AHN June 29, 2023

‘GHOST

With the 3D-printing popularity growing among the public, criminals across Canada have started to utilize this technology for the illegal production of firearms and accessories - including BC.

Last week - more than 20 police forces were involved in Canada-wide raids that took place across Canada Tuesday. No less than 64 raids were conducted, with 440 guns seized, including 3D-printed handguns, long guns and silencers, as well as other guns and 3D printers.

The action dropped in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan - resulting in 40 plus arrests.

3D printers are growing increasingly more accessible, and criminals have started to use this technology to build il-

‘It’s going to get worse’ - three FSJ B&Es in 48 hours

TW Buck Reporter/Photographer

Three FSJ small businesses have been broken into in Fort St John within the last 48 hours, all three share the same parking lot.

Baking Me Crazy is locally owned and operated, and is the most recent victim in this chain of break and enters that has taken place in ‘The Plaza’, next to Casey’s Pub.

The front door to the business was smashed, and baker/owner Samantha Law says the man was looking all around the bakery for a cash box.

“I think once the alarm started ringing, he took off, after taking a couple cookies.”

“The cop told me ‘it’s going to get worse’, and that I should invest in some better security,” says Law.

“They said that it’s because of the decriminalization of drugs that we’re going to see a huge ramp up in crime”.

The suspect has caused numerous damages for these local small businesses, and according to business owners and employees in the area, he is believed to be working with another individual. tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

3D tech creates firearms with no serial numbers

legal firearms as well as firearm accessories. These Machines can print with a variety of materials and are relatively cheap to operate, with a supportive community constantly designing new print files that are easily accessed by the public.

RCMP and police call these weapons “ghost guns” due to home assembly they will have no serial numbers.

Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) charged Tyson Saverio Santolla, with firearms and drug-related offences on May 23.

Santolla, a 33-year-old male from Aldergrove, has been charged with one count – Firearms manufacturing, five counts – Possession for the purpose of trafficking, and one count – Possession of a restricted firearm without a licence.

On May 25, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit British Columbia (CFSEUBC) said criminal charges had

now been laid against a man after investigators conducted an investigation into alleged firearms manufacturing.

CFSEU-BC IFET investigators arrested 2 men and a woman and executed 4 search warrants in 2021, finding inside a Westridge Place residence in Abbotsford, BC. Police found what they called a ‘firearm manufacturing lab’ which used 3D printer technology to build illegal firearm parts and accessories.

Other items the police seized from the residence were: 1.7 kg of methamphetamine, 300 g of fentanyl, two x 3D printers, 3D printed pistol frames, and Glock firearm parts.

Calls to the Fort St. John and Dawson Creek RCMP concerning 3D printing of weapons were not returned.

- with files from R. Brown

Flyers This Week: The Brick, Home Hardware, Canadian Tire, Shoppers, Safeway, Walmart, Peavey Mart

TW Buck Reporter/Photographer

BEAR FLAT ON SHARING THE LAND

Student ‘community goodness’ group makes a real difference

TotalCTMoney

“I also wanted a space where like-minded youth with big hearts and dreams could find each other and work together to help grow a sense of responsibility and belonging in both our school and greater community.” BUCK

TW Buck Reporter/Photographer

A local ‘Community Goodness Group’ founded this spring for students at Bert Bowes Middle School is already making a difference in Fort St John.

“I had been trying to come up with an idea for a ‘youth engagement project’ since last summer to help our Bert Bowes students develop a sense of meaning in their lives and school experience,” says Erin Johnson, School Counsellor for Bert Bowes.

“I also wanted a space where likeminded youth with big hearts and dreams could find each other and work together to help grow a sense of responsibility and belonging in both our school and greater community.”

The group began small, with an original group of six members in midApril. These members included Scarlet Holmes, Claire Logeman, Mya Waberski, Brielle Beard, Adlynn Wandler and Brealyn Gladysz. Meaningful conversations amongst the founding members allowed the concept of a Community Goodness Group to emerge.

“We wanted to make a difference in our community, by volunteering our time, not just by raising money. We wanted to actually get out into the community and make personal connections,

to help in a way that was meaningful to people, animals and the environment,” says Johnson.

The students decide as a group which organizations they want to reach out to, and their first collaboration was with Neil Evan from the Fort St John Hospital, Manager of Inpatient Services.

Two of the major struggles that Evans outlined for the students was staffing shortages as well as a negative public perception. The group spent around an hour discussing the difficulties in enticing medical personnel to Fort St John along with trying to keep them here.

“We looked at how stressful high caseloads must be for doctors and nurses, the impacts of walk-in clinics on emergency room wait times, and how both patients and nurses might benefit from more social interaction from the public in the patient/nursing home resident settings,” says Johnson.

“We decided unanimously that we would commit to routine visits to the Peace Villa care facility to spend time with our seniors.”

The Community Goodness Group has been to visit Peace Villa four times since spring and plans on continuing their visitations next year.

tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

Hot tub repairs to close NPLP

Knife robbery suspect caught

Rob Brown Managing Editor

On May 15, 2023, at just after 8pm in the evening, the Fort St John RCMP received a report of a robbery at a business located on the 9500 block of 100th Street, Fort St John.

The female suspect brandished a knife, received an undisclosed amount of cash, took various vape oil products and fled the scene.

On Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at just after 9pm in the evening, the Fort St John RCMP received a report of a robbery at a business located on the 10400 block of 100th Street, Fort St John.

The female suspect brandished a knife, demanded cash and cigarettes and then fled the scene.

On Saturday, June 17, 2023, at approximately 2:30am, a frontline police officer was conducting proactive patrols in the area of 96th Street and 100th Avenue when a woman approached the police vehicle to speak to the of-

fice. The officer recognized the woman as the suspect and arrested her for both robberies, locating a knife in her possessions at the time of arrest.

Frontline police officers obtained video surveillance and followed up extensively on numerous leads in both instances, said Constable Chad Neustaeter, Media Relations Officer for the Fort St John RCMP. The diligent and thorough investigations made it possible for this officer to be aware, recognize and arrest this woman.

Tanya Noseworthy is facing criminal charges of Robbery (2 counts), Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (3 counts), Disguise with Intent (2 counts) and Obstruction of Justice.

Noseworthy was held for court and has been remanded into custody until July 4. editor@dcdn.ca

Vehicle thief faces charges

In collaboration with the owner, Fort St John RCMP were able to locate the stolen pickup truck near the Coffee Creek Subdivision, north of Fort St John.

Frontline police officers located William Taylor in the driver’s seat of the pickup truck and arrested him for Possession of Stolen Property. At the time of the theft, Taylor was on multiple court imposed conditions, including not to occupy the driver’s seat of any motor vehicle.

Rob Brown

Managing Editor

Early morning hours of June 15 RCMP received a report of a Ford F-350 being stolen from the Fort St John airport parking lot overnight.

Taylor was arrested and held for court facing criminal charges of Theft of Motor Vehicle over $5000, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Mischief over $5000, Drive while Prohibited and thee counts of Breach of Release Order.

Taylor was remanded until June 20. editor@dcdn.ca

Students raise funds for Friendship Society

TW Buck Reporter/Photographer

$885 was raised by the students of Neil Godin’s class at Upper Halfway Elementary and Junior Secondary School for the Fort St John Friendship Society.

The students developed a fundraiser which raised money and helped strengthen the Friendships Societies efforts to “promote and build healthy lifestyles and relationships through [their] values focused towards Aboriginal people and community in Fort St. John and surrounding areas” (FSJFS).

“The fundraiser is one which was initiated by my students and I as an extension of our learning about identity, community, and acts of kindness,” says Godin.

