Caledonia Courier, January 28, 2015

Inside

◆ Speedy Desmarais P. 3 ◆ Water solution P. 5

◆ Hockey champs P. 6 ◆ Sklyer Barfoot P. 7

Publications Mail Contract #: 40007759

PHONE: 996-8482 www.caledoniacourier.com

WEDNESDAY, January 28, 2015

VOL. 37 NO. 48 $1.30 inc. GST

RCMP intercept robbery at Overwaitea Two men are in custody after attempting to fill a truck with stolen goods from Overwaitea Foods in Fort St. James.

REBECCA WATSON Caledonia Courier

The co-accused are Deryl MOORE and Matthew JONES, both from Prince George.

At 2 am on Jan. 15 a suspicious vehicle by Overwaitea’s unloading dock caught the attention of Fort St. James RCMP. As the police approached the grocery store, the truck sped off leaving an alleged partner-in-crime behind. The man on-scene was immediately arrested as he was blatantly caught with multiple items of food in the middle of the evident robbery. Within seconds of his arrest, dispatch notified the officers of a worker inside the store who had also been robbed. The police went inside to find a female custodial worker who had been put inside a walk-in freezer after the crooks stole her wallet.

There she waited, nearly an hour, until she no longer herd the thieves. She was then able to get out of the freezer and call police.

“When the guy in the truck sped off we had one man in custody and had to investigate in store. We had to take one issue at a time but we had the vehicle plate. Sometimes good things happen quickly,” Sgt. Nielsen said.

Shortly after assisting the custodian, police received a report that a male suspect had approached two houses claiming ‘his truck was stuck in the ditch and he was cold’, asking the home owners to let him inside. RCMP went out to investigate and recognized the truck from Overwaitea. The male driver was arrested and both perps were taken to the Fort St. James attachment. Later, the suspects truck was indeed found stuck in the ditch by the National Historic Site.

Evidence collected has shown the two crooks got in Overwaitea through the front door which

Speedy Desmarais skates way to 2015 Canada Winter Games

SPEED SKATER: Alison Desmarais 17, of Vanderhoof will skate With Team BC for short track in the 2015 winter games this February in Prince George. See story page 3.

Rebecca Watson photo had no apparent damage with no weapons found on their person. A number of items were taken from the store including meat and other types of food with multiple items thrown around. The custodial worker was not severely harmed in the process but a freezer was damaged (separate from the freezer she was put in).

The two males are currently in custody and have since had their first appearance on Jan. 19.

Their next court date is scheduled for Feb. 2 in Fort St. James. Although the Crown has not formally completed the charging process, the two will likely face charges of robbery, unlawful confinement and break-and-entering.

“We’re just thankful no one was hurt. It’s back to business as usual,” Ryan Witgez said, store manager.

THIEVES: Overwaitea grocery store had an attempted robbery Thursday, Jan. 15 at 2am by two males from Prince George.

Rebecca Watson photo

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Wednesday, January 28, 2015 Caledonia Courier

NEWS SD91 seeks support for career Courier

Lakeshore Realty

and trades five-year plan REBECCA WATSON Omineca Express

High school students in the Nechako Lakes region may soon have guaranteed apprenticeship and work options if School District No.91 secures their proposed five-year solution.

“Two things are important here,” Joan Ragsdale said, career and trades liaison. “We need a memorandum of understanding (MOU) from community partners to look at work opportunities for students. Not a promise but an intent to help seek industry positions for students to apprentice. The other is a five-year pilot project... a commitment from the ministries to run trades programs in the high schools and to ensure those programs are available [consistently].”

Right now SD91 works with CNC to offer high school students work experience through various trades programs. CNC applies for the program and saves seats for students but don’t have a commitment to offer programs continually. Generally, the school doesn’t find out until May or June if the program will even be available in September. If there are not enough applicants or the location is too far away the program may get cancelled all together.

“We want these programs accessible for

students and for students to know they’re there for the next five years. In a larger centre [annually] works fine because they have the numbers, but in our smaller centre we really do need that guarantee. ” Ms. Ragsdale said.

If SD91’s proposed solution is backed by the province, one ACE-IT program will be offered every year for five years in the communities of Burns Lake, Vanderhoof and Fort St. James with rotational offerings in Fraser Lake.

The career and trades program is looking to highlight trades such as industrial mechanic, pipe fitter, carpentry, welding, heavy duty and culinary. As a junior apprentice, students will have the chance to work on their hours over weekends or summer and then take theory classes in school so to potentially have a certificate by graduation. “[Right now] we have the guarantee for 4-6 spots in each of the five high schools in our district. We want to raise those numbers, raise the opportunity and secure it so students can plan for it,” Ms. Ragsdale said.

As the official liaison between school and industry partners, Ms. Ragsdale continues to seek support from city councils, First Nations groups and industry and labour across the Nechako Lakes region.

Vanderhoof council agreed to continue their partnership with an MOU in full support of the five-year proposal.

“MOUs will be in place regionally and although Vanderhoof already had a partnership this will be a way to formalize it,” Darren Carpenter said, city councillor and career and trades program co-ordinator.

The District of Vanderhoof also passed a resolution at the Jan.12 meeting to begin the process of working with SD91 for a summer labour position where students will work as an apprentice at the DOV. “[The five-year plan] will assure young people the funding will be there year after year,” Gerry Thiessen said, mayor of Vanderhoof.

“The problem now is it’s a checkerboard.

Are things going to be offered or not? So young people are going through high school and hoping their trade, electrical, plumbing, millwright, will be offered but aren’t sure. If there was continuity for five-year funding then young people could go into their last year’s of high school knowing they’ll have that opportunity. It will mean a lot for industry in the north as well. We are challenged with finding employees for new industries coming to the north. This is the best way to ensure local people take those jobs.”

