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December 24, 2015 | Vol. 12 - Nº52

Sued:

TOP STORIES OF 2015

Blueberry River FN files lawsuit against Province. See Page 5.

Tusk:

Taylor has a new namesake: a rare mammoth tusk. See Page 10.

U-17:

Mayors announce FSJ and DC will co-host world-class hockey. See Page 16.

DC Frac:

Sand handling facility given final OK despite some health concerns. See Page 20.

Photo Credit Stacy Thomas A new generation of Site C protestors was present at the first protest at the gates of the BCHydro megaproject. 2015 saw shovels hit the ground on the project, while dissent remains.

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Northeast NEWS

December 24, 2015

This Year’s

Shovels in the ground at Site C Pimm will not seek re-election on the Peace River. The W.A.C. Bennett Dam was completed in 1968, and in 1980, B.C. Hydro completed the Peace Canyon Dam. FORT ST. JOHN – Construction on Site Site C, valued at $8.8-billion, will be C can officially begin. the most expensive project undertaken in On Tues., July 7, the Ministry of Forests, B.C.’s history. According to B.C. Hydro, it Lands and Natural will produce enough Resource Operations electricity to power issued authorizations 450,000 homes per allowing construcyear. tion to begin on the The Site C reserSite C Clean Energy voir will be 83-km in Project. length, and width will In total there were be two to three times 24 authorizations the current width of granted, with condithe river. The dam ittions. Seven of those self will be about sevwere issued under the Photo Credit Julia Lovett en kilometres southLand Act, five under Ken (middle) and Arlene Boon, landowners west of Fort St. John. the Forest Act, eight opposed to the project, with a representative During the conunder the Water Act, of Amnesty International, on a tour of Site C on struction phase there and four under the Nov. 12 2015. will be roughly Wildlife Act. 10,000 jobs created. According to a While work on the Province of B.C. press release, each apdam can now begin, the 10th annual Paddle plication for the construction phase was for the Peace, a large scale protest of the reviewed for its potential impacts on the dam whereby hundreds paddle down the environment and adverse impacts on treaty river in canoes and other watercraft, takes rights. place on Sat., July 11. Site C will be the third hydroelectric dam

BRONWYN SCOTT reporter@northeastnews.ca

JULIA LOVETT reporter@northeastnews.ca FORT ST. JOHN - After making a promise to his family, Pat Pimm, Peace River North MLA, is holding true to his word and will not seek re-election in 2017. In an emotional announcement on Thursday, Nov. 27, Pimm spoke from his constituency office about his time as the regions's MLA for the past six and 1/2 years. As he spoke, he highlighted projects that he was instrumental in getting off the ground. He noted among the projects he is most proud of, included upgrading Highway 77 in the Northern Rockies and the $87-million Sierra Road project near the Horn River. Closer to home, he noted the Pomeroy Sports Centre, which received $12-million from the provincial government as one of the six Provincial Legacy Projects was given another five after Pimm campaigned for it. Pimm was first elected as MLA for the region in 2009 and re-elected in 2013. After his re-election, he was appointed as the Minister of Agriculture and served for just under a year from 2013-14, after having to leave due to health issues. The MLA was

diagnosed with colon cancer in 2013 and hadsurgery and chemotherapy treatment. Now, he said it's onward and upward for him. Once he finishes his term, he plans on retiring and spending time with his grandchildren and family. While Pimm realizes that he is making the announcement early he said he will not slow down and will finish out his term strong. Along with trying to keep the focus on local jobs, he spoke about what happens during slow times in the oil patch. According to Pimm, the local economy has been an issue, as he puts it, forever and it is something they continue to work on, especially with industry contracts. In the meantime, one of the reasons he wanted to make the announcement was to help his successor settle in. Almost as soon as the press release was issued, the constituency office started receiving phone calls. Mayor Lori Ackerman made her intentions known that she will run for election. He said he knows there are plenty of people who are interested so regardless of who it is, he would like to help them along once the political process is started and a candidate is chosen.

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330 head of cattle went went through Vold Jones Vold Auction inCreek Dawson C 395 head of cattle through the ring of Dawson Actio SALES SALES EVERY EVERY THURSDAY! THURSDAY!

D1 54.00-59. D1 -- D2 D2 Cows Cows 53.00-56 D3 D3 -- D4 D4 Cows Cows 48.00-53 Year 50.00-53. w e N y p p a H Holstein Cows NONE Holstein Cows 50.00-53 Heiferettes 55.00-75. Heiferettes 55.00-65 Bologna Bulls 60.00-75. Bolognaand Bulls 62.00-72 Season’s Greetings Happy New Year from Feeder 60.00-70. Feeder Bulls Bulls 65.00-70 all of us at Good Vold, Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd! N/A Good Bred Bred Cows Cows None Good N/A Good Bred Bred Heifers Heifers None Cow/ N/A Cow/ Calf Calf Pairs Pairs 900.00-100 Older N/A Older Cows Cows None Milk N/A Milk Cows Cows DAWSON CREEK AUCTION ‘MILE ZERO CITY’ None 301-116th Ave. Dawson Creek, British Columbia

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Northeast NEWS

December 24, 2015

Page 3

TOP stories

Man shot fatally by DC RCMP outside Site C event STACY THOMAS news@northeastnews.ca DAWSON CREEK - A BC Hydro Site C open house in Dawson Creek turned deadly Thursday July16 when 48-year-old James Daniel McIntyre was shot by a police officer outside Fixx Urban Grill. According to an RCMP press release, at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Thursday night Dawson Creek RCMP responded to a report of a disturbance at the BC Hydro Site C open house at the restaurant on Highway #2. RCMP were told that a male was causing a disturbance and damaging property inside the event. They were later told that the individual was flipping tables and knocking posters off the wall, and then was escorted out. When police arrived at the scene, they found a masked individual outside the building, whom the original release stated was “believed to be connected to the event”, and although police officers on scene attempted to de-escalate the situation, “a confrontation occurred and the individual was shot.” McIntyre was then transported to hospital, and died there of his injuries. No members of the public or other officers were injured during the incident. The RCMP Independent Investigations Office (IIO) has been deployed to investigate the occurrence, and took jurisdiction of the case on Thursday night, according to Cpl. Dave Tyreman of the North District RCMP. IIO resources will include a Team Director, several investigators and a Forensic Specialist. In addition to analyzing the scene, the team will be locating witnesses and securing video from the area. RCMP and IIO press releases have both stated that no further comment will be available until the IIO takes control of the scene. No comment will be made in regards to number, gender, or years of service of any of the officers involved. North District Major Crime is overseeing the investigation into the initial disturbance call. “The question is, is this person linked to the original disturbance call? We don’t know that at this time. For all we know it could be two separate individuals,” Tyreman told

Northeast News. officers demands and commands, he was shot and it was He did make clear however that once IIO secures the that individual who was transported to hospital and did not scene, RCMP will be stepping back from investigation. survive.” The RCMP will be providing no further comment. Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to contact the IIO tollfree information line at 1-855-446-8477 (TIPS). New information has been released by the Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIO) in regards to the fatal shooting which occurred in Dawson Creek on the evening of July 16. According to IIO spokesperson Kellie Kilpatrick, who arrived in Dawson Creek Friday night, the male individual who was shot by a police officer outside Fixx Urban Grill on Thursday night was not Photo Credit Stacy Thomas the same person who had earlier caused Members of the Dawson Creek RCMP wait for the arrival of the BC a disturbance in a BC Hydro Site C open house which was occurring inside the Internal Investigations Office on Friday July 17. restaurant. The shooting occurred while RCMP officers were attending a report of a single male who was Kilpatrick shared with media that this new information causing a disturbance inside the BC Hydro event. only came to light in the later part of Friday afternoon. It was initially thought, but not confirmed, that the two She stated that the individual who was shot was “unreincidents were connected. lated to the event”. “What we know is that there was a disturbance last eveThe male who caused the disturbance at the Site C open ning at a public information session at this location,” Kil- house has been confirmed to be alive, but has not spoken patrick told media outside Fixx Urban Grill, “a call went with police. in to police, however the individual who was causing the disturbance left the Vold, Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd. event and did not come into contact with police. . . . we DAWSON CREEK AUCTION ‘MILE ZERO CITY’ know now that when police DawsoAve. Dawson Creek, British Columbia 301-116th arrived in response to that Dawson Creek Office: 250-782-3766 VJV Main Office: 403-783-5561 Cattle Sales, Don 301-116th Fessler: 250-719-5561 Fax: 250-782-6622 complaint, they came into D C contact with a second adult male, unrelated to the public information session. The information we have is that On December 15, 2015, 350 head of cattle went through Vold Jones Vold Auction in Dawson Creek the male came into contact D1 - D2 Cows 94.00-105.00 with officers in an aggresD3 - D4 Cows 78.00-93.00 sive manner, and despite Holstein Cows N/A

MARKET REPORT ON DECEMBER 15, 2015

SLAUGHTER CATTLE

Heiferettes Bologna Bulls Feeder Bulls Good Bred Cows Good Bred Heifers Cow/calf pairs younger Cow/calf pairs older Older Cows Milk Cows

108.00-125.00 95.00-122.00 110.00-130.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

STOCKERS AND FEEDERS Good Feeder Steers 1000 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 900 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 800 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 700 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 600 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 500 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 400 lbs Plus: Good Feeder Steers 300 lbs Plus:

N/A 170.00-180.00 180.00-200.00 200.00-220.00 210.00-234.00 225.00-255.00 240.00-278.00 260.00-315.00

Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers Heifers

N/A 155.00-175.00 160.00-180.00 175.00-192.00 195.00-212.00 220.00-250.00 225.00-275.00 230.00-260.00

Next Regular Cattle Sale is Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Vold, Jones & Vold Auction Co. Ltd. Photo Credit Stacy Thomas Kellie Kilpatrick of the Independent Investigations Office of BC, in Dawson Creek July 17.