On June 21, an event was held where Godin’s hair was cut, and donated to the BC Wigs for Kids Program. After which, contributors voted on a symbol to be shave onto his head.

“The act of cutting my hair for the purposes of gathering donations to support an organization was to demonstrate to our young learners the ways in which an individual, family, and community as a whole can be recognized and supported through even a simple act, such as cutting your hair!”

The entire school was in attendance for the event, as well as some parents/ guardians, and community members.

“The fundraiser was a wonderful opportunity for students to recognize the valuable role they play within their own community. Together, our students reflected upon their own identities, experiences, and considered how they may participate in an act of kindness which seeks to support Indigenous people, as well as those who may be in need,” says Godin.

tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

LAKESHORE 4-H CommunityClub

Hi,AnikaCarrollhere,reportingfromtheLakeshore 4-HClub,ourclubwouldliketothankeveryone whosupportedourannualMother’sDayDirtSale thisyear,weenjoyedseeingyouall,andhopeyour gardensdowell!It’salwaysasuccessfulfundraiser, andwelookforwardtodoingitagainnextyear!

Wehaveallbeenworkinghardgettingouranimals readyfortheshowandauctionthisyearandcan’twait toshowoffourbeefandhogprojects.Mostofushave clippedallofoursteersinthesepast3weeksand washingthemlots!Personally,thatisoneofmyfavourite partsoftheyearwithmysteerandheifer,gettingthem showreadyisalotoffunforme!Everyone’sanimals aregrowingnicelyandlookingveryhealthyandhappy.

WeinviteyoutojoinusattheDawsonCreek ExhibitionGroundsonJuly15thand16thforour AchievementDays.TheauctionwillfollowtheFriends of4-HSupperat4pm,withtheliveauctionstarting at5pm.Therewillalsobeaonlinecataloguefor youtoviewallanimalsbeingauctionedaswell asonlinebiddingwillbeavailableforthosethat cannotattendinperson.Hopetoseeyouthere!

Anika,overandout.

July15&16,2023

NorthPeaceDisrtict4-HAchievementDays DawsonCreekExhibitionGrounds

Showsstartingat9amSaturday&Sunday Friendsof4-HSupperat4pmSunday Saleat5pmSunday-VJVDawsonCreek (inpersonandstreamingonline)

Formoreinformationandtoseeupdatesonourmembersandtheirprojectspleasevisituson Facebook@NorthPeaceDistrict4-H Onlinesalescataloguewillbeavailabletwoweekspriortosale.

Adam Harling, and daughter Quinn caught this beautiful rainbow trout while fishing Dinosaur Lake during BC Family Fishing Weekend from June 16 -18.

Art for all brings it each Sat.

TW Buck Reporter/ Photographer

A free new art’s program has been created by Peace Gallery North here in Fort St John, which started on May 6, and is open to anyone who wishes to explore their artistic side.

Art For All was created by Peace Gallery North and is open to the public every Saturday from 2 to 5pm, to work on any piece they like in a fun and creative environment. ‘Art for All’ opens their doors to all levels of experience as well as all ages. Individuals are encouraged to work and

experiment with multiple mediums, techniques, and styles.

“We provide a platform for everyone to express their emotions, thoughts, & ideas in a creative and meaningful way. Regardless of age or skill level,” said Florencia Ormeno, Gallery Coordinator – Curator at Peace Gallery North.

The program welcomes the public to bring their materials and inspiration for a weekend afternoon, filled with artistic exploration.

“Art for All brings people from diverse

backgrounds together, creating a sense of community and belonging. It offers a space for everyone to connect, share their experiences, and collaborate on artistic projects.

“The program promotes inclusivity and celebrates the unique perspectives and talents of each participant, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment,” said Ormeno.

tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

Northern Lights College provides upgrading for health care programs

Rob Brown Managing Editor

Those who need upgrading to pursue a career in health care have a new option available to them.

Northern Lights College (NLC) is pleased to announce that students who need to upgrade their high school Biology, Math, and English courses to become a Practical Nurse (PN) or Health Care Assistant (HCA) can do so through the new Career and College Preparation (CPP) Pathway. The new CCP Pathway is designed to provide a direct route into health sciences.

Students who enter into the pathway would

apply for the PN or HCA program simultaneously to receive conditional acceptance to their chosen program. Once the upgrading is successfully completed, students can then ladder into their PN or HCA program.

Kathleen Lewis, Associate Dean, Academic and Vocational Programs applauds the new CCP Pathway.

“Many students experience difficulties in accessing PN program due to missing prerequisites or the need to upgrade,” she said today in a statement.

“This pathway creates a great opportunity for those students to pursue education and eventu-

ally careers in health sciences.”

The Pathway courses officially kick off on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. The courses will run through July and August to allow for a September start in the PN or a 2024 start in the HCA programs. NLC was awarded funding of $204,500 from the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills to build out these pathways. NLC, with the support of the Ministry, is excited to support students on their journey to becoming future ready.

editor@dcdn.ca

Boataccesschangesinpreparation forSiteCreservoirfilling

ToprepareforfillingtheSiteCreservoir,whichmaybeginasearlyasthis fall,therewillbechangesinaccesstothePeaceRiver.

TheHalfwayRiverboatlaunchisopenthissummer.TheLynxCreekand D.A.Thomasboatlaunchesarenowclosed.AsofSeptember,allexisting boatlauncheswillpermanentlyclose.

Newboatlaunchesareunderconstruction,buttheywillbeinaccessiblefor atleastoneyearafterfilling,asBCHydromonitorsforslopestability. Pleasecontinuetousecautionwhenonthewaterandstayawayfromthe SiteCdamconstructionarea.

Formoreinformation,visit SiteCProject.com/boating orcall 18772170777

1. SPEAK TO YOUR AUDIENCE AND NO ONE ELSE. Attempting to connect with everyone will only weaken the message you’re trying to convey.

2. CRAFT A POWERFUL HEADLINE to capture the attention of your target audience.

3. SELECT ONE MAIN IMAGE for your design, and make sure that it ties in with the ad’s overall message.

4. OPTIMIZE YOUR COPY. Choose the right words to clearly communicate why the product or service you’re selling is exactly what your audience needs.

5. EMBRACE WHITE SPACE. Don’t let superfluous clutter distract your audience from the key points in your ad.

6. LIMIT YOUR OFFERS TO TWO. Less is more when it comes to advertising. Including too much information will only confuse your audience.

7. MAKE YOUR AD VISUALLY APPEALING by grouping similar elements together, limiting the number of typefaces you use and choosing colours wisely.

8. STAND OUT WITH COLOUR. A full-colour ad on an otherwise black-and-white page is sure to draw the eye, and the opposite — monochromatic in a sea of colour — is equally true.

9. ALWAYS INCLUDE A CALL TO ACTION. What do you want people to do after they’ve read your ad? Sign up for your service? Visit your showroom? Let them know!

10. KEEP CONTACT INFORMATION CRYSTAL CLEAR. Potential buyers need to instantly know how and where to reach you.

Impaired and roadsides: BC Highway Patrol steps up

TW Buck Reporter/Photographer

Last month saw numerous Law Enforcement agencies across Canada were taking part in a blitz of road checks and enhanced enforcement, making the attempt to crack down on impaired driving.

Partnering with participating police detachments across British Columbia, on May 20 the BC Highway Patrol checked more than 6,000 vehicles on BC Highways.