348 DOGWOOD STREET Nicely updated 3 bedroom home in the quiet neighbourhood. Close to schools, Goodwin park, and a short walk to Stuart Lake. Main floor has an open concept kitchen with garden doors opening to a large new covered patio. Hardwood flooring and renovated main bath are some of the updated features. Great family home that’s ready to move in! $198,000

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District of Fort St. James Calendar January, 2015 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY 28

Municipal Website: www.fortstjames.ca

2

3

29

30

9:30am Preschool Gym @ Sowchea

7pm Friends of the Historic Park AGM

7pm Council Mtg

February, 2015 4

5

10

9

5:30pm Public Skating

11

15

17

5:30pm Public Skating

18

Mixed Curling Bonspiel

6:15pm Hoop Dance

6

7

13

12

14

4pm Parent tot Skate 5pm Mexican Fiesta Fundraiser @ FJSS

7pm Hospital Aux AGM @ Hospital Cafeteria

16

5:30pm Public Skating

4pm Parent tot Skate 5:30pm Public Skating 6:15pm Hoop Dance

9:30am Preschool Gym @ Sowchea

FAMILY DAY

31

10am Plain & Clear Language Wrkshp @ Hub

Mixed Curling Bonspiel

8

SATURDAY

Mixed Curling Bonspiel

9:30am Preschool Gym @ Sowchea

5:30pm Public Skating

FRIDAY 4pm Parent tot Skate

Please contact Mel at 996-8233 for more info.

1

THURSDAY

5:30pm Public Skating 6:15pm Hoop Dance

19

20

Valentine’s Day 7:30pm Live Theatre ‘Maladjusted’ @ Nak’albun

21

4pm Parent Tot Skate

9:30am Preschool Gym @ Sowchea

5:30pm Public Skating 6:15pm Hoop Dance

23

22 5:30pm Public Skating

24

25 9:30am Preschool Gym @ Sowchea

26

28

27 WINTERFEST

Please submit all events by Wednesday for the next Wednesday paper distribution. ofIJce@fortstjames.ca

The District is seeking volunteers to participate in Winterfest 2015!

WEDNESDAY

WINTERFEST

WINTERFEST

4pm Parent Tot Skate

Caledonia Classic Sled Dog Races @ Cottonwood Park

5:30pm Public Skating 6:15pm Hoop Dance

Mexican Fiesta Fundraiser for Maureen Howell Fri Feb 13th @ High School Gym

Office: 477 Stuart Drive West

Doors Open 5pm Dinner 6 - 8pm Live Auction. Toonie Auction. Entertainment. $10 Adults, $5 Children & $30 Family.

Tickets will be available soon at the District Office, Window Box and Terri’s Hair Salon. Auction items can be dropped off at the Window Box. Like us at Facebook: Telephone: Follow us on Twitter: District of Fort St. James 250-996-8233 @DFSJames

Email: office@fortstjames.ca

Caledonia Courier Wednesday, January 28, 2015

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NEWS

Courier Speedy Desmarais skates way to winter games REBECCA WATSON Omineca Express

Alison Desmarais 17, of Vanderhoof has become a national speed-skate sensation.

Her life-long dream will soon become a reality as she represents Team BC at the 2015 Canada Winter Games (CWG) this February in Prince George (PG).

“Her personal best in the 500 meters is 46 seconds. That’s spinning around the hockey rink really really fast,” Keith Gordon of Fort St. James said, Alison’s winter games coach. “There is no hockey player in the north that could do that.”

Alison placed second in short track during the CWG selection meet in Prince George Nov. 1-2, 2014, which won her a spot on the team. Her determination is clear being a Gr 12 student who has taken her first semester off to train.

“I took courses last year so I would be less stressed,” Alison said, who’s been speed skating since she was seven. “Everything now has just been leading up to [the winter games].”

Alison trains six days a week at the olympic-sized facility in PG. It is a safety issue to have someone of her speed skate competitively in a regular sized rink. Three days on-ice training covers speed, endurance and strategy. Three days in the gym focuses on upper body, lower body and weight cardio, which helps with her 500 meter starts.

“She’s done a lot of careful planning in her life, what courses she has to take and when she has to be on her game. Even though she is going to the winter games she is continually looking to advance as far as she can in speed skating,” Mr. Gordon said.

Knowing what position to be in the pack is a speed skater’s most critical technique. Numerous on-ice drills such as lane changes help Alison to anticipate where the rest of the pack is going. While some people sit back and wait until the

end to pass everyone, some sit in second and hope no one tries to pass them, so It’s important to know your own strengths and weaknesses and the other skaters as well, Alison said.

“At the Team BC [selection meet] I knew I was one of the fastest skaters so I would just wait for everyone else to tire themselves and then I would go. During the national trials [in Montreal last year], the other skaters where much more experienced so I had to take some risks by taking the lead or trying passes. The winter games will be no different but it will all depend on the people,” Alison said.

Before each race Alison makes a race plan. She shows her coach but then tries not to think about it until the start line.

“It keeps me from over thinking my races,” Alison said.

A slash-proof dyneema under-suit also helps keep her mind clear of concern.

Unlike her standard equipment costs which are upwards of $2,000 and include semicustom skates, a skin suit, dyneema suit and custom 16 and-a-half inch blades which are on the shorter side for a speed skater.

“My feet are really small so 16 and-ahalf inches is actually really long for me but I know how to control it so it’s fine,” Alison said.

Alison and her Team BC mates will dress in a special yellow-red-blue skin for the winter games which will run from February 13 to March 1.