DAWSON CREEK AUCTION ‘MILE ZERO CITY’

Dawso 301-116th Ave. Dawson Creek, British Columbia Dawson Creek Office: 301-116th 250-782-3766 VJV Main Office: 403-783-5561 Cattle Sales, Don Fessler: 250-719-5561 Fax: 250-782-6622 D

C


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Northeast NEWS

December 24, 2015

JANUARY Montney Hall saved at present

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The Montney Community Hall was faced with the task of finding more manpower or shutting its doors for good, however, thanks to outpouring of community support, the hall had been given a reprieve, at least for the moment. In mid-November, a call to action from the Aaron Krafczyk, president of the Montney Community Association (MCA) was sent out and was well received. A public meeting was held and 30 new people volunteered their services to help save the likely 100-year-old community fixture. Over the last few years, the hall was surviving as a barebones operation, however, some of the volunteers who worked at the the hall lived outside the community. During another community project - a playground that would be an added an extra family element, went over budget by $20,000 due to lack of manpower. The original plan to have volunteers work alongside a certified installer fell through and they ended up contracting out the entire installation. Another problem the hall seemed to have were the liquor laws. Under the new B.C. special events liquor laws, all special events were required to have a licence for each event and any unsold alcohol must then be returned to the liquor store for a refund. In the past, they had kept a stockpile locked away in cabinets. Regardless of what legal changes were made, Krafczyk remained hopeful that the hall will have a future.

Dawson Creek Smokers told to butt out As of Monday, Jan. 5, Dawson Creek became the first northern B.C. community to take a stance against public smoking. The city councillors voted to implement a smoke free outdoor spaces bylaw that would require smokers to be no less than 7.5 metres away from all restaurant and other customer service entrances, along with all playgrounds, trails, recreational venues. All councillors save Paul Gevakoff voted in favour of of the bylaw and had the full support of Northern Health and Canadian Cancer Society of B.C. and Yukon. According to the to the Canadian Cancer Society press release, the smoking rates tend to be higher in northern B.C. as opposed to the rest of the province. Before the bylaw was implemented, there was a three meter non-smoking zone around commercial residential buildings and 30 municipalities around the province had smoke-free bylaws, however, all of them were outside of the northern region. According to the Canadian Council for Tobacco Control, one out of two people die from tobacco related diseases and approximately 37,000 Canadians die annually.

dinosaur tracks similar to the tracks found in the northern B.C. community, it also included the Great Wall of China. Tumbler Ridge’s geopark is unique in the sense that it is the second park of it’s kind in Canada next to Stonehammer Geopark in Saint John, N.B., China, meanwhile has 30 and according to Charles Helm, president of the Tumbler Ridge Geopark, this expansion would open up the economic development in the area. The community has faced some hardship since the coal mines closed but after being designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, there is hope that the community can recover. The northern B.C., geopark is one of 111 in the world and is the first in western North America.

$200,000 for youth competitions from Industry Training Authority Skills Canada B.C. 2015 Provincial and Regional Competitions received a big boost thanks to the Industry Training Authority’s one time donation of $200,000. The funding was announced on Jan. 23 and went towards the 13 regional competitions throughout the province and then to the final provincial competition. The competition gave students from Grades 6-12 the opportunity to show off their abilities in technologies and trades. Within the companions, there are different levels of skills depending on the age group and winners from each had the opportunity to move on to the provincial competition. Peace River competition took place first and then was held at the Dawson Creek Northern Lights College Campus.

FEBRUARY Geoscience B.C.’s new hire studies fracking, seismicity A new engineering seismologist had been sent to Northern B.C. to watch over fracking induced seismic occurrences and also to understand how industry affects the Earth’s subterranean layers. Dr. Alireza Mahani was hired for a two year term as part of the Induced Seismicity Monitoring Network Consortium that was founded in 2012 and has a background in analysis of earthquake ground motion as a result of nature and manmade activity. The consortium developed a five-year mandate to analyze and collect seismic data from the Peace region. According to a 2012 B.C. Oil and Gas Commission report entitled Investigation of Observed Seismicity in the Horn River Basin, it concluded that due to hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, low-level seismic events occurred near fault lines whether they be pre-existing or natural. While the events wouldn’t cause any damage to people or property, in a 2014 report from the B.C. Oil and Gas Commission called Investigation of Observed Seismicity in Montney Trend, did note that the of the 231 seismic events, 193 were caused by fracking and all were due to oil and gas work.

Tumbler Ridge Geopark looks to China The Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark was looking to expand on a truly worldwide scale by “twinning” with China’s Yanqing Global Geopark. The Chinese geopark not only includes

Photo Credit BronwynScott Dr. Charles Helm, president of the Tumber Global Geopark.


Northeast NEWS

february FSJ talks work camps in city limits Work camps in Fort St. John are a possibility, all that was left to decide on was some extra research that was needed to be compiled and brought to council for a discussion. Work camps were located outside city boundaries as there was no zoning to permit the camps. The Official Community Plan that is in charge of addressing community wellness had nothing in it about the specific camps. During the Jan. 26 Committee of the Whole meeting, council outlined the pros and cons the camps’ location. Some of the cons the council members discussed included overloading the strained healthcare system, creating social issues, impacts to infrastructure and added stresses on the police force. Positive aspects included taking the pressure off of the hotels and housing market, along with providing a tax benefit to the host community. Other communities such as Kitimat and Terrace had allowed worker camps to be built in their respective town boundaries and have been satisfied with the outcome. During past discussions with where the Site C workers will be housed, should the camp be allowed to proceed, the buildings could be repurposed into another facility such as a place of learning or seniors’ home.

march Workshop focuses on Oil market An event to discuss the current and future trends of oil prices was the focus of a one day workshop organized by the North Peace Savings and Credit Union (NPSCU). A panel of industry experts were on hand on Mar. 3 in the Sterling Room at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre to address the increase in crude oil and natural gas prices and how it would affect the local economy. The free event took place from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and was facilitated by Brad Magnusson with Magnusson Consulting Group along with experts from MNP. They also discuss what the future holds and how global economies and geopolitical ideas affect the industry.

SD 59 First Nation students recognized by Fassbender A letter of congratulations for an increased graduation rate amongst aboriginal student was sent to School District 59 by B.C. Minister of Education, Peter Fassbender. The letter was read out during SD 59’s public board meeting and according to Fassbender’s letter; the high school graduation rate was 62 percent in 2013-14 academic year – a 7 per cent increase from the 2009-10 year. If a student is on track, when they enter Grade 8, they should graduate in five years. According to the Superintendent’s Report on Student Achievement, the aboriginal student population has been a demographic that needed closer attention as historically, the rate of graduation was lower than non-aboriginal students. After implementing a mentoring program that was modelled on a program for Maori students in New Zealand and used to coach teachers, the students were much more successful.

Four charged in D.C. shooting Dawson Creek RCMP released details regarding an investigation of a kidnapping and shooting that occurred on Feb. 20 and into the morning of Feb. 21. An update was released to the media on Feb. 27, and confirmed that due information gathered, a search warrant was granted and a residence on Dawson Creek’s 1600 block on 95th Avenue had been searched. Police laid charges to the four men ranging in ages from 19-26. 19-year-old Jaskarn Singh Lally was charged with multiple counts including unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance with the intent

December 24, 2015 of trafficking and careless storage of a firearm. 19-year-old Avninder Singh Sidhu was charged with multiple counts of unlawful possession of a firearm along with careless storage of a firearm. 22-year-old Anthony Joseph Larson, meanwhile was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm while prohibited, failure to comply with his conditions, possession of a firearm and careless storage of a firearm. The last to be charged was 26-year-old Christopher Stewart Westlake who was charged with multiple counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and careless storage of a firearm. Also, a number of stolen firearms, crystal methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl pills and an undisclosed amount of cash was seized during the search. Police anticipated that additional charges would be recommended against these men in relation to this incident according to the release.

Blueberry River First Nations files lawsuit against Province Blueberry River First Nations filed a significant lawsuit against the provincial government for what’s being argued as a breach of Treaty 8 due to industrial disturbance in Blueberry’s territory. The basis for the lawsuit is that Blueberry River First Nations could no longer practice their way of life due to the cumulative impacts of development.The suit called into question future development in the northeast, including Site C and natural gas extraction. Treaty 8 dates back to 1900, when Blueberry’s ancestors signed the agreement that would open their lands in exchange for the promise that they would be able to practice their way of life as if they never entered treaty. At the time, Blueberry’s ancestors were free to hunt, trap, fish, and gather traditional plants and resources throughout their lands. Blueberry argued that this was no longer the case. The northeast portion of Blueberry’s territory, the Beatton watershed, was the most heavily impacted by development. This was the first lawsuit regarding the Province’s breach of Treaty 8 on the basis of cumulative impacts of development.

UNBC research team discovers a new way to splice gene

UNBC researchers made a scientific breakthrough in discovering a new way to study gene splicing. In humans, defective splicing leads to diseases that range from cancer and cystic fibrosis, to spinal muscular atrophy. Traditionally, researchers had used human cells in culture of yeast cells when studying the process cells use to splice genes. A UNBC research team believed that by looking at an organism that uses a simpler process, it could give researchers a better understanding of how gene splicing works. They studied the splicing process in red alga and discovered it is the first known organism to splice genes without the help of a specific type of small nuclear ribonucleic acid, or RNA, called U1. RNA, a macromolecule, is involved in the coding, decoding, regulation and expression of genes. Like DNA, RNA is a nucleic acid, and is essential for all known forms of life.

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The hope was that this new approach to studying gene splicing will help to provide a better understanding of how the process works in humans, and lead to the development of new treatments for genetic diseases. Their research was published in the scientific journal,

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Northeast NEWS

December 24, 2015

Toll Free: 1.877.787.7030 | Phone: 250.787.7030

Cheap natural gas for B.C.?