Over 100 officers participated at a total of 78 various check points which resulted in:

8 Criminal Code charges for drug or alcohol impaired driving

1 Criminal code charge for refusing a lawful demand for a sample.

104 Immediate Provincial Roadside Suspensions for drugs or alcohol ranging from 24 hours to 30 days.

46 Immediate Provincial Roadside Suspensions (90 days) for alcohol or refusing to provide a sample.

In addition, officers issued 746 violation tickets for various Motor Vehicle Act offences.

According to officials, Motorists can expect to see an increased level of enforcement on BC highways throughout the spring and summer as we head into the BC Association of Chiefs of Police (BCACP) Summer Impaired Driving Campaign, set to kick off during the month of July.

tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

slippery slope says owner

With Huntington disease, the future holds no surprises.

Huntington Disease (HD) is a brain disorder that’s inevitably fatal and completely incurable. Passed through generations, every child born to a parent with Huntington’s has a 50% chance of sharing the same fate.

er’s Day robbery – and owner

the second such hit of his business since mid April.

HD strikes in the prime of life. Symptoms include uncontrollable movements, depression, loss of ability to recall information and difficulty with decision making. From there, it gets worse. The disease eventually leads to incapacitation before it ultimately leads to death.

Carter confirmed to the Alas-

ka Highway News this morning less than $300 of merchandise was stolen, thousands of dollars of damage was done.

“That’s the issue – the petty

low cost crime costing more and more to repair each time,” he says.

The jeweller says the downtown core in Fort St. John is becoming a daily - and nightly - issue.

“My concern now is if this is the norm and accepted in 2023 – what will it be like downtown in ten years?”

Carter is quick to note it is not an enforcement issue, in his opinion.

“It is not the RCMP. They take their jobs seriously. I think it lies with Crown Counsel,” he says.

Carter would like to see more business owners in the downtown core rally about the break-ins and illicit night-time activities in Fort St. John.

“It is a slippery slope and we need to put pressure on all levels of government,” he adds.

Letting government officials in on the mix is something executive director of the Dawson Creek and District Chamber of Commerce Duncan Malkinson can get behind.

Malkinson said downtown specific, business-related crime, and drug use remain the key issues of concern with business owners in Mile Zero.

“Other groups such as Citizens on Patrol also help bolster the RCMP and support them from the community level,” he says.

Last year the Chamber in DC hosted a town hall style meeting to facilitate discussion between business owners, Northern Health, BC Housing. and other government organizations.

Carter said it was time to turn up the heat – and suggested holding back city property taxes to get municipal attention. editor@dcdn.ca

Huntington Disease (HD) is a brain disorder that’s inevitably fatal and completely incurable. Passed through generations, every child born to a parent with Huntington’s has a 50% chance of sharing the same fate.

But there is new reason for hope. In 2006, for the first time in 135 years of study, Canadian researchers successfully cured HD in a mouse.

HD strikes in the prime of life. Symptoms include uncontrollable movements, depression, loss of ability to recall information and difficulty with decision making. From there, it gets worse. The disease eventually leads to incapacitation before it ultimately leads to death.

We’ve never been closer to eliminating this disease. All we need is your support to take the final step. The next dollar donated truly could be the difference. Will it be yours?

But there is new reason for hope. In 2006, for the first time in 135 years of study, Canadian researchers successfully cured HD in a mouse.

We’ve never been closer to eliminating this disease. All we need is your support to take the final step. The next dollar donated truly could be the difference. Will it be yours?

Donate online at curehd.ca or call 1-888-4-CURE HD.

EMAIL AMPLIFICATION AND WHITE PAPERS

Newsletter Sponsorship

Get in front of an active and engaged audience!

Newsletter ads are an effective way to position your ad messages. Alaska Highway News email newsletter subscribers are opted-in to their favourite news brand. With email open rates being significantly higher than display ads, this is a highly active and effective means of digital reach.

Newsletters are sent out 5 days a week allowing you to reach our subscribers with your ad messages.

Connect with Ryan Wallace to start sponsoring the Alaska Highway News Newsletter.

P: 250-785-5631

E: rwallace@ahnfsj.ca

47% Average Open Rate

Rob Brown Managing Editor Carters Jewellers was the victim of an early morning Fath-

Baron Carter is fed up after

With Huntington disease, the future holds no surprises.

OLIVE ANNE JAYNE SHACKLETON

OPINION: the Un-Convenient

Imagine that…

Evan Saugstad Columnist

ProudParents

Roband

Bailey

Shackleton

Dropofformailyour FREEbirthannouncementto TheAlaskaHighwayNews, 9916-98St•FortSt.John•V1J3T or email:compose@dcdn.ca

Celebrate a new arrival by adding baby’s name and birth date to a petal on the Baby Bouquet wall at the FSJ Hospital

Ph: 250 261 7563

May29,2023

Length:18.5 inches

Weight: 7lbs9oz

Time: 8:08pm

Celebra�ng Births

Eachpetalisengravedwiththe baby’snameandbirthdate, thenaddedtoafloweronthewall. Yourminimumdona�ontothe FSJHospitalFounda�onof $125perpetal,suportsthe Maternal/PediatricFund.

Email: fsjhf@northernhealth ca www fsjhospitalfounda�on ca

PLEASERECYCLETHISNEWSPAPER.

ARIES–MAR21/APR20

Aries,youwilllikelybegivingmuchthoughttoyourfutureandstrategiesthatmayincreaseyourfinancialsecurity.Reachouttoyournetworkforadvice.

TAURUS–APR21/MAY21

Taurus,ifcommunicationhasbeendifficultinthepast,youwillfind thatthingschangeforthebetterinthedaystocome.Youwillgaina deeperunderstandingofothers.

GEMINI–MAY22/JUN21

Gemini,usefulinformationreachesyouthisweek,whichhelpsyou makeimportantdecisionsaboutyourfinances.Usethisopportunity tomakechanges.

CANCER–JUN22/JUL22

Cancer,asocialgatheringpresentsyouwithanopportunitytomeet newfriendswhomaybecomevaluedbusinesscontacts.Treatevery introductionwithcare.

LEO–JUL23/AUG23

Leo,youmaybewonderingwhatthenextfewmonthswillholdfor you.Itisimpossibletoknowallthedetails,buttherearestrongindicationsthatthereisabigchangecoming.

VIRGO–AUG24/SEPT22

Careergoalsmaycometogetherevenfurtherthisweek,Virgo.This enablesyoutomoveintoapositionthatwillnotcompromiseyour needsorideals.

LIBRA–SEPT23/OCT23

Libra,youwanttomakeanewstartbutmayjustneedalittlepushto getyoumoving.Thankfully,yourmindisclearfromdistractionsthat normallymightderailyourplans.

SCORPIO–OCT24/NOV22 Scorpio,soulsearchingistobeexpectedduetothepositioningofthe planetsthisweek.Onceyoufigureoutyourtruegoalsyoumaybe surprisedatwhatyoudiscover.

SAGITTARIUS–NOV23/DEC21

Taketimeoutfromsomeoftheexcitingthingsthathavebeenhappeningtoyou,Sagittarius.Figureoutifyou’resatisfiedinyourcareer. Youmaydecidetomakechanges.

CAPRICORN–DEC22/JAN20

Anewunderstandingwithotherscomesfromimprovedcommunicationandmoreflexibility,Capricorn.Optimismandunderstandingwill spillintoallareasofyourlife.

AQUARIUS–JAN21/FEB18

Yourmindisonfamilyandthoseclosetoyourightnow,Aquarius.Any decisionsyoumakeintheweeksaheadwillbefocusedonthepriority peopleinyourlife.

PISCES–FEB19/MAR20

Informationaboutinvestmentsandcareerpotentialmaycometoyou soon.Takeeverythingwithagrainofsaltuntilyoucaninvestigate.