Sunday, Feb. 15 is when all short track speed skaters will skate in a 1,500 meter race. Tuesday, Feb. 16 is the speed skate preliminary relays and speed-races will commence Feb. 18-19-20 for those who Alison Desmarais 17, of Vanderhoof will skate in the 2015 winter games advance. this February in Prince George.

Rebecca Watson photo For more info on the winter games or scheduling visit www.canadagames2015.

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Wednesday, January 28, 2015 Caledonia Courier

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Distributed every Wednesday in Fort St. James

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• Opinion

LNG part of diversified economy: Clark Bill Phillips Prince George Free Press

Perhaps listening to critics who have been critical that the province is placing too much emphasis on liquefied natural gas.

Or perhaps it’s because the liquefied natural gas industry has slowed its rush in B.C. Or perhaps it’s because oil prices have dropped and natural gas may follow.

At any rate, Premier Christy Clark touted LNG as only one aspect of a diversified provincial economy during her speech to a standing-room-only crowd at the Civic Centre Wednesday.

“We have very much diversified our economy,” she said. “Because we are diverse, that means we have successfully protected our economy against the worst of the ups and downs of any specific market.”

With Alberta and Newfoundland reeling from the drop in oil prices, Clark said British Columbia has an ability to adapt.

That ability to adapt has allowed the province to stick with the economic plan that it adopted in 2011. And the results, she said, will be a balanced budget next month.

Speaking at the Natural Resource Forum, Clark was obviously touting the benefit of natural resources. With the Tsilhqot’in Supreme Court ruling last year, the ground rules

have changed.

“In the Tsilqot’in case we were presented with a new opportunity,” she said. “A new opportunity to strengthen the bond that we have with First Nations. We recognize that we need to build a more stable, more predictable, more fair partnership with B.C.’s First Peoples.”

She said the province’s is taking steps to ensure that First Nations are “full and fair partners.”

However, she was greeted in Prince George with a letter signed by eight Carrier Sekani chiefs saying their concerns regarding LNG development “have been largely ignored” by the provincial government.

Clark added that while some may be concerned that the LNG market has slowed, the province has done everything it can to make sure the industry takes off.

“The work we’re doing with LNG companies has been doing really well,” she said.

“This is the next big opportunity for diversifying British Columbia’s economy.”

She said the province continues to work with Shell. Exxon has pushed up its hopedfor start date. AltaGas is also continuing to move ahead and Woodside has stepped into Premier Christy Clark shows off a 2015 Canada Winter Games the Chevron project in Kitimat. jersey with her name on the back during the 12th annual Pre“We are seeing real progress in the back- mer’s Natural Resources Forum in Prince George Wednesday. ground in LNG,” she said.

Bill PHILLIPS/Free Press

Look for us online at : caledoniacourier.com

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Caledonia Courier Wednesday, January 28, 2015

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Courier

NEWS

Business Plan Bootcamp

Beyond the Market is hosting a Business Plan Bootcamp Jan. 30-31 at CNC in Fort St. James.

The free seminar is targeted to farm business but all are welcome to attend.

The workshop is designed for those in all stages of the business development.

Registration is required by contacting Jillian at 250-562-9622 ext.115.

Student of the Week ) Fort St. James Secondary Grade 11 ) Nominated by Mr Vogelsang, Mrs Dunn

Bonita Rivard Bonita has blossomed this year. She works extremely hard. She is kind, friendly, cooperative and super loyal and supportive to her “peeps”. She is an excellent role model!”

FIRE HOSE: Fire chief Michael Navratil poses by the fire hose to be used to fill containers for Fort St. James residents without water.

Rural resident water solution REBECCA WATSON Caledonia Courier

For residents without water, the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako has come up with a temporary solution.

A filling station at the Fort St. James Fire Hall will be open during the hours of 9am 1pm Monday through Friday. Users will have to pre pay at the municipal office a flat fee of $25 plus GST for up to 500 gallons. Office staff will fax a work order to the fire hall to show that a payment has been received. It is then up to the user to make arrangements for filling which will be supervised by the fire dept staff.

“Just give us a shout first and we’ll meet at the back to fill whatever container you have,” Michael Navratil said, fire chief.

Currently there are a number of water-filing stations in town, including ones at Overwaitea and the Goodwin building, but none of these are equipped to handle bulk-volume water needs. The Regional District is working with the District of Fort St. James to find a solution.

Tom Greenaway, electoral director area ‘C’, wants to implement a permanent bulk-filling station.

“The RDBN will continue to work towards a more permanent solution, but this will be the temporary one for the time being,” Mr. Greenaway said.

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Wednesday, January 28, 2015 Caledonia Courier

Courier

NEWS

Davis and Wilson make tough cut Hockey U16 BC team tryouts harder than ever after two zones amalgamate REBECCA WATSON Caledonia Courier

Rebecca Watson photo

Colby Wilson and Sophie Davis at Fort St. James Secondary school.

Two talented Fort St. James hockey players have made the girls U16 BC team.

Colby Wilson 14, and Sophie Davis 15, made the cut after a grueling three-day tryout Jan. 2-4 in Williams Lake. Out of 42 girls, 20 were chosen. “It’s not an easy task,� Colby said. “This means I’m one of the top two goalies in our zone and Sophie is one of top six defencemen.�

Selected girls from Hunter Mile to Yukon came out for the tryout. Last year anyone from Fort St. James would have had to go to Terrace but this year the Terrace region and Nechako region came together making for a much harder cut.

The first-day training was an intense fitness test which included a beep test, medicine balls, chin ups, an agility course and jumping. The second day focused on practising skills and games and had the girls on-ice for nearly six hours straight.