Letter to the Editor:

The natural gas powered Shepard Energy facility is now up and running and will offer its best customers in Calgary the minimal pricing of 8 cents per kWh until 2020 ! Natural gas is hard and firm power for any utility and not subject to a lack of wind or sun. It is cheap and readily available. We, on the other hand, here in BC will be paying almost 8 cents per kWh on the first 710 kWh and then 12 cents on any additional kWh of energy after the initial 710. (We have a two tier pricing regime whereas the natural gas powered Shepard remains on a single tier of 8 cents/kWh) Here are the other fiscal factors for BC customers: Price increase in 2016 – 4% Price increase in 2017- 3.5 % Price increase in 2018 – 3 % Price increase in 2019 and 2020- to be determined NO INCREASES for Shepard Energy Centre cus-

tomers in Calgary until at least 2020. If you are a typical household of 4 people you may well be consuming an average of about 2000 kWh/ month. Doing some simple math, by the end of 2020, you will have paid $2900 more than the same typical family in Calgary, using the Shepard Energy Centre’s natural gas powered system. Maybe it is time to ask our Premier and our Energy Minister here in BC, why we can’t use our own natural gas to our benefit, as they do in Alberta? Here’s the easy answer: It is against the law here in BC to use our own natural gas! Rick Koechl Mike Kroecher Charlie Lake residents

Softwood industry needs louder B.C. voice To the Editor:

When Christy Clark said she would make a new softwood lumber agreement with the United States her top priority with a new federal government, New Democrats voiced support. We believe that a vibrant forest industry is vital to our economy. Forest dependent communities in the province, BC forest companies, and those over 25,000 citizens directly employed in the forest industry deserve strong support. Unfortunately, either Premier Clark forgot to mention it, wasn’t very forceful in making the case for softwood lumber, or the new prime minister simply ignored her. There’s no evidence that trade consequences ‎for the softwood lumber industry have registered with the federal government. The Premier writes mandate letters to her new ministers. Those letters express the most important and urgent priorities‎ of the government and order the minister to act on them. The new prime minister’s long mandate letter to the federal minister of international trade‎ fails to mention the trade consequences of softwood lumber at all. It talks a lot about the Canadian-European Trade

Agreement and about the Trans-Pacific Partnership. It talks about the auto sector, about clean technology, about energy, but doesn’t include the words “wood,” “forest” (or “forestry”), “timber,” or “log.” Forest-related products remain British Columbia’s largest single export, with a value of nearly $13 billion in 2014, which is more than a third of all our exports. Maximizing the health of our forest industry is crucial for business, workers and communities around the province. Christy Clark’s B.C. Liberal government’s record has been to the detriment of forest-dependent communities, with the closure of more than 200 mills and the loss of more than 25,000 jobs. Meanwhile, raw log exports – which cost British Columbia jobs – are on pace for yet another record high this year: close to seven million cubic metres. So much for Christy Clark’s so-called first priority. Forest-dependent communities in British Columbia deserve better than Christy Clark’s empty words. Bruce Ralston, MLA (Surrey-Whalley) New Democrat spokesperson for international

Zimmer: Merry Christmas The Christmas season has always been special to my family and I hope that you will have a chance to take a step back from your busy lives and enjoy time with family and loved ones. It is also a time to celebrate and give thanks for what the previous year has brought us, while looking forward with hope to what the future has in store. On that note, I am honoured and humbled to once again represent our region in the House of Commons. Thank you for entrusting me with this great responsibility and I will work hard every day to continue to ensure that the interests of our region are heard and understood. I am also looking forward to my new role in the Shadow Cabinet for the Official Opposition as Deputy Critic for Families, Children and Social Development, as well as continuing as Chair of the BC/ Yukon Conservative Caucus, Chair of the National Prayer Breakfast, and Co-Chair of the All-Party Outdoors Caucus. As we embrace this season of giving, it is important that we also remember to give thanks for the sacrifices made by our members of the Canadian Armed Forces, our Veterans and their families. I’d like to finish by repeating the timeless words of the first Christmas that remind us of the Reason for the season: In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:8-14 (NASB) On behalf of my family and staff, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. MP Bob Zimmer

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Northeast NEWS

march Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

PRRD slogs through Fair Shair talk details The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) passed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at its March 26 board meeting, and confirmed that it will represent “Member Municipalities” during the Fair Share negotiations which would commence with the Province on Tuesday March 30. The MOU—titled the Memorandum of Understanding for PRRD Coordination and Negotiation Activities – Extension of Fair Share MOU—names the City of Dawson Creek, the Village of Pouce Coupe, and the Districts of Chetwynd, Tumbler Ridge and Hudson’s Hope as the Member Municipalities. The negotiating committee would report to the PRRD and the elected officials of the member municipalities and the electoral areas. Fort St. John and the District of Taylor have declined membership in this group, as they maintained their commitment to the Northeast B.C. Resource Municipalities Coalition and are engaging Colin Griffith to represent them. The MOU passed with four nays.

april Second novel complete for local bicycle shop owner If readers thought Pat Ferris’s novel Gypsies was a good read, they might find the sequel, A Gypsy Engagement, to be even better. The local author, Pat Ferris, who was once an avid cyclist, and who owns Ferris Fast Cycles in Fort St. John, finished his second novel, which picks up where the first left off. A Gypsy Engagement is currently available as an ebook. It can be found on the Kobo Books and Barnes and Noble websites, and hard copies will be available in the coming months, Ferris said.

Recycling not so NEAT in Northern Rockies municipality After five years of service, the Northern Environmental Action Team no longer has a presence in the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. Council decided not to renew their contract with NEAT for the 2015-2016 year, as the provincial government’s Multi Material B.C. program was taking over recycling in

December 24, 2015

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the area. Every municipality around the province was given a contract to consider. While some decided against it, many communities, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality included, welcomed the new system.

Church sale leaves Mama Goose without a Roost Mama Goose is on the loose, and she’s looking for a new place to take care of her three little goslings. It sounds like a children’s story, but for Tara-Lei Royer, the situation is very real. Royer is the owner of Mama Goose Playschool, located in St. Martin’s Anglican Church in downtown Fort St. John. After being in business just one month, Royer learned the church had been sold and was slated for demolition, and she would have to find a new location for her playschool. The North Peace Savings and Credit Union purchased the property in January 2015, and demolition was expected to take place this past summer between Jul. 1 and Aug. 31, according to Ken Dickson, vice president of Strategy Execution and acting CEO at NPSCU.

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$500,000 for NP Seniors Housing The North Peace Seniors Society was given half a million dollars to support the completion of Apartment Four, which was under renovation and slated for occupancy Aug. 1. Peace River Regional District Area B and Area C directors, Karen Goodings and Brad Sperling, each presented the North Peace Seniors Housing Society board members with a cheque for $250,000 on Tuesday Apr.

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APRIL

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Fort St. John and Taylor. Construction was scheduled to be complete in November 2016.

21. The total cost of the renovations was estimated at $1.9 million. The donated money from Area B and Area C came from Fair Share funding.

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$27M BC Hydro project underway in FSJ Site C has been in the media spotlight this past year, but another B.C. Hydro project, valued at $27-million, has been under construction for a year without much public attention. To meet rising demand and accommodate future growth, B.C. Hydro added a new transformer to the Fort St. John

Photo Credit Stacy Thomas The Laurence Meat Packing Co. was consumed in a fire.

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Northeast NEWS

December 24, 2015

MAY $40,000 penalty for unsafe work conditions in D.C. Unsafe work practices during the installation of a sewer line in Dawson Creek cost Timbro Contracting big bucks. Timbro Contracting, a partnership that consists of companies AM-2 Ventures Ltd., CT-2 Holdings Ltd., and RT-2 Holdings Ltd., was fined $39,982.70 after two of the firm’s workers had to enter a vertically cut excavation to get into an incorrectly installed trench box during the sewer line installation, five-metres below grade. According to information contained in the WorkSafe B.C. magazine for MarchApril 2015, which lists company penalties around the province, the workers were exposed to the risk of being seriously injured or killed if the excavation had collapsed either while they were approaching the trench box, or while they were in it. According to WorkSafe B.C., the violation occurred in November 2014. That same month, company was fined another $39,982.72 for a similar violation that took

place in Hope.

Mammoth tusk named “Taylor “ after town where it was found

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Photo Credit Submitted Thelma Ostero beside the tusk she discovered.

The mammoth tusk that was unearthed at the end of April has been named Taylor after the town where it was discovered. Peace region residents Tom and Thelma Ostero stumbled upon the massive tusk, weighing more than 25 kilograms and almost two metres in length, in an ancient Pleistocene river channel. With the support of the Treaty 8 Tribal Association and local government, they donated it to the Peace Region Paleontology Research Centre in Tumbler Ridge. The tusk was in an excellent state of preservation, except for at its end, where a number of loose pieces were added and fixed in place by museum staff. Once all the pieces were in place, the research centre had replicas made, to be prized and exhibited elsewhere, and also for the couple that discovered it. In the 1970’s, there was a mammoth tusk discovered at the same site. It was found to be 27,400 years old. The original tusk is a prime exhibit in the Dinosaur Discovery Gallery in Tumbler Ridge, as part of an Ice Age display that included a recently repatriated 12,400-year-old

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Northeast NEWS

December 24, 2015

Page 11

MAY Tumbler Ridge bison skull. A number of mammoth tusks and teeth have been unearthed in the Peace Region over the past century, including from Hudson’s Hope and Taylor. The estimated age of the specimens range from 40,000 to 10,500 years.

youth development through education and outreach. Grade 9 students in groups of three and four were given a paper bag with only the materials above to construct a robotic arm capable of lifting a ‘moon rock,’ which was in actual fact an earplug, from the classroom floor up onto a desk. The Canadarm, also known as the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System, is a series of robotic arms developed by Canadian scientists to manipulate and maneuver payloads in space. A payload can be anything from a satellite to a

JUNE FSJ to get 150 new homes FORT ST. JOHN – One-hundred-and-fifty new single family homes are slated for development in Fort St. John in the community of Garrison Landing. Dave Steele, CEO of Western Canadian Properties Group, and partner Randy Cockrill, of REALnorth Opportunities Fund, were among those in attendance for the official groundbreaking ceremony of Garrison Landing’s third and fourth phases of development on Tues., May 26. Garrison Landing, located in the vicinity of 117th Avenue and 103A Street, is located near Northern Lights College and Fish Creek Forest, where there are popular walking trails. Green space and a paved walking path are among the neighbourhood’s attractive features. Steele estimates that the 150 homes is a three-year project, but is aiming for a spring 2016 completion date for 55 of the new homes.