FAMOUSBIRTHDAYS

JUNE25 RickyGervais,Comic(62)

JUNE26 AubreyPlaza,Actress(39)

JUNE27 H.E.R.,Singer(26)

JUNE28 ElonMusk,Entrepreneur(52)

JUNE29 CamilaMendes,Actress(29)

JUNE30 MichaelPhelps,Athlete(38)

JULY1 PamelaAnderson,Actress(56)

Canada has never had a “climate” target that it likes. We are batting 0 for 9 in meeting them, and soon will be 0 for 10. Sadly, meeting one is not likely to change until we change governments, and that is finally in the realm of possibility.

I will be bold and state that our next Federal election will see Pierre and the Federal Conservatives replacing Justin and his Liberals. When they do, rewriting our climate targets, plans and policy will be a priority, and once completed, costs and impacts to our economy will be brought back into the equation and become one of the prime objectives.

Hopefully the rhetoric will be gone, but that getting there will be large task. We can change the political leaders in an election, but it takes decades to replace the Ottawa bureaucracy, as after the election, most will still be there, still doing their jobs in the same way as they always have. Changing their way of thinking and meeting the new” priorities will be the hurdle.

By the time the next election is held, firmly ensconced in Canada’s “new way” of life will be two “world” class car battery manufacturing plants in Ontario. 10’s of billions of taxpayer’s dollars will have been provided to two of the world’s largest car manufacturers to ensure build batteries to make Canada a leader in converting our gas guzzling vehicles to electric.

Great say many, but not so fast say I. If these plants are such a sure thing, why aren’t these corporations jumping at the chance to do this with their own funds? Why do they need to be propped up by our governments in the largest wealth transfer of our wealth to private industry in our history?

Simple answer – because there is a great uncertainty as whether these plants will be anywhere close to profitable, or for that matter, even relevant in a few years.

The drive to convert from fossil vehicles to electric is driven by government and not by the consumer. To the corporate world, a few little changes, such as the elimination of electric vehicle subsidies and/or the commitments to end production of fossil fuelled vehicles by 2035 and these plants financial viability and outlook changes. Add onto that the reality that battery technology keeps changing, and as it does, large scale plants that are locked into one process become vulnerable to obsolescence long before they can ever recoup their costs. Safer to use taxpayer dollars and then threaten closure if our government does not keep propping them up as times change.

Don’t believe this? Then I have an older model electric car just for you, cheap. Good running shape, just need to replace the battery that is now only 20% efficient (can only go around a couple blocks before it needs recharging). Oh, you say, where do I get a cheap battery for a ten-year-old car? Hmmm …. you can’t, the few still available are very expensive as they are no

longer manufactured. Kind of reminds me of the old “Zippo” lighter that one refuelled when empty being replaced by the “Bic” lighter which you never had to refill, just throw away when empty and buy new.

For the next few decades batteries will go through the same process as music; remember how we went from real to reel to 8-track to cassettes to CDs to DVDs to digital, and with each invention proudly being advertised as the best ever? Can say I owned them all, and surprise, surprise, albums are still better.

As our climate agenda is rewritten, more practical solutions will begin to appear. Gone will be the unilateral decision that every person in Canada must be treated equal and forced to purchase and drive new electric vehicles. Options will appear to make fossil fuelled vehicles equally available for those places and conditions where electric vehicles are not practical or simply do not work. No longer will we care if one has an electric car parked in the front yard advertising how righteous we are.

Gone will be blanket subsidies to make electric vehicles cheaper and in their place will be more funding for mass transit for our largest cites to both accomplish emission reductions and decongest our city streets and highways.

Gone will be the resistance to promoting “carbon” capture technologies as being an unproven and corporate myth. Just like the ever-changing battery technologies, more emphasis will be placed on developing carbon capture technologies that work to reduce emissions.

Gone will be the buzzwords “net zero”, “green”, “clean”, “green washing” and replaced with such common words as “affordable”, “practical” and “responsible”.

Gone will be the imaginary concept and need of “carbon offsets” that allow those with the resources to pay someone else to pretend they have reduced carbon emissions.

Gone will be the Trudeau-tree-mania that wants for trees every where they shouldn’t.

Gone will be the acceptance that it is wrong for Canada to use fossil fuels and lead a climate change crusade that most of the world does not want or believe in, and in its place, more acceptance of and alignment with those countries such as China, India, Brazil, Russia who openly promote the use of fossil fuels as a way to ensure their countries viability.

Gone will be the belief that it is ok to use carbon to fly milk to mothers in Pangnirtung and wrong to send South African grapes to Evan in Fort St John.

And in it all, and more importantly, gone will be the fixation of social costs of climate change, as few will care, as the costs of an ever-changing climate will not go away, with or without fossil fuels.

Evan, next week, some climate change fiction that needs fixing.

OPINION Bear Flat Dispatch: on land sharing

Having hosted the annual Paddle for the Peace event and with operating a public campground on private property, we have had our share of land sharing experience with the general public and First Nations. Generally, we have found the experience to be good with some notable bad exceptions. Fortunately, most people seem to respect private property and the wishes of landowners. I think everyone who embarks on land sharing should expect the same results. The good is good, and often rewarding for everyone, while the bad can be very frustrating to say the least.

Public response and attendance at the June 8th PRRD Committee of the Whole meeting in Fort St. John on the topic of land sharing was overwhelming to say the least. I showed up five minutes before the meeting was scheduled to start and immediately realized there was no hope of getting in. With the limited information that was available beforehand combined with a touchy private property issue, it is understandable that many people were a little worked up and felt it was

important to be there to both learn more and make their opinions known. It seems that this matter was not handled well initially, and hopefully that improves.

Without wading into the details of this specific proposal, here is a few of my thoughts on land sharing in general. For starters, it is very understandable that rural land owners often have very different views on land sharing than say urban folks or others who do not own deeded land in the country. Many land owners

have had extensive experience with the public on their land by way of two methods; by actively “land sharing” by giving people permission to come on their land, and by dealing with unwelcome trespassers and poachers. For this article we will deal with the former.

Obviously, landowners really appreciate it when guest on their land treat them and their property with respect. Often landowners choose to only allow certain activities on their property, while not allowing others. Berry picking, hiking,

snowshoeing, bird watching and other non-intrusive activities are at one end of the scale, while the use of ATV’s and hunting are at the other end of things.

Every land owner has their own criteria for what will be permissible, and it is very important for guest to honour their wishes. In addition, landowners often choose to only let a limited number of people on while turning away the rest who ask.

LETTER: on which way Saugstad’s wind blows...

I enjoy Evan Saugstad’s columns and have saved a number. What he writes in his column in the June 1 paper does not seem to fit.

The part about screaming headlines, yes, and also that there are so many fires. We just had too many years without them. Years ago, there just weren’t so many homes and people in the way.

Climate change has always been around, any oldtimer can tell you that. If it were not so, we’d still be under ice. Remember that’s what we are told, this country was all under 1,000 ft or more of ice. What made it melt? Certainly noy humans whatever they bring with them.

Saugstad’s article states the 1950 fire was called the Chinchaga fire, began in June and burned from southeast to northeast. Not so, according to the history book, Land Beyond the Block, or something like it.

That fire came from northwest and burned southeast – spitting into branches and began in September.

Some places were narrow, others wide. It was said to come from up the head waters of the Beaton. It burned through the Prespatou Valley, crossed the Blueberry River, reached Rose Prairie where the settlers fought it, to no avail. It crossed the Beaton, Doig, and Osborn Rivers, burned out half the Osborn Valley.

