspaper are protected by2 May 1 May copyright and may be used only for personal non-commercial purposes. 8°C 3°C

13°C Sunny

Night Thu 3 May

Fri Sat Temperature: 12.2°C 4 May 5 May Dew point: -4.7°C Humidity: 30%

Please recycle 15°C 18°C this newspaper.

HIGHWAY CONDITIONS PEACE REGION

Sun Mon Wind: W 16 gust 30 km/h 6 May 7 May Visibility: 48 km

24°C

23°C

Sun 6 May

Mon 7 May

FOR CURRENT ROAD Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny CONDITIONS IN THE PEACE REGION, Issued: 11:00 AM MST Tuesday 1 May 2018 2x1 FORT NELSON Night Night Night PLEASE SEE THE LINK BELOW. Fri 4 May

Sat 5 May

http://www.drivebc.ca/

#listView&district=Peace 5°C

6°C

8°C

All other rights are reserved Clearing Clear Cloudy periods Clear Clear Clear 16°C 13°C 16°C 20°C 22°C 22°C and commercial use is 12°C 30% prohibited. To make any use of Please recycle this newspaper. A mix of sun and Chance of Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny this material you must first cloud showers obtain the permission of the Today A mix of sun and cloud. Wind becoming southwest 20 km/h this afternoon. High 15. UV index 5 or moderate. owner of the copyright.2x1.5 Tonight Night Clearing near Night Night Tonight Partly cloudy. midnight. Wind southwest 30 km/h Night gusting to 50. LowNight 8.

http://www.drivebc.ca

For further information contact Wed, 2 May Mainly the managing editor at sunny. Wind west 40 km/h gusting to 60. High 16. Night Clear. Low plus 3.

250-785-5631 Thu, 3 May Sunny. High 6°C 2°C 13. 1°C 3°C Night Cloudy periods. Low plus 5. Please recycle this newspaper. Cloudy

Clear

Cloudy periods

Clear

6°C

5°C

Clear

WeatherPhone

Environment Canada Local Weather Forecasts (250)-785-7669

Fri, 4 May Night

Sunny. High 15. Clear. Low 6.

Today Sat, 5 May Tonight Night

A mix ofHigh sun 18. and cloud. Wind west 20 km/h. High 16. UV index 4 or moderate. Sunny. Cloudy. 30 percent chance of showers over northern sections overnight. Low 6. Clear. Low 8.

Wed, 2 May Sun, 6 May Night

A mix ofHigh sun 24. and cloud. 30 percent chance of showers in the afternoon. Wind west 30 km/h gusting to 50 Sunny. increasing to 50 gusting to 70 in the morning. High 12. Clear. Low plus 2.

Thu, 3 May Night

Sunny. High 13. Cloudy periods. Low plus 1.

3x1

Please recycle this newspaper.

2018-05-01, 11:04FREE a.m.SOCKS WITH EVERY PURCHASE PLUS RECEIVE While Quantities Last (Select Varieties)

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018 A3

Local News

Changes to firearms laws scrutinized at roundtable matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Canada’s plan to tighten up firearm laws came under scrutiny during a roundtable discussion in Fort St. John last month, though many agreed more can be done to strengthen the checks and balances when it comes to gun sales in the country. Ten people gathered for the invite-only roundtable hosted by Prince George-Peace RiverNorthern Rockies MP Bob Zimmer on April 20, most of them gun owners, to talk about the federal Liberal’s proposed Bill C-71. Chief among the concerns with the legislation were plans to restore RCMP control over firearm classifications, add new requirements to the transfer and sale of non-restricted firearms, and to implement more stringent transport rules for those wanting to take their guns to a range or a gunsmith. Many around the table worried the bill would do more to build up a bureaucracy to monitor law-abiding gun owners than address illegal trafficking and gun-related gang violence in Canada. “The government, under the guise of public safety, is telling Canadians that we need to do this to make things safer,” said Guy Lahaye of the North Peace Rod and Gun Club. “They’d be better off spending their money in regards to dealing with gang violence, where most of the deaths are coming from in terms of firearms, instead of over-regulating and almost harassing the lawful gun abiding citizenry of this country.” Canadians are already required to have a licence and take safety training in order to buy a gun or ammunition. Gun sales are tracked by retailers, but Bill C-71 would add to their record-keeping requirements, and require a reference number to be obtained and attached to all non-restricted firearm purchases. It’s something retailers worry could be used to monitor the purchases of gun owners. “If you’re legal to own one, you’re legal to own 100,” said Darren Thiel, co-owner of the Backcountry sporting goods store in Fort St. John, said. “My thing is don’t track the user.” What retailers need is a better system to ensure firearms are being sold to people with valid privileges, Thiel said. Though licences are issued for five-year terms, there’s no mandatory system that requires retailers to confirm whether a licence is valid when it comes to nonrestricted firearms sales, Thiel said. “One bad store can put a lot of guns into people’s hands who shouldn’t have them,” he noted. “It protects all of us legal firearm owners if that system

Disposal well meeting set for May 23 Tom summer Alaska Highway News

matt preprost Photo

MP Bob Zimmer held a roundtable talk about Canada’s proposed Bill C-71 on April 20, 2018.

was strong, if, at the vendor stage, we can ensure the firearms we’re putting across the counter are going into a legal person’s hands and not someone who has had their privileges revoked,” he said. “In that way, I can almost see some merit in the idea in having a store like ours phone in and check to make sure that person’s privileges are still in place. What I don’t like is that it tracks the activity of that person. So, if we had somebody come in and if we phone in with their firearms licence number 12 times in a month, and they get unique reference numbers issued with each of those inquiries, they’re now tracking an individual and that he’s had 12 potential purchases — not the details of what he purchased, but the activity. That’s the downside to it, and that’s the potential for it to be abused.” It was a suggestion that found support around the table, though it came with concerns. Such a system at a national level in today’s age would need to be digitized in some way, meaning its trackable and hackable, Darryl Webber of the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights said. “As soon as something is automated, it’s zeroes and ones, and it’s hackable,” he said. The roundtable also drew in guide outfitters, sports club representatives, and one nongun owner. Zimmer said he was hosting the roundtable to address misunderstandings about current laws in Canada as mass shootings continue to mount in the United States. While there are many for and against firearms, there are many more in the middle, he said. “There’s a legitimate group in the middle that just doesn’t understand,” Zimmer said. “They’re maybe concerned, they’ve seen the shootings and they want to make sure their kids are safe when they go to

school, that somebody is not going to come in and do them harm.” Zimmer noted most of those at the roundtable represented the firearms community, but added he invited groups with different viewpoints across the constituency. He held a similar roundtable in Prince George earlier in April, and said he represents 107,000 people with a range of views on gun control. “I represent them all. I want to hear all those concerns,” he said. Other voices: On the bill: “I’ve been in the guiding business for 44 years now. Regarding this Bill C-71, I didn’t know a lot about it until I got the invite to this roundtable. Certainly, it’s a bit of a eye-opener when you start looking at these bills and the ramifications. I just see more red tape and bureaucracy on the law abiding citizen that wants to own a gun or hunt. Certainly, I don’t see any public safety regarding this bill.” — Greg Williams, Golden Bear Outfitting As a non-gun owner: “I’m not a gun owner, I’m not a gun enthusiast. I’m the 80 per cent in the middle. For me, it’s safety, and being invited here is for a knowledge base for me to be answering some of the questions that are thrown at me. People get confused at what level of the government can do what, especially when there’s school shootings. Those concerns get expressed to us on council, of what we can do, what we are doing, who to talk to, and what the laws are.” — Coun. Byron Stewart On RCMP control over firearms classifications:

classification of firearms without government consultation scares the hell out of me.” — Andy Waddell, Dawson Creek Sportsman Club “They had that power, and that was changed, especially after what happened in High River. We’re going to go back to that, and we’re asked to trust them? We need to put that power in the hands of some government oversight, and in hands that can be trusted to make the right decisions for Canadians.” — Guy Lahaye, North Peace Rod and Gun Club On the AR-15: “The AR-15 is a restricted weapon but there are multiple guns that fire the exact same ammunition… that are nonrestricted. The ones that are sold in Canada you can’t make automatic unless you actually get it into a milling machine and mill it out yourself. Unless you know what you’re doing, you can’t just take a gun, especially an AR-15, and do — Chris Bigras that.” On updated transportation authorizations: “The change was made so that when you get a PAL card, you were allowed to take that firearm to the range, to a gun show, to a gunsmith, to a border crossing. Those things have been removed. You’re going to require a short-term ATT (Authorization To Transport). So, if I want to go to a shoot, for instance, in Grande Prairie, I need to phone in, I need to get authorization to be able to take my firearms and bring them to that shoot. And if I want to take my gun to the gun store to have them put a new scope on it, I’m going to need an ATT. We try to make things easier for people normally to do business and we’re setting more spokes.” — Guy Lahaye, NPRGC

Oil and Gas Commission executives will meet with Hudson’s Hope residents on May 23 to explain the details of a water disposal well three kilometres from the Peace Canyon Dam. “The OGC will be wellpresented, I hope Hudson’s Hope is well-presented,” said Mayor Johansson, reiterating the district has not taken a position on the well’s operation, but said residents have a right to know what’s happening in the community. The well is one of sixteen owned by Canada Energy Partners Inc., a Louisiana-based company that owns much of the sub-surface rights in the area. The well was repurposed in January 2017 for industrial water disposal, but the OGC soon ordered the company to halt all disposal activities at the well in March because of safety concerns for the nearby dam. The company complied, but was given the go-ahead to resume their business after a review by the OGC in December. OGC spokesman Graham Currie confirmed that the review included input from BC Hydro and independent engineering experts, with consideration for research and public interest. Canada Energy Partners could not be reached for comment. BC Hydro has said existing faults are sensitive to sub-ground disturbances, and disposal activity has the potential to trigger seismic events. “While there is no immediate risk to public safety associated with disposal wells, water disposal activity can cause ground motion that has the potential to damage our facilities when in close proximity,” said BC Hydro spokesman Bob Gammar. BC Hydro will continue to work with the OGC to identify restrictions needed to control any potential risks, Gammar said. In a December 2017 letter to Canada Energy Partners, Mayka Kennedy, the chief engineer for the OGC, noted there have been “no reports of injury or major structural damage related to induced seismic events in Northeast B.C.” Induced seismicity in B.C. typically occurs at depths greater than 1.5 km below the surface and have low magnitudes not felt at the surface, Kennedy said. “I find increased monitoring would mitigate the risk of induced seismicity from disposal operations,” Kennedy wrote. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the community hall.

Supporting Our Communities

“The RCMP full designation

having on the

Tom Summer is a Hudson’s Hope correspondent. Email your news tips to thomas.a.summer@ gmail.com.

Supporting Our Communities

R0011352385

ROAD CONSTRUCTION • ASPHALT PAVING AGGREGATE SALES • READY MIX CONCRETE SALES PORTABLE ASPHALT PLANTS AND CONCRETE PLANTS Servicing: OIL & GAS • MINING INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL • MUNICIPAL • AIRPORTS

INTEROUTE CONSTRUCTION LTD.

NORTHEAST DIVISION

A4 THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

Local News

Charlie Lake fire chief resigns matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

TOM SUMMER Photo

“My mom and grandma are First Nations, my family crest is the eagle,” said Grade 3 student Malahkaj Romanchych of his Haida Nation heritage project.

Students dive into history at heritage fair Tom summer Alaska Highway News

Inuit culture, Haida Gwaii, the Great Irish Famine, caribou subspecies, veterinary heroes, hockey legends, and more were on display at Hudson’s Hope School’s 2018 Northern BC Regional Heritage Fair on April 25. “It’s kind of two-fold for me: watching the kids get excited about Canadian history, and getting to delve into it deeper,” Hudson’s Hope Museum Curator Elinor Morissey said. “It’s really important because it enables children that aren’t great at science to excel at something.”

Four winning students will be selected from Hudson’s Hope School’s fair to take part in the 2018 BC Provincial Heritage Fair in Squamish July 4 to 8. Winners have yet to be announced. With 54 entries, it’s the biggest fair yet, Morrissey said. The BC Provincial Fair is held in a different region of the province each year, with up to 60 students expected to gather in Squamish. Delegates will stay at Quest University, visiting historic sites and landmarks around the Squamish area. This includes the famous West Coast Railway Museum, the Sea to Sky Gondola, a tour of Totem Hall,

introductions to local First Nations history, a tour of the harbour, and a downtown walking tour highlighting historic buildings, such as the Hotel Squamish, built over a hundred years ago by a logging company. The Squamish community is celebrating its 130th birthday this year. On the final day, students will showcase their heritage fair projects at a public exhibition. Tom Summer is a Hudson’s Hope correspondent for the Alaska Highway News. Email your news tips to thomas.a.summer@gmail. com.

Charlie Lake Fire Chief Dan Ross is resigning from his post for a new job in Alberta. Ross and the Peace River Regional District confirmed the resignation was tendered on April 26. Ross said he begins work as the county fire chief in Kneehill County on May 22. His last day of work in Charlie Lake will be May 4. “It’s a step up, I’m going from managing one department to managing five departments,” Ross said. “Alberta’s a little more progressive when it comes to emergency services, so, as a fire chief, it’ll allow me to use my abilities a little more.” Ross took over command of the Charlie Lake Fire Department two years ago, after working as the protective services manager for the regional district. “Best group of guys I ever worked with,” Ross said of his volunteer firefighters. “As far as dedication to the community, they’re untouchable. It’s been my pleasure to serve with them, and I’m going to miss the guys for sure.” The fire hall is going on its sixth chief since April 2012, when the regional district took control of the department. Volunteer recruitment and training at the fire department increased during Ross’s tenure as chief, said Chris Cvik, chief administrative officer for the regional district. “The Peace River Regional District will commence the recruitment process in the near future to find a replacement,” Cvik said. Deputy Fire Chief Dale Widsten will serve as acting chief until the position is filled, Cvik said.

Brad Sperling, electoral director for Area C, acknowledged the ongoing retention issue, and wished Ross well as he moves on to advance his career. Sperling said both Ross and Widsten have done well in building a strong group of firefighters at the hall, and the regional district will want to hire a replacement who can maintain that and keep it growing. The regional district is studying the possibility of expanding the department’s fire protection area, Sperling said. “We’re looking at that now and, of course, once that report comes forward then it’ll be up to the people whether they want it or not,” Sperling said. “I have full confidence in our department right now. If I didn’t, we wouldn’t be looking at that sort of thing.” The biggest challenges facing a new fire chief is continuing to upgrade the department’s vehicle fleet, and meeting the needs that come with a growing community, Ross said. “The regional district is looking at meeting those challenges of the expanding community, and how that’s going to look for the department,” Ross said. “It’s an ongoing project.” Officials with Kneehill County were not available for comment. The county is about 90 minutes northwest of Calgary, and has a population of around 5,000. The county provides fire protection services for the communities of Three Hills, Torrington, Trochu, Linden, Carbon, and Acme, according to its website.

CITY BEAT

Updates from April 23, 2018 Council Meetings PROCLAMATIONS •

The week of May 6 - 12, 2018 was proclaimed as “Emergency Preparedness Week” in the City of Fort St. John. The intent of the proclamation is to increase public awareness regarding the need for personal preparedness for disasters and emergencies. Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility and individuals can reduce the risks by better understanding what could happen and by learning how to better prepare themselves.

•

The month of May 2018 was proclaimed as “MS Awareness Month” in the City of Fort St. John. The intent of the proclamation is to call attention to the exemplary eﬀorts of the 100,000 Canadians who live every day with the challenge of multiple sclerosis. A fundraising event, the MS Walk, will be held in Fort St. John on Sunday May 27, 2018.

RECOGNITION OF THE NORTH PEACE DRUG AWARENESS SOCIETY

TITAN® ZX6000

60” Fully-welded, 10 gauge mowing deck with bull nose reinforcement 24 hp 726cc Kawasaki® V-Twin engine The heavy-duty 1.5” x 3” tubular frame has seamless sides and no welded joints for extra strength. It’s backed by a lifetime guarantee ZT-3100 commercial hydrostatic transmissions for long lasting performance

The North Peace Drug Awareness Society was created in 1999 and has served the community for 19 years. The Society was instrumental in the consolidation of drug prevention and awareness programs aimed at elementary age youth. In 2004, the Society took on the contract for the RCMP Police Based Victim Services Program delivering this critical service for the community with compassion and caring. This volunteer board has selﬂessly served the community for almost two decades providing critical services for both adults and youth but has now made the decision not to renew its contract for the Victim Services Program. Society members were invited to the April 23rd Regular meeting to allow Council to thank them for their dedication, commitment and positive impact to the community.

TENDER AWARD Council awarded the tender for the 92A Street Phase 1 Project to the low bidder, L. B. Chapman Ltd. from Vernon, BC, for the unit rates in their tender submission dated March 29, 2018, with the total tendered price being $4,796,382.44. This two phase project will increase sanitary sewer and storm sewer capacity in the area and upgrade 92A Street to be in closer alignment to the City’s Transportation Master Plan. The project includes the installation of storm sewer, LED streetlights, curb, gutter, an additional sanitary sewer line with services, two sidewalks, full base construction, new asphalt surface and the replacement of the aging water main and services.