COPS BUST POT GROW-OP IN DAWSON CREEK Dawson Creek RCMP seized a marijuana grow operation from a rental residence in Dawson Creek on May 24; 39 plants were seized and have been destroyed. Police were assisting the Ministry of Children and Family Development in a visit to a home in the 9100 block of 8th Street when the residence was seized due to the observation of the illegal operation. A search warrant was obtained and the plants were subsequently seized, along with ten firearms including one handgun. Three of the firearms were found to be loaded upon seizure and none of the firearms have been reported as stolen, however, the handgun was not registered. Long guns are not required to be registered. Two young children were present in the residence when RCMP made their entry; no more details have been provided. The individual, a 35-yearold male who is local and known to RCMP, is currently not in custody while police recommend charges. RCMP recommended charges of production of a

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Photo Credit Bronwyn Scott Students build robots for the Let’s Talk Science challenge. controlled substance, unsafe storage of firearms, and unlawful possession of firearms against the individual. Police were aware of his whereabouts and he was expected to appear in court, says Sgt. Ed Reinink of Dawson Creek RCMP.

MOON ROCKS AND ROBOTS IN SCIENCE CLASS If you had to build a robotic arm, you probably wouldn’t choose sticky notes, a face mask, popsicle sticks, a set of earplugs, and a metre of tape for your materials. But it’s surely possible. Bert Bowes students demonstrated as much during the Robotic Arm Design Challenge, facilitated by Let’s Talk Science, a national charitable organization that focuses on

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December 24, 2015

Northeast NEWS

2015: A YEAR

Photo Credit Julia Lovett Amy Davidson-LeHay conjured up trouble in Macbeth as Hecate, the Goddess of witchcraft during the Stage North production in October.

Photo Credit Stacy Thomas This is not an April fool’s joke. Shock rocker Marliyn Manson really did perform at the Encana Centre on Apr. 1.

Photo Credit Stacy Thomas Leah Hussey is travelling to India this June to volunteer with Me to We and independently at an orphanage for girls.

Photo Credit Julia Lovett Kurt Loewen of Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra bares his soul as he plays for the crowd at the Lido Theatre on Friday, Sept. 25.

Photo Credit Bronwyn Scott Paddle for the Peace participants put their canoes in the water on Sat., July 11.


Northeast NEWS

December 24, 2015

Page 13

R IN PHOTOS

Photo Credit Stacy Thomas Protestors gathered at the gates of the Site C construction site Oct. 17.

Photo Credit Stacy Thomas Crystal Squires and her husband Loiel, both Dawson Creek natives, have started the Dawson Creek Community Orchard project, with cooperation from the Mile 0 Park Society.

Photo Credit Bronwyn Scott The Irish Rovers performed for a sold out show at the North Peace Cultural Centre in Fort St. John on Fri., Feb. 20. The band hadn’t been to northern B.C. for 20 years and after 50 years, it’s their last major tour.

Photo Credit Bronwyn Scott Eric Clark, host of Open Mic Night at On the Rocks in Fort St. John, performs for a crowd on Weds., March 18.


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FEEDBACK FEEDBACK

February 17, 2011

Northeast NEW

Editor: Pagepresident 14 December 24, 2015 NLC The past five and a half years in the Peace Country as President and CEO of Editor:Lights College have been very fulfilling. bids president farewell Northern NLC The five and a halfforyears in when the Peace Country President CEO of The past potential I noted NLC I decided to as apply for thisand position is Lights College have beenevolving very fulfilling. and becoming a reality. The addition bids farewell Northern The potential I noted for NLC I decided to apply for position is of when the Centre of Excellence forthis Clean Energy