I know that because in 1960, my Dad and friend staked land there. All they thought was that it would be easy to clear. The other half of the valley was heavily wooded.

They didn’t know that the topside was burned off. Our first garden was pathetic as there was just clay that had no nutrients.

Living here, we could clearly see the direction it came from and where it went. The only road in at that time was the McTavish. For 12 miles the oil company had pushed the road through the deadfall. It then veered away among heavy timber, finally coming out at the burnt area again.

William Julian Regional Manager / Managing Editor editor@ahnfsj.ca

That fire travelled where Clearview School is today. It raced to Flatrock and burned out settlers there. According to the Cccil Lake History Book, it ran to Golata Creek where a large plowed field stopped it. There was no more to burn.

Different people have shared stories about it also. When my

Ryan Wallace Sales Manager rwallace@ahnfsj.ca

family fame there were young Aspen and the ground was blanketed with wild strawberries and dewberries. We picked gallons of them.

If the purpose of the burn is wildlife habitat, it surely didn’t work here. It was very rare to see moose, deer, or bear.

They only started to come here after the fields were

So, while overall we have been happy with our land sharing experiences, land sharing is definitely not for everyone, and that is where private property rights need to trump other interest. For various reasons, some landowners simply choose to not give permission for any access on their property, and that is fine and needs to be respected and upheld. In fact, the response given by landowners to request for access are often shaped by their previous experience with the public, so please remember that if you are ever granted permission onto someone’s property.

Ken Boon

plowed and planted with grain and hay. They seem to like to be among civilization. Nowadays, there often are way too many.

Sincerely

Eva Thiessen Cecil Lake, BC

LETTERS Write to us by snail mail, or email your letters to editor@ahnfsj.ca.

Letters must be accompanied by your full name and a phone number, for verification. Please limit your letters to 300 words. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, taste, accuracy, and libel. Protest the policy, not the person. Opinions expressed in letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect those of Alaska Highway News.

COPYRIGHT & LEGAL NOTICE

Alaska Highway News retains sole copyright of advertising, news stories, and photography produced by staff. Copyright of letters and other materials submitted to the Editor and accepted for publication remain with the author, but the Publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic, or other forms. Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher.

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

Second class mail registration No. 0167

Northern Health moving ahead with health services centre

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Despite some opposition from the local business community, Northern Health will move ahead with a health services centre at 10067 - 100 Avenue in Fort St. John.

n a May 29, 2023 letter to the District of Hudson’s Hope, Northern Health Chief Operating Officer Angela De Smit outlined plans for the location and consultation done so far.

“We will continue to engage with the community and the neighbouring establishments as we begin offering services,” wrote De Smit.

Services to be offered include life skills support, healthcare and treatment referrals, mental health and addictions support, Overdose Prevent Services (OPS), and primary

health services.

“A unique aspect of this upcoming engagement process is that it is designed to be in place beyond the start up of the project and will continue for a period during full operation as an open conduit for dialogue,” writes De Smit.

RNs, LPNs, life skills worker, and peer advocates are expected to staff the centre, noted De Smit in the letter, noting two open houses have been held to consult with neighbouring businesses.

Northern Health’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jong Kim, says those positions will be primarily staffed by existing teams, with additional recruitment expected.

“There are quite a bit of teams that we are relocating. They’re already providing those services, but we are kind of pro-

viding the space for the team to be relocated and have a better interaction and connection with the client,” said Kim.

An additional meeting was held on May 30 in partnership with the FSJ Chamber of Commerce to create a neighbourhood working group to hear and address the concerns by

local businesses and community stakeholders.

Kim says the site will also serve to replace the mobile overdose prevention van which was destroyed by fire last October in an act of vandalism.

A five-year lease for the location has already been signed by Northern Health, with an

opening date planned for the fall and winter - it’s yet to be determined exactly when the facility will be operating.

Northern Health says the next community meeting is scheduled for June 27 and will be by invite with local business and stakeholders.

Understanding B.C.’s regulations for vehicle bike racks

What the BabyBjörn infant carrier is to new parents, the bike rack is to many locals.

Sea to Sky residents love their bikes — the corridor has expansive networks of singletrack trails, and bike racks are affixed to many vehicles.

But do you ever look at a rear bike carrier in the grocery store parking lot or on the road and wonder if it is legal? Some stick out so far, they seem a threat to impede — or impale — passersby. Others obstruct the vehicle’s licence plate or are so wide they cover the rear lights.

So what are the rules in B.C. around these popular car accessories?

In terms of the length of a vehicle with a rack, it must not stick out 1.85 metres behind the back or 4.5 metres behind the centre of the last axle, according to the province’s Motor Vehicle Act Regulations.

Further, the bikes cannot stick out wider than the vehicle, the regulations state.

The regulations also state that lights “must not be shielded, covered or obscured by any part of the vehicle or load or by dirt or other material.”

Racks are not to obstruct the rear licence plate. The Motor Vehicle Act Regulations state: “A

number plate must be kept entirely unobstructed and free from dirt or foreign material, so that the numbers and letters on it may be plainly seen and read at all times and so that the numbers and letters may be accurately photographed using a speed monitoring device or traffic light safety device prescribed under section 83.1 of the Act.”

(To avoid these problems, the driver could move the plate to the back of the rack and attach secondary lights. )

Ignoring these rules can lead to a ticket from the police for between $109 and $230.

Jennifer Thuncher

ProgrammaticCommunity Display

Our Roots

Types

Geofencing Types

Glacier’s community media brands serve over 4.8 million readers in 60 communities across Western Canada. Using this reach, you can tell your story through rich media and custom ads units.

Geofencing is the fourth tactic of programmatic. It delivers offline-toonline metrics.

You are directly “pinning” areas you wish to target potential customers and reporting back on the number of people who walked into your place of business - we call this “Geo-lift”.

• Hyperlocal Reach

● Event Targeting

• Run of Network

● Competitor Targeting

● Customer Loyalty

• Geo Targeting

• Responsive Ad Units

• Page Takeover Options

• Ad Creation

• Campaign Reporting

News readers are captive audiences. Make sure you are reaching these individuals with your ad messages.

Connect with Ryan Wallace to start running your Community Display Ads on the Alaska Highway News site and across the Glacier Media Community News Network.

P: 250-785-5631

E: rwallace@ahnfsj.ca

Sea to Sky residents love their bikes — the corridor has expansive networks of singletrack trails, and bike racks are affixed to many vehicles.Fabian Ponce/Getty Images

*Excludesflavouredicedcoffeeandadditionaltoppings.Notvalidwithanyotheroffer. AtparticipatingMcDonald’srestaurantsinCanada.Productavailabilityvariesbyrestaurant. © 2023McDonald’s

HOWTOPLAY: Fillinthegridsothateveryrow, everycolumnandevery3x3box containsthenumbers1through9 onlyonce.Each3x3boxisoutlinedwithadarkerline.You alreadyhaveafewnumbersto getyoustarted.Remember: youmustnotrepeatthenumbers1through9inthesame line,columnor3x3box

PREVIOUSPUZZLESANSWERS

Hudson’s Hope Museum news - Finlay’s River

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Summer is here, and the warmer weather always invites visitors to Hudson’s Hope. I’m pleased to say we have summer staff this year, students Jenna Roberts and Quentin Kenny will joining us to host tours and help us with various projects.

Our good friend and longtime assistant, Christian Eschenburg, is also back. Thanks for all you do, it’s always been appreciated.

Scrolling through social media, a book a friend of mine was reading caught my eyeFinlay’s River by R.M. Patterson. An adventure-seeker, historian, and more, Patterson explored the waterways, mountains and trails of the Parsnip, Finlay, and Peace River area with his son Alan in 1949.