BYLAWS •

The 2018 Tax Rates Bylaw No. 2424, 2018 was introduced and read for the ﬁrst three times by title only. This is an annual operating requirement and the bylaw establishes the rates to raise the tax revenue approved in the 2018 Financial Plan.

•

The following parcel tax bylaws were introduced and read for the ﬁrst three times by title only: o 98 Avenue Between 102 and 104 Streets and 104 Street Between 97 and 98 Avenues Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 2420, 2018 o 86 Street Between 91 and 93 Avenues Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 2421, 2018. o 104 Avenue Between 101 and 102 Streets Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 2422, 2018 o 87 Avenue West of 107 Street Local Area Service Parcel Tax Bylaw No. 2423, 2018

ZTHD Commercial-grade performance, durability and comfort. Our best zero-turn lawn mower for your residential property features easy-to-use controls, giving you the power to dominate your yard and achieve those stripes like a total pro.

These projects were initiated and completed in 2017. The bylaws provide authority for staﬀ to allocate the property owners’ portion of the costs associated with the local area service project to the beneﬁting property tax rolls. This is the last step in the local area service project process.

DEVELOPMENT VARIANCE PERMIT – 9503 99 AVENUE Council authorized the issuance of a development variance permit to increase the maximum parcel coverage from 40% to 42.8% for the redevelopment of the property located at 9503 99 Avenue. This is supported by policies within the Zoning Bylaw, Oﬃcial Community Plan and Downtown Action Plan.

MIGHTY PEACE BREWING CO. – LIQUOR LICENCE APPLICATION Mighty Peace Brewing Co. is proposing to open a craft brewery at 10128 - 95th Avenue in Fort St. John and applied for a Manufacturing Licence with a Lounge Endorsement from the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB). The Manufacturing Licence has already been approved in principle by the LCLB. The Approval in Principle includes both the manufacturing facility and an on-site store and allows Mighty Peace Brewing Co. to proceed with construction of the manufacturing facility. The on-site store refers to a sampling or tasting area where patrons can consume samplesize amounts of product manufactured on-site and product can be sold to the public. A Lounge Endorsement allows the licensee to sell full servings of its product, meaning that they are not restricted to providing sample-size amounts. The Lounge Endorsement required consultation with the Local Government. During the public consultation process, concerns were expressed regarding parking issues and increased traﬃc. Council passed a resolution recommending issuance of the Lounge Endorsement subject to mitigation of these concerns. The LCLB will now make its decision whether or not to approve the endorsement.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

We offer parts and service on all of the above.

Butler Farm Equipment Ltd. 9008 - 107th Street, Fort St. John, BC • Tel: 250-785-1800

A Committee of the Whole meeting is tentatively scheduled for Monday May 14, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. All meetings will be held in the City Hall Council Chambers and the public is welcome to attend.

www.fortstjohn.ca

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018 A5

Local News

Mourning march honours workers dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

Thirty people walked from city hall to Centennial Park as part of the annual Day of Mourning walk on Saturday, April 28. That was up from the 25 who walked last year, with more than 40 people attending the ceremony at the park following the march. The annual Day of Mourning honours workers who have died from injuries or diseases sustained at the workplace. There were 39 ceremonies held this year across B.C. “We used to have maybe 10 to 15 participants, but it grows every year, and we’re very pleased seeing this many come out on a Saturday,” said Cathy Weaver, a staff representative for the B.C. Government and Service Employee’s Union (BCGEU). Kurt Langdon, local chair for the BCGEU and an equipment operator, has been organizing the event for the past six years, and has attended for many years prior. “It’s amazing that people are here to show their respect for injured and fallen workers. It’s an unfortunate event that I wish we didn’t have to do,

Ten killed on the job in the Peace Region since 2016 but people are still dying and we want to show our respects,” Langdon said. In 2017, 158 people were killed as a result of their jobs in B.C., up from the 144 lives lost in 2016, and the highest total since 175 people died in 2014. Eighty-seven people died as a result from occupational disease, mostly as a result of asbestos exposure years ago. Eighty-five died from occupational disease in 2016. Seventy-one died from traumatic injury, which includes motor vehicle accidents, compared to 56 in 2016. Five people died in the Peace River region in 2017, the same as 2016. Langdon said the attitude toward worker safety and the awareness of it has changed in the last several years. “I’ve seen it change immensely. There’s people here from all walks of life, and the message is spreading. We want more people to be aware of the importance of worker safety,” he said.

Acted in good faith, developer says lawsuit from a1

“We acted in good faith with the School District on this sale and the two residential lots they purchased previously for the Residential Builder/Carpentry Program, offered through North Peace Secondary School and have donated equipment and labour during construction of their projects.” The company deferred further comment, noting the matter is before the court. It did not specify when, or if, a response would be filed. City officials say there have been no discussions about exempting the school board from the charges. Local area service projects can be

initiated by residents or city council, and are capital projects intended to improve roads, including paving, street lights, gutter, catch basins, sidewalks, and boulevard restoration. The costs of local area service projects are split between the city and residents directly benefitting from the improvement, with a 20-year payback term. There have been 66 local area service projects completed between 1999 and 2018, according to the city. Construction on the school began in 2016. The first cohort of students will start classes in the fall.

dillon giancola Photo

Around 30 people from all ages and walks of life took part in the Day of Mourning walk April 28.

New provincial health tax crunches coffers B.C.’s new employer health tax isn’t going to be cheap for the City of Fort St. John. The new tax is estimated to cost the city $396,566 in 2019 — on top of an estimated $127,800 it will have to pay in MSP premiums. The total $524,366 represents a 4.4 per cent increase in tax rates, according to a city report. “This is a significant increase,” Mayor Lori Ackerman said at the April 23 council meeting. “It’s a tax that has to be taxed. It’s just not well thought out.” City council is moving to work with their counterparts in the Union of BC Municipalities and the North Central Local Government Association to lobby the province about the new tax and delay its implementation. The tax will also have impacts on provincial health authorities and school districts, Ackerman noted. The employer’s health tax was introduced by the NDP government to offset the phase out of medical services premiums, and has been strongly opposed by businesses across B.C. The tax becomes effective Jan. 1, 2019, and the city will be subject to a tax rate of 1.95 per cent for having a payroll more than $1.5 million. In 2020, when MSP premiums are planned to be completely phased out, the employer health tax is estimated to

cost the city $406,480, or a 3.44 per cent increase in the tax rate compared to the rates being set for the 2018 budget. The city expects to pay just $127,800 in MSP premiums in 2018, after premiums were cut by 50 per cent. The city paid $265,266 in 2017.

92A Street tendered City council approved a $4.7-million contract for the first phase of road and sewer upgrades on 92A Street to LB Chapman of Vernon. The work includes upgrading 92A Street from 89 to 93 Avenues, and extending the storm sewer up 94 Avenue. The first phase of work has a two-year timeline for completion. Upgrading the final block of 92A Street will be proposed for 2019 or 2020, pending budget deliberations. Works also include installing storm sewer, LED streetlights, curb, gutter, and additional sanitary sewer line, two sidewalks, new asphalt surface and the replacement of the aging AC water main and services. The city says the upgrades will increase sanitary and storm sewer capacity in the area.

FREEZEAPHOBIA The fear of your movie freezing right at the plot twist

Introducing faster speed & more data for less! Pick the plan that’s right for you Browse

Stream HD

6999

$ up to

7999

month1 For the first year

10 Mbps | 50 GB 2

up to

9999

month1 For the first year

25 Mbps | 100 GB 2

up to

month1 For the first year

25 Mbps | 300 GB 2

1-year term required

ü $0 installation3 ($99 value) ü No long term commitments ü FREE home phone service for 1 year 4 ($240 value) Stop suffering. Call us today! Rhema Communications (250) 263-4943

Rick Noble Communications (250) 219-3495

Omnicomm Communications (250) 263-4300

xplornet.com

Connect to what matters: Better movie streaming $69.99 pricing reflects a $10 discount for the first 12 months on the plan with speeds up to 10 Mbps and 50 GB of data. $79.99 pricing reflects a $20 discount for the first 12 months on the plan with speeds up to 25 Mbps and 100 GB of data. $99.99 pricing reflects a $20 discount for the first 12 months on the plan with speeds up to 25 Mbps and 300 GB of data. Packages subject to availability. Discounted prices increase in month 13. Monthly service fee includes rental cost of equipment. Taxes apply. Offer valid until April 30, 2018 for new customers and is subject to change at any time. A router is required for multiple users. 2Actual speed online may vary with your technical configuration, Internet traffic, server and other factors. Traffic Management Policy applies. 3If installation requirements go beyond the scope of a basic installation, additional fees apply. Subject to site check, site check fee may apply. See dealer for details. 4Pricing of $19.99 per month begins in month 13. Xplornet 911 service operates differently than traditional 911. For Traffic Management Policies and 911 Terms and Limitation of Liability, see xplornet.com/legal. Xplornet® is a trademark of Xplornet Communications Inc. © 2018 Xplornet Communications Inc. 1

A6 THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

Opinion

Published every Thursday at 9916 - 98th Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8 by Glacier Media Tel: 250-785-5631 Fax: 250-785-3522 Online at alaskahighwaynews.ca

regional manager

William Julian wj@ahnfsj.ca

managing editor

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

sports reporter

Dillon Giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

sales manager

New conservation officers for the Peace welcome news

Ryan Wallace rwallace@ahnfsj.ca

sales associate

Brenda Piper

bpiper@ahnfsj.ca

circulation manager

Lynn Novack

circulation@ahnfsj.ca

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? Send your letters to: editor@ahnfsj.ca Please put “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line. All letters must be accompanied by a daytime phone number (for verification purposes only) and your full name. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, taste, accuracy and libel. Please keep letters under 600 words. We ask that submissions protest the policy - not the person. Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect those of the Alaska Highway News.

NATIONAL NEWSMEDIA COUNCIL The Alaska Highway News is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please let us know first. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

COPYRIGHT AND LEGAL NOTICES The Alaska Highway News retains sole copyright of advertising, news stories and photography produced by staff. Copyright of letters and other materials submitted to the Editor and accepted for publication remain with the author, but the Publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms. Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher. Second class mail registration No. 0167

f you’ve read my past articles, you’ll know that I’m quite the critic of the NDP-Green coalition government, but the recent announcement of the hiring of 20 more conservation officers for B.C. (one for Fort St. John, one for Chetwynd, and one for Mackenzie) is something you won’t hear me criticize. This is good news and has been a long time coming. Something that really bothered me over the years under the BC Liberals was how our province was marketed as “Beautiful British Columbia” or “Super Natural British Columbia” while at the

Jeff Richert COMMUNITY VIEWS

same time BC Parks and the Conservation Officer Service were underfunded to levels that were flat out ridiculous. It was strange that a dedicated effort, which has been very successful by the way, to attract more tourism to our province coincided with reduced funding and resources for government agencies whose responsibilities

included maintaining, managing, and enforcing the very places that attract tourists. This was a very strange situation that left me scratching my head on a number of occasions. What was the point of having laws in place without enough people in place to enforce them? That sort of scenario does not help anyone, and can create a situation where more people are abusing the system — take poaching wildlife as an example — breaking the rules and ruining it for everyone else. This sort of feels like a metaphor for our society these days, doesn’t it? You know, the whole bad apples

influencing policy thing. Anyone who has spent time in the outdoors in the Peace Region most certainly has a story about the antics they have observed out on the back roads, and the additions of a few more bodies on the compliance front is a great start. In a region as large as the Peace, we need even more. I’m hoping that this is the beginning of a healthy trend to increase the numbers of COs in the province and hopefully a change in attitude from a past government that had become tone deaf to the front line issues COs deal with off the beaten trail.

Times change but memories remain

ne of the many childhood memories I have is going to the garbage dump to watch black bears. Evening draws near and so you pile into the car (without wearing a seat belt – gah!) and head to the garbage dump to watch bears. It wasn’t only our family that occasionally did that, there were many more that took advantage of the nightly summer show. Our parents didn’t paint our faces with jam or peanut butter and hang our heads out of the window so they could get a good photo op. No, we sat in the car and watched the bears frolic amongst the discarded couches, mattresses, and garbage bags, and were transfixed. Societal norms circa 1970 were much different than now. Don’t hate on me for not being an evolved human at that time. The black bears at the garbage dump were our drive-in movie: No charge, and you can bring your own snacks! Sometimes a drama, sometimes a comedy, but always entertaining and even educational. “Look! That momma bear has three cubs!” “Look! That bear is lying on that old couch!” “Look! That bear is — hey, mom! What is that bear doing to that other bear?” Now, we know that garbage bears get destroyed and seat belts save lives, and, well, we have Netflix these days.

Judy Kucharuk THE DESK OF THE GREEN-EYED GIRL

We can’t share that story in real-time conversation. It would be met with shock and judgement. Are we supposed to censor our memories? The adage of “just because you did it in the olden days doesn’t make it acceptable” comes to mind. Memories are not always acceptable, but they still remain and often spring to the surface when you least expect. A midsummer smell of dried clay and flowering canola might remind you of the time you went target shooting with your father and your older sibling. The fact that you were probably 12 years old at the time and doing it in the front yard would certainly raise eyebrows in this day and age. Hey! We had hearing protection! Swimming in the dugout unsupervised; playing on the abandoned-for-the-summer water truck tanks sitting on barrels in the front yard; driving the pickup out to the field to deliver a mid-day snack for whomever was running the tractor, and

HaveYOUR

being so young that your toes barely reach the pedal — these are all memories that you can only share with certain people. The wrong crowd will judge you, judge your upbringing, judge your lifestyle, judge your parents. When I hear stories of parents being taken to task for allowing their 11 or 12-year-old child to take a city bus by themselves, I often will think, “times have certainly changed.” I’m not saying that what our generation did was safe or appropriate at all times. We certainly engaged in some stupid extracurricular activities that defy 2018 societal convention. I also have to admit there were a few of our peers who paid the price for their recklessness: a neighbour boy who shot his brother accidentally, a child who fell off the tractor and became paralysed, and a 17-year-old cousin who died when a seatbelt would have saved him after colliding with a moose. Times change, memories remain. Right or wrong, good or bad, we retain ownership of that flash drive that remains plugged into our brain, constantly backing up moments in time. Judy Kucharuk is a lover of sarcasm, witty people and footnotes. Follow her @judylaine

Do you have something to say or a story to share? The Alaska Highway News wants to hear from you. Email us at editor@ahnfsj.ca with “Have Your Say” in the subject line. Letters should be kept under 300 words, and must be accompanied by your full name, city, and a daytime phone number (for verification purposes only). We reserve the right to edit letters for length, taste, accuracy and libel. Letters will be published each Thursday.

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018 A7

OP-ED

Views on the News KEEPING OUR COMMUNITIES CLEAN Saturday morning, April 14, on the stretch of highway between Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, I stopped to meet Dave. Dave was out for a walk with his dog, cleaning up the roadside. In the background, you can see the Site C billboard. I asked Dave what he was doing. “Cleaning up,” he says. “If I pick up enough recyclables, I actually get a couple bucks for it.” An empty five-gallon oil pail sat on the road next to the Site C sign, with countless numbers of containers and garbage. Dave lives in Fort St. John, and I live in Dawson Creek. We took a minute to discuss the sad state of affairs with litter and pollution on the side of the highway, and came to the conclusion that even though the Site C project is supposed to create jobs and bring people to the area for work, we wanted to remind everybody that when the dust settles and the project is complete, and all the “out-of-towners” leave, it’s the locals that often end

Texas-based oil company. And I’m not talking about open and closed on the same sole day, with the topic discussion parameters constrained to the point the outcome seemed predetermined. If the Americans can extract and process their own oil—as well as our crude and logs— then we should be equally as patriotic thus Canada First, even if it means paying slightly higher for Canadian wages than those in the U.S. — Frank Sterle Jr., White Rock, B.C.