staff, and has been able to recruit experienced leaders in many departments. Th Northeast NEWS leadership team members are exceptional and I have been proud to work with them staff, andthe hasclarity been able recruit experienced leaders inexperienced many departments. Th Further, of thetoCollege's vision is attracting professiona leadership team members exceptional and have been proud work with them who want to contribute toare an organization thatI "knows where it to is going". Further, of the College's vision on is attracting experienced professiona It alsothe hasclarity been gratifying to collaborate Dual Credit programming with loc who want to contribute to an organization that "knows where it is going". partne School Districts, industry, Aboriginal agencies and other post-secondary ALL It alsoNorthern has been gratifying to collaborate on Dual Credit programming loc evolving and becoming reality.combined The addition Opportunities. The Peace Region is very fortunate with to have Technologies in DawsonaCreek, with through Peace River industry, Aboriginal agencies and other partne of of Industry Excellence for Clean Energy group ofDistricts, exceptional leaders committed to expanding thepost-secondary scope of this progra thethe JimCentre Kassen Training Centre/ Oil School SHAREHOLDERS Seed Co-op Ltd. ALL Northernthe Opportunities. The Peace Region is veryeducational fortunate to have Technologies in Dawson Creek,incombined with through and to spreading word on the benefits of this innovative initiativ and Gas Centre of Excellence Fort St. John, Peace River exceptional leadersby committed to for expanding scope of this progra the JimNorthern Kassen Lights Industry Training Centre/ Oil group I have of been very impressed the passion learningthe these leaders bring to th allows College to fulfil its brand SHAREHOLDERS Seed Co-op Ltd. spreading on the commitment benefits of this educational initiativ and Gas Centre Excellence in Fort St. John, and table,tobut also forthe theirword continuing toinnovative finding learning solutions for th as B.C.'s Energyof College™. haveof been impressed by the passion for learning these leaders bring to th allows Northern Lights College to fulfil brand Iyouth the very region. NLC is committed to providing theitsskilled table, but also for their continuing commitment to finding learning solutions for th as B.C.'s Energy College™. Over the years, I received support andone. encouragement from local politician workers for these expanding industrial sectors does not already have Blended families are moving closer to the mainstream – and might include you. The 2011 • Establish an RESP for every child thathave youth of the region. NLC is committed to providing the skilled including: Senator Richard Neufeld, the former Minister of Energy, Mines an and supporting the economic development of CensusFebruary counted “step-familiesâ€? (Statistics Canada’s term for blended families) for the first 23, 2011 • 1:30pm • Customize your estate plan to reflect your personal situation to ensure your estate will be Over the years, I have received support and encouragement from local politician for Given theseHowever, expanding sectors Petroleum Resources; Jay Hill, former Member of Parliament for Prince Georg the the scope industrial ofdivided the industrial time and found that they represent about one in eight familiesworkers withregion. children*. equitably to children from both previous and current relationships. Rycroft Community Hall who are part of a blended Senator Richard Neufeld, former Minister of Energy, Mines an and supporting theregion, economic development of including: Peace River; Blair Lekstrom, MLA forthePeace River South and former Minister expansion in our part of my there is also an untold23, number of Canadians family who do nota major February 2011 • 1:30pm • One of the main mistakes couples in blended families make is to designate each other as 5208 47th Avenue live in the same household because all the children are adults and moved on.the Taken Petroleum Resources; Jay Hill, former Member of Parliament for Prince Georg the region. Given scopetoofthe thedirect industrial Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources; and Pat Pimm, MLA for Peace Riv rolehave at the College was build capacity beneficiary of all their assets or to hold all their assets in joint ownership. Upon Rycroft, AB TOH 3A0 Community Hallfamilies and the unreported together, the Rycroft reported number of blended represents Peace River; Blair Lekstrom, MLA for Peace River South and former Minister expansion in our region, major part of my North. And I would like to acknowledge the exceptional municipal and region throughnumber partnerships withaaother post-secondary the death of the first spouse, everything goes to the survivor, potentially disinheriting one Agenda:Avenue 5208 - 47th large demographic. Energy, Petroleum Resources; Pat Pimm, MLA forCouncils, Peace Riv role at the and College was and to build capacity leadership by thewill Chiefs and Band Councils, Mayors and an institutions industry, to ensure thatfamily. branch of the That Mines is provided why and a standard is often not and recommended for blended 1) To receive the financial statements of the Association for the financial Rycroft, AB TOH 3A0 Money matters are challenging in any relationship and hold special importance in aby second year end. North. And I would likethe acknowledge thethe municipal and region through partnerships with other post-secondary Regional District Boards. Itowas impressed by quality demonstrate funding provided the government supports families. Other strategies include dividing estate at the time ofexceptional death ofof theleadership first parent 2) elect Directors of theor Association. Agenda: (orTo third) marriage common-law relationship – especially when they include children leadership provided byand the and Band Mayors and Councils, institutions anddepth industry, and programming. to ensurea spousal that trust by members ofthe theassets oil gas and renewable energy to industries. Thank you toana the breadth and of needed or using to protect forChiefs both families. It’sCouncils, crucial speak to your 3) To To receive appointthe an financial auditor ofstatements the Association. 1) of the Association for the financial from previous and current Estate planning is equally challenging in these 4) year To transact any, as may properly come before end. such other business, ifrelationships. legal regarding a will with terms appropriate for your blended family. Regional District Boards. I was byLights the quality of leadership funding provided the College government for being willing to work withimpressed Northern College on joint demonstrate planning th I knew Northernby Lights was advisor asupports "classy" theelect meeting. 2) To Directors of the these Association. situations. Consider ‘blended’ financial and estate planning points: by members of the oil and so gastitle andpasses renewable energy industries. Thank you to a the breadth when and depth needed benefits theproperty region. institution the of first person to welcome • programming. Many couples choose to hold jointly automatically to the survivor 3) To appoint an auditor of the Association. IfToyou and your partner haveifseparate financial plans, make it a priority to come together and 4) transact such other business, any, as may properly come before being willing toprobate work with Northern College on jointBut planning th I knew Northern Lights Collegeon was "classy" The College’s Board of Governors recruited to make changes and supporte me to my theadeath of thefor spouse and avoids fees. (This doesLights notme apply in QuĂŠbec.) the meeting. develop a cohesive plan that will help best attain your new family’s objectives. ifnew you havewas children other dependants from auncomfortable. previous relationship andappreciative want them of to this suppo benefits the region. institution when the first person to welcome meorwhen the changes became I was very job share value of your property, holding title toand the property with the right • Determine how you are going to treat all your children equally. The College’s Board of Governors recruited mejointly to Boards make changes andprogressiv supporte me my and pleased that then the original Board succeeding provided the intothe former of survivorship is often not appropriate. when the became uncomfortable. I was veryproud appreciative this suppo new job was direction andchanges encouraged innovation. I am particularly that weofcontinued President, Jim me Financial and estate is complicated. Talkeducation to your financial andof and that the families original Board succeeding Boards progressiv the former focuspleased onfor theblended fundamental mandate ofand providing forprovided quality life in th Kassen. He planning legal professional the right strategies for your personal direction andthat encouraged innovation. am particularly proud continued President, Jim region,about and we were responsive toIrequests bysituation. industry forthat newwe programmin committed 25 advisors Together we will find a solution. the fundamental of providing education for quality offor lifeapplie in th Kassen. He focus I amonlooking forward tomandate the innovative initiatives and opportunities years to NLC Dr.J.J. Grant Timmins Dr. Grant Timmins Dr. going J. Grant Timmins This column, written and pubWe understand whatDr. you’re through. Rae Evans John E.Gentles Gentles region, and that we were responsive to requests by industry for new programmin committed 25 research in clean energy technologies that are in the planning stages. Throug and provided Dr. John E. Dr.aJohn E. Gentles lished by Investors Group FinanTogether we willDr. find solution. Division Director Dr. Todd J.Lang Lang Dr. I am looking forward to thenational innovative initiatives and opportunities applie to aNLC with provincial, and international leaders in thisforevolvin me with firm partnerships J.Todd Grant Timmins Dr.J. Todd J. Lang years cial Services Inc. (in QuĂŠbec – a 9319 100 Avenue We understand what you’re going through. Dr. John E. Gentles For your FREE confidential consultation, research in clean energy technologies that are in the planning stages. Throug and provided industry, Northern Lights College is poised to demonstrate the strength of its visio foundation • State-of-the-Art eye health • State-of-the-Art eye health Fort St. John, BC V1J 1X8 Financial Services Firm), and Dr. Todd J. Lang •and State-of-the-Art eye health FORT ST. 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DAWSON CREEKPP250-782-1121 250-782-1121 • 3• 3Dimensional Retinal Imaging DAWSON CREEK be cheering from asyou. these plans become the north and we willafar miss We were treatedoperational. to the unique • 3 Dimensional Retinal Imaging h toe Iinwill • DAWSON CREEK P 250-782-1121 onTwhich Planning) presents generalbrand infor- of warmt Dimensional Retinal Imaging or visit our website at RRSPS • inveStmentS • inSURAnCe • Eyewear for every budget Imaging CALL • Eyewear for DAWSON CREEK P 250-782-1121 • 3every Dimensional My husband andspirit I made friends withonly awith number ofavery special peop and Gordon innovative we now associate British Columbi build. institution is enthusiasm mation andnorthern is not solicita• Eyewear for budget every Retinal budget • ReSPS • mORtGAGeS Debt troubles? • Sunglasses & Sport Goggles • Eyewear for every budget • Sunglasses & Sport Goggles A fond farewell to you all and our sincere thank you for your many kindnesse in the north and we will miss you. 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69 54 Edith n/a 3.10Lawn n/a 2.24 2.4496192.88th 2.64 3.39 3.84 #12 Forest Mobile2. Home Park Street St John Fabulous spacious home,1600 sq ft on main, full concrete baseSchmidt Fort Many 1987 14’ wide00 2 bdrm mobile14 home HST. birch Hardwood 3 bed, 00 new updates! 45 Spacious00 55ment, 24’X24’ 39garage. NO 14 95 in livingrm, Canadian Imperial in popular4. Forest Lawn 4. mobile home 3. park! New windows,new tiled lg4. entry,kitchen,5. 2 bath. Open5. concept, kitchen Edith 4.#12 3. 3. 6.has75 pantry, Cell: Bank Of Commerce Lawn Mobile HomeandPark 9619 88th Street kitchenForest cabinets,new bathroom, new laminate tile, all new lg island/eating bar. 12’X16’ deck, gas for BBQ. Masterbdrm Stand John Fabulous spacious home,1600 sq sinks, ft on main, concrete 250-263-3030 trim inside out, new paint, new 10x16 deck, 5 min from city in has WI closet, ensuite with dual lg WIfull shower withbasedual Schmidt Fort Spacious 1987 14’dw wide 2 bdrm mobile04 birch Hardwood in livingrm, bed, 30 new 14 Inc 30 14 54garage. 94 45security 25 3Great country likeupdates! setting! fridge,stove,bi & shed. shower24’X24’ heads. InstantNO hotHST. water system, system. RoyalCell: Bank 6.Many 3. home 3.95ment, 4. 4. 5. 6. in popular 3. Forest Lawn 6. mobile home 3. park! New windows,new tiled lg entry,kitchen, 2 bath. Open concept, kitchen has pantry, neighbourhood.

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Terri Paulovich Mortgages

19Trust’ 19 Begins 2. with n/a n/a ‘Itn/a 2.

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4.55 6.30

$79,900

3.50

3.85

Selling Fort St. John since 1996

4.35 4.79

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It Alone

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2.20www.edithschmidt.com 2.49 2.54 3.44 3.84 2.49www.edithschmidt.com 2.69 2.69 2.99 3.99

Lending Institutions Current Mortgage Rates 9ROXQWHHUV DUH XUJHQWO\ 6 mth 6 mth 1 year 1 yearCurrent 2 year 3 yearMortgage 4 year 5 year 7 year 10 year Lending Institutions Rates Institute open closed open closed closed closed closed closed closed closed QHHGHG WR FDUH IRU DQLPDOV

Note: Rates are provided for information purposes. Rates should be verified by Financial Institutions.

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35 60 15 94 2. 3.20 3. 3.60 3.54 4.50

14 45 50 3. 4. 5. 4.65 6.85 6.00

85

45

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Royal CentumBank

45 6.30 n/a 4.45 6.30 n/a

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Bank of Montreal Scotiabank

5 year 7 year 10 year 4.59 closed 6.60 closed 6.70 closed 65 85 00 4. 6. 6. 3.59 4.60 5.70

By8530 4.45 2. 30 2. 6. 6.85

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1 year 2 year 3 year 4 year 75 20 75 24 closed closed closed closed

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Your MORTGAGE 35 3.connection 3.60 for Dawson 4.15 3. 4.94 Creek, Fort St John & 35 64 15 75 29 3. 3.60 4. 4.94 2.surrounding 3.15 areas!

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30 65 20 24 2. 3.15 3. 4. 3.64 4.75 5.29

59 50 60 4. 5. 5. 5.19 6.00 6.59

50 64 05 35 14 6.4545 4.55 6.45 3. 3. 4.20 5.24 2.30 4.65

39 60 5. 6.50 6.60 4.59 n/a

45

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terri.paulovich@verico.ca • 250.219.2323 6.45 4.55 6.50 2.64 4.05 4.35 5.14 4.39 6.60 n/a www.Mortgageweb.ca/TerriPMortgages

Scotiabank

Note: Rates are provided for information purposes. Rates should be verified by Financial Institutions.

Note: Rates are provided for information purposes. Rates should be verified by Financial Institutions.

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Northeast NEWS

December 24, 2015

Page 15

JUNE space probe to a vessel carrying people. Their robotic arm needed to have three joints, and be able to grab the moon rock and then release it and that is the tough part. All this had to be done without touching the robotic arm. Students got creative and each group constructed an origi-

Photo Credit

LNG Canada has publicly stated they welcome the opportunity to meet the conditions and to demonstrate ongoing social and environmental responsibility and responsiveness. In order to meet the environmental conditions, LNG Canada was developing detailed plans that would set out how the company’s activities and potential impacts will be managed, as well as enhance the positive effects the project will have. LNG Canada, comprised of Shell Canada and affiliates Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan, Korea Gas Corporation and PetroChina, proposes to run one of the cleanest LNG export facilities in the world, with among the lowest levels carbon dioxide emissions. According to Calitz, the project will supply clean burning natural gas to help reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions in countries that currently burn more carbon intensive sources of energy for electricity production. LNG Canada and its contractors will spend an estimated $8-billion on goods and services within Canada, of which an estimated $3-billion will be spent in B.C. The project, which would entail the Metrocreativeconnections.com construction and operation of a natural gas liquefaction facility and marine terminal for the export of LNG.

Photo Credit Bronwyn Scott Happy birthday Bert Bowes. They celebrated 50 years earlier this year.

nal machine. Let’s Talk Science works with youth and educators across Canada, and was in northeastern B.C. hosting educational activities and demonstrations at Bert Bowes Middle School in Fort St. John and at Moberly Lake Elementary School during the week of June 8-12.

LNG CANADA GETS ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVAL LNG Canada received environmental approval from both the federal and provincial governments for its proposed LNG export terminal in Kitimat, B.C., on Wed. Jun. 17. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office identified 50 legally binding conditions that LNG Canada must meet to manage potential effects associated with the proposed project.