This trip became the basis for Finlay’s River in 1968, publishing what he considered an anthology on the Finlay and his experiences on similar rivers.

Patterson wrote at length about the Rocky Mountain Trench and the rivers contained within. He had a great sense of the region and respect for the pioneers and explorers who came before him to find their

fortunes in the vast wilderness.

“It cuts through this land of mountain and flood with all the drive and purpose of a Roman road, and no less than five of the major British Columbian rivers rise in it, flow in it, or are modified by it,” he wrote. “From south to north they come in this order: the Kootenay and the Columbia; the Fraser, the Peace and the Liard.”

Joining with the Parsnip River, the Finlay was the main head of the Peace River, named after John Finlay, a fur trader who voyaged through the Rockies with the North West Company in 1797.

Patterson tended to personify the rivers in his writing, often in awe of nature and the rugged terrain.

“The crazy pattern of them is bewildering: some flow determinedly northwestward as if embarked on a journey to a known destination; then they suddenly they change their minds and swing around in great arcs to flow in the very opposite direction, southeastward for many miles again, only to turn west in the end and break through the mountain barrier to the Pacific,” he wrote

Some of the writing comes off as bittersweet, as the filling

of the Williston Lake reservoir had begun that year, with the completion of the W.A.C Bennett Dam. The Peace Canyon Dam soon followed, erasing more history, including a whole section of dinosaur tracks.

In 2006, Patterson’s daughter, Janet Blanchet, wrote a forward to the book and spoke to the value of her father’s trip.

“Much of the country through which [Patterson] and Alan travelled has vanished forever. Finlay’s River is much more than the story of summer canoe trip in Northern British

Columbia; using his journey on the river as a framework, [Patterson] recounts much of the area’s fascinating history,” writes Blanchet.

This fall we’re set to see the valley flood a third time with the Site C reservoir.

As such, the museum has begun collecting photos to help fill our archives - we’re asking for the public to send in their photos of the river before Site C buries another part of the Peace underwater.

From Peace Canyon to

Bear Flat, we’d like to see it all. There’s no deadline for this project and you can drop off photos in person or by email. The Hudson’s Hope Museum is open seven days a week, 9 am to 5 pm.

If you would like any further information, please call 250783-5735 or email at hhmuseum@pris.ca.

Tom Summer is the Vice President of the Hudson’s Hope Historical Society.

Hudson’s Hope to celebrate community hall this August

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Come one, come all - residents past and present are invited to celebrate 55 years of the Hudson’s Hope Community Hall, Pearkes Centre, and W.A.C Bennett dam from August 18 to 20.

Held at the hall, organizer and long-time resident Lori Kelly said she’s looking forward to seek the community to come share their stories and memories of

Car Fire Safety

the town - a reunion of sorts for anyone interested in attending.

“It’s just a phenomenal little community,” Kelly said.

Civic meetings, dinners, dances, holidays, and more - the community hall has served as a gathering space for everyone and everything in the small town, seeing many faces throughout the years.

Kelly spoke fondly of the hall and noted it was originally designed for teenagers back in 1968, the

same year the Pearkes Centre opened as an elementary school, and the same year the W.A.C Bennett dam went into production - a notable era for many.

“That’s what the hall was all about, bringing people together,” said Kelly. “When it was a teen village club, the teenagers used it for dances a lot back in those days, in the late 60s, early 70s.”

“You know what teenagers do, they end up growing up and moving away. So, there was a real turnover in our population, our population was getting smaller and smaller because the dams were slowing down,” added Kelly. “Some time in the 70s it switched from being a teen village club to being a community hall.”

Her brother, Roy Kelly, was very involved with the hall, she added, noting his band played for many of the early teen dances.

Cars can catch fire for many reasons.

Cars can catch fire for many reasons.

The District of Hudson’s Hope is supporting the event by waiving the rental fee typically attached to using the hall.

Mechanical or electrical issues are the most common cause. A car can also catch fire as the result of a bad crash. If you see smoke or flames or smell burning rubber or plastic, respond immediately.

Mechanical or electrical issues are the most common cause. A car can also catch fire as the result a bad crash. If you see smoke or flames or smell burning rubber or plastic, respond immediately.

How to prevent a car fire

• Have your car serviced regularly by a professionally trained mechanic. If you spot leaks, your car is not running properly, get it checked. A well-maintained car is less likely to have a fire.

• If you must transport gasoline, transport only a small amount in a certified gas can that is sealed. Keep a window open for ventilation.

• Gas cans and propane cylinders should never be transported in the passenger compartment.

• Never park a car where flammables, such as grass, are touching the catalytic converter.

• Drive safely to avoid an accident.

Know the danger signs

• Cracked or loose wiring or electrical problems, including a fuse that blows more than once

• Oil or fluid leaks

• Oil cap not on securely

• Rapid changes in fuel or fluid level, or engine temperature

Most car fluids are flammable. Heat and electrical sparks plus leaking fluid are all it takes to start a car fire.

Most crashes do NOT result in fire. In the event of any crash, call 9-1-1. If there is no sign of fire, wait for emergency assistance to help any injured individuals out of the car.

The hall itself may be reaching the end of its life soon as a municipal building, another factor motivating Kelly to invite residents to come and share their stories.

“If I don’t do it now, then it might not be here the next time and neither will the people that I want to help celebrate it,” said Kelly.

An open house meet and greet is planned for the event, in addition to a dinner and dance, giving the public plenty to visit and catch up.

Tom Summer, Alaska Highway News, Local Journalism Initiative. Have a story idea or opinion? Email tsummer@ahnfsj.ca

RCMP nab novice driver hitting 187 km/h north of PG

A 19-year-old driver has been hit with nearly $600 in fines and a seven-day impoundment after being caught going more than twice the posted speed limit on Hwy. 97

According to the BC Highway Patrol, the driver clocked 187 km/h on a police radar while in a 90 km/h zone on Highway 97 on Saturday. It also turned out the person be -

hind the wheel was a novice driver but had failed to display the N sign.

The driver was issued a ticket for excessive speeding, carrying a $483 fine, and a ticket for failing to display the sign, carrying a $109 penalty. The driver is also responsible for paying the cost of towing and storage related to the impoundment.

And the driver will be subject to three demerit points and

could be prohibited from driving by the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles for up to a year and once the prohibition ends, have to start all over the twoyear process toward getting a full-privilege driving, according to Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.

“The actions of this driver were reckless and dangerous and could have resulted in a fatality,” BCHP said in a posting.

WATT’S HAPPENING: renewable energy in the Peace

Don Pettit Columnist

The following is a hardhitting speech I delivered this past May to the North Central Local Government Association Convention in Dawson Creek. My message to these municipal leaders: the Peace Region is rich in the new renewable energy resources of wind and solar, but they are grossly under-utilized resources that could benefit us all.

It is interesting to note that we are here in the wind powered Ovintiv Centre, which is situated in BC’s first wind powered city, Dawson Creek.

The 34, 3-million-watt wind turbines up on Bear Mountain generate that energy, and those electrons, like all electrons, flow to the nearest load, which in this case is the City of Dawson Creek.

OUR WIND ENERGY POTENTIAL IS HUGE

Bear Mountain Wind Park generates enough electricity to power some 35,000 homes, or 4 or 5 Dawson Creeks. There is a total of about 500 megawatts of operational wind in BC Peace, but we have a much larger wind potential here of at least 10,000 megawatts. The BC Peace wind resource is some of the best in the world, but unfortunately, this huge potential has barely been tapped.