ATTENTION PADDLERS ANTHONY VANDERHOEK PHOTO

up volunteering their time to clean up the collateral mess left behind. Regardless of what anyone has to say about whether or not the project should go ahead, take a look at the roadside on your travels and you will see the evidence of this. I want to thank Dave for taking the time to care about the community we live in. Have a nice day, — Anthony VanderHoek, Dawson Creek

TIME TO START THINKING CANADA FIRST, AND REFINING MORE CRUDE With all the jingoism over Kinder Morgan’s pipeline expansion creating jobs—and almost all of it temporary work—it’s conspicuous how there’s no mention of creating actual long-term employment by processing enough of our own crude to, at the very least, supply the expensive gas-consumption requirements of Ca-

Digging deeper into shrinking pockets

nadians, instead of exporting the bulk raw resource then importing the finished product. (And a similar question could be asked in regards to our rawlog softwood exports abroad.) After thirty years of consuming mainstream news media, I’ve yet to come across a seriously thorough discussion on why our national and provincial governments consistently refuse to alter this practice, which undoubtedly is the most profitable for the

You are all invited to join us on Saturday, July 14, 2018, for the 13th Annual Paddle sponsored by The West Moberly First Nations, The Prophet River First Nation, and Peace Valley Environment Association. This is an alcohol-free family event. Mark your calendar and plan to attend. For more information, you may check out the website paddleforthepeace.ca, which will be updated in the near future, or call me at 250-785-2105. — Ruth Ann Darnall, president, PVEA

LASER HAIR REMOVAL Revealing a Smoother You

f you haven’t had a real close look at your natural gas bill recently, now might be a good time. The natural gas you purchase and pay for is certainly not the same commodity value as it was even six or seven years ago, due to a number of add-on adjustments and variables. Not that long ago, carrier companies such as PNG or FortisBC did not include a number of other additional charges and taxes, which have now become quite standard practice. Take for instance, the “delivery charge” of gas, which 20 years ago was a negligible part of your bill. Today, this particular charge plays a major role in your monthly billing . Just recently, after scrutinizing a 2018 PNG bill, this “delivery charge” exceeded the cost of the actual gas, or the “commodity” charge by a very significant margin. Looking back on a PNG bill from 2011, that same delivery charge compared to the actual amount of gas consumed was about 68 per cent of the two combined values. So, the delivery charges incurred were about two-thirds of the other costs including the gas. This delivery charge did not include the various taxes: the carbon tax, ICE tax, PST, GST, and PNG’s basic charge. In comparison from the 2011 bill to this April 2018 billing, that ratio of the delivery and commodity (gas) charges have dramatically changed. The delivery charge on the most recent billing period is now almos two-anda-half times more than the actual cost of the natural gas commodity cost, or a whopping 250 per cent. We understand that the cost of natural gas has indeed fluctuated over time. Back in 2011, natural gas was being sold at about $5/gigajoule compared with today’s price of about $2/gigajoule, a drop by more than half. Clearly, companies such as PNG were challenged with dropping natural gas prices, so several safeguards were installed (for the company) with the help of the BC Utilities Commission, which regulates the industry. For example, if you look at your present bill, you will find the RSAM Delivery Rider or “Revenue Stabilization Adjustment Mechanism,” which allows PNG to recoup losses in the event of differences between their forecasted and their actual revenues. In other words, if it looks like PNG is losing money due to effects of weather on gas consumption, they are allowed to increase the RSAM to their residential

Our Laser is back and we are ready to remove that unwanted hair!

Rick Koechl Mike Kroecher TWO OLD GUYS WITH ISSUES

customers to recoup that loss. Another addition on your bill is called the GCVA Commodity rider, or “Gas Cost Variance Account.” This rider looks at the difference in the natural gas price over the course of a year. If the price drops, then the BC Utilities Commission allows the company to recover any shortfalls due to PNG’s actual natural gas costs. Now, we understand that the RSAM Delivery Rider and the GCVA Commodity rider can also go down on your natural gas bill. The customer could receive a credit back. The problem is that very few customers really understand the workings of these add-on “riders” and how they subsequently change your bill, in some cases quite dramatically, month to month. Then, there is the controversial carbon tax even on home heating fuels, such as natural gas. For instance, the cost of just the commodity (natural gas) was approximately $53 for the month. Yet, the carbon tax charged was almost $43 on that amount. It is now getting close to being on par dollar for dollar with the actual cost of the fuel. Spoiler Alert: the carbon tax is slated to continue increasing. Adding insult, there is an additional GST tax on the carbon tax. No kidding. The ratio of the actual cost of natural gas back in 2011 was about half of the overall bill. Today, in 2018, the actual cost of the natural gas compared to all the other add-on charges is one-fifth. Again, no kidding. Who can blame the average consumer from getting frustrated every time we see or experience yet another price increase at the pump or on our home heating bill? It appears that the delivery companies and governments have indeed become more inventive in the methods where they create “value added” costs, digging even deeper into our shrinking pockets. Mike Kroecher is a long retired resident of the Peace, expressing his deep roots in the land through his art. Rick Koechl is a recently retired teacher of the Peace with an enthusiasm for politics and energy.

GLASS HOUSE AUTO GLASS We do ICBC Claims at shop

Fir Pellets in Stock

10996 Clairmont Frontage, Alaska Hwy

Fort St. John • 250.785.3433

Purchase a package of 7 treatments and receive a deal!

Under Arms $350 Bikini $560 Full Bikini $950 Mon - Weds 9-5:30 Thurs, Fri 9-7:30 and Saturday 9 - 4:30 Gift Certificates Available

“Best Salon & Best Spa” 2017

10440 100 Street | 250-787-1553 | www.hbhealthspa.com

Have something to say?

Join the Reader Insight Panel Share your thoughts about what you want to see in the Alaska Highway News and your local media. There is plenty to talk about when it comes to local news and media, and we want to hear from you. we are gearing up for our 2018 Readership Survey, and we are looking for insightful, keen readers and community stakeholders to share their opinion with us on a regular basis.

Join the discussion by emailing

editor@ahnfsj.ca The Panel will meet quarterly starting in June

A8 THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

SAYtoHELLO

N E P O E WID ES

C A SP

d n e k e e W g Lon ricing

P l a i RS AND c E L I e A R p T SN ALL NEW AND USED O 0 0 0 , 1 $

NOW$

2015 FORD F350 Super Duty

Q68305

P43245

was $45,900

44,500

Fully Loaded, Heated & Cooled Leather, Heated Rear Seats, Back-up Camera

NOW$ P43140

was $57,900

56,250

39,700

Sunroof,Tonneau Cover, Remote Start, Heated & Cooled Leather

NOW$

P12516

was $42,400

41,000

Heated Steering Wheel, Heated Seats, Navigation, Back-up Camera

NOW$ P33047

was $28,900

26,900

Q55796

2016 FORD F150 lariat

NOW$

P43247

2015 FORD F150 XLT

27,400

2015 FORD F150 lariat

QR1483

2014 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport

NOW$

was $28,900

Remote Start, Heated & Cooled Leather, Back-up Camera, Sunroof

P/W, P/L, Standard Transmission, Sirius XM Radio

was $17,400

16,500 was $45,200

44,900

Remote Start, Keyless Entry, Box Liner, Sirius XM Radio

NOW$ P52291

2007 Ford Mustang GT

Fully Loaded, Heated & Cooled Leather, Sunroof

2016 FORD F150 lariat

M E ‘ L U A H

2016 FORD F150

2017 FORD Fusion Titanium

o t g n i h t e m o s t e g r o f t ’ n o d d an

2017 FORD Focus SE

IES R O S CES C A RAILER. T IN A F O E PURCHAS E H T H T WI

was $28,900

28,000

NOW $ P75807

13,900

FORT MOTORS w w w. fo r t m o to r s . c a

Phone: 250-785-6661 • Toll Free: 1-800-282-8330

11104 Alaska Rd, Fort St. John, BC

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018 A9

Communuty

Karen Mason-Bennett with an environmentally-friendly alternative to disposable plastic straws.

NEAT looks to curb plastic waste AMY VON STACKELBERG Alaska Highway News

Cities and countries around the world are moving to cut their plastic waste, and Fort St. John is starting to follow suit. The Northern Environmental Action Team is an early adopter of the movement locally, and began offering an environmentally-friendly alternative to disposable plastic straws at last month’s CKNL trade show — reusable glass and stainless steel straws. “We were really in a unique position to connect people’s desire to do something better with a practical tool,” said Karen Mason-Bennett, executive director for NEAT. “There are a lot of good intentions in this town, and we were able to connect a lot of that.” Plastic waste has been making the rounds in recent headlines. The UK plans to ban plastic straws, stir sticks, and cotton swabs as part of a strategy aiming to eradicate avoidable plastic waste by 2042. Prime Minister Theresa May challenged Commonwealth countries to do the same and ban single-use plastics. In May, Vancouver will consider a proposal to restrict a range of disposable plastic and polystyrene products, including takeout containers, disposable cups, and plastic bags. It has stopped short of banning straws, however, several U.S. cities, including Seattle and Miami

Beach, have already banned plastic straws. A Toronto movement using the hashtag #StopSuckingToronto has 100 restaurants pledging to go straw-free. At the April 23 council meeting, Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman gave council notice that she plans to bring forward a motion to start talks with the community about plastic waste as part of a broader engagement about recycling. So, what’s the problem with straws? For starters, plastic straws are a lowquality plastic and can be difficult to recycle. Markets for this type of plastic are limited, Mason-Bennett said. “It doesn’t make much sense to take our plastic or our cutlery all the way across the world to be processed into a product that nobody wants to buy,” she said. “It makes more sense to deal with it on this end. What we’re seeing is the shift in responsibility for that material.” Most people don’t give much thought about where their waste ends up, and the problems it can create, MasonBennet said. “When we’re in school classrooms we talk about this idea of ... ‘I threw it ‘away.’ But where is ‘away?’ In our minds, ‘away’ is just this magical place where things go once your garbage bin is tipped. But it really is a place,” said Mason-Bennett. “People are starting to wake up to the idea that we’ve created all this stuff and it has nowhere to go. There are impacts far beyond the convenience of having a straw, or a plastic fork, or a plastic bag.”

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Artist’s rendering, southeast corner, of a new 50-unit apartment building in Fort St. John.

Site C apartments near completion MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

A new 50-unit apartment building being built in tandem with the Site C dam is due for completion in December, BC Hydro announced April 30, and scheduled for tenant occupancy in January 2019. Construction on the six-storey building began next to the Fort St. John fire hall in 2017, and is part of the city’s agreement with BC Hydro over the construction of

the Site C dam. The wood-frame building is being built to Passive House standards, and will be the largest Passive House-certified building in B.C. when completed, BC Hydro said. The apartments will include 35 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom units. Five units will be wheelchair accessible. During the dam’s construction, 40 units will be made available for rent by BC Hydro for employees working on the dam, while 10 units will be available for the

community’s use. The full 50 units will be turned over to the community for low- and moderateincome families when construction of the dam is complete. BC Housing is is leading the management and construction of the building, and will look for a non-profit building operator later this year, according to BC Hydro. Both BC Housing and the operator will share information regarding eligibility and application for the apartments as they become available.

MATT PREPROST 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

Special Delivery

AMY VON STACKELBERG PHOTO

“I leave with mixed emotions as I have fallen in love with the North Peace country. But this is the next step in my career.” — Wally Ferris on leaving for Sylvan Lake, A12

IT’S A GIRL y Valley Dove Ho Parents: Katie Hesketh & Ian Hoy Baby’s Weight: 8 lbs 10 ozs Length: 52 cms 8 Date: Apr. 27, 201 Time: 8:20 am Fort St John, BC

IT’S A GIRL MacKinley Ro byn Bell Parents: Megan Inglis & Kary Bell Baby’s Weight: 7 lbs 13 ozs Length: 20 inc Date: Apr. 25 hes , 2018 Time: 5:07 Fort St John am , BC IT’S A BOY Dustin Shan e Parents: Mark & Rose Wiebe Baby’s Weight: 9 lbs 6 ozs Length: 21 inc Date: Apr. 25 hes , 2018 Time: 1:05 Fort St John am , BC

IT’S A Heidi KatherGIRL ine Louise Parks Parents: Victor & Aime e Parks Baby’s Weight: 8 lbs 2 ozs Length: 21 inc Date: Apr. 29 hes , 2018 Time: 1:09 Fort St John am , BC

IT’S A FEMALE Karseah Bow Parents: Driedger Joseph & Teresaight: Baby’s We 6 lbs 4 ozs hes Length: 19 3/4 inc 8 Date: Apr. 28, 201 am Time: 11:43 BC , tou spa Pre

Drop off or mail your FREE birth announcement to:

The Alaska Highway News, or email: compose@ahnfsj.ca

9916-98 St., Fort St. John V1J 3T8

Fort St. John Hospital Foundation Baby Bouquet Wall This is a wonderful way for family and friends to acknowledge these special miracles

ated in the t Wall is loc re Baby Bouque Hospital Birthing Cent hn Jo . St Fort

Your minimum donation of $125 to the FSJ Hospital Foundation will not only purchase a flower petal, but the money raised will also go towards much needed medical equipment that will help to provide the best healthcare and service possible.

Ph: 250.261.7563 | email: fsjhf@northernhealth.ca

www.fsjhospitalfoundation.ca

THE MARTY ROBBINS STORY

An Evening of Classic Country Entertainment

A10 THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

business

Dunlevy Boat Launch Closed

Due to low water levels, the Dunlevy boat launch is closed until further notice. Please use Elizabeth Creek boat launch instead. Dunlevy will re-open as soon as possible. Attempting to launch during low water levels can cause boat and vehicle damage, or personal injury.

matt preprost Photo

Workers at Hip Peace Produce work their field at Bear Flat in early June 2017.

Bear Flat farmers returning for 2018 Tom summer

5484

Alaska Highway News

Recently the Hudson's Hope Public Library held a Taste the World Dinner & Auction. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the following businesses, whose donations helped earn funds towards our children's library programs and public furniture upgrades: 4 Winns Livestock 8 Seconds Back Country Barefoot Books – L. Winnicky Burnin’ Rubber Tire Shop Butcher Block Canadian Acres Farm Canadian Tire Co-op Bulk District of Hudson’s Hope Dunvegan Gardens Epicure – Kim Trask Home Hardware Fort St. John Hudson’s Hope Honey Hudson’s Hope School Macy’s Bright Ideas Marg’s Mini Mart Modere – L. Deitner Norwex – M. Cryderman

On The Rim Restaurant Paint Place Pampered Chef – C. Reischel Parthena - E. Rosa Pat’s Auto Peace River Building Real Canadian Warehouse Safeway Save-On-Foods Scentsy – C. Reischel Steel Toes Steeped Tea – S. Nussli Sung’s Chinese Tupperware – L. Schroeder

many thanks from the

U-picks, open farm Sundays, sapling harvesting, trellis building, and planting workshops are all part of the 2018 growing season for Hip Peace Produce. Bess Legault confirmed the operation’s lease was renewed to continue operating the seven-acre organic market garden at Bear Flat just outside of Fort St. John. “We’re definitely trying to ramp up our community engagement with the farm again,” said Legault, who operates the farm with her partner Michael Vanzandwyk. Public events from their first growing season last year were kept on the backburner, as Legault prepared to be a new parent. With Site C looming in the valley’s future, Legault says she has no regrets in returning. “I’ve been super lucky to have the privilege of growing in Class 1 soils,” said Legault. “You don’t find them just anywhere in Canada.” Sustainability of the business beyond Site C has definitely been top of mind, Legault said, adding that Walker Greenhouses near Charlie Lake has offered to help with a one-acre plot.

“We’ve been chatting a lot, and because we have the valley to grow in this year, I don’t think we’ll be moving soil and doing too much back there,” said Legault, noting Hip Peace Produce will be renting greenhouses to finish tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and melons. Box programs will also be returning, but kept simple with staples including potatoes, carrots, onions, and beets. Okra will be one of the few exceptions, according to Legault. “(Michael’s) been doing some research in the nutritional value of okra, it’s like a super-food,” said Legault, noting they’ll be using 60-day varieties to capitalize on northern daylight hours. Other favourites include summer squash, purple peas, and music garlic. Legault and Vanzandwyk’s produce continues to benefit local businesses. “We supply the lettuce for Whole Wheat and Honey all summer long. Definitely going to be keeping up our lettuce crops,” said Legault. Tom Summer is a Hudson’s Hope correspondent for the Alaska Highway News. Email your news tips to thomas.a.summer@gmail.com.

Your Best Looks Deserve an Encore

Premium executive cleaning service for your finest garments.

Wedding/Grad Service

All Services In House

Suit & Dress Cleaning Service

Some Terms and conditions apply.

Wet Cleaning | Laundry Service | Stain Removal| Suede & Leather | Gown Preservation

Open Daily 8am-8pm

GCM

800 -106th Ave Dawson Creek, BC 250-782-9389 gcmlaundryservice.net ECO FRIENDLY CLEANER

LAUNDRY SERVICES

800-106TH AVE • DAWSON CREEK • BC 250-782-9389

supplied Photo

Shelley Gray, Pam Eales and Lisa Ayton from the Industry Training Authority presenting the Youth Work in Trades Performance Award to School District 81.

Fort Nelson school district awarded for trades training School District 81 in Fort Nelson is at the top of its class when it comes to educating students wanting a career in trades. On April 26, the Industry Training Authority awarded the district with its Youth Work in Trades Performance Award for having the highest program registration in the region. The school district is receiving the award along with seven other school districts this year. “Apprentice experiences are a wonderful opportunity for our students to gain employable skills and begin on their chosen careers,” said Diana Samchuck, superintendent for SD 81, said in a news release. The award includes $5,000 in funding

to help the district develop its Youth Work in Trades program. The Youth Work in Trades program is a dual credit program that allows students to begin a paid work-based training component of an apprenticeship while still in secondary school, according to the ITA. Hands-on experience is a crucial component of a student’s trades training journey, the ITA said. “To make trades training work for young people, it is important for schools to partner with employers to give more students work experience,” said Gary Herman, ITA’s chief executive officer. “ITA’s Youth Work in Trades program gives students an opportunity to ‘earn while they learn’ a trade in a workplace.”

CORRIDOR FROM A1

Al as ka Hi gh wa y Ne ws

• informative • innovative • indepth www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

Without a plan, Streeper worries northern resources will remain bottlenecked getting to international markets, or, worse yet, completely stranded. He believes the plan will find strong favour among his northern colleagues. “From a little acorn grows a big tree,” Streeper said. “We’ll try what we can and do what we can and lobby what we can to see what we can get,” he said. “But if we don’t

stand up and start doing something, you don’t get something, you just get nothing.” The federal government has undertaken a number of studies in the past on developing either a mid-Canada or northern corridor, dating as far back as 1967, however, none have been fully realized. Other resolutions up for debate at next week’s NCLGA conference include a push from Fort

St. John to lobby the province to establish stable funding for restorative justice programs, and to increase funding to Geoscience BC. Legal cannabis, as well as updates on Northern Health and the Northern Development Initiative Trust will also be on the agenda, while attendees have the option to take tours of the community to take in local culture and Northern Rockies experiences.