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Page 16

Northeast NEWS

December 24, 2015 tive edge in the shorter race.

JULY

B.C. Hydro’s Site C open houses kick off in Taylor

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Mayors of Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, Dale Bumstead and Lori Ackerman respectively, announced at Pomeroy Sports Centre in Fort St. John that the Under-17 Men’s World Hockey Challenge would be co-hosted by the two cities.

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After a day-long crime spree in which a male and a female allegedly committed several break and enters—some allegedly involving stolen firearms—Dawson Creek RCMP pursued the man to Radar Lake gravel pit and then into a wheat field, where he was taken into custody. Dawson Creek Sgt. Ed Reinink could provide few details to press while the case is Photo Credit Stacy Thomas reviewed by the criminal court, Lori Ackerman, mayor of Fort St. John, at a kick-off event September 9 in but did tell Northeast News Dawson Creek, for the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. that the two individuals were from Edmonton, and allegedly went on a “meth-induced crime The event would take place from Oct. 30 to Nov. 7 and spree” on Friday July 10, which may have included thefts would be an economic booster for the area, attracting spec- in Fort St. John and Taylor. tators and teams from around the world to a world-class event.

Local developers take on City over frac sand facility

Merry Christmas From the staff at EQUIPMENT (FORT ST. JOHN) INC. 11567-271 Rd. Chevron Frontage Fort St. John, BC V1J 4H7

The first of five open houses about Site C construction activities was at Taylor Community Hall on Weds., July 8, a day after the province issued B.C. Hydro construction permits. Open houses are were also scheduled for Fort St. John, Hudson’s Hope, Chetwynd and Dawson Creek. They’re the first open houses that B.C. Hydro has hosted on Site C since 2012.

250-787-1789 www.woodlandequip.com

Dawson Creek developers Scott Butler and Doug Scott were at city council to oppose a frac sand facility proposed for the land next to their newly-built apartments, Upper Montney Estates. The points of contention for the developers centre around air quality, health of residents and the zoning of the land which is for Light Industrial. They believe that a frac sand distribution facility should be considered Heavy Industrial. The land in question is owned by CN, and had come up for rezoning the previous year but was rejected because of supposed warnings of litigation from CN, in a closed meeting of council.

Fiona Benson heading to IAAF World Championships After several key championship wins in North America, Tomslake runner Fiona Benson headed to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to compete for Canada in the 800m event. Benson had traditionally competed in the 1500m but had found a sudden competi-

“I hope it’s the first of an annual” mayor and city in support of future DC Music Festivals

Hair dripping wet from his fifth or so dunk in the chilly waters of the dunk tank, Dawson Creek’s mayor Dale Bumstead grinned and looked out at Kin Park, which was dotted, for the first time in decades, with people enjoying live music blasting from the stage. The first Dawson Creek Music Festival (DCMF) was in full swing on July 12, the first ever and hopefully the first of many, as organizer Jeremy Linklater and now Bumstead on behalf of the city has expressed. Jeremy Linklater, who conceived, fundraised for and organized the event almost singlehandedly after having the idea in the Spring of 2015, estimates there were about 1,000 festival-goers who came and went throughout the day.

AUGUST MLA Mike Bernier appointed Minister of Education Mike Bernier, MLA for Peace River South, was appointed to cabinet as the new Minister of Education, replacing Peter Fassbender, who was appointed Minister of Community, Sport, Cultural Development and Minister Responsible for Translink on July 30. Bernier was sworn in on Thursday July 30, and told Northeast News that while it is a large portfolio with complicated implications and stakeholders, he plans to “hit the ground running” by working on relationships first.

Community left without a home Weeks after fire ravaged the North Peace Gymnastics Association facility, there are still no answers for the hundreds of kids, athletes and coaches whose lives were uprooted by the blaze. All 11 staff members have been laid off. The 900 athletes who trained there regularly are now idle, faced with the prospect of leaving the sport, or hanging on to see whether the club can find another home.


Northeast NEWS

December 24, 2015

Page 17

CLASSIFIEDS FOR RENT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING

Sterling Management Services Ltd. has for rent:

Bach. 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. Townhouses, Duplexes & Houses. Fort St. John Dawson Creek Commercial Space For Lease/Rent

FOR APPLICATION FOR EXCLUSION WITHIN THE AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE Corner of Dangerous Goods Route and 219 RD, Dawson Creek Area

Northeast ¼ of Section 4, Township 78, Range 15, W6M, PRD, Exc. Part Dedicated Rd. on PL BCP18315 Proposal: To Exclude 16 ha (39.5 ac) of the subject property to allow for development of industrial use.

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This notice is in general form only. Relevant background documents may be inspected between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, at the Peace River Regional District office located at 1981 Alaska Ave, Dawson Creek, BC. Written comments or concerns accepted. Chris Cvik, Chief Administrative Officer

When:

Wednesday, Jan 6th 2016 at 7:00 pm

Where: PRRD Dawson Creek Head Office 1981 Alaska Ave, Dawson Creek B.C

Tel: 250-784-3200 Development Services Department Fax: 250-784-3201 Toll Free: 1-800-670-7773 www.prrd.bc.ca Email: prrd.dc@prrd.bc.ca

For more information:

diverse. vast. abundant.

HELP WANTED

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

FOR PROPOSED OCP & ZONING AMENDMENT BYLAW NO 2151 & 2152, 2014 South of the District of Taylor, along Johnson Rd. and Jonsie Rd.

Lot 3, except part in Plan BCP5131, Section 20, Township 82, Range 17, W6M, PRD, Plan 22938 Proposal: To redesignate the parcel from “Agricultural” to MDR “Medium Density Rural Residential” and rezone the parcel from A2 (Large Agricultural Holdings Zone), to R4 (Residential 4 Zone) for Rural Residential Use.

This notice is in general form only. Relevant background documents may be inspected between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, at the Peace River Regional District office located at 1981 Alaska Ave, Dawson Creek, BC. Written comments or concerns accepted. Chris Cvik, Chief Administrative Officer

When: Tuesday. January 5th, 2016 at 7:00 pm

Where: Taylor Community Hall 9896 Cherry Ave W, Taylor B.C

Tel: 250-784-3200 Development Services Department Fax: 250-784-3201 Toll Free: 1-800-670-7773 www.prrd.bc.ca Email: prrd.dc@prrd.bc.ca

For more information:

diverse. vast. abundant.


Page 18

Northeast NEWS

December 24, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS

For Hire: Currently hiring Caregiver to look after my 2 children: 4 year old girl and 2 year old boy. Position is permanent, full time at a rate of $11.50/hour for 40 hours/week. Completion of Secondary School : some college/CEGEP/vocational or related field. 1 to 2 years experience supervision or care for children. Accommodation could be available on a live-in basis at no cost, but is not a condition of employment. Main duties include: Supervise and care; assist/ guide children on personal hygiene; meal preparation; organize and participate in children activities and may perform light housekeeping. Qualified applicant may apply via email joan24garcia@yahoo.com 12.17Retail/Office Space. 2800Sqft Downtown FSJ. Available Immediately. Great Curb Appeal. Contact 250-263-9528 12.17-12.24

Luxury Condo - Style Rentals. Limited time: 2ND MONTH FREE! 1&2 BDRMS from $1100. New appliances incl. dishwasher & in-suite laundry. Nonsmoking. Parking. Elevator. Soundproof. Large balcony. On-site mgmt. Furnished executive suites with flex leases & monthly invoicing avail. 900 100A Avenue. 250.419.0828 DawsonCreekApartments. com 12.03-12.24

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SERVICES

NOTICE

a Hi-Way Auto Gla k s ss Ala

NOTICE OF EXCLUSION APPLICATION Regarding Land in the Agricultural Land Reserve

“The The Crack Stops S Here” ALL ICBC PAPERWORK DONE ON SITE

COURTESY CAR AVAILABLE

250-787-0032

Finning Frontage Road, Mile 47, Alaska Hwy

I, FSJ Aurora Holdings Inc., Inc. No. BC1031618 of 910 - 925 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6C 3L2 intend on making an application pursuant to Section 30(1) of the Agricultural Land Commission Act to exclude from the Agricultural Land Reserve the following property which is legally described as, The North East 1/4 of Section 5 Township 84 Range 18 West of the 6th Meridian Peace River District, Except Plans 11903, 19028 and 25335 and located at Not Applicable

NOTICE

Any person wishing to express an interest in the application may do so by forwarding their comments in writing to,

NOTICE OF PUBLIC REVIEW OF SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN# 3

Bailey Chabot at 9505 - 100th Street, Fort St. John BC V1J 4N4 by January 22, 2016

The Participants in the Fort St. John Pilot Project, which include the major forest licensees and BC Timber Sales, who operate in the Fort St. John Timber Supply Area, have developed Sustainable Forest Management Plan #3 (SFMP# 3). The SFMP will provide strategic direction to future forestry operations in the Fort St. John Timber Supply Area. This SFMP has been developed with input from a Public Advisory Group representing interests from a wide variety of sectors. The SFMP includes landscape level strategies that will be implemented by the Participants to address resource issues that may be impacted by their activities.

NOTICE

The SFMP is available for public review and comment from December 21st, 2015 until March 30th, 2016. Copies of the SFMP are available for review between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, until March 30th, 2016 at the following locations:

Each year, Council adopts and then posts/publishes the Council and Committee schedule for the following year. This is required to comply with Section 127 (1) of the Community Charter. Given that the holding of regular Council Meetings is on the 1st Monday and Committee Meetings is on the 3rd Monday of the month, the meeting schedule for 2016 is:

B.C. Timber sales: 9000 -17th Street, Dawson Creek, B.C. Canfor: 9312 - 259 Road, Fort St. John, B.C. A copy of the SFMP is also available at http://www.fsjpilotproject.com/ Revisions may be made to the SFMP as a result of comments received during the review period. Written submissions received prior to 4 pm March 30th, 2016 are welcome, and should be sent to:

Darrell Regimbald RPF (250) 787-3651 Planning Coordinator Forest Management Group Canadian Forest Products Ltd. RR# 1, Site 13, Compartment 2, Fort St. John B.C. V1J 4M6 ian Forest Products Ltd. Email: darrell.regimbald@canfor.com

t. John

WANTED TO BUY

January February March April May June July August September October November December

Council Meetings 4 1 7 4 2 6 4 2 (Tuesday) 6 (Tuesday) 3 7 5

Committee of the Whole Meetings 18 15 21 18 16 20 18 15 19 17 21 19

All Council and Committee of the Whole Meetings are held in Council Chambers at the District of Taylor Office located at 10007 100A Street Taylor B.C.