Peace Energy Renewable Energy Cooperative was western Canada’s first such coop, and was the second in all of Canada, incorporated in 2003.

OUR SOLAR RESOURCE IS WORLD CLASS TOO

It is worth mentioning that northeast BC has a solar resource about the same as Kelowna, in other words, very good!

Since then, Peace Energy Co-op has designed and installed just over one million watts of solar throughout our

service area of northeast BC and northwest Alberta. These homeowners, farms, ranches, and businesses are saving money every day by producing their own solar electricity while they enjoy a 5 to 8 percent return on their solar investment.

Solar panels now come with 25-year warranties and they require little or no maintenance over their at least 40 year lifespan. Partly because it is generated right where it is used, solar energy is also the greenest energy, that is, the least polluting energy ever created.

Globally, solar energy is experiencing rapid exponential growth, and is poised to become the world’s leading, and least expensive, energy source in less than 30 years.

In Australia, where there are now over 3 million solarized homes, the trade “solar installer” is a coveted, well-paid job in high demand. This is also true across most of Europe and in many US states. Canada,

however, is behind most of the world in the renewable energy transition.

HUDSON’S HOPE SETS THE SOLAR STANDARD

Locally, the Hudson’s Hope solar initiative is a good example of how solar can benefit a municipality. Hudson’s Hope is a small community of just over 1000 residents an hour or so drive west of Dawson Creek. Peace Energy Coop helped them successfully apply for a $1.28 million Federal Gas Tax grant. After analyzing all their municipal infrastructure to see which buildings would most benefit from having solar energy, they installed 510 kilowatts of solar on 9 of their municipal facilities, including their District Office, curling rink, arena, waste treatment plant, fire hall, District Shop, and outdoor public swimming pool.

Since these nine large solar arrays were commissioned in 2009, Hudson’s Hope has saved more than $275,000 in electricity which they did not

have to pay for because they made their own rights on site. Hudson’s Hope has the honour and distinction of being one of the most solarized communities in the province with one of the lowest carbon footprints per capita in Canada.

At this moment, BC Peace has an historic opportunity. We are rich in the new, renewable, limitless resources of solar and wind energies. New grants and incentives are now available with more coming online over the next few years, but even without grants, solar and wind make good economic sense.

We have the well-developed infrastructure and expertise to make this happen and Peace Energy Cooperative has made it clear that it makes good economic sense to do so.

Asrequiredby LocalGovernmentAct S.376,thePeaceRiver RegionalDistrictBoardwillbepresentingthe2022Statementof FinancialInformation(SOFI),includingFinancialStatementsat itsmeetingscheduledfor10:00am,Thursday,June29,2023at theDawsonCreekofficelocatedat1981AlaskaAvenue,Dawson Creek,BC

TheSOFIandFinancialStatementsareavailableforpublic inspection,duringregularbusinesshours,atthePeaceRiver RegionalDistrictofficeslocatedat:

DawsonCreek FortSt.John

1981AlaskaAvenue 9505–100thStreet

Contact:

RoxanneShepherd, ChiefFinancialOfficer 250-784-3219•TollFree:1-800-670-7773

Email: prrd.dc@prrd.bc.ca

BoardmeetingsarelivestreamedoverFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialPRRD/

Horizon North has suspended the daily bussing of their operations staff to and from the Coastal GasLink camp north of Prince George, following a bus crash which injured 18 employees on Friday.

The company, which is part of the Dexterra Group, provides camp services for Parsnip Lodge, located 117 km northeast of Prince George. In a statement issued on Monday, UNITE HERE Local 40 identified the workers as housekeepers represented by the union.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Horizon North said the company takes its employees’ safety seriously. Only 24 employees of Horizon North were on the bus at the time of the crash, not the 30 initially reported by RCMP.

“Given the lodging onsite was at

peak capacity, we were instructed by clients to take temporary measures to move an operations team to lodging off-site,” the Horizon North statement said. “However, until our investigation is complete, we are not allowing any daily bussing of our operations teams to or from Parsnip Lodge. With our own investigation of the incident still underway, we are fully cooperating with the RCMP and other government agencies in their investigations as well.”

The company continues to be in talks with UNITE HERE Local 40, including an arbitration process unrelated to transportation safety, the company statement said.

“We continue to offer support to the 24 employees, who were passengers on that bus on June 16th, and to their families to help alleviate any

harm that may have been caused,” the company statement said. “Beyond our group EFAP benefits, we have been in touch with each affected employee to offer any further assistance that would help ensure their health and well-being.”

WorkSafeBC is not conducting an independent investigation into the crash, a spokesperson for the agency said in an email.

“WorkSafeBC Prevention officers attended the scene and has requested that the employer complete their own investigation into the incident and submit their report to WorkSafeBC,” the spokesperson said. “WorkSafeBC’s OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) Investigations department is not conducting an investigation into the incident at this time.”

- Arthur Williams

Brain Injury Association 1-866-979-HOPE (4673) Domestic Help

Nanny/Live-in Caregiver required for 2 children ages 4 & 6. Full-Time Live-in only.

Duties include: Cooking, Care for the children at home. Light house cleaning.

School drop-off and pick-up. Must speak

English. Related Experience necessary. Dawson Creek.

Email resume to: jayson_saao@yahoo.c

om Nanny/Live-in Caregiver required for 2 children ages 9 & 11.

Full-Time Live-in only.

Duties include: Cooking, Care for the children at home. Light house cleaning.

School drop-off and pick-up. Must speak

English. Related Experience necessary. Dawson Creek. Email resume to: rosaliejustado@gmail.com

Medical/ dental Help

NordlysMedical ClinicMOA/ Receptionist Wearelookingfor afull−timeMOA/ Receptionisttojoin ourteam.Please applywithinorvia email. nordlysmedical clinic@gmail.com

Announcements

Wanted

Wanted! Pasture rental for 3 behaving horses, within half hour from Dawson or Pouce, 780-864-9475.

Misc FarM EquipMEnt

Flexicoil 67 100ft wheel-boom sprayer (c/w) windscreens, 850-gallon-tank, hydraulic fold-out and more, excellent condition. 780-518-0635

2231 Tractors (100HP - 300HP)

1980 Allis Chalmers 7080 Tractor for Sale.

185HP, Cab. $14,000

OBO Call 780-8340479 or 780-6852374

2239 Grain Vacs & Extractors

Walinga 510 grain vac with new hoses. $6200. 780-864-0809

Horses & Tack

HealtH & Beauty

250-726-4175 www.fsjacupuncture.ca Acupuncture for fertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause. Direct insurance billing.

HealtH ServiceS

250-726-4175 www.fsjacupuncture.ca Acupuncture for fertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause. Direct insurance billing.

Notices / NomiNatioNs

SAY NO to FAKE

NEWS! 63% of Canadians can’t tell the difference between real and fake news. Support reliable LOCAL journalism. Join the list www.newspapersmatter.ca.

Trades Help

Experienced

TicketedWelder PeaceValley Industriesis lookingfor TicketedExpe− rienced Weldersin ChetwyndB.C. Accommoda− tionsandShift

WorkAvailable. HealthBenefits offered. Please emailresume topeacevalley @uniserve.com

Work Wanted

Seeking a Live-In Position as Childcare Giver and Gardener. Call Rachel at 250788-2482 after 6pm

Education

TAKE YOUR CONFIDENCE & communication a level. Get the career and family life of your dreams! Jon a Toastmasters International group near you. www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club

Books, Coins,stamps

Todd’s Coins: Buying gold, silver & coins 250-864-3521

For Trade

Insulated 44in-x-7ft trailer ideal for hunting/camping will trade for flatdeck/box-trailer 250-782-5873

Wanted to Buy Looking for a Moveable Modular/ Home/House/ Cabin to buy. Call 778-838-1055

Haying EquipmEnt New Holland BR780 Round Baler for Sale. Asking $18,000. Call Greg at 780-512-1207 or 780-538-9115

Heavy equipment For sale: D7-17A Cat. Call for more info. 250-772-5407

Announcements

Hypo-Allergenic Horses for Sale. Curly Breed. Call 780-9712350

Quarter Horses for Sale. Call 780-9712350

Wanted! Pasture rental for 3 behaving horses, within half hour from Dawson or Pouce, 780-864-9475.