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018 A11

LOCAL NEWS

PEACE REGION

COURT DOCKET A summary of sentences and fines handed out in Peace Region courts for the week ending April 27, 2018. There were no matters completed in Fort St. John provincial court last week. Fort Nelson Law Courts • Matthew Leonard Burke (born 1989) was sentenced to 30 days jail, handed a one-year probation order, and assessed a $200 victim surcharge for uttering threats. • Bryan Bradley Camozzi (born 1990) was fined $1,000, handed a one-year criminal driving ban, and assessed a $300 victim surcharge for care or control of a vehicle or vessel while impaired. • Dakota Miles Cobbett (born 1994) was given one year of probation with a conditional discharge, handed a two-year discretionary firearms ban, and assessed a $200 victim surcharge for careless use or storage of a firearm. Cobbett was also fined $300 and assessed a $90 victim surcharge for possession of a controlled substance.

• Johnathon Joseph Dubrule (born 1984) was fined $300 and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for possession of a controlled substance. • Amber Lee Duntra (born 1991) was fined $100 and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for breaching probation. Dawson Creek Law Courts • Charlie Stubbert (born 1980) was sentenced to 476 days in jail for assaulting a peace officer with a weapon. Stubbert received another 60 days in jail for possession of stolen property over $5,000. Stubbert was given 90 days in jail for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. Stubbert was sentenced a further 360 days for flight causing bodily harm or death. • Tamara Erika Courtoureille (born 1994) was fined $1,000, handed a one-year criminal driving ban, and assessed a $300 victim surcharge for care or control of vehicle/vessel with a blood alcohol level over .08. Courtoureille was also handed a one-year probation order with a suspended sentence, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for possession of property obtained by crime. — Tom Summer

Grant writer looking for projects

% 0 5 off

Assorted Boots & Shoes

Pri . g e

ONLY UNTIL MAY 12 SHOP NOW FOR BEST SELECTION RipsShoeRenu.com • ripsshoerenu@shaw.ca

TOM SUMMER Hudson’s Hope residents met with one of the Peace River Regional District’s new grant writers, Chris Maundrell, on April 11. “What we need from the community is ideas,” Maundrell said. “Whether it’s a TOM SUMMER PHOTO community hall fix, recreation Chris Maundrell talks grants. trails maintenance, or maybe there’s some bridges you need to repair, come to us with ideas. the regional district will be We start the search for potential approached. funding sources.” Hudson’s Hope is the only Adlard Environmental, community in the Peace consisting of Maundrell and his region to have signed up for colleague Dr. Chris Hawkins, the service. Two grant writing were contracted by PRRD to workshops will be held in facilitate the free service. Their May, one in Fort St. John, and role is to write and submit another in Dawson Creek. Have a project that needs proposals on behalf of nonprofit community groups, funding? Contact Maundrell churches, registered societies, and Hawkins at grantwriter@ fall fair associations, sports prrd.bc.ca. organizations, and other groups. Tom Summer is a Hudson’s The goal is to apply for $1 Hope correspondent for million but to aim for around the Alaska Highway News. $200,000, noted Maundrell, Email your news tips to adding that sources outside thomas.a.summer@gmail.com.

Dawson Co-op Mall • Phone: 250-782-8283 Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

E130

•22HP •Twin Touch •42-in Deck •30 Second Quick Oil Change system •2 Year/120Hr Bumper-to-bumper warranty

ONLY $2,777 Enjoy 12 Months No Payments or Interest

Z335E

District starts saving for new hall TOM SUMMER Alaska Highway News

Hudson’s Hope district council has passed Bylaw #894, which establishes a reserve fund of $30,000 a year dedicated to the construction of a new community hall. “As I understand it, the community hall is overall in fair shape and will be able to last for, say, the next four or five years. But long-term, will need replacement,” said Mayor

•20HP V-Twin Engine •42-in Accel Deep™ Mower deck •11 km/h mowing speed •2 Year/120Hr Bumper-to-bumper warranty

Gwen Johansson in an email. After a report on the building by the Lions Club and Community Hall Association, district council determined the most economic option was to complete minimal repairs and start a reserve fund dedicated to replacement, Johansson said. The fund currently sits at $30,000, which was set aside in 2017 in response to the report from the Lions Club and Community Hall Association.

ONLY $3468 Enjoy 12 Months No Payments or Interest

Z525E •24HP V-Twin Engine •42-in Accel Deep™ Mower deck •13.6 km/h mowing speed •2 Year/120Hr Bumper-to-bumper warranty

TAKE PART IN THE ARTS IN MAY 2018

At theMcClellan Pottery Studio Artspost Trent Comedy for High On High Feb 5, 6, 7 May 4 Opening May 26 of Greening Lidountil Theatre 8pm Juried Show With The Fed of Can Artists Peace Gallery Vagina Monologues FebNorth 5 NPCCthe 7-9pm With Women’s Resource Society at NPCC MayExhibit 5 PAINT“Dinner A HARD HAT Art Talk” Feb 12- Mar 1 At the Artspost 1-4 Free event in support of the With artists Mary Parslow, Alan White, Pipeline Karen Heathman, Peace Gallery North NPCC May 5 Senior’s Storytelling Gathering Fred Penner in Concert Feb 13 At the MuseumNPCC 2-4pm3:30pm Everyone welcome May 7 Monday Night Film Stars Koba’s Great Big Show LiveDon’t Feb Die 14 in Liverpool NPCC 1PM With the FSJ Film Society at Aurora Cinema 7pm Monday Night at the Movies Sleeping Giant May 10 Annual Dance GalaFeb 15 With Fort John Film Society Cinema Withthe Fort St.St. John Dance SocietyAurora at NPCC George Country Music Feb 15, 16 May 10,Canyon 11, 12 Stage North’s Blackbird Lido Theatre 8pm At 11520 East ByPass Road Stage North Space 7:30pm

ONLY $5370

Ballet Kelowna’s Boundless Feb 19 NPCCRecital 7:30pm May 12 Spring Dance With Studio2Stage Dance Students 11:30am, 2pm and 7 pm Monday Night at the Movies May 12 Spinners and Weavers James White FebRigid 29 Heddle PickupWith Techniques the Artspost 10am – 4pm the FortAtSt. John Film Society Aurora Cinema May 14 The Marty Robbins Story Hosted by Fall Fair at NPCC AGM Dinner of North Peace Historical 24 May 16 FSJ ArtsSociety CouncilFeb Meeting Senior Citizens Hall Tickets at 250-787-0430 At the Artspost Everyone Welcome 12 noon – 1pm

May 19 Downtown Begins AGM ofArtwalk PLRAC 2018 Feb 20 AtWith the NPCC from Liard 2-4pm the Peace Regional Arts Council in Bring your painted Hard Hats to Salute the Dawson Creek Pipelines May Highway Cemetery TourFeb 17 Fort 25 St.Alaska John Arts Council Meeting With theAtFort John Museum 7PM Registration theSt. Artspost 10320 94 Avenue requiredNew Comers Welcome 12 noon May 29 Author Reading by Elinor Florence Artist’s Juried At the FSJChoice Museum 7pm Exhibition Jan 8 - 30 With the Federation of Canadian Artists at Dawson Creekthe ArtMusical Gallery Creek May 31-June 2 Oliver With Dr. Kearney School at NPCC

FOR MORE ON ARTS HAPPENINGS

www.fsjarts.org

R0011355904

Monday Night at the Movies Brooklyn Feb 1 With St. John Film Society Aurora Cinema Maythe 2 Fort Pottery Class Begins Handbuilding

R0011513245

Alaska Highway News

Enjoy 12 Months No Payments or Interest

Grande Prairie 780-532-8402

Fairview 780-835-4440

La Crete 780-928-3337

Dawson Creek 250-782-4141

1-877-553-3373 PRAIRIECOASTEQUIPMENT.COM

Items may not be exactly as shown. Prices are based on the US exchange are subject to change. Offer valid March 1, 2018 until May 31, 2018. 1For purchases on your Multi-Use Account. Offer is interest free for the first 12 months. After the 12 month period, for eligible purchases of goods and services: 1) a minimum monthly payment of 2.5% of the original amount financed is required; and 2) finance charges will begin to accrue immediately on amount financed at 17.9% per annum. Minimum purchase and finance amount may be required. Monthly statement of account provided. Taxes, and, if applicable, set-up, delivery, freight and preparation charges will apply. Representative Amount Financed ("RAF"): $1,000, at 17.9% APR/AIR, monthly payment is $24.83 for 62 months, total obligation is $1,539.46, cost of borrowing is $563.46. Monthly payments and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment. In the event you default on this or any Multi-Use Account transaction, interest on all outstanding balances (including all other Special Promotion Transactions) will begin to accrue immediately at 19.75% per annum from the date of default until paid in full, and you will be required to make monthly payments on this transaction equal to 2.5% of the original amounts financed plus interest. Some restrictions apply. See dealer for details.

Did You Know? May is ‘Youth Services Month’ in Rotary.

“Give the youth a proper environment. Motivate them. Extend them the support they need. Each one of them has inﬁnite source of energy. They will deliver”.

Dhirubhai Ambani (1932 – 2002) In many ways this captures the essence of Rotary’s Interact Clubs. An Interact Club provides a platform or forum where the youth of our communities are mentored to help them develop their leadership skills while also placing ‘service above self’. We are proud of the members of our ‘Interact Club of Dawson Creek’ and all that they have accomplished – here and abroad.

Rotary youth: making a difference in the world! Meets tuesdays, 3:15 pM at dawson Creek seCondary sChool

A12 THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

Local News

City GM takes reins as Sylvan Lake CAO matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Wally Ferris, Fort St. John’s general manager of community services, is taking over as the chief administrative officer for Sylvan Lake. The Alberta town made the announcement April 24, noting Ferris brings with him more than 24 years of municipal experience. Ferris takes over as CAO May 22, and his last day with the city will be May 18. “I leave with mixed emotions as I have fallen in love with the North Peace country, but this is the next step in my career and one I believe I need to take at this time,” Ferris said. Ferris joined the City of Fort St. John as the general manager of community services in June 2014. Prior to that, he was the director of recreation for the City of Kingston, and worked in various roles for the City of Ottawa. Ferris listed the city’s first-ever parks and recreation plan, the 2015 and 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenges, the 2017 World Master Long Track Speed Skating Championship, and the 2015 Canada Winter Games Speed Skating Championships among the accomplishments he was most proud of completing with his team. He also noted the increased recreational programming options, and facility and trail and park improvements that have happened in the city during his tenure. “I have greatly enjoyed and benefited professionally and personally from my time in Fort St. John. This community offers a wide range of interesting experiences that are inclusive to the diverse residents that call Fort St. John home,” Ferris said. “The team that I have worked with are committed professionals, dedicated to serving Fort St. John, and it’s been a privilege to work with them to help make Fort St. John a better place to work live and play.” Ferris takes the reins in Sylvan Lake from retiring CAO Betty Osmond, noting he has “big shoes to fill.” Sylvan Lake is located about two hours southwest of Edmonton, and has a population of of roughly 15,000. Sylvan Lake Mayor Sean McIntyre said

Wally Ferris

the town was excited to welcome Ferris to the community. “Mr. Ferris joins the town team bringing with him a depth of professional experience and training, a strong focus on a team approach to management, and a service attitude that fits well with our culture,” Mayor Sean McIntyre said in a statement. “We look forward to working with Mr. Ferris to serve Sylvan Lakers and together build a community that is resident focused, visitor friendly, and a great place to do business and raise a family.” Fort St. John City Manager Dianne Hunter says the city has begun its recruitment process to replace Ferris, and hopes to have the position filled by summer. Ferris was the city’s first general manager of community services, Hunter said, noting he was also responsible for developing a management agreement with the cultural centre, establishing a project structure and timeline to build a new RCMP building, and oversaw the redesign of Centennial Park. “As he was our first GM, his first initial task was to develop and streamline the community services division and turn it into a highly function team that has a broad range of responsibilities from recreation programs to building maintenance and construction to developing positive working relationships with community groups,” Hunter said. “Wally will be missed.”

House

of the

HEARTFORD

In the dramatic vaulted foyer, light spills in through sidelights and transom windows, while more washes down through a bank of clerestory windows above. The rear wall of the great room is almost entirely glass, as is the sidewall of the dining area. Windows ﬂank the ﬁreplace, and yet another wide window fronts the kitchen sink.

All of the gathering spaces cluster together in the wide central section, with the apex of the vaulted ceiling running down the middle, front to rear. The owners' suite in the left wing is an adult retreat, well isolated from the busy areas. Garage and

The spacious kitchen is almost completely open to the great room. Its raised eating bar and ﬂat, 13-foot ceiling mark the boundary. Counters wrap around four sides, and storage cabinets are in plentiful supply. The handy work island and large walk-in pantry add yet more useful space.

Bedrm 11' x 14'

Dn Living 20' x 17'

Dining 12' x 15'4" Vaulted Great Room

Utilities are close by, in a pass-through room that connects to the garage.

Amenities in the Heartford's luxurious owners' suite include: two large walk-in closets (one almost double the size of the other), and a vaulted owners' bathroom outﬁtted with a spa tub, oversized shower, double vanity and linen hutch.

Utility

Shingle siding and stone veneer wainscoting give a rustic look to this otherwise thoroughly contemporary home. A wealth of uniquely shaped multi-paned windows sparkles across the front and rear walls, creating gathering spaces that are exceptionally bright.

secondary bedrooms are in the right wing.

Patio 20'6" x 8'

Alternate Basement Stairs

Kitchen

Den/ Office 12'8"x13'4"

Owners’ Suite 20' x 14'

Garage

Bedroom 13'8" x 11'

Vaulted Foyer Vaulted Porch

Heartford PLAN 10-420

Living Area 2556 sq.ft. Garage 520 sq.ft. Dimensions 74' x 82' 2000 SERIES www.AssociatedDesigns.com

Utility

Stone veneer columns and decorative roof supports draw eyes to the Heartford's lofty vaulted entry.

The den/ofﬁce has a stately stepped ceiling. It could be built with (or without) doors that link it to the owners' suite.

Associated Designs is the original source for the Heartford 10-420. For more information or to view other designs, visit www.AssociatedDesigns.com or call 800634-0123.

Bedroom 11' x 14'

Garage 20'4" x 23'8"

Arlen Brekkaas REDUCED

$275,000

• 55+ townhouse living • 3 bedrooms, 2 baths • garage and basement for extra space

ACTION REALTY DIRECT - 785-1234 CELL - 793-2438 OFFICE - 785-5520

$299,900

• Modern plan and colours, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths • Nice residential area and walking distance to amenities

REDUCED

$289,900 • Clean & tidy! • Close to amenities

• Large lot with good access

$299,900

• 1 bedroom, 2 bath • lots of upgrades recently including furnace, paint, flooring, and a bunch of basement finishing too! • close to shopping and walking distance to school

$385,000

• one block from Bert Ambrose and Kin Park • 3 bedrooms, 3 baths • Privacy and family!

$49,900

• Lots of recent renos • big yard space with good fence • lots of space to park and play too!

$329,900

• 3 bdrm 2 bath • Shiny new with yard space • Full warranty here

$529,900

• 5 bedrooms plus den, 3 baths • full, finished basement • nearly 3500 sq.ft. of living space

$239,900 • 3 bedrooms, 2 bath • within 5 blocks of 3 schools, easy access to public transit

• • • •

$625,000

5 bedroom, 3 bath 2,818 sq. ft. huge RV parking area and a cul-de-sac lot garage that fits a good-sized truck

$449,900 • Finch area estate styling • Double garage and well landscaped yard •Modern and easy, this is a home to call your own.