Overall, 18 defence men tried out and six got picked, six goalies, two got picked, and 16 forwards in which 12 got picked.

Those who did make the cut will compete in the 2015 BC Cup in Salmon Arm this April.

This unique tournament will have six or seven teams created throughout B.C. and Yukon, with the top 20-22 players

from each zone. Once the girls arrive in Salmon Arm they are

randomly scrambled to make all original teams.

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Caledonia Courier Wednesday, January 28, 2015

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Courier

NEWS Skyler Barfoot update

Four-year-old with cancer receives help from Nak’azdli

GRAND OPENING: Dr. Charles Jago, Northern Health Board Chair; Anne Desrosiers, Burns Lake Nurse Practitioner; Jerry Peterson, Acting Chair of the Stuart Nechako Regional Hospital District; Health Minister Terry Lake; Dan George, Burns Lake Band Chief; and John Rustad, MLA Nechako Lakes and Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation celebrate putting their messages in the time capsule that will be opened in 25 years to remember the grand opening celebration for the new Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre.

Photo submitted

Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre completed months ahead of schedule The new facility will officially open to patients on Feb. 4, 2015 FLAVIO NIENOW Lake District News Burns Lake is starting the year on the right track with the completion of a major project - the new Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre - which was completed months ahead of schedule.

Mayor Luke Strimbold said the opening of the new hospital and health centre is a significant moment in time for Burns Lake.

“I look at it as a community success,” he said. “The community has worked together over the last decade to advocating and lobbying for this new hospital.”

The grand opening of the new facility took place on Jan. 22, 2015. Present at the event were Health Minister Terry Lake, MLA for Nechako Lakes John Rustad and representatives from Northern Health and the Stuart-Nechako Regional Hospital District.

“With today’s opening, we have met a big milestone,” said Lake. “Not only are we well ahead of schedule, we are providing a brand-new facility to help support the health of a community that has experienced some difficult times.”

Lake attributed the early completion of this project to a mild weather, as well as the great job of PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. Strimbold said PCL was committed to hiring as many locals as possible throughout the construction. Two local young men - Zack Lolly and Jay Higginson - completed their training in carpentry at the College of New Caledonia and were hired by PCL at the beginning of the construction project. They worked through the entire construction.

The new hospital has 16 beds and will provide acute care and emergency services, diagnostic imaging, lab services and pharmacy. A medical clinic will offer primary, outpatient and acute care, along with the delivery of mental health and addictions and public health, as well as

home- and community-care services.

“Not only does the new hospital have more beds, but the environment is more modern and will provide a brighter, more welcoming space for the community,” said John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes. “It is great news that Burns Lake’s new hospital will provide the highestquality care to families for years to come.”

“This project is an important investment for families and future generations in the Village of Burns Lake and the surrounding communities in the delivery of quality, sustainable health-care services,” said Dr. Charles Jago, Northern Health board chair. “This project will enable Northern Health physicians and clinicians to deliver client-focused healthcare services in a modernized environment, ultimately improving outcomes for patients.”

The new Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre will not offer a maternity program, meaning that soon-to-be mothers will still have to drive to different locations to have their babies. Health Minister Terry Lake told Lakes District News that the new hospital and health centre is capable of managing a maternity program, but there is currently a lack of staff to provide that kind of service.

“I am hopeful that having this facility will attract more health care professionals to get that critical mass that is necessary to provide services in the community like obstetrics,” said Lake. “We’ll be working with Northern Health on that strategy.”

This year will see the landscaping, demolition of the old facility and paving of the new parking lots. The move to the new building will take place in phases, with current hospital services transitioning in February and primary-care services, such as occupancy of physicians’ offices, expected later in 2015.

The total project cost of $55 million was shared between the Government of British Columbia and Stuart Nechako Regional Hospital District.

As everyone knows Skyler was diagnosed with ALL. We did his one month of treatment and then did his bone marrow. We then had a discussion with the doctors and it was not what we were expecting. Skyler has a mixed lineage leukaemia, both ALL and AML. They are both blood cancers but require different treatment.

Skyler is now receiving AML treatments which are really aggressive and completely wipe his counts out. The doctor has also informed us that Skyler will be needing a bone marrow transplant.

In order to do the bone marrow transplant Skyler will need to be in remission for two months and then they will do it. We are still waiting for Skyler’s counts to come up so we can do his bone marrow and see if the AML is gone.

If it is gone then we do two more cycles which are about a month each or longer. After the two months we will do the bone marrow transplant and then it's a month minimum in hospital and another month minimum close to hospital. We are looking at another five to six months in Vancouver but are talking with the doctors to see if Skyler is able to go home even for just a couple days in between cycles. Skyler has been doing really good this past month and I hope he continues to do good.

Submitted by Kritsy

THE DATES FOR THE NECHAKO VALLEY FESTIVAL OF THE PERFORMING ARTS ARE...March 9-20,2015.

It will culminate with the festival concert on Mar. 22. Registration ONLINE opens on Dec. 8, 2014 and closes on Jan 15, 2015. The venue for all disciplines is Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship

During the Skyler lunch fundraiser on Jan.16 put on by the Nak’azdli wellness centre, $2,600 was raised which will be sent to Skyler’s mother to help with expenses so she can stay close by to her son. Over 100 lunches were delivered and 48 prizes donated to the loony auction which had an enthusiastic response from the community.

THE FOUNDATION of my community starts with you and me . . .

Joyce Helweg Past a (Founding) Chairperson RECREATION EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT ARTS SOCIAL SERVICES

COMMUNITY MAKES YOU. YOU MAKE YOUR COMMUNITY. The residents of the District of Fort St. James and the surrounding Regional District are on a mission to raise $1,000,000.00 for their Community Foundation Endowment fund before 2020. This Endowment fund will generate interest, providing support for projects that will strengthen our economy, society, culture and ecology, in perpetuity.