Northeast NEWS

December 24, 2015

New family doctor on the way for DC Dawson Creek saw the arrival of a new family physician this month, because of a Provincial program bringing internationally-trained doctors to rural and remote areas of B.C. Fourteen doctors in total have taken part in the Practice Ready Assessment pilot program, which was funded by the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues for a total of $2.8 million. The physicians—all internationally-trained—have undergone a rigorous assessment process wherein they spent three months with a B.C. physician who has evaluated their skills as they work with patients. After successfully completing the program, the doctors are then obligated to spend three years practicing in a designated rural community in need.

Page 19

Memorial, Kin arenas open on October 13 Dawson Creek city council announced decisively that both Kin Arena and Dawson Creek & District Memorial Arena will be open and ready for ice use as of October 13. The arenas were originally slated to be opened on November 1. The Dawson Creek Curling Rink will also be ready for ice use once its dry floor season has concluded, a City of Dawson Creek press release confirmed.

Electoral Area Directors want say in how BC Hydro agricultural compensation fund is spent

The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) board will be asking B.C. Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick as well as Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier and Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm to include the PRRD Elec“She’s a star”: Fiona Bentoral Area Directors in the comson of Tomslake continues mittee which will decide how the to impress Site C agriculture compensation fund will be spent. Fiona Benson, the 23-yearAt the order of the Enviold runner from Tomslake ronmental Assessment Office who spent the spring and (EAO), as a condition of the cerPhoto Credit Stacy Thomas summer of 2015 blowing tificate it granted the proposed away the Canadian running Ice users in Dawson Creek had a parade in March 2015 in a bid project, BC Hydro is committing to win the Hockeyville Competition. Winnings would have gone community, yet again bested a $20-million agricultural comtowards the city’s arena upgrades. her own time and several pensation fund as a mitigation others with another impresmeasure for the permanent loss sive finish at the FloTrack of approximately 3,800 hectares of currently-used and poThrowdown track meet in Portland, Oregon on Saturday tential agricultural land, and Letnick, Bernier and Pitt are August 8. Benson ran the fastest mile in the world for women, at in the process of forming a committee of stakeholders to 4:25.79; the mile is not a popular event for women but the determine the use of the funds. In its report to the PRRD board at the August 20 meetmost impressive thing about this race was her outstanding ing, the Electoral Area Director’s Committee stated that it performance, which saw her running most of it far ahead of would like to be included in the group which will decide the pack. the terms of reference for the fund.

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Page 20

Northeast NEWS

December 24, 2015

SEPTEMBER Electoral Area Directors want say in how BC Hydro agricultural compensation fund is spent

The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) board will be asking B.C. Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick as well as Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier and Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm to include the PRRD Electoral Area Directors in the committee which will decide how the Site C agriculture compensation fund will be spent.

Site C injunctions, reviews dismissed in B.C. & Federal courts

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1509B Alaska Ave., Dawson Creek, BC 250-782-7060

Dawson Creek RCMP warn hunters

Dawson Creek RCMP issued a reminder to the public Two courts dismissed efforts to be aware of B.C.’s huntto stall BC Hydro’s Site C projing regulations, after illegal ect on August 28; injunctions hunters abandoned a dead brought against the proposed bull elk on a farmer’s land dam by two Treaty 8 First Naon September 4. tions were quelled in BC SuA farmer had observed preme Court, while two judicial individuals trespassing on reviews of the environmental his property, using a vehicle assessment process for the projto hunt elk, and when he atect was dismissed at the Federal tempted to confront them court level. verbally, they drove away at Federal judge Michael Manhigh speed. son wrote in his decision that The bull elk was found Prophet River and West Moberwhen a search of the field ly First Nations were each given was completed. extensive consultation and monRCMP and the BC Conetary compensation during the servation office were inenvironmental review process; volved in the search for the both government and BC Hydro suspects, and Conservation granted the two Treaty 8 First is continued the search. Photo Credit Julia Lovett Nations’ ample opportunity to Green Party candidate Liz Biggar walked from Fort St. John to conduct their own studies and Dawson Creek woman contribute to the review, he ob- Dawson Creek the weekend of September 26. devoting her life to the served. Manson concluded in his future of Haiti written statement that the consultation process which BC Hydro engaged in with West Moberly and Prophet River Haiti was all but destroyed by a devastating earthquake First Nations were “extensive and conducted in good faith”. in 2010, and it was when O’Dwyer, then a medical receptionist in Dawson Creek, went to Haiti to assist with the Memorial, Kin arenas open on October 13 aftermath of that disaster, that she was hooked by a need to help. Dawson Creek city counShe joined Mission of Grace, a charity organization cil announced decisively founded by Haitians Linotte and Jean Joseph in 2009, and that both Kin Arena and has been working with “Miss Linotte” ever since. Dawson Creek & District O’Dwyer is also starting her own family in Haiti; when Memorial Arena will be Miss Linotte introduced her to an 11-month-old Haitian open and ready for ice use as boy soon after her arrival there, she immediately adopted of October 13. the boy and his twin brother. The arenas were originally slated to be opened on November 1. The Dawson Creek Curling Rink will also be ready Green Party candidate Liz Biggar walks from Fort St. for ice use once its dry floor John to Dawson Creek for climate refugees season has concluded, a City of Dawson Creek press reAs part of her federal election campaign, Liz Biggar, lease confirmed. Green Party candidate for the Prince George-Peace RivRockies riding, walked from Fort St. John to Local couple wants com- er-Northern Dawson Creek to raise awareness around climate refugees munity orchard for Dawson and the Green Party platform. Creek Climate refugees are people or a group of people who have been displaced by environmental elements caused by Thanks to the initiative climate change. of a local health-conscious The walk took place on Friday and Saturday September couple, Dawson Creek resi- 25 and 26, and was part of the Green Party’s push for a dents may soon be enjoy- government that will transition away from what it sees as ing access to fresh, locally- Canada’s increasing fossil fuel dependence. grown tree fruit. Crystal Squires and her Dawson Creek frac sand trans-load gets final OK husband Loiel, both Dawson Creek natives, have started After months of controversy, the final decision on a frac the Dawson Creek Commu- sand trans-loading facility in Dawson Creek came down on nity Orchard project, with September 28; Dawson Creek council voted to accept the cooperation from the Mile 0 proponent Darryl Wiebe’s development permit. Park Society. Councillors Terry McFayden and Charlie Parslow were They are also receiving the only opposing voters to the motion. assistance from local farmThe facility will be located directly north of Alaska ers Kevin and Barb Knob- Highway, generally between 8th St. and 15th St. 9909-100 Ave., lauch, who have long been The application is accepted on conditions of a 125 per Fort St. John, BC advocates for such a project. cent bond on the total cost of the landscaping and hardscapThe Squires are asking ing, to be completed by January 2018. The final landscap250-787-7030 the community for hands-on ing and hardscaping cost is estimated at $300,000 and the

Happy Holidays Management and Staff Northeast News

help getting their initiative going, which will involve sourcing fruit-bearing trees which can be grown in this region and planting them, to start, at the Walter Wright Pioneer Village. They hope to begin putting trees in the ground in the Spring of 2016.

OCTOBER


Northeast NEWS

December 24, 2015

bond will be reimbursed as work is completed and inspected. Five letters of opposition were received from neighbours to the facility who were invited for comment during the ten-day notification period following the application’s preliminary approval at the September 14 council meeting. They all echoed the concerns of the numerous letters which reached council members at previous meetings over the summer—health, location, noise pollution from trucks and train traffic, and lack of public consultation.

Another home invasion in Dawson Creek likely linked to drugs: DC RCMP On September 22, Dawson Creek RCMP attended a home invasion at a residence in the 900 block of 102 Ave. According to information given to police, three males had kicked in a door of the house in order to gain entry. The victims of the invasion would not cooperate with the investigation, hindering RCMP efforts. A Sept. 28 RCMP press release stated that police are “confident” that both this incident and the attempted home invasion and gunfire at a residence on 118 Ave. on Sept. 25 were targeted due to the “ongoing struggle for control of the drug trade in the Peace region.” RCMP were not able to confirm if the two incidents are connected.

Site C work camp contract awarded BC Hydro signed a contract with ATCO Two Rivers Lodging Group (ATCO) for the construction and design of worker accommodation at the Site C dam site. The contract also stipulates that ATCO will partially finance and maintain the operations of the accommodations. The contract, which has a value of approximately $470-million, spans eight years, was created after a “rigorous evaluation process concluded that ATCO Two Rivers Lodging Group met BC Hydro’s requirements for Site C worker accommodation within the budget established for the contract,” the release states.

The construction and maintenance of the camp will employ approximately 360 people.

Fort St. John Hospital Auxiliary raises $35,000 for art project Images of landscapes, flowers and rustic settings now adorn the Fort St. John Hospital thanks to the hospital auxiliary who believed that patients heal faster when they are surrounded by colourful and cheerful-looking objects. The auxiliary raised $35,000 through fundraisers and profits from the gift shop to help support the venture “Art for Health and Healing.” Since patients need to stay inside while in recovery or going through treatment, the auxiliary wanted them to feel at home and comfortable while in the facility’s care. With those thoughts in mind, a project was born.