$252,900

• 2 bedrooms, 2 bath • Appliances Included Washer/Dryer Combo, Stove • Underground parking

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018 A13

PERSPECTIVES

See a need, fill a need

his week, it comes to mind to discuss the heart of the community. I had the pleasure of attending the Community Gala Awards on April 19. It was a warm and fuzzy evening showcasing the big heart of our community. The evening was reminiscent of childhood memories of rural Christmas concerts in Buick Creek in the 80s. The feeling was one of warmth, celebration, and a closeness that is the glue that holds the foundation of any strong, resilient community. April 15 to 21 was National Volunteer Week. I can say from experience that Fort St. John is filled with volunteers who get things done. We have numerous service groups and individuals that rise to the occasion supporting the many needs and causes of our community. Don’t quote me, but I believe there were more than 70 individuals and organizations nominated for recognition of their service contributions to our community, including myself in the humanitarian category. Alaska Highway News Editor Matt Preprost was nominated for the literacy award. It’s important for municipal government events and community news be reported so that residents can keep apprised and informed. The city has created a very important event that celebrates and recognizes the many who make our city a home to be proud of. Acknowledgement and encouragement are far better motivators then criticism and naysaying. The evening was a smashing success, with local talent and motivational speakers. More importantly, growing community involvement from our citizens has supported the success of this event. Did you know it was your nominations and, more importantly, your heartfelt recommendations with detailed descriptions on why these individuals or organizations were worthy of recognition? It is my opinion that the level of community service volunteers in a community measures the success of the community. Not-for-profit organizations, sports volunteers, community

July 13-15, 2018 C Dawson Creek B

Edwina Nearhood LIFE AT GROUND ZERO

literacy, humanitarians, and youth are an important part for inclusion of all. Our Energetic Learning Campus students have a community betterment project every year. I am amazed and inspired by the scope and breadth of what our local youth can achieve. As this project evolves year over year, I see the community embracing the voice of the youth, our future. Well done, Fort St. John. I would also invite you to come to the school when they showcase their projects. You will not be disappointed. We have a very generous community that is quick to write a cheque when needed, but time is another very valuable commodity. If you could offer two hours of every month to support the community in some way, please consider what that may look like. Service could be in the form of dog owners cleaning up the community forest at Fish Creek so that we could all enjoy this beautiful park close to home. It could be in the form of coaching a team, becoming a member of the historical society, or the literacy society. There are many events every month that require volunteer help for various logistics. Find a cause close to your heart. See a need, fill a need. It is time to take action. We are the energetic city. We are filled with energetic people. Together we do get things done. I am very proud to call Fort St. John my home. The heart of any city is what keeps people here beyond the two-year plan, the five-year plan. We all know many that came for a short time and stayed for a lifetime. Thank you to all of those people in Fort St. John that make it a place I am proud to call home.

1949 Ford 2-door Sedan

Edwina Nearhood is a life-long resident of Fort St. John, with 30 years experience in the appraisal industry.

Tony Verbruggen Dawson Creek, BC

A work in progress

This car was originally owned by the Smithard family of Sunset Prairie and was purchased new in 1949 , them being the first registered owner, and was driven until it was retired...It was then pushed over a bank until I acquired it in 2007. This was a project to be done in my retirement requiring a huge challenge for me. The car had sat in the ravine with trees growing into and around the car, it being a rusted out shell. I have stripped the car down, rebuilt fenders, the floors,trunk and made up parts as I could get or make them. I put the Car Shell on a Chev S10 shortened pickup frame with a modern suspension, brakes etc. The front end is rebuilt with a small block Chev 350 engine and a 350 turbo transmission. I removed the side vent windows and put in solid glass with electric windows and electric door locks and new seats, and built the console and side door panel’s. This year the interior upholstery on the seat’s and panel’s and headliner are being re-done and paint on the inside. I hope that in the next year I am able to re-paint the exterior and do more touch up’s as needed... This is definitely a car still a work in progress...

m o c . s r e s i u r c o r e z mile R0051169490

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY CALL .. TO PLACE YOUR AD

ARBORIST

DECOR

GREENHOUSES

Walker Greenhouses Great selection of Flowers, Trees, Shrubs and much more!

HOURS: Monday - Friday: 9am - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 7pm | Sunday 11am - 5pm

Len Chartrand President

1-250-794-2041

DENTURES

4 kms west on Hudson’s hope Hwy (Hwy 29) only 15 mins from FSJ.

250-262-1656 or 250-785-4562

The Power Of Print Print is stable... Print has longevity...

Typically 24% pass an ad onto others, 23% save the ad for future use and 13% visit a related website as a result of the publication.

Where are YOU spending your advertising dollars? Call today and feel the power!

Ryan Wallace @ 250-785-5631

ROOFING

A14 THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

PERSPECTIVES

A Mother’s Love

he world rejects what it does not understand. Why might a child be rejected by society? It might be because of race, religion, sexual orientation, physical deformity, or intellectual capacity. Moreover, what does a mother feel when the world rejects the child she bore and loves? When her child is hurting, it’s tough for a mother to know when to advocate, and when to step back and allow her child to face life and learn from the experience of refutation. Of course, the world rejected Mary’s child. The world mocked, beat, and eventually crucified her son. When Jesus was an infant, his mother received a prophecy from Simeon, a righteous man in Jerusalem, who had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Christ. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, Simeon took Jesus in his arms, blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” The Bible says that Mary and Joseph “marveled at what was said about (Jesus).” Simeon said to Mary, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed and a sword will pierce through your own soul also, so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:25). Mary’s heart would break at the world’s rejection of her beloved son. The New Testament includes a number of incidents of the rejection of Jesus during his lifetime. On the Sabbath, Jesus enters a synagogue and begins to teach. Many who hear Him are astounded and ask, “Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary?” Jesus observes that, “Prophets are not without honour, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house” (Mark 6:1-6). According to Luke, people attack Jesus and chase him

HOROSCOPE ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) Yippee! A sudden opportunity to travel somewhere will delight you today. Ditto for taking a course or getting further education. Admittedly, travel plans are changeable. TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) A surprise gift, goodie or favor from someone else might fall into your lap today. Keep your eyes open, because you will benefit — somehow — from the wealth and resources of others. Yes! GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) A partner or close friend might surprise you today. Something will happen that is unexpected. Perhaps he or she will introduce you to someone who is different? CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) New technology might be introduced where you work today. For some reason, your job will undergo a sudden change, and it could be with technology or the introduction of something new and unexpected. LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) A surprise flirtation might make your heart skip a beat today. Also, a surprise invitation might come your way. (Say “yes.”) Parents should be vigilant about their kids. VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) A small surprise will affect your home routine today. It might be someone unexpected at the door, or it might be news from

For Thursday May 3 2018

a family member. (Hopefully it’s not a small appliance breaking down!)

PEACE REFLECTIONS

to the top of a hill in order to topple Him, though Jesus slips away. Matthew 21:42, Acts 4:11 and Mark 12:10 talk of Jesus as the stone which the builders rejected. Many Galilean cities do not repent in response to Jesus’s teaching. According to Luke 9:51-56, when Jesus enters a Samaritan village, He is not welcomed. His disciples wish to call down fire from heaven on the village but Jesus reprimands them. Accounts of Jewish rejection of Jesus are prominently featured in the New Testament. In John 7:1-9, Jesus avoids Judea because “the Jews/Judeans” were looking to kill him. If a mother informs her child of God’s total acceptance that child will find comfort in that relationship. Jesus offers total acceptance. “…whoever comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37). Nowhere else will an individual receive this level of acceptance and pure love. If a person chooses to rest in His grace, he or she will weather difficult times of worldly rejection. Though it seems counterintuitive, it may be beneficial for a mother to allow her child to feel the pain of the world’s rejection. Indeed, if a mother lets her child be rebuffed by the world, the child will more fully experience the comfort of God’s love. Of course, the key is to first establish and nurture a relationship between the child and the Divine. Then that child, rejected by the world, will find shelter and comfort in God’s love.

The Peace is a place of many peoples and faiths. In this space, readers are invited to share their own reflections of faith in the Peace. If you have a story of faith you’d like to share, email angelamarygriffin@gmail.com.

Whether to Unfriend a Negative Person

Dear Annie: I reconnected with an old male schoolmate of mine, and we became friends. We would talk occasion- Annie ally and send emails to each other. My husband passed Lane away some time ago. This DEAR ANNIE SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) man is divorced. We have not Dear Unsure of UnfriendKeep an eye on your visited with each other and live in ing: He’d probably feel hurt by money, because something different cities. it, but it doesn’t mean you can’t unexpected might affect your At first, I enjoyed chatting do it. You could also block him wealth or cash flow. Guard your with him via the telephone and rather than just unfriend him. possessions against loss, theft email. I think people tend to That way, he couldn’t see your or damage. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) put their best foot forward at profile at all. But if you’re up the beginning of a relationship, for it, you could tell him that With the Sun in your sign today, you feel restless and full whether it be a romantic rela- you’re withdrawing because tionship or just a friendship as his negativity gets you down. of electric energy! You want to It might make him rethink his was the case with us. do something different. You attitude. Or it might just make want to get outdoors! Blue sky Over time, I noticed his him cranky. In any case, you’re overhead! conversations were very not beholden to his emoCAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) one-sided. He has a negative tions. Decide what’s right for personality. He is a “woe is me” You might want to hide or yourself. cocoon somewhere today, type of person. I no longer send because you feel you need to Dear Annie: I wish you him emails. I think people can get away from it all. Therefore, outgrow each other and that’s had also suggested to “My work alone or behind the Sad Story” that she look into fine. scenes if you can. the help she could receive The problem is that we are from Al-Anon. Thank you for AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) also friends on social media. often referring readers to this A conversation with a female Though I do not comment on wonderful organization, which acquaintance could be his posts, he occasionally will provides encouragement, significant today. This person post on my page. I would remight help you shape your strength and hope through ally prefer not having contact future or change your goals. its literature and from memwith him on Facebook, either. bers experiencing the same PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) Would it be rude or hurtful to A boss or parent might surprise unfriend him? This man does problems. Many adult children of alcoholics find help you today. Whatever happens not have many friends and through Al-Anon, even if the will make you feel rebellious. is somewhat of a recluse. -alcoholics are no longer living. Don’t take things personally, Unsure of Unfriending They find that alcoholism is a and don’t quit your day job. LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) This is an exciting day, because you’re full of clever, original ideas. You also will meet new faces and see new places. It’s a stimulating day!

Angela Griffin

disease they can’t cure, control or change but that they can change themselves. As the daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister-inlaw and aunt of alcoholics, I am grateful that Al-Anon has shown me the way to sanity and serenity. Al-Anon’s website provides information on where to find meetings all over the country. Helpful and comforting information is available on the website, which includes chatrooms, where one can find help in dealing with the disease of alcoholism. -- Nebraska Survivor Dear Nebraska Survivor: You are so right. I am a huge proponent of Al-Anon and missed an opportunity to recommend it to someone whom it might really help. I’m printing your letter to correct the record and encourage “My Sad Story” and anyone else who’s been affected by another person’s drinking to try Al-Anon or another support group meeting.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2017 CREATORS.COM

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018 A15

Coffee Corner SOLD $429,900 8903 117 Ave MLS# R2249289

$239,900 13362 Park Front Rd, MLS# R2258135

$339,900 11333 89A St, MLS# R2253480

$210,000 Lot 7 Tea Creek Estates, MLS# R2259459

$895,000 13271 Paradise St, MLS# R2250133

Fantastic starter home located 10 minutes NW of Fort 3 Bed, 3 Bath Lakefront paradise with many perks! Perfect family home checking all the boxes on your want St John, just off the Alaska Highway! Total of 1262 sq Come out to the lake and view this impressive, ft of living space on 3 levels. list and offering all of this in a fantastic neighborhood. recently-updated beauty.

Unique design for that empty nester, traveller, or someone looking for simple living with this single level townhouse.

Located 12 minutes from Fort St John and pavement to the property, you will find this beautiful 4.6 acre lot waiting for a new owner.

TODAYS PUZZLE

$15.50/sq. ft + NNN C, 10503 - 89 Ave, MLS# C8012981

3600 sq. ft. attached shop available for lease. Office reception area +3000 sq ft 2 bays shopw. No drop-ins.

$749,900 13318 Gourley Sub MLS# R2167731

Picture perfect country property 18 minutes from town. 2 storey 4 bed 2970 sq ft home on 10 acres.

$1,500,000 10231 - 85 Ave, DC, MLS# C8017317

Industrial 4.5 acres completely chain link fenced. Yard is compacted and graveled with gate. Power shed on steel pilings, open covered storage shed. Ready for occupancy.

hOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box. PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

• • • • • • • • • • • •

BASEBOARD BATTEN BEAM BOW BRIDGING CABINET CASEMENT CATHEDRAL CEILING CHAIR RAIL COFFERED DORMER

TODAY’S PUZZLE

34. A lazy person 39. Doctors’ group 42. Crooks 44. Fragrant essential oil 46. Conjured 47. One who predicts 49. Scarlett’s home 50. Television network 51. Something comparable to another 56. What a thespian does 57. Word element meaning life 58. Italian island 59. “King of Queens” actress Remini 60. Jogged 61. Norse gods 62. Lazily 63. Midway between northeast and east 64. Hindu queen

CLUES DOWN 1. Top Rank boxing promoter 2. __ fide (Latin) 3. At all times 4. Hindu female deity 5. Tufts of hairs on plant seeds 6. Edited 7. Portuguese archipelago 8. Your parents’ brothers 9. Pakistani city 10. Farewell

PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

CLUES ACROSS 1. In bed 5. Project portfolio management 8. __ Bator: Mongolian capital 12. Roamed 14. Notre Dame legend Parseghian 15. Nothing (Spanish) 16. Not level 18. Self-contained aircraft unit 19. Baseball broadcaster Caray 20. __ Tomei, actress 21. “The Raven” writer 22. Bathrooms 23. Skilled inventors 26. Forcefully silence 30. Remove 31. The arrival of daylight 32. Split lentils 33. “Walking Dead” actress

11. Short sleep sessions 13. Remove salt 17. Drug officers 24. One and only 25. The Golden State 26. Fabric baby carrier (abbr.) 27. Quid pro __ 28. New England research university 29. Baseball pitcher’s stat 35. Western India island 36. __ Angeles 37. Midway between east and southeast 38. British singer Stewart 40. Suggesting the horror of death and decay 41. Riding horse 42. Where wrestlers work 43. Regions 44. Of a main artery 45. Not classy 47. Competed against 48. Biscuit-like cake 49. Large ankle bones 52. Computer company 53. “Friends” actress Kudrow 54. “Chocolat” actress Lena 55. Brain folds

• • • • • • • • • • • •

DRYWALL EAVES ELECTRICAL ELEVATION FASCIA FIXTURES FLASHING FOOTING FOUNDATION GABLES GUTTERS JOIST

• • • • • • • • • •

LANDING MOLDING PLUMBING ROOFING SHEATHING TRADITIONAL TRIM TRUSS WALLS WINDOW

COM FROM - a nu - a nu - a nu box

A16 THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

PERSPECTIVES

The challenges of brachycephalic pets

he word brachycephalic comes from Latin, with ‘brachy’ referring to short and ‘cephalic’ referring to the head. There are several breeds of dogs and cats that fall into this category. Bulldogs (English, French, or American), Boston Terriers, Pugs, Pekingese, and Bull Mastiffs are a few examples. Persian, Himalayan, and Burmese are the more common cat breeds. Many of these breeds are experiencing a surge in their numbers because of their cute baby-like faces, and the increasing ease of getting them. Brachycephalic pets can suffer a number of health problems that can worsen as they get older. Their short noses create deep folds of the skin on the face that are prone to infections if not kept clean. Eyes that are more prominent, creating the desired bugeyed look, are more likely to get scratched or become too dry. Their shorter jaws, with the same number of teeth as longer-nosed breeds, means teeth are crowded together – causing earlier dental disease. These are manageable problems that are rarely life-threatening. There is, however, a much more worrying problem with these delightful breeds that can seriously compromise their quality of life, and can in some cases cause death. Brachycephalic Syndrome is a combination of problems affecting the respiratory system. Firstly, the trachea, or windpipe, is much smaller in diameter than normal.

Dr. Katharine North NORTH PEACE CREATURE FEATURE

Secondly, the soft palate is long and can hang down into the trachea, hampering air flow and causing snoring-like noises. Thirdly, the nasal folds are pinched-in, minimizing the ability for air to move. You can experience this yourself by pinching your nose partly closed and breathing. The fourth change is when two pouches near the top of the airway get pulled out by the force of breathing. Some pets live quite sedentary lives, and the most their owners notice is the noisy breathing. However, any stresses like heat, exercise or anxiety can cause respiratory distress which can require oxygen masks or be fatal. As pets age, the soft tissues get floppier and fat is often deposited around the airways, making the breathing worse. While some countries are discussing not breeding these breeds, Canada is not one of them. Despite their challenges, brachycephalic breeds can be very rewarding pets to have and many are an absolute joy to see as patients. To stop breeding completely would be a shame and a loss, so it is important for us protect the welfare of these lovely dogs and cats. Obviously, it is important for people looking for new puppies or kittens to

consider whether the breed and the higher-than-normal care requirements are right for them. Next, it is important to find responsible breeders that are not breeding for the extremes of a short nose. If you decide to take up the challenge and enjoy the rewards of owning these breeds, there are ways to help your pet breathe easier. Surgeries to improve the opening of the nose and length of the soft palate are available. These surgeries are recommended at about six months of age (they can be done at the time of spay or neuter) to minimize the damage done by the negative pressures of difficult breathing, and to maximize the life enjoyment, exercise tolerance and social development of your pet. The benefits of the surgery can still be seen if performed in adulthood, so ask your veterinarian whether this procedure is right for your new puppy or your wellloved adult. They can also advise you on the management of the other less dramatic health challenges so that you and your pets can breathe easy about their health and quality of life! Dr. Katharine North has been a resident and active participant in the Fort St. John community since her family immigrated to Canada from the United Kingdom as a child. Dr. North spent many hours at the North Peace Veterinary Clinic as a student and joined the practice as a veterinary associate upon graduation.

NINJA TURTLE

EVE PETFORD PHOTO

Loni Evans and her son, Maverick, ride away from the Pomeroy Sport Centre April 28, 2018, which was National Superhero Day. Kids of all ages dressed as their favourite hero and took part in a morning bike rodeo.

Alaska Highway News

LOOKING FOR CARRIERS

Wednesdays

Must be 18 years old Contact Lynn for details 9916 - 98 St

250-785-5631

Need help deciding?