Visit our website and see how you can get on board!

Web site is fsjcf.org or email infor@fsjcf.org.

Mailing address Box 17, Fort St. James, BC V0J 1P0 Phone Number 250 996 7293

Church. You can view the syllabus and look for any other information on the website at www.musicfestivalweb/nechako.

communityfoundations.ca

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Wednesday, January 28, 2015 Caledonia Courier

Courier

NEWS The Fort St James AMS/ KDL Novice Stars competed in Vanderhoof Jan 17-18.

The Stars had a very successful weekend with convincing victories over Vanderhoof, Quesnel, and Fraser Lake.

The only loss coming to a very strong team from Prince George.

Hockey game Fraser Lake vs Fort St. James

Kennedy Hoy and Jaiyden Erickson vi for the puck.

Hunters protest increased allocation to non-residents BILL PHILLIPS Prince George Free Press

About 100 hunters gathered outside the Civic Centre Wednesday afternoon to send a message to Premier Christy Clark and most of the cabinet cloistered inside for the Premier’s Natural Resources Forum.

The message is simple: Resident hunters are upset with the reallocation of hunting allotments, allowing guide-outfitters to kill more animals at the expense of local hunters.

“The B.C. resident hunters are not impressed with the new allocations that have come down,” said locals hunters’ spokesperson Steve Hamilton. “Too much allocation has been put in guides’ hands. There’s an unprecedented amount of wildlife that is going to the guideoutfitters.”

B.C. hunters are concerned that the share reserved for guideoutfitters, which elsewhere is around five to 10 per cent, is now higher than anywhere else in North America. Under the latest policy, that share is 20

per cent for elk, 20 or 25 per cent for moose depending on the restricted region, 35 per cent for mountain goat, and 40 per cent for grizzly bears.

“This translates into less hunting opportunities for B.C. residents,” Hamilton said.

He added that the approximate 110,000 resident hunters in the province contribute about $230 million to the provincial economy. And there is no doubt guide-outfitters create economic activity as well.

“The money, I’d like to think, stays in B.C. a lot more with resident hunters,” he said.

He added that there is room for hunters and guide-outfitters to co-exist.

The new regulation currently affects only limited entry hunting, but Hamilton said hunters are worried this is the thin edge of the wedge and will soon apply on open season allocations as well.

The hunters had a political ally in their midst in the form of B.C. Conservative Party leader Dan Brooks, himself a hunter.

“I believe the wildlife allocation process is faulty,” he said.

“They’ve been experimenting

with wildlife for the past several years, and they haven’t got it right yet.”

Brooks said the guide-outfitters have supported the B.C. Liberals financially and have campaigned for them.

Premier Christy Clark, who did not meet with the hunters gathered outside the Civic Centre, downplayed the issue.

“To put it in context, we’re talking about 110 animals,” she said.

She added that it is not a huge percentage increase for guideoutfitters either.

“It’s not a huge percentage change, across the board either,” she said, adding that she is confident MLA Steve Thomson, who chairs the province’s Environment and Land Use Committee, can work out an agreement that will appease resident hunters and guide-outfitters.

“Resident hunters of British Columbia exercise their right to be able to enjoy the woods and enjoy hunting, and we have to protect that,” she said. “At the same time, a long time ago, British Columbia made a decision … that we could also create hunting businesses.”

Community Events Community Events are free of charge as they are sponsored by the Caledonia Courier COMING EVENTS...

Will appear as space is available, free of charge in this section. Coming events are available to non-profit organizations only. This area is not intended for thank you submissions or selling products. It is simply a place for nonprofit organizations a place to announce upcoming free activities. You can e-mail your item to advertising@ominecaexpress.com or by fax: 567-2070. Your organizations’ announcement can also be dropped off at our office located at #111-250 Stuart Drive, Fort St. James. Decision of the publisher is final. *** SENIORS COMPUTERS COURSES OFFERED IN 2015!...

March 17: Basic Computers Cont’d.

April 14: Facebook 101. April 28: Shopping Safely Online. May 12: Working with photos. Come and Join Us! It’s FREE. Call 250-996-7078 for more information. The Learning Hub - College of New Caledonia. *** THE DATES FOR THE NECHAKO VALLEY FESTIVAL OF THE PERFORMING ARTS ARE...March 9-20,2015. It will culminate with the festival concert on Mar. 22. Registration ONLINE opens on Dec. 8, 2014 and closes on Jan 15, 2015. The venue for all disciplines is Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship Church. You can view the syllabus and look for any other information on the website at www. musicfestivalweb/nechako. *** VOLUNTEER WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY!...Are you or anyone you know interested in becoming a volunteer? No matter your age or your interests, there are plenty of opportunities for you or your family members to volunteer within our community. At Volunteer Fort St. James we assist local nonprofit organizations in recruiting volunteers and assist volunteers to find an organization(s) they want to work with. If you chose to become a volunteer you are in control. You get to choose the event(s) you volunteer for, how often you volunteer and how much time you’d like to volunteer.