Page 21

high and a few tears were shed, while children looked on and a bonfire burned in the background. Trucks continuously drove past the protestors until, notably, BC Hydro staff halted the traffic while speeches were

Merry Christmas LOCKSMITH

250-785-5397

8234 100 Ave Fort St John

First protest at gates of Site C construction site The first of what some participants said will be more peaceful protests took place at the gates of the Site C construction site Saturday Oct. 17. About forty people, young and old, turned up to show their opposition to the BC Hydro project which many local residents, environmental groups and politicians—such as Green Party candidate Liz Biggar, who initiated the protest—say is proceeding illegally, without proper consent or review. As residents of the Peace Valley spoke, emotions ran

Christmas is a time to re�lect on the year that has passed, the successes we have celebrated, and the memories we have made. On behalf of my family and staff I would like to wish you the warmest thoughts and best wishes during this holiday season.

Mike Bernier, MLA Peace River South

Office: 103, 1100 Alaska Ave Dawson Creek, BC

Mike.Bernier.MLA@leg.bc.ca www.mikeberniermla.ca @Mike_A_Bernier

Toll Free: 1-855-582-3430 Phone: 250-782-3430

/MLAMikeBernier

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Page 22

Northeast NEWS

December 24, 2015

being made. Ruth Ann Darnell, who has been leading the charge to stop the dam as Chair of the Peace Valley Environment Association since 1979, commented that it was good to see younger faces in the crowd, such as Sage Birley, a market gardener whose family has lived in the Peace Valley for 100 years. Birley made the case for the agricultural potential of the valley. This may be the first of more peaceful protests to come, as was alluded to by Ken Boon, president of the Peace Valley Landowner’s Association. Two RCMP officers from Fort St. John attended the event for a short time.

the Alaska Border, was officially nominated for National Historic Site of Canada status, the Alaska Highway Heri-

through the Minister of Environment, after an evaluation process and recommendations by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

Gunfire, kidnapping and assault have Dawson Creek RCMP asking public for help After two incidents of violence involving the drug trade in Dawson Creek, Dawson Creek RCMP asked the public for information. On Oct. 24, Dawson Creek RCMP attended a kidnapping and aggravated assault, wherein a 31-year-old male had been removed from the Taylor Pub at gunpoint and brought to Dawson Creek. Once in Dawson Creek the male was beaten, stabbed in the legs and sprayed with bear repellant. On Nov. 5, Dawson Creek RCMP responded a call of shots fired in the 1,500 block of 99 Ave. A Nov. 5 RCMP press release stated that police were unable to confirm if the two incidents were connected.

Taylor’s mock emergency a success On Tuesday, Oct. 13, the District of Taylor Fire and Rescue held a mock emergency situation to rehearse what they would do in the event of a real emergency. The department, along with other organizations went through the scenario to see how they worked together. The mock accident saw approx., 20 organizations working together to draw up an action plan and keep each other informed with updates. The event took two hours to perform and all of the residents and school administration was made aware of the mock emergency. Alongside the fire department and the district, the group of 20 included participants like Spectra Energy, Pembina Pipelines, Alliance Pipelines, AltaGas, RCMP, BC Ambulance and Taylor Emergency Social Services.

NOVEMBER Alaska Highway nominated as National Historic Site The Alaska Highway Corridor, from Dawson Creek to

Site C construction marks 100 days Photo Credit Stacy Thomas A full house of South Peace voters packed the auditorium of Calvin Kruk Centre for the Arts in Dawson Creek October 5, to watch the all-candidates debate. tage Project (AHHP) announced Nov. 3. The nomination was submitted under the “place” category to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada on Oct. 15, 2015 by the Alaska Highway Community Society (AHCS) in B.C. and the Alaska Highway Heritage Society (AHHS) in the Yukon. A decision will be made by the Government of Canada

Work on the proposed Site C Clean Energy Project dam on the Peace River reached its 100th day of construction during the week of Nov. 2. For just over three months, approximately 600 people worked in preparation for the dam’s construction; work such as tree and vegetation clearing, upgrading roads and building a 1,600 person work accommodation facility have been undertaken at the site just west of Fort St. John. A press release highlighted work done so far, such as 900 metres of public road improvement, 15 km of construction access roads, 530 hectares of cleared land and about 13,000 m3 of timber sold to local mills.

To our fantastic McDonald’s Crew members ®

in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John,

Merry Christmas

to all! from MLA Pat Pimm and his Constituency Assistants

Pat Pimm, MLA

and thank you for all your hard work this year! From local McDonald’s restaurants Owner Operator, Brian Boresky and the management team.

Peace River North

10104 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC Phone 250-263-0101 • Toll Free 1-877-332-0101 pat.pimm.mla@leg.bc.ca • www.patpimmmla.bc.ca

©2015 McDonald’s


Northeast NEWS

Record numbers remember in Fort St. John

December 24, 2015 and ask him to move off to the side and that is when the day and the protest took on new meaning. The officers said

The sun shone down on the crowd that gathered at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 102 to mark the 70th year of the end of the second world war. The group of people, bundled up to guard against the chilly breeze, gathered close together with loved ones and friends at the cenotaph to watch the parade and to remember the fallen. The event, which began at 10 a.m., saw a collection of Mounties, police, firefighters, cadets and guides walk together in solidarity to remember their fallen comrades, even if they never served with them.

Site C protester arrested for breach of the peace On Wednesday, Dec. 2, a group of Peace Valley residents gathered together for a peaceful gathering at the entrance of Site C to protest the hydro dam being built. While the majority of the group walked around the side of the road, or looked at the building taking place further down the river, Mark Meiers walked onto the road where work trucks were coming and going from the site entrance. He took position in the middle of the road with a long stick and stood guard blocking vehicles from getting past. Meiers stood on the road for about 20 minutes before two officers with the Fort St. John RCMP arrived to talk

charities. The event, which ran on Friday and Saturday until 8 p.m., raised over $2,700 in cash donations for the United Way. Also 17 pallets of food were collected for the Salvation Army, and two pallets of toys.

DECEMBER BC Hydro awards main civil works contract

Former D. C. teacher arrested in Lower Mainland for sexual assault and interference Fifty-three year old Michael Dodd, a former Dawson Creek resident and school teacher, was arrested by Coquitlam RCMP on Nov. 19. Dodd, who lived in Dawson Creek until the first part of September 2015, had a warrant for his arrest for sexual assault and sexual interference of a person under the age of 16. As well as being a teacher at Dawson Creek School, Dodd also taught private music lessons outside of the school.

Page 23

Photo Credit Stacy Thomas Pouce Coupe Truck Light-Up Parade, Nov. 13.

they respected his right to protest but that they would arrest him if he did not move off the road. Meiers refused albeit quietly and co-operated with Inspector Michael Kurvers and Sgt. Steve Perret as he was placed under arrest, put into handcuffs and placed in an unmarked vehicle. Kurvers told the group that Meiers was being arrested for breach of the peace, the protestors pointed to the controversial site and informed the officer that the site was the real breach. Meiers was not charged and was let go in the early afternoon.

18 Wheels of Christmas a rolling, windy success Rosenau Transport Ltd. held it’s 13th 18 Wheels of Christmas fundraising campaign the weekend of Nov. 20, and through whistling wind and freezing temperatures volunteers managed to pull in significant donations for local

Another brick was laid for the groundwork of the contentious Site C Clean Energy Project, in the form of a main civil works contract awarded to a local company. The $1.5-billion contract, now belonging to Peace River Hydro Partners, a consortium of companies including ACCIONA Infrastructure Canada Inc, Petrowest and Samsung C&T Canada, will be the largest BC Hydro contract to be awarded on the project and will not only include construction of an earth-filled dam but also diversion tunnels, foundations and spillways. The contract would create about 8,000 jobs with 1,500 people working at the peak of construction.

Mental health and substance use services for youth in Dawson Creek to be improved with collaboration Dawson Creek mental health service providers and other stakeholders held a meeting with the Child & Youth Mental Health and Substance Use collaborative (CYMHSU) on Dec. 3, and a Local Action Team for youth and children will be formed, with funding from the government. The initiative, will take proactive steps to improve and augment existing care for children and youth with mental health or substance abuse issues in Dawson Creek. The Action Team will receive $50,000 to fund its activity until March 30 2015, at which time it will be assessed and authorized for another grant. The goal of the collaborative is to improve the provincial system around mental health care and children by 2017.

North Nig Contracting Ltd. We at North Nig Contracting Ltd, would like to thank all those who have helped us shape our business thoughout the year. We value our relationship with you and look forward to working with you in the year to come. May you have the gift of faith, the blessing of hope, and the peace of his love at Christmas and always. Have a safe and happy New Year. Merry Christmas. Main Office Fort St. John BC: 10515 - 100 Avenue 250.785.7778 Field Office Grande Prairie AB: 780.831.7319

www.northnigcontracting.ca


Page 24

Northeast NEWS

December 24, 2015

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY IN 2015 SHELL INVESTED $750,000 IN VARIOUS COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

PROGRAM EXAMPLES COMMUNITY DADDY AND ME Education

57%

Community Environment

32%

Other

5% 6%

As many dads work shift schedules in the area, their availability may be limited. This program provides dads with a set time to bond with their children through various activities. www.communitybridge.ca

EDUCATION NORTHERN OPPORTUNITIES

ENVIRONMENT WILDLIFE COLLISION PREVENTION PROGRAM

Photo credit: Roy V. Rea

Dual credit program for high school completion and transition to post-secondary education. Built-in “on the job” experience helps future employment. www.northernopportunities.bc.ca

BC Conservation Foundation’s project monitors roadside mineral licks, providing information on wildlife by highways to help prevent frequent wildlife vehicle collisions. Recommendations improve road safety for motorists and protect wildlife. www.wildlifecollisions.ca

R07171 Groundbirch ad 9.45x12.6 in AWv2.indd 1

09/12/2015 10:55


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