Bring this coupon in and

Receive one FREE pint colour sample in any Benjamin Moore colour! 1 coupon per visit - Expires May 19, 2018

We are still the in town Benjamin Moore dealer for paint and accessories and we offer Air miles, free quotes and free consult /expert advice on flooring, paint and window blinds.

787-1842

10020-96 Ave., Fort St. John, BC V1J 1L3 Website: www.braunsflooring.com

Sports & Leisure

THURSDAY MAY 3, 2018 CONTACT US 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

ENERGETIC CHEER SHINES IN KELOWNA

HIGH SCHOOL RODEO RESULTS

SPORTS B3

SPORTS B5

9224-100 Street, Fort St. John, V1J 3X2

PHONE: 250-785-0463

The LeBron problem Dillon Giancola THE DILL ZONE

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Alysia Rissling poses for a photo with students Cache Tsuruda, Seth Clayton, Cooper Hanson, and Sebastian Kaban at the Classroom Champions community celebration April 26, 2018, at Bert Ambrose Elementary School.

Olympian teaches values of courage, community DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

Candian Olympic bobsled pilot Alysia Rissling was in Fort St. John and Hudson’s Hope last week for the Classroom Champions yearend celebration. Rissling attended the community celebration event at Bert Ambrose Elementary School on April 26, taking pictures and speaking with students and their families of the eight classrooms, four at Bert Ambrose, that she mentors in Fort St. John. On April 27, she visited each class she mentors at Bert Ambrose and Hudson’s Hope School to say hello and give one last message in person. “I’m very excited to meet them and they look equally excited to meet me,” Rissling said at the beginning of the

event. This was Rissling’s first year working with Classroom Champions, and her first year going to the Olympics as well, in two-woman bobsled, where she finished sixth. Each month, Rissling held a live-chat with each classroom about achieving their dreams and overcoming adversity. “The one example that comes off the top of my head is courage. We spoke about courage and how I was excited to go to the Olympics, but also scared,” she said. It was Rissling’s first time meeting her students face to face, and her first time in the Peace Region. “I’ve learned that there’s an incredible sense of community up here. These classrooms are all very tight in the way they inter-

act with each other and in how they interact with the community.” Classroom Champions Director of Operations Geoff Couldrey said working with both Rissling and the schools in Fort St. John has been great. “(Rissling) has an incredible sense of humour and is great with the kids. She injects her personality into each of her videos and makes them very engaging. All the schools we work with in Fort St. John are amazing, and you can really see how great the community is by its engagement with the program,” Couldrey said. Kim Fraser’s Grade 3 class at Bert Ambrose was one of the classes mentored by Rissling, and was surprised by how great of an experience it was for the children.

“The sense of community the children get out of being mentored by an athlete like (Rissling) is incredible. They feel like they’re meeting a rockstar,” Fraser said. Fraser said the students enjoyed their monthly challenges. “Our students learned two Remembrance Day poems, and went to the care home and the hospital and shared them. It was a great moment,” Fraser said. Looking ahead, Rissling said she has at least four more years of bobsledding in her and is focused on making a run at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games. The 2018 Bobsleigh World Championships are in Whistler, and Rissling is hoping for a strong performance at home in Canada. TURN TO B4 FOR MORE

Golfers tee off at Lone Wolf, others to open soon DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

Golfers can finally rejoice, at least until they have a bad game. The longest winter in recent memory is over, and one of the region’s golf courses is finally open, as Lone Wolf Golf Club opened all 18 holes on May 1. It’s been a long wait for fans of the Taylor golf course, as the course has never opened later than April 22. “It’ll be a good opening and people are eager to get out there finally,” said Lone Wolf Superintendent Craig Simpson. The club has usually opened just the back nine to start the season, Simpson said. But this year, the full course will be open and in good shape from the start. “It really dried out the last few days and everything is good to go. The greens are in awesome shape as well,” he said.

Lone Wolf will also host the region’s first tournament of the year, the Lone Wolf Icebreaker Tournament, this weekend on May 5. About 80 golfers are expected to play. Fort St. John Links will be the next course to open. As of April 30, most of the snow had melted but the course was still wet, according to Clubhouse Manager Jeff Holland. Holland hopes to open the course sometime next week, before Friday, May 11. Like Lone Wolf, Holland said this is the latest he has seen the Links open in his 15 years at the course. “The course has weathered DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO fairly well. Once we do get The Lone Wolf Golf Club’s driving range has been used steadily since it open, we’re looking forward opened last week. Now, golfers will be able to put their retooled strokes to another great year,” to use on the course. Holland said. Lakepoint Golf and Country Lakepoint will host a the other courses, Lakepoint Club Lead Professional Ryan Mother’s Day brunch on May will be opening at its usual Galay said they are hoping to 13, and, in a perfect world, the time. The course always open the course as close to course will be open as well, opens last, but Galay said Mother’s Day as possible, and Galay said. they opened on May 10 and are shooting for Wednesday, Although the weather has May 12 two of the last three May 16. caused a delay in opening for years.

or a sports fan, April is a breeding ground for disappointment. The NHL and NBA playoffs are in full swing, and dreams of a championship run are everywhere. When your team fails to make it far, or even win a single round, it can be crushing. Sometimes, that feeling comes from unexpected places. I didn’t feel too upset after the Leafs blew game seven against the Boston Bruins, and the Toronto Raptors are still alive, postponing my inevitable night of misery. No, the source of my ire this time was LeBron James and his brutal Cleveland Cavaliers team beating the Indiana Pacers in game seven of their first round series. James has been in the league for 15 years, and has never lost in the first round — you’d think I would know better, but I really thought this was the year he wouldn’t make it to May basketball. After Cleveland lost game six by 34 points, I was certain this team was doomed. And yet I know what James is made of and knew it would be tough for the Pacers to close out the series. Now, this is not just blind hate of LeBron, like the many fans who hate him or other legends such as Tom Brady or Sidney Crosby. I stopped that pettiness sometime in 2012. Rather, this is annoyance that he was able to win with such a crappy team. They started old man Jose Calderon in half the games this series. James had more than 40 points in three of the seven games. Amazing, sure, but also the sign of a team whose only hope is if their best player does absolutely everything. I’m aware this comes from a place of insecurity. The Cavs will now face the Toronto Raptors, and beat the Raptors two games to one in the regular season, despite the Raptors being first in the East, and the Cavs fourth. The Raptors have lost to James the last two years in the playoffs. But this year, they should be favoured, and they should win, but, like most Raptors and NBA fans, I have my doubts. Even though my hatred is justified, it’s surprising me. I haven’t really been anti-LeBron since he beat the San Antonio Spurs in game seven of the 2013 finals. Mostly, I just don’t want to hear the million “I told you sos” that would come with a Raptors’ loss. Still, sometimes I wonder if I’m watching the same sport as everyone else. James said early in game seven against Indiana that he was going to play the whole game, and the announcers applauded what a warrior he was. Well, he played the first three quarters and then missed a couple minutes because he had cramps. Wow, who saw that coming? Why do we applaud dumb decisions just because we respect the person making them? Even the greatest NBA players of all time are capable of mistakes. For the sake of my emotional well-being, let’s hope James makes plenty against the Raptors.

BANNISTER DAWSON CREEK

A “Family” Business with “Family” Values

250.782.8589 1609 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC

Bannisterford.com

This week’s customer is Seppo Lind from Fort St. John. Seppo is a repeat customer of Rob’s. He was looking to upgrade his already nice F-150 to a New Platinum Model. After looking at our selection he picked out the nicest one and a trade was made! Why not get yourself a Bannister deal from Rob TODAY?! 58771

B2 THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

Local Sports

Soccer club starts season indoors Kids took to the pitch on April 30 to begin the Fort St. John Soccer Club’s season on time. Unfortunately, due to the weather, the club was forced to begin the season indoor at the Kid’s Arena Fieldhouse for the first two weeks. While the club was able to avoid a late start to the season, teams are down to just one game a week as compared to two, and 45-minute games compared to the usual 80 minute matches, while they are playing indoors. This is due to the more than 500 players registered for the house league season, and the many organizations and sports using the Fieldhouse. The club is scheduled to begin outdoor play on Monday, May 14, but may move outdoors sooner if the weather permits and the fields are declared fit to play on. “It’s been a challenge, but we’re hoping to get some teams outside by next week,” said Sheilagh Close, the

club’s office administrator. Close said the club is satisfied with the amount of kids playing soccer this year, despite the fact the long winter prevented people from getting in the mindset for playing outdoor summer sports. The club has been trying to get more girls to register. In the past, the club has had an even split of boys and girls, Close said. This year, out of the 559 players registered for the house league, 219 are girls. However, there are still enough players for four girls-only house league divisions, and half of the 10 Northern Strikers competitive teams are girls only. The club still needs house league coaches. One coach each is needed for the U4, U5 Co-Ed, U7 Boys, U7 Girls, and U9 Boys divisions. If you would like to volunteer to coach this year, visit fsjsoccer.com or call the club’s office at 250-787-5425.

supplied photo

Jordan Kosinsky, also known as Mitzzz, was great in her first-ever roller derby bout on April 28, 2018, winning the Killbillies’ MVP of the game award.

Killbillies crush RadLeak Rollers Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

The Fort St. John Killbillies opened the 2018 roller derby season with a 163-69 blowout victory over the Grande Prairie RadLeak Rollers at home Saturday night. The crowd of 200 were treated to a noticeably hard-hitting game, with lots of bodies flying around. It was an impressive game considering the large number of Killbillies regulars twho weren’t playing. “Our new players did so good. Mitzzz (Jordan Kosinsky) played in her first bout and won the MVP. She was killing it

and hitting people with her booty,” Dani Bell said. Bell said the team relied on their high fitness level to get them through the fast-paced bout, and was glad to see the things the team worked on practice show through. Returning Killbillies jammer Bethany Roy (Boom Boom Bethy) was the best player in the bout, breaking through the block every time she entered the ring. The Killbillies hit the road this weekend for a double header in Peace River on May 5. They play the Whitecourt Hotrollers at 5 p.m. MDT and the Grimshaw Grim Reapers at 7 p.m.

R0021217976

dillon giancola photo

Engage Sport North, working with the Fort St. John Mixed Slow Pitch League, held a wellattended official SPN umpire clinic April 5 and 6 at the Pomeroy Sport Centre in advance of the 2018 season. The 44 registered teams will begin pre-season play on May 7.

PRO GOLF WEEKLY UPDATE Golf News, Tips, Trivia & Stats

This Week in Pro Golf

Top News Stories

Answer : d) Jimmie Johnson has 11 wins at Dover International Speedway.

This Week’s Cup Series Race: AAA 400

B4 THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

LOCAL SPORTS

How to beat your spring battle with allergies

or many, spring brings the beginnings of allergy season. According to Medical News Today, allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance. This overreaction is what causes the unpleasant symptoms of allergies. Symptoms can range from mildly annoying, such as a runny nose, to extremely severe, such as anaphylaxis. The most common allergies in Canada are peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seeds, milk, eggs, seafood, soy, wheat, and sulphites. What causes allergies, and is there a way to prevent them? Many articles state that early exposure to an allergen may help to prevent allergic reactions to that specific allergen during adult years. An article on mdalert.com states that “The lack of exposure is thought to lead to defects in the establishment of immune tolerance.” This suggests our modern-day obsession with cleanliness and sterility may have a

Stephenie Sutherland HEALTH HACKS

negative impact in the prevention of allergies amongst children and adults alike. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology has the same viewpoint in preventing childhood allergies. They suggest that adding in common allergens between the ages of four and six months, after solid foods have already been added and tolerated. Waiting to add in allergens until the child is older may increase their risk of developing allergies. It is also no longer recommended to avoid allergenic foods while breastfeeding, unless it has been shown to cause a reaction in either the baby or mother. If you do struggle with allergies,

here are a few natural ways to help combat the symptoms: 1. Keep your windows shut. Allowing the breeze in means that you are also allowing in possible allergies. By keeping your windows shut, you are preventing allergens from coming inside. 2. Wash your face and hands, and change your clothes when you come in from outside. This will also help to prevent the outdoors from following you in. 3. Eat healthy. Research has shown that there may be a link between healthy eating and fewer allergy symptoms. 4. Try a nasal rinse solution or a neti pot to clear away some of the congestion. 5. Know your triggers. Make an appointment to see an allergist and find out what you are actually allergic to; this will help you know what to avoid.

Wellness Round Up: A study done at the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry showed that being raised with a pet may decrease your risk of allergies and obesity. A Science Daily article from April 2017 explained that the study showed that babies from families with pets, mainly dogs, had higher levels of two types of microbes that have been associated with lower risks of allergies and obesity. Their theory behind this finding is that the increased exposure to dirt earlier in life can create early immunity. Stephenie Sutherland is a Fort St. John student studying nutrition and food sciences. She can found at the gym, hiking local trails, and serving up a hot cuppa joe at Whole Wheat and Honey. Have a question? Email her at stephenie. sutherland13@gmail.com.

Rissling shares her fears in Hudson’s Hope TOM SUMMER Alaska Highway News

TOM SUMMER PHOTO

“There’s about 200 tiny T-rex teeth on there. They’re very sharp, it’s how I run on ice,” said Rissling, showing Hudson’s Hope students her bobsled cleats.

Olympic bobsled champ Alysia Rissling visited Hudson’s Hope School on April 27 for Classroom Champions, following the community celebration event at Bert Ambrose Elementary School in Fort St. John. Rissling arrived in style and good humour, entering the building in a T-rex costume. Each month, Rissling live-chats with classrooms, sharing her Olympic experience to give kids advice on setting goals and overcoming adversity. It’s her first year taking part in the scholastic program. Students asked Rissling what she fears most about the sport. “My first year, I crashed twelve times, last year I crashed zero times, and this year I crashed four times,” said Rissling, “I do fear crashing. I don’t necessarily fear hurting myself, but watching my teammates get hurt.”

It’s certainly not for the faint of heart, says Rissling, stressing that courage and perseverance are important qualities for athletes to have. Rissling, from Edmonton, made her debut at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, finishing sixth with teammate Heather Moyse in the twowoman bobsleigh event. Having played soccer and basketball in college, Rissling says Canadian soccer star Christine Sinclair was someone she looked up to, even sharing the same jersey number: 12. “I started bobsledding at 23 years old, it was one the few sports I could pick up and still get pretty far with it,” said Rissling of her time at the University of Alberta, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. “I still wanted to be an athlete.” Tom Summer is a Hudson’s Hope correspondent for the Alaska Highway News. Email your news tips to thomas.a.summer@gmail.com.

LAKESHORE 4H Community Club I’m Liam Koop from the swine club and I am here to give you an update on the activities of the Lakeshore 4-H Community Club. The 4-H District Communications Competition was held on April 6th

In addition to Communications, our club also began our swine projects at the be-ginning of April. My pig’s name is Gru and I’m hoping he’ll grow up to be a big and healthy pig. A large part of caring for our project animals is feeding them so that they will reach market weight by the time Achievement Day rolls around in July. We also make sure that they have adequate shelter and plenty of water. Last but not least, we train our animals and practice the showmanship skills we will be using on Achievement Day. As well as caring for our projects, we will also be preparing for our annual judging rally. The judging rally gives us an opportunity to practice comparing animals and other various 4-H items. So keep working hard 4-H members! Enjoy working with your animals, and see you at the judging rally!

4H Reporter Liam Koop

Printed in Canada | E&OE December 2015 15264-S01-03

Hello readers!

at the Northern Lights College. The speeches were very good, and a lot of work went into presenting the speeches, demonstrations and display boards. A big thank you to all of our judges!

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018 B5

Local Sports

Hedges named to B.C. Royals team The B.C. Royals announced their roster Monday for this weekend’s 2018 Canadian Wheelchair Basketball League (CWBL) National Championship tournament. Not surprisingly, Bo Hedges, originally from Wonowon, is one of the team’s nine players. The nine-team tournament runs May 4 to 6 at Martensville, Saskatchewan. The B.C. Royals

are in Tier 1 alongside the Saskatchewan Green, Alberta Northern Lights, CIVA from Quebec, and the Laval Gladiators. B.C.’s first game is Friday morning at 8 p.m. against CIVA. For the schedule and results, visit wheelchairbasketball.ca. Hedges is currently a member of the Wheelchair Basketball Canada National Team.

Kolton Johnson wins boys all-around Kolton Johnson of North Pine was the allaround cowboy at the high school rodeo in Chetwynd last weekend. Johnson was able to knock off Hudson’s Hope Ben Jackson, who leads the season in overall standings. Johnson had 35 points over the two rodeos on April 28 and 29, including a first and second place finish in team roping with teammate and all-around cowgirl Fallyn

Mills, and two third place finishes in tie down roping. Mills had another strong weekend with 81 points, including first place finishes in pole bending and goat tying. Twiggy Esau of Arras was the junior allaround cowgirl with 61 points, and Gundy’s Tyler Perderson was the junior all-around cowboy with 77 points.