Volunteers are not obligated to volunteer for any opportunities, no questions asked. It is as simple

as that! If you’d like to become a volunteer, when opportunities become available you have the option to be notified by email, or you can check out our Facebook page at www. facebook.com/volunteerfsj or stop by the Volunteer Fort St. James Office Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 – 12:30 pm. You can sign up today to become a volunteer at www. volunteerfsj.ca. For more information you can e-mail us at volunteerfsj@ telus.net or call us at 250-996-8284 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 11:30 – 12:30 pm). *** ST PATRICK’S ANGLICAN CHURCH...Services at St Patrick’s Anglican Church will now take place only on the first Sunday of the month except for special occasions. *** STUART LAKE OUTREACH GROUP FOOD BANK SCHEDULE... is the third Wed of each month: February 18 and March 18 from 10:00 am to noon at the Food Bank behind St. Patrick’s Anglican Church, Stuart Drive. Volunteers needed. Call 250-567-6744. Food Bank needs canned meals, beans, stews, soups, tuna, salmon, sandwich meats, pasta and sauce, tea, coffee, toilet paper, canned milk, cereals, etc.

At this time we have lots of sugar!

Thank you for your generosity. *** UNTOLD TRAUMA...author seeks contributions from non-First Nations students and staff who experienced Catholic residential or day schools abuse in Northern BC. For more info email Kathyhansen1@gmail.com *** FIREWEED STOPPING THE VIOLENCE & OUTREACH SERVICE For those who believe all is possible!...Provides free Confidential, Safe, and Supportive counselling and outreach services for women. Hours of Service: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and every other Friday. Location: Room 203, 349 Stuart Drive, Fort St James, BC Phone: (250) 996-1214 Fax: (250) 996-7647 Email: fire.or@telus.net *** STUART LAKE OUTREACH GROUP... hosts a free hot lunch each Tuesday from 10.00am to 1.00pm in the space behind St. Patrick’s

Anglican Church. Meals are served by members of area churches and other volunteers from the community.

We wish to thank all those who assist by cooking, serving, and cleaning up.

Your help is invaluable. We also host a free Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day to all who are lonely or in need.

Volunteers for these programs are needed. Please call Gwen at 250-5676744. *** ST. PATRICK’S ANGLICAN CHURCH SERVICES... will now take place only on the first Sunday of the month except for special occasions. *** FORT ST. JAMES SEARCH & RESCUE... steering committee meetings first Tuesday of every month. 7:00 p.m. above the Fort St. James Firehall. Training is the third Tuesday of every month at the Firehall at 7 p.m. New members are welcome and training is provided.

For more information please contact Paul at 250.996.7478 or Rod at 250.996.3231 *** FIREWEED CLOTHES DRIVE...

The Fireweed Safe Haven is doing a winter clothes drive. We are looking for jackets, boots, snow pants, mitts, hats, scarves, fleeces, etc, for men, women and children. The items will then be given to families in the community that need them. If you do not have anything at home that you can part with but still wish to contribute, you can purchase mitts, socks, or thermal underwear. Please drop items off at the Fireweed Safe Haven. For more information please contact Talia at (250) 996-8081.

Every little bit helps. *** FORT ST. JAMES PUBLIC LIBRARY HOURS...

Tuesday 11:30-8:00 Wednesday 11:30-4:30 Thursday 11:30-4:30 Friday 11:30-8:00 Saturday 11:00-3:00 *** AUXILIARY TO STUART LAKE HOSPITAL... Monthly meeting 2nd Wednesday each month. Hospital Cafeteria 7:00 p.m. ***

Caledonia Courier Wednesday, January 28, 2015

www.caledoniacourier.com A9

NEWS

Courier Great season start for Murray Ridge The Murray Ridge Ski Area & Terrain Park is excited about a great opening this season and we are looking forward to more amazing days with lots more snow to come! We recently had a record breaking weekend, almost doubling our previous best day ever! We are proud to have a great team of staff, volunteers, and board members who all came together to make such a busy weekend flow smoothly.

The positive energy around the mountain from such a great day on the slopes left everyone with huge smiles and tired legs!

The Ridge is now starting to focus on fundraising efforts in support of expanding our terrain park with new rails and fun boxes. We have some exciting changes coming in how we manage the terrain park so expect to see more features springing up around the mountain in the next few weeks.

The FSJSS Ski and Board team is excited to be kicking off the season with new gates, purchased with the incredible support of the Fort St. James and Regional District of Bulkley Nechako community. The team has been working hard with dry land training and gate training in preparation for zones on Feb. 9-10 at Troll Mountain, Quesnel BC. The team can be seen training at Murray Ridge every Saturday and Sunday.

We look forward to seeing everyone out in the slopes this season, so come out and enjoy one of the best ski hills British Columbia has to offer!

Submitted by Guy Hainstock, ski hill general manager

Top left back row: Coach Sarah Grill, Ezra Croutcher, Joey Saharchuk, Lavanna Olund, Sydnee Schlamp, Orrie Leon, Mara Martin, Mackenzie Moeller, Jayden Greenaway, Ben George, Coach Chris Greenaway Front Row Left: Jaide Steeves, Grace Willick, Minna Jones, Tessa Knight, David Goertz Missing from the picture are: Maxz Boschman, Ayden Leon, Nathan Johnson, Logan Burck, Quintanna Paziuk, Gabriela Willick, Jazmyn Dionne, Sydney Tibbetts, Sumy Prince, Landon Thompson, Lissy Kozmick, Brooke Dunkley, Oscar Croutcher, Cale Skeen.

Submited by Guy Hainstock

THE STUART NECHAKO ADVERTISER CAN BE PICKED UP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS...