Sr. Rodeo results Barrel Racing 1. Aspen Wollen (Sunday) 2. Madalyn Fraser (Sunday) 3. Fallyn Mills (Sunday Pole Bending 2. Aspen Wollen (Saturday) 1. Fallyn Mills (Sunday) Goat Tying 1. Fallyn Mills (Sunday)

Tie Down Roping 1. Derek Hadland (Saturday and Sunday) 3. Kolton Johnson (Saturday and Sunday) Steer Wrestling 1. Ben Jackson (Saturday and Sunday) 2. Wade Roberts (Saturday) Team Roping 1. Fallyn Mills/ Kolton Johnson (Saturday) 1. Denton Spiers/ Ben Jacksonn (Sunday) 2. Wade Roberts/ Tyrel Roberts (Saturday)

austin cozicar photos

Above: Fallyn Mills won the pole bending event on Sunday, April 29 with a time of 21.52 seconds. Below: Madalyn Fraser of Rose Prairie was second in barrel racing on Sunday and third on Saturday.

LOCAL • LOCAL • LOCAL

DO YOU WANT THE NEWS? $1.50 inc.

gst.

niTies

g FORT

seRvin

DAY, JUne

2, 2016

Vol. 73,

sT. JOHn,

B.C. AnD

UnDing

sURRO

COmmU

no. 69

alaska

THURs

“The Only

Newsp

aper in

That Gives

497

news

R0011217

’s Dam a Tinker

About

the North

Peace .”

KePt rcMP with BUsy in 2015 criMe

the World

aynew highw

s.ca

son Fort nel on artisty 100-da nge challe

racing drag season with startsr a roa B1

ARTs B7

sPORTs

When You Are Out ld, in the Fie Time . IS Money For

Call Us r ALL You ds Nee Oilﬁeld PARTS, QUALITY VICE! SER EXPERT

n sCOTT

PHOTO

BROnwY the ent on driven duty equipm had never e heavy operat his work, but unity to with opport for the helping her father was excited job sites st. John, of time on in Fort a lot ary school has spent second 30. Peever Peace y, May t at north on Monda 11 studen school site , a grade unity comm n Peever g it . Morga “Ma” Murray ent before and gettinas a ret ng on, Marga duty equipm buildi which serves heavy l. le for any of e, the schoo

riencaye ty exnpe erw gets und avy du structio s get he ool con new sch hooler week as Hightssc work this to put

not suitaba clay surfac ructing for both to const down base for the site ready good solid had to get playing field. from a nts They alsog lot and for senior stude to para parkin r is one of 16 60 selected am ct a progr Peeve l Distri Duty, nts who t Schoo stude across in Project Heavy gas wyn scot a ahnfsj.c that gives the oil and ticipate the wheel in to work 15th year behind packers, careers tunity in its nts are rs, dering oppor industry l stude , grade of the are consi g sectors an use the High schoo rock trucks ing the site and ators, or loggin job site prepp y Community whole real of excav this week, Murra sites my g some on a . on job do something and more ret “Ma” and gettin equipment sitting Marga lly uction ience. side of been future actua constr Fort “I’ve work can exper l for PHOTO the Old paper now I world Schoo JeFF mAYeR life, so just the dary studuty, real away, down tasked set on than heavy a kilometre senior secon using a ts were e more r said. g of her heart r plans About loggin ,” Peeve group site, studenare not suitabl , got for at er r Peeve d school that anoth surface things ugh she’s graduates, their hand and a skidde Road, Ma Murray the top soils she’s gaine to a clay ucting Altho she US her are trying a processor g at future at the ience it down ng off dents for constr for teaching after the exper er, to help CONTACT John lookin with strippig on, and getting Duty solid basethe site ready use of feller bunch in Fort St. nt buildin a good to make Project Heavy wner site. 11 studethe for serves as also had to get field. a lando of the which Grade through her goal. . they a playing pment on A4 day of school and for develo excited,” said DUTY achieve the first of, called the a parking lot see HeAvY “I’m r on  both Peeve am she’s part she said. hing,” Morgan ines phone were tasked try everyt long progr 31 are Duty. one of the machfathweekwant to site, students Heavy her 250-785-56 “I just l soils that Project ridden in every panied at schoo the top the hand accom At off g She’d ing havin  tried her has givyears, with stripp Duty had never over the fax jobs, but Project Heavy 22 garbage er on them. just that. es the do 250-785-35 ting to believ on CN Rail e opera Chenier up the chanc piling says he hasen her  any may be but email problem. an eye on property, with the comp n ahnfsj.ca not their has kept saying spoke em. lookChenier some time, past n’t circulation@ the probl they are for years. been for in the the about ls say couldn’t has pile grow the pile his part  of CN officia matter, but er ing the garbage pile I know he’s done some other wheth the “That ng out online years that and r all confirm ing into s.ca taking seven g bigge ost by cleari couches, diately ing was prepr rty. there for been gettin “People highwaynew d. an immeillegal dump any’s prope matt it’s alaska mattresses, a e ier said. left behin he’s kept of and ahnfsj.c the ge Chen les ood the compdid say anyon editor@ it.”  y garba ier said ious vehic Edgew the time,” adding to ing place on any Chen dump ger of the railwa s ressuspic keep are reThe comp illegal CN Pofacebook ews next to propout for he believes The manasays he shareillegal just ing. call witnesses wayN an The pile, d the park’s an’s eye Park the area for the dump nity who property can239. no-m Trailer behin in rns about has perAlaskaHigh in g profa conce em that to be tracks on its ible illeg-465-9 idents spons property, appears comes to gettin met with he ap- lice at 1-800  witnesses raged ing probl the park’s it up the He’s been e who dump des when cts. d when encou ers clean Anyon behin twitter aper is also bad attitu tial suspe body nts land rities to Poach ing sisted and All reside years. at autho newsp pleas hes poten tell some do al dump Report erty for of Edgewood ) line @AHN the t do you say theiries, in- proac rns about problem. canno he to call ers (RAPP A pair “How conce saying Pollut can and agenc rty?” Residents their rous ct, con- what they your prope e and -952-7277. last week, comraised distri nume phon em al pile, 1-877 it’s not time you , to try of the probl ve junk Minis have when nware cluding region and “By the gone.” the massi rusted kitche tion, ded tires officials, re- said. , they’re with , discar hazard serva onment with each plete frame it’s police Envir a futon poses a safety rebuffed, g residents pets. been tellin and more,children and manages portedly for local Chenier, who watchbeen Dave says he’s the park,

We’ve got the news covered! From local events to top stories that affect you, we will ensure that you are kept in touch with happenings in our area.

studen bron

porter@ peacere

s to see ner want Park ow

ed up le clean trash pi

G PAVIN

ES TIMAT FREE ES 9.0686 0.71

If it’s local news you are looking for go to

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

DELIVERYas ES AND ndi ng Are GRAVEL SAL rou n & Sur IDENTIALFor t St. Joh AL AND RES COMMERCIson Creek, Chetwynd, l • Industria mercial ing lots Park tial • Com Residen • Driveways • Roads

Serving

Daw

R00111548

informative • innovative • indepth

B6 THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

Classifieds Obituaries

Obituaries

Announcements

Coming EvEnts Acquired Brain Injury Support Group: ABI Support group meets every 2nd & 4th Thursday of month at 6:00pm at the Northern Brain Injury Association office: #11-1405 102 Ave Dawson Creek. Please call 250-719-4673 for more information. http://nbia.ca/

The Catholic Women’s League Spring Strawberry Tea BUCKLAND, Donald R. August 22, 1953 − April 8, 2018 It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beloved brother Donald Richard Buckland. Don passed away Sunday, April 8, 2018, at the age of 64 years, in the Vernon Jubilee Hospital. He is survived by his sister Gaye Sjoberg of Calgary, brother Lorne of Cayley, Alberta and nephews Stephen and David Buckland of Lethbridge, Alberta. Don was predeceased by his mother Helen in 1974, his father Richard (Dick) in 2012 and brother Gary in 2015. Don graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Calgary in 1977 and was a dedicated Oilfield Engineer for 40 years. He worked within the oilfield industry as well as for the BC Oil & Gas Commission, retiring in 2015. His career took him to Australia, South America, Atlantic Canada and Western Canada.

at the Immaculata Centre 9504 - 100 Avenue (behind the Catholic Church)

Saturday, May 5th, 2018 1 - 4:00 p.m.

ADMISSION FREE

Tea is $6.00 per person

Baking, Used Jewellery & Used Books Tables 52580

Don was full of life and loved to laugh. Jokes with him or at him (or at others!) were always at the forefront. Often you could hear his laughter and crazy antics ringing through the air. Don had a great amount of empathy for people as well: a tremendous heart. If a friend needed help fixing something, refinishing, rebuilding or whatever, Don was always quick to spring into action, and would never complain if the going got tough. There will be a Celebration of Life for Don on June 2, 2018, 2:00 pm at the Ranchmen’s Club, 710 − 13th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta (Dress Code: Business Casual). We would like to thank the Staff of the Vernon Jubilee Hospital, especially nurse Kristi, 6th Floor and nurse Dan, 5th Floor ICU for their compassionate and professional care of our brother. A very special thank you to Bob Tupper and John Anderson, for their assistance, big shoulders and advice in Vernon and beyond.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Obituaries

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

Book Your Ad Now!

Dawson Creek Seniors Hall Activities 1011 McKellar Ave. Floor curling, carpet bowling, pool, line dancing, bridge, crib, darts, bingo, Wellness Exercise, craft classes. Schedules are available at the hall. Come and see our hall and try out our activities. 2018 DAWSON CITY International Gold Show. The northernmost placer mining and consumer trade show. May 18th & 19th. Visit goldshow.dawsoncitychamberofcommerce.ca for information. Or call 867-9935274.

Obituaries

Coming EvEnts

Farmington Farmerettes Annual Spring Strawberry Tea & Craft Sale: Saturday, May 12 from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm At Parkland School in Farmington Cost: $4 per person; join us for tea, coffee & strawberry shortcake and browse the handquilted items and craft tables.

PC Roots Group Building Open: Every Saturday Sept-June 10:00am-12:00pm to members wanting to use the genealogy library. A member will be available by appointment to anyone requiring help on how to get started on your family history. Everyone is welcome. We are located in the small building in NAR Park. For appointment call: Lynn- 250-7824058. Neil- 250-7827651. Website http://peacecountryroots.ca

PC Roots Group Meeting: 4th Sunday/month - from Sept-June 1:30pm in the Archives Room at The Calvin Kruk Center. Getting started on family tree research, need Help? Come learn & share experiences with other amateur genealogists. New members welcome. For more info call: Lynn- 250-7824058. Neil- 250-7827651. Website http://peacecountryroots.ca

Saturday,May 5th: 1:00pm Dawson Creek Royal Canadian Legion Branch# 141 will hold its Monthly General Meeting located at900-102nd Ave, (side entrance) across 9th Street from Lakeview Credit Union). All members are urged to attend.

Mile “O” Quilter’s Guild meets every Tuesday & Thursday in Dawson Creek at KPAC in Studio #10 at 7pm SATURDAYS: LEARN YOUR ROOTS - Genealogy information NAR PARK ROOTS BUILDING 10:00am peacecountryroots.ca

South Peace Historical Society Meetings Third Wednesday of the month. In Dawson Creek at the Calvin Kruk Centre Archives Room at 2 pm. Announcements

is turning 80

Dawson Creek Legion Prime Rib Dinner Friday May 4th at the Bowling Alley Dinner at 6pm. Call 250-782-8161 Cost: $30 Everyone Welcome

Obituaries

Thursday at 9:30 amNew Beginnings Baptist Church in DC, 10221-18th St.-TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). Phone: Gail at 250-782-7208 for more info.

In MeMorIaM

Coming EvEnts

Come Celebrate with him on May 12th at the Masonic Lodge (10441-100 Ave) 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

BELL, Everett (Slim) J. May 12, 1943 − April 3, 2018

A Celebration of Life BBQ will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2018 beginning at 2pm at Slim’s house. Everyone welcome. Please join us and share a story about Slim. For directions, please contact Sharla @ 250− 261−1861 or Andrea @ 250−261−1654.

Announcements

Fred davies

Obituaries

It is with great sadness that the family of EJ (Slim) Bell announces his unexpected passing on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at the age of 74 years. Slim will be greatly missed by his children, Dean, Shayne, Sean (Andrea), Stacey, Sharla (Ryan) and Andrea (Trevor). He will be fondly remembered by his thirteen grandchildren, Kylee, Brayden, Kieren, Maegan, Daniel, Keenan, Reese, Ethan, Marcus, Carisa, Graham, Tayver, and Avery, by his siblings, Roger, Karen, Dawn and Mike and birth mother, Marie.

SUNDAYS: FAMILY TREE HELP - Peace Country Roots Group Meeting - Fourth Sunday of each Month at the CALVIN KRUK CENTRE in Dawson Creek 1:30pm

Info/RSVP Dan 250-787-5847 Announcements

Alaska Highway NEWS 785-5631

Announcements

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of

who passed away on April 22, 2018 at 101 years of age.

Ruby Sipe (Bulley)

As per the families wishes there will be no services at this time.

February 19, 1930 - April 9, 2018

53827

Cremation arrangements entrusted to the care of Hamre’s Funeral Chapel.

Announcements

MITCHELL, Audrey F. January 5, 1954 − April 24, 2018 Funeral service for the late Audrey Mitchell of Fort St John will be held on May 5, 2018 at 10:30 am at the Charlie Lake Church with a tea to follow.

Career OppOrtunities

Almeda Rose Iverson

Obituaries

Obituary for the late Mrs. Ruby Sipe (Bulley) long time resident of Gundy AB/BC Ruby passed away in her sleep in the Dawson Creek Hospital April 9, 2018. Predeceased by her parents; Alice and Arthur Bulley, Nine siblings and son Graydon Alan Jr., Father-in-law and Motherin-law Graydon Sr. and Emma Sipe of Demmitt AB. As well as several brothers-in-law, and sisters-inlaw. Ruby leaves behind her husband of 67 years, Robert (Bob), Daughter Cathy, sons Robin (Donna), Robert (Bob) Lois, as well as Graydon Jr’s. widow Elaine. Also, four grandchildren, two great grandsons, many nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law. Ruby Joyce Sipe (Bulley) was born at her parent’s home in Gundy Alberta, February 19, 1930. Ruby resided in the district of Gundy for 80 years, with the past eight years in Dawson Creek BC. A memorial shall be held in the summer of 2018 with in Gundy date TBA. We request that any donation wishes in Ruby’s name, to be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Save the Dates July 13, 5:00 pm to July 15, 2018 at 3:30 pm for the Annual Mile Zero Cruisers Summer Cruise weekend starts with Registration held at the Dawson Co-op. Bring down your pride and joy and register for the Summer Cruise Car Show weekend. All registrants will receive access to all weekend events as well as a chance to win prizes. Check in this paper for more details closer to the show!

In MeMorIaM

Development Forester Landmark Solution, based in Salmon Arm, is looking to add a Forester (RPF) to our team. The successful applicant will have >3 years of forestry experience. Example duties in− clude tenure man− agement, appraisals, crew supervision and CP/RP prepara− tion. Forward resumes to: mail@landmark− solutions.ca

In MeMorIaM

Notice Of

Annual Meeting

Join us for a memorial service for

ALFRED ALAN PYLE

Fort St. John Co-operative Association

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre

11308 Alaska Rd., Fort St. John, B.C. (Beside Chances Casino)

Supper at 6:00pm

May 12, 2018 at 1:00pm CHarlie Lake Church, Charlie Lake, BC in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cancer Society

Meeting at 7:00pm

Review of 2017 financial statement, Sales increase of 41.5% to $86.0million and a net savings of $5.2million or 6.5% Election of 1 director for 3-year term 2 special resolutions:

(1) Nomination of directors from the floor: That the Old by-law of: 80 - a member may nominate a candidate for director either before or at an annual general meeting at which a director is to be elected. Be replace with Proposed by-law: 80 - a member wanting to become a director must ensure that his/ger nomination is submitted to the Co-operatives Administration office a minimum of 14 days prior to the Annual General Meeting at which a director is to be elected (2) Director remuneration: A director would be paid 50% of current FCL rate, secretary of the Board 65% of FCL current rate, and president of the Board 80% of the current FCL per diem rate of 2018 and would be indexed yearly. Limited complimentary tickets available for Supper Must be picked up prior to: May 19, 2018 Sorry no Children Please

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Interested in letting your name stand for the Board of Directors of Fort St. John Co-operative Association? Directors participate joinly with a total of 7 Directors in planning and controlling the affairs of the co-operative, guided by the associations By-laws and Policies, so that it effectively moves toward achieving the objective of the Co-operative. Please pick up nomination form at the Adminstration Office. The form should be dropped off at the office prior to May 17, 2018

In MeMorIaM

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018 B7

Classifieds General employment

Burger King Fort St John is hiring Crew (Starting $12), Supervisors (Starting at $15), Assistant Manager (Starting at $17) and Managers (Starting $18.75). Previous experience an asset, but not necessary as Crew will be trained. Business management, training, schooling is an asset for Supervisors, assistant managers and Managers. Please send resumes to bkfsjco@gmail.com

CARETAKER WANTED Portage Mountain Yacht Club: Established in 1969, it is a private member club, made up of boaters and campers alike. It is located on the beautiful Williston Lake, near Hudson’s Hope, B.C. Position is for 6 months (may to Oct) with a monthly salary based on experience, Accommodations are included. Duties include but not limited to the following. -grounds keeper (mow grass, removal of drift wood, yard clean up) -building, equipment and water system maintenance (clean up and fixing, painting) -fueling boats -daily security rounds -assist the Staff Captain with the Annual Fishing Derby, as needed. For more information call: Ken Karpiak @250-793-3723. Send resume to: pmvc1969@hotmail.com or mail to: PMYC, Box 6431, Fort St John, BC V1J 4H8

For hire: Caregiver to look after my children: 7 ear old girl & 1 year old boy. $12 per hour. 40 hours per week. Permanent Full-time. Work in employer’s home/94 Ave, Fort St John, BC. Completion of Secondary School, some college/ CEPEG/Vocational or technical training in child care or related field. 1 to 2 years experience supervision of children. Assist children on personal hygiene. Plan, prepare meals for children, participate in games, reading and may perform light housekeeping. Accomodation could be made available on a live-in basis at no cost. But not a condition of employment. Apply be email: herbert_barateta@yah oo.com

Skilled Help

TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING BCCSA/WCB Certified FSJ: May 2 & 3, 5&6 PG: May 9 & 10, 12 & 13 1-866-737-2389 or roadsafetytcs.com

Skilled Help

Medical/ dental Help Dental Receptionist Peace Country Dental Clinic F/T Dental Recep− tionist, Mon−Fri. Enthusiastic and committed with good verbal com− munication skills. Formal dental re− ception training preferred, but train− ing available for right applicant. EX− AN PowerPractice knowledge an asset. Computer skills a must. Please send resume to: reception spitz@gmail.com www.peacecountry dentalclinic.com

Peace Country Dental Clinic Dental Assistant F/T Dental Assistant Mon−Fri. General dentist looking for a full−time certified dental assistant who is a team player and is detail oriented. Must possess ex− ceptional communi− cation skills and in depth knowledge of all dental proce− dures and good four handed dentistry skills. We are look− ing for someone to become a long term committed member of our dental team. New grads welcome to apply. Please send resume to: receptionspitz @gmail.com www.peacecountry dentalclinic.com

For Sale MiSc

Before I start my day I like to DIVE into the

We are looking for a Permanent Full Time Pilot: − Valid Transport Canada Commercial Rotary wing License; − Minimum of 1500 hours of Rotary−wing experience; − Endorsement on AS350; − Endorsement on AS355 (an asset) training may be provided to the ideal candidate; − Must have mountain experience; − Qualified to work for BC Hydro & BC Forestry (an asset); − Proficiency on longline

for the most current, up to date local news!

9916-98 St., Fort St. John V1J 3T8 Ph. 250.785.5631 • Fax. 250.785.3522

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

Compensation: We offer a competitive com− pensation program such as: flexible benefits program, complete dental and medical protec− tion, life insurance, short and long−term dis− ability insurance and pension plan. All interested candidates are invited to send their resume by email to the following address: careers@canadianhelicopters.com BEFORE APRIL 26, 2018 Please refer to the job posting title in your email subject. careers@canadianhelicopters.com www.canadianhelicopters.com

Lost

LegaL/PubLic Notices

GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 98 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost 2 million people for only $395 a week for 25-word text ad or $995 for small display ad. Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value. Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www.communityclassifieds.ca or 1866-669-9222.

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer Employment/Licensing loss? Travel/Business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US Entry Waiver. Record Purge. File Destruction. Free Consultation 1-800-3472540. accesslegalmjf.com

Pine Ridge Modular Homes 14’, 16’ & 20’. Double Wides available S.R.I. Homes (250)262-2847 (250)261-0251 email: millerdaniel@gmail.com

Furnished Rooms for Rent in D.C. Includes utilities,wi-fi/TV/ laundry, private-entrance/parking. No Pets/Drugs. Please phone: 250-782-0001

ApArtments/ Condos for

Lawn & Garden

Livestock Attention Ranchers! 3 kids want to buy and raise your orphan calves. Let us make your life easier! We can pick them up. Call or text 250-4018647

Lost

Mobile/Manufactured HoMes for sale

BIRCHVIEW MANOR Furnished and Unfurnished 1 Bedroom Suites. Adults Only, Senior Discount. Bus Stop at Front Door. 250-784-5817 Dawson Creek Northern Lights Apartments has 1 Bedroom/Bachelor Apartments Available. Cable/Heat, Water/Hot Water Included. Please Phone : 250-782-7130. ASK FOR INCENTIVES

Basement suites

Phone: 250-785-2662

Notices / NomiNatioNs

Li-Car Management Group

Notices / NomiNatioNs

ApArtments/ Condos for

Dawson Creek Community Gardens Now accepting applications for garden plots for the 2018 season: 20’x30’ ground plots & 4’x12’ raised beds. Cost per plot $25.00 Contact: Marilyn: 250-7824592 or Rosalind: 250-782-6182.

We have a variety of apartments, town homes, executive homes, and duplexes for rent. To apply for these,please email reception@licar.ca or visit our website at www.licar.ca

Career OppOrtunities

Take notice that Wayne Sawchuk from Rolla, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (MFLNRORD), Northeast Region, for an Commercial Recreation Tenure situated on Provincial Crown land located in the vicinity of Muskwa-Kechika Management Area, Peace River District. The Lands File for this application is 8015987. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Kimberly Cimini, Authorization Officer, Northeast Region, MFLNRO, at 100-10003-110th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 6M7, (250)787-3435. Comments will be received by MFLNRORD up to June 15, 2018. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp for more information and a map of the application area or send comments directly to: AuthorizingAgency. FortStJohn@gov.bc.ca A Government decision for this application is expected on or after June 15, 2018. Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Exciting New Opportunity

Northern Savings Credit Union is looking to expand its workforce, and has an exciting new career opportunity. Located in beautiful Terrace, BC, with its spectacular outdoor playgrounds, we have an opening for a full-time Manager Retail Relationship Development. Whether you love fishing, kayaking, boating, hiking, skiing or you just want to escape city life and enjoy affordable living while soaking in fantastic views; Northern BC has something for everyone. This position is all about relationship management for new and existing members in the retail side of our business. This position offers comprehensive benefits, a competitive salary, and the opportunity to travel. Experience what Northwest BC has to offer. Experience the Northern Way. For more information and to apply visit www.northsave.com Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

Faculty of Education Professional Programs Alaska Highway Consortium on Teacher Education (AHCOTE) Program Delivered under the direction of Simon Fraser University, the Alaska Highway Consortium on Teacher Education (AHCOTE) program has been operating at Northern Lights College for over twenty-seven years. The AHCOTE program invites applications from experienced teachers interested in an appointment as a Coordinator and/or Faculty Associate for the next student cohort, beginning September 2018. •

The Coordinator will hold a full-time (1.0) appointment split between a half-time (0.5) Coordinator and a half-time (0.5) Faculty Associate throughout the duration of the program, from September 2018 until December 2019, with a two-week orientation period in August 2018. The Coordinator plays an advisory role for the Faculty Associate, providing support and consultation on a variety of program matters, including student performance. In consultation with the Faculty Associate, the Coordinator is also responsible for arranging student practicum placements within the school districts and for liaison that will enhance the students’ exposure to professional expertise within the school districts. Coordinators visit area schools regularly, developing supportive relationships with teachers and School Associates.

•

The Faculty Associate will hold a full-time (1.0) appointment throughout the duration of the program, from September 2018 until December 2019, with a twoweek orientation period in August 2018. The Faculty Associate works collaboratively with the Coordinator and is primarily responsible for student instruction and supervision.

Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land

Big Big Big Sell Out everything must go. 10404-101Ave. 10pm-4pm Stamp Collection for sale. 3 boxes. Call 250-783-5269 or 250-401-8005

CANADIAN HELICOPTERS LIMITED BASE PILOT FORT ST JOHN

Business services

R0011352381

General employment

Book Your Ad Now!

Candidates should note that the selection process for all AHCOTE positions is highly competitive. The Faculty of Education welcomes applicants from a variety of backgrounds that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. Selection of candidates is based on the following criteria: • demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team • willingness to examine and refine one's practice • curriculum and instructional needs of the program • normally five years of demonstrated excellence in public school teaching • sensitivity to equity issues • work experience with adult learners (recommended) • previous School Associate experience (recommended) • experience with computer technology (recommended) Applications are available online at: https://sfu-professional-programs-applications.fluidreview.com. Completed applications and supporting documents are due through our online system by no later than May 24th, 2018. If you have any questions regarding this posting, please contact: Program Manager, Karen Hansen at 778.782.4358 or karen_hansen@sfu.ca. 53830

Career OppOrtunities

53826

Lost

POSITION: Surface Land/Junior Referral Agent

HELP FIND ME

LOCATION: Fort St. John, BC

ROY NORTHERN LAND AND ENVIRONMENTAL is an expanding progressive surface land and environmental consulting firm with a special interest in oil and gas, forestry, mining, energy, and agricultural industries, as well as municipal authorities throughout Alberta, British Columbia and Canada’s north. We employ a team of over 70 staff members located in our Fairview, Fort St. John, Calgary, and Terrace offices, and we offer interdisciplinary expertise to develop land solutions for our clients throughout western Canada. For over 30 years, we have directly assisted clients in regulatory application, and have provided consulting expertise on environmental legislation, regulations and guideline compliance related to project planning, development and reclamation.

Target Your Clients!

Tucker is LOsT/sTOLeN frOm BaLdONNeL Bc. Please help us locate him wherever he is. He is an all white Argentino Dogo with a very unique black spot on the top of his head. He was newly fixed. And has a heart shaped nose. He is on medication!!! He is very missed by his family. We just want him home where he belongs!!! No questions asked. Please get him home!!!! ***reWard fOr safe reTurN***

Call or text 250-263-4896 with any information

Let people know what your business offers. Here at the Alaska Highway News we have the finest graphics team to build your business a quality ad that can promote the item or idea that you want to sell.

Ph: 250-785-5631 Fax: 250-785-3522

Please Recycle this Newspaper

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS • Graduate of High School / Post-Secondary institution • 2+ years of relevant BC Surface Land and/or Referral experience • Experience in oil and gas, forestry, government and/or project administration • Proficient computer skills with Microsoft Office • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Residency REQUIRED COMPETENCIES • Sound knowledge of BC oil and gas regulations, processes and guidelines (BC OGC, NEB, FLNRO, etc.) • Experience with preparing and compiling regulatory applications and corresponding requirements • An understanding of the OGCs online application system (AMS) would be an asset • Experience with the OGCs Consultation and Notification regulation and application requirements • Ability to work multiple projects/commitments and ability to schedule time and prioritize • Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well successfully within diverse teams; desire to assist and develop others through supportive coaching and mentoring • Strong working knowledge of the oil and gas industry • Experience obtaining third party consents • Superior attention to detail and ability to produce deliverables on time and on budget • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills • Strong commitment to health and safety leadership and culture RESPONSIBILITIES • Facilitate with project coordinators, government bodies and regulators on the preparation of regulatory applications • Prepare communication, stakeholder, status reports and engagements plan for clients and regulatory applications • Support project timelines and milestones using appropriate tools • Build and maintain positive client relationships focused on providing top-quality service COMPENSATION • Competitive Salary • Group Life and Health Benefits • Wellness Program • RRSP and Employer Contributions • Professional Development Allowance • Compensation packages will be determined based on candidate’s experience, education, and overall suitability for position. Please email applications to humanresources@roynorthern.com. This posting will remain open until a suitable candidate has been selected. We thank all applicants for applying and advise that only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. www.roynorthern.com

53823

B8 THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2018

Alaska Highway News Reader Survey 2018

This survey is part of an effort to build a stronger relationship with our communities, learn more about their reading habits, and build a better news organization heading into our 75th year of publishing in Fort St. John and the North Peace.

SECTION 1

Tell us a little bit about yourself… Where do you live? o o o o o o o

Fort St. John Taylor Charlie Lake Hudson’s Hope Northern Rockies Regional Municipality First Nation, please specify: Rural area, please specify:

What is your age? o o o o o o

Under 18 18 to 25 25 to 39 40 to 55 56 to 55 65 and older

What is your gender? o o o

Female Male Transgender

What is your income? o o o o o

Under $25,000 $25,000 to $50,000 $50,000 to $75,000 $75,000 to $100,000 $100,000 and over

SECTION 2

Tell us about your news reading and viewing habits… How much time do you spend reading and watching the news on any given day? o o o o

Less than 30 minutes 30 minutes to an hour One to two hours More than two hours

What sources do you use to find out information about your community? Check all that apply. o o o o o o o o o

Alaska Highway News CBC Daybreak North CJDC TV News Energeticcity.ca Shaw TV News Facebook Other websites (Town Wall, FSJ Now, government websites, etc.) Radio Smartphone app

What is your go-to source for local breaking news? o o o o o o o

Alaska Highway News CBC Daybreak North CJDC TV News Energeticcity.ca Shaw TV News Radio Other

What is your go-to source for local in-depth news, opinion, and analysis? o o o o o o o

Alaska Highway News CBC Daybreak North CJDC TV News Energeticcity.ca Shaw TV News Radio Other

What is your go-to source for community news features? o o o o o o o

Alaska Highway News CBC Daybreak North CJDC TV News Energeticcity.ca Shaw TV News Radio Other

What sources do you use to find out information about BC and Canada? o o o o o o o o

Vancouver Sun The Province CBC News Globe and Mail National and/or Financial Post Global News CTV News Other

Do you subscribe to any print newspaper or magazine? If yes, which publications?

Do you subscribe to any digital news publications? If yes, which publications?

SECTION 3

Lifestyles 1 2

How do you access the Alaska Highway News?

Local charity fundraising 1 2 3 4

Local sports 1 2

Opinion/editorial/letters 1 2 3 4

Travel and tourism 1 2 3

When it comes to reading the Alaska Highway News… o o o

Weekly print edition alaskahighwaynews.ca website via social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

Tell us briefly why you read the Alaska Highway News. How does it fit into your local news reading habits compared to local online and TV news?

The Alaska Highway News is a trusted source for local news and information. o o

Yes No

The Alaska Highway News is an essential and vital part of the community. o Yes o No How many of the last four print editions of the Alaska Highway News have you read? o o o o o

1 2 3 4 None

How much time do you spend reading our weekly print edition? o o o o

15 minutes or less 15 to 30 minutes 30 minutes to an hour More than an hour

How much time do you spend reading our website daily? o o o o

Do you regularly submit in your club/ organization news? o o

Yes No

What features do you read regularly in the newspaper?

15 minutes or less 15 to 30 minutes 30 minutes to an hour More than an hour

Yes No

What columnists do you read? Check all that apply. o Bob Snyder (Chews the News, humour) o Judy Kucharuk (Desk of the Green-eyed Girl, life) o Jeff Richert (Community Views, politics and current affairs) o Matt Preprost (Editorially Speaking, local affairs) o Tom Summer (Court Docket, crime) o Angela Mary Griffin (Peace Reflections, faith) o Dillon Giancola (The Dill Zone, local sports) o Edwina Nearhood (Life at Ground Zero, real estate) o Stephenie Sutherland (Health Hacks, life and wellness) o Don Pettit (Watt’s Happening, energy) o Rick Koechl and Mike Kroecher (Two Old Guys With Issues, energy and current affairs) o Bob Zimmer (MP Report, federal politics) o Richard Neufeld (Senator’s Report, federal politics) o Various veterinarians (North Peace Creature Feature, pet wellness)

Are you a member of a local community club/ organization? o o

o o o o o o o o o o o

Weather outlook Gas watch Special Delivery baby notices Coffee corner puzzles Horoscopes/Dear Annie Pro Golf Weekly Update Pro Racing This Week 4-H Community Club Update Classifieds & Obituaries Movie Listings House of the week

What issues in the community do you think are not getting enough coverage by local media?

SECTION 4

Diving into our newspaper…. When you read the Alaska Highway News, what section do you read first? o o o o o

Local News Opinion/Op-Ed Business Sports Arts & Culture

What local news topics interest you the most? Please rank them from 1 (least interested) to 5 (most interested). Circle Number Arts and culture 1 2 3

Business and economy 1 2 3 4

City hall news 1 2 3

Courts and crime 1 2 3

Community events 1 2 3

What Alaska Highway News products do you read? Check all that apply. o o o o o o o o

Federal and provincial politics 1 2 3 4 5 Health 1 2

History 1 2

Thank you for your input!

We’re offering weekly incentives to readers who fill out the survey. Please provide your name and phone/email address to be included in our draw. Drop off completed surveys to our office at 9916 98TH AVE, FOrT ST. JOHN, BC

People’s Choice Awards High School Graduation Book Holiday Song Book CKNL Fort St. John Trade Show Century 21/Remax Real Estate Guides Pipeline News North Northern Horizon Angler’s Atlas

Which of the following Alaska Highway News events have you attended? o o o

Human interest/community news features 1 2 3 4 5 Investigative reporting 1 2 3 4

What types of columnists would you like to see added?

If you could add a feature to the Alaska Highway News, what would it be?

Education and school board 1 2 3 4 5 Environment 1 2

What type of reporting do you want the Alaska Highway News to focus on?

What type of events would you like to see the Alaska Highway News organize and host for the community? o o o o

NAME: PHONE : EMAIL:

Federal election forum 2015 Amnesty International Missing/Murdered Indigenous Women forum 2016 Provincial election forum 2016

Election forums Current affairs panels Arts and culture events Sports events