VANDERHOOF

Omineca Express office Vanderhoof Co-op - Grocery Co-op Mall - Lobby Co-op Mall - Rear Entrance Vanderhoof Co-op C Store Extra Foods Vanderhoof Post Office Riverside Place Nechako View Senior’s Home Speedway Road Mapes CJ’s Trailer Court Loop Road Prairiedale Braeside Road Jones Road Sob Lake Road Redfern Drive Sinkut Frontage Road Kenny Dam & Lakes Road J&S Restaurant

ENDAKO

Endako Bar & Grill

CLUCULZ LAKE BROOKSIDE RESORT FRASER LAKE

Par 3 Sports Fraser Lake Rexall Fraser Lake Building Supplies

ENGEN

Engen Road Giesbrecht Frontage Road

FORT FRASER

Fort Fraser Petro Can

FORT ST JAMES

Lakeshore Realty Sana’aih Market Overwaitea Foods Fort Loonie Bin Fas Gas Plus Lakeside Pharmacy

A10 www.caledoniacourier.com

Wednesday, January 28, 2015 Caledonia Courier

Your community. Your classifieds.

250.567.9258 fax 250.567.2070 email advertising@ominecaexpress.com

P.O. Box 1298 Fort St. James, B.C. V0J 1P0

Announcements

Employment

Information

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking

BENEFIT GROUP - Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government.

Toll-free 1-888-5112250 or www.canadabenefit. ca/free-assessment

Disability Benefits Free Seminar Speakers: Dr. Alison Bested, on ME/FM, CFS, other

Phone:

250-996-8482 E-Mail: wendy@ ominecaexpress. com Caledonia Courier published every Wednesday Stuart/Nechako Advertiser published every Friday ADVERTISING DEADLINES Courier -- Friday, 11-noon Advertiser -- Tuesday, 12-noon

TERMS & CONDITIONS Advertisements should be read on the first publication day. We are not responsible for errors appearing beyond the first insertion. NO CASH REFUNDS AGREEMENT: It is agreed by any display or classified advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event that errors occur in the publishing of any advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and there will be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement.

DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION: Advertisers are reminded that provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminated against any person because of race, religion, sex, colour, nationality, ancestry, place of origin, or age unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.

COPYRIGHT: Copyright and/or property rights subsist in all advertisements and in all other advertising material appearing in this edition of the Omineca Express. Permission to reproduce wholly or in any part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

Julie Fisher, Lawyer, Long-Term Disability and CPP

CLASS 1 DRIVERS w/AIR Req. for DH Manufacturing, Houston BC. BC & Alberta routes to be determined.

EXPERIENCE IS A MUST. Hour Pay Based On Exp. & Full Benefits After 3 Mos. Apply with resume & abstract by emailing: dhmnfg@gmail.com or drop off in person at: Dh Manufacturing 1250 Hols Road.

Annamarie Kersop, Lawyer, Injury & No-Fault Benefits Date: Mon. Feb.9, 2015 at 7 pm Where: Hyatt Regency Vancouver RSVP: 604-554-0078 or office@lawyerswest.ca www.LawyersWest.ca

Education/Trade Schools INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL. NO Simulators. In-the-seat training. Real world tasks.

Weekly start dates. Job board!

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SignUp online! iheschool.com 1-866-399-3853

Travel

Help Wanted

Travel

S.M. QUENNELL TRUCKING

RESORT RENTAL in Hemet, CA. Brand new one bedroom cottages with full kitchen, bath, queen bed, and living suite.

Luxury Resort. goldenvillage palms.com or 866-916-1316.

RV LOT rentals $8.95 a day.

362 days of sunshine, pets, events, classes, entertainment. Reserve by 02/14/2015. www.hemetrvresort.com. Call: 1-800-926-5593

Employment

is looking for LOG TRUCK drivers, based in

Cranbrook.

Full time work; home every night.

Excellent medical, dental, & pension benefits, Wages competitive with industry standards.

Fax resume and drivers abstract to:

Career Opportunities

fax:250-426-4610 or call: 250-426-6853

M’akola Development Services CONTROLLER position: full cycle accounting, financial technical support and assistance.

Visit: makola.bc.ca DEADLINE: Feb 9

Vernon Service Company requires F/T Journeyman Plumber/Gasfitter. $36/hr. Call 250-549-4444 or email: pres@aslanservices.ca

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

PLANT OPERATOR Dasque Project, British Columbia

Veresen is looking for a full time hydroelectric Plant Operator. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of two hydroelectric run-of-river power plants currently under construction near Terrace, BC. Besides the care for the generating facilities, the work includes maintenance of a logging road network and transmission-line right of way.

Qualifications - Grade 12, BC driver’s license.

- Journeyman millwright, mechanic, machinist or comparable qualification.

- Self-sufficient, independent, requires little supervision.

- Hands-on trouble-shooter with a wider technical knowledge of electrical and mechanical equipment.

- Ability to travel for training and occasional work for up to two consecutive weeks at other facilities within BC.

For consideration, please e-mail your resume & cover letter to careers@vereseninc.com

Employment

Employment

Medical/Dental

Trades, Technical

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada!

Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program.

Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

WHERE DO YOU TURN

TO LEARN WHAT’S ON SALE?

YOUR NEWSPAPER:

The link to your community

Professional/ Management ESTIMATOR / Project Manager Job Opportunity with Coast Industrial Construction in Prince Rupert, BC. Please visit coastindustrialconstruction.ca for more information.

ELECTRICIAN Houston, BC DH Manufacturing is looking for a F/T Electrician. Candidate needs to be min. 3rd yr, reliable, team player, mechanically inclined, able to work independently on projects. Wage will be negotiable on experience.

Email to: dhmnfg@gmail.com

MILLWRIGHT Houston, BC DH Manufacturing is looking for a Millwright. Candidate must have min. 4yrs, exp., mechanically inclined, able to work independently on projects. Wage will be negotiable on experience. Full Benefits After 3 Mos. Email to: dhmnfg@gmail.com or drop off in person at: Dh Manufacturing 1250 Hols Road.

Services

Merchandise for Sale

Financial Services

Misc. for Sale

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed?

Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 or visit us online at: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca.

IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: It’s That Simple.

Your Credit / Age / Income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

Misc. Wanted

INCOME TAX PROBLEMS? Have you been audited, reassessed or disallowed certain claims by Canada Revenue Agency? Call Bob Allen @ 1250-542-0295 35yrs. Income Tax experience, 8.5yrs. with Revenue Canada. Email: r.gallen@shaw.ca C- 250-938-1944 TAX FREE MONEY is available, if you are a homeowner, today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income.

Call Anytime 1-800-639-2274 or 604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca

Private Collector Looking to Buy Coin Collections, Silver, Antiques, Native Art, Estates + Chad: 778-281-0030 Local

Transportation

Trucks & Vans 2010 CHEV Silverado 85,700 Kms, 6.0 Liter Vortec - 6 speed automatic, tow package - brake controller, A/C, power windows/locks, Tonneau package, security system/Onstar, extending heated mirrors, all vinyl floor - no carpet. Asking $27,000 OBO 250-691-1641

19,951 That’s how many companion animals will need loving, new homes this year.

Will you open your home to one?

Fetch a Friend from the SPCA today! spca.bc.ca

Caledonia Courier Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Legal

Legal

Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Invitation to Tender Binche First Nation is requesting tenders for the construction of its Band Office and Recreation Center. Tenders will be accepted up to 2:00 pm local time on the 28th of February 2015.

Binche is located 35km northwest of Fort St. James, in north central B.C. on the shores of Stuart Lake.

Specifications for this project will be on our website at www. binchekeyoh.ca from the 22nd of January 2015. A pre-tender visit will be scheduled for the 2nd of February 2015 in Binche.

Companies must pre-register on our website in order to access forms and specifications prior to pre-tender meeting.

Tenders will be only received from companies who have registered online and attend the mandatory pre-tender meeting.

Please contact Miguel Romero if you have any further questions at the following email address: miguelromero@ binchekeyoh.ca

Kidney disease strikes families, not only individuals.

THE KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF CANADA www.kidney.ca

FORT ST. JAMES AND AREA

BUSINESS DIRECTORY OIL & LUBE

BAM BAM Oil & Lube

Oil

240 Douglas, Fort St. James In the old Fort Diesel Building

CALL

CHANGE AND LUBE

778-667-0346

“Warranty Approved”

TIRES

to book you appointment!

NEWSPAPERS Serving Fort St. James and area since 1972 Pam Berger Publisher

250-996-8482 Advertising: advertising@ominecaexpress.com News: newsroom@caledoniacourier.com Website: www.caledoniacourier.com

Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake

Pam Berger Publisher 150 W. Columbia St Box 1007, Vanderhoof BC V0J 3A0

Tel: 250-567-9258 Fax: 250-567-2070 Email: advertising@ominecaexpress.com

ADvertiser STUART NECHAKO

Reaching Every Door

Serving Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake

Pam Berger Publisher 150 W. Columbia St Box 1007, Vanderhoof BC V0J 3A0

Tel: 250-567-9258 Fax: 250-567-2070 Email: advertising@ominecaexpress.com

www.caledoniacourier.com A11

A12 www.caledoniacourier.com

Wednesday, January 28, 2015 Caledonia Courier

Brought to you by your MLA John Rustad

Pioneers Courageous Battles

Athletes Achieving

Human Interest

Serving the community of Fort St. James

Featuring the spirit of the local people

Christmas party raises $11,250 for toy and food drive

JESSE COLE Caledonia Courier

The Fort St. James toy and food drive provided even more support to the community this holiday season thanks to over $11,000 raised last weekend.

The toy and food drive held a fundraising christmas party at the North Arm Pub on Saturday, Dec. 6 and received significant support from the community as more than 100 people attended the party, well over the 96 tickets initially sold.

Featuring a live DJ, silent auction and 50/50 raffle, the event was organized by chair of the toy and food drive organization Jasmine Lakusta along with committee members Judy Greenaway, Kyla Grundstrom, Louise Bett and Jhenipher Bridgeman.

The christmas party was a spiritual successor to last years fundraising dinner that was sponsored by Inte-

gris Credit Union.

Prior to 2013 the toy and food drive relied on independent donations to raise money, but Lakusta hopes to make these types of events a yearly occurrence The event managed to raise $4,200 from ticket sales, the silent auction and 50/50 raffle. In conjunction with $2,500 donated by Iberdrola Renewables, the company responsible for the bio-energy plant being built outside of town, $2,000 from Nak’azdli Band and $2,000 from Newlands Enterprises (who also bought 76 of the 96 available tickets) and $500 from Northland Automotive, Mt. Milligan and the Bargain Basement each. The total amount raised thus far is $11,250.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our community for their generous donations and ongoing efforts volunteering to make this annual event for those in need so successful,” said

Jasmine Lakusta and Louise Bett man the door at the North Arm Pub during their fundraising christmas party that raised over $12,000 for this years toy and food drive. Lakusta and the toy and food drive intend to make events like this an annual fundraising event.

Photo by Jesse Cole.

Lakusta. “There are so many volunteers that step up and help each year to make

this come together and to all of [them] I’d like to express my sincere and

heartfelt thanks.”

Money raised by the fundraising event went towards

buying christmas toys and non-perishable food items to fill holiday hampers

given out to members of the community each year during the holidays.

John Rustad, MLA Nechako Lakes

Box 421 183 First Street, Vanderhoof Tel: 250-567-6820 Fax: 250-567-6822

Toll Free: 1-877-964-5650 Email: john.rustad.mla@leg.bc.ca Website: www.johnrustadmla.bc.ca