Fitness & Fun

250-726-4175

www.fsjacupuncture.ca Acupuncture for work/sports injuries. ICBC Claims.

6533 Grazing/Pasture Lease Wanted! Pasture rental for 3 behaving horses, within half hour from Dawson or Pouce, 780-864-9475.

Obituaries

Houses For rent 1 Bedroom suite furnished, in small mobile-home. $650 includes utilities & satellite. Pouce Coupe. 250-786-0409 Auto MiscellAneous

1955 – 2023

Bob passed away on June 19, 2023 in Penticton, BC with family by his side. He was born in Guelph, ON to Jean West (nee McAleney) and Bill O’Donnell on August 9, 1955. Bob remained a bachelor his whole life, but he leaves to mourn his passing his siblings, Ann Marie O’Donnell (Keary), Mary Jane Millions, Kathleen “Katie” Chapman, Agnes Godfrey, Colleen O’Donnell, David West and Tom West as well as many nieces and nephews.

To send condolences please visit www.providencefuneralhomes.com.

Canadian Navigable Waters Act

Pacific Canbriam Energy hereby gives notice that an application has been made to the Minister of Transport, pursuant to the Canadian Navigable Waters Act for approval of the work described herein and its site and plans.

Pursuant to paragraph 7(2) of the said Act, Pacific Canbriam Energy has deposited with the Minister of Transport, on the on-line Navigable Waters Registry (http:// cps.canada.ca/) and under NPP File Number 2023-508635 a description of the following work, its site and plans:

• Construction of a new bridge crossing over Halfway River on Haystack Road (OGAA RUP 3087-3) at KM 23, to replace the existing, aging bridge as the main traffic corridor for Haystack Road.

• The crossing is located at Lat 56.484444, Long -122.043333

• The new bridge will be constructed with two instream piers, located downstream of the existing bridge. The existing bridge will remain in place and be repurposed.

Comments regarding the effect of this work on marine navigation can be sent through the Common Project Search site mentioned above under the Comment section (search by the above referenced number) or, by sending your comments directly to #820-800 Burrard Street, Vancouver BC, V6Z 2J8, if you do not have access to the internet.

However, comments will be considered only if they are in writing (electronic means preferable) and are received not later than 30 days after the publication of this notice. Although all comments conforming to the above will be considered, no individual response will be sent.

Published in Fort St John, BC this 29 day of June 2023

Calling all senior artists and more, this week at the Senior’s Hall

Pamela den Ouden

Calling all senior artists!

The Fort St. John Seniors’ Task Force is looking for a logo and the winning artist will be awarded $100. The logo needs to reflect the group’s purpose and must include the name: Fort St. John Seniors’ Task Force and the purpose: “Enhancing lives of seniors in our community!” Submit your design on letter-size paper with the artist’s name and phone number on the back. Send to (or drop off at) Urban Systems, 10818 – 100th Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3Z6. Entries must be received by August 31, 2023. If you need more information, contact Deb Vandal at 778-256-3710 or at debv@ live.ca.

Speaking of Urban Systems, the Fire Evacuation Plan of the Fort St. John Seniors’ Hall has identified Urban Systems as the muster point in case of the need to evacuate the Seniors’ Hall during activities. One should never underestimate the blessing of a good neighbour!

There is lots happening on Canada Day, Saturday, July 1, including a pancake breakfast at the Fire Hall from 8:3010:30 (by donation and on a first-come, first-served basis). The parade starts at 11 and the opening ceremony is at noon, with the Doig River Drummers on the mainstage in Centennial Park. Special event for seniors, 4:30-8 p.m.: Fort St. John & Area Seniors Care Foundation invites seniors to attend an event with free live music, food, and prizes. It takes place at the gazebo at the North Peace Seniors Housing Society, Apt. #3 (entrance on 110 Avenue).

The Yard Sale at the North Peace Museum was busy on June 17 when I went at about 9:30 in the morning. By the time it was done, the museum had made $2,650. Thanks to all who donated, set up, packed up, and helped in any way, including those who came to find and buy new treasures. Proceeds help the North Peace Historical Society operate the museum.

There is another cemetery

Funfactsaboutthe nationalanthem

Youmayhavesungitingradeschoolandstillhearit beforehockeygames,butwhatdoyoureallyknow about“OCanada?”Herearesomefunfactsaboutour nationalanthem.

•ItwasoriginallywritteninQuebec “OCanada”wasfirstcommissionedin1880bythe LieutenantGovernorofQuebecforSaint-JeanBaptisteDay.Thesong’smusicwascomposedby CalixaLavalléeandthelyricswerewrittenbypoet andjudgeSirAdolphe-BasileRouthier.

•Itwasn’ttranslateduntil1908

TheEnglishversionwasoriginallywrittenbythe HonourableRobertStanleyWeir.Sincethen,it’s undergoneafewchanges,includingtheadditionof afourth,morereligiousversein1926andanother changetomaketheanthemgenderneutralin2018.

•TheEnglishandFrenchversionsarenothingalike Asidefromthewords“OCanada,”thelyricstothe EnglishandFrenchversionsoftheanthemare completelydifferent.TheFrenchlyricsmake referencetotheCatholicreligionandreferto Canadaasalandofancestors.TheEnglishversionis asimpleraffirmationofloveandservicetothe nation.

•Itwasn’tofficialuntil1980

“OCanada”didn’tofficiallybecomethenational anthemuntil1980.Beforethen,“GodSavetheQueen” wassungatimportanteventsanditremainstheroyal anthemofCanada.

tour on Friday, July 7 at 7 p.m. at the main cemetery on 100th Avenue. Tours are $10 cash at the gate.

We wish Ed Ditner a speedy recovery from surgery and hope to see him back at the Seniors Hall soon!

There will be a memorial tea in memory of Irene Large on Friday, June 30 at 1 p.m. at the Seniors Hall. Everyone is welcome.

Someone remarked to me recently that we are entering the doldrums of summer. We use the word “doldrums” in a couple of ways. If people are sad or feeling blue, we can say they’re in the doldrums. There is also a nautical meaning. The doldrums refers to an area around the equator where, due to several atmospheric conditions including high pressure, the winds are calm. In the days of sailing ships, vessels would

ThingsCanadiansdobest

Canadianshaveaglobalreputationforbeingfriendlyand polite.However,Canuckshavealotmoregoingforthem thanbeingwell-mannered.

COMEDY

WhatdoEugeneLevy,MikeMyers,SamanthaBee,John Candy,CatherineO’HaraandJimCarreyhaveincommon? TheyallhailfromtheGreatWhiteNorthandareprominent namesintheworldofcomedy.

HOCKEY

ThissportisaninarguablepartoftheCanadianidentity. Professionalteamshavewonmorechampionshipsthan anyothercountry,andnationalteamsregularlytopthe worldrankings.

SLANG

Inadditiontotheirregionalaccents,Canadiansuseterms andidiomsthat’realltheirown.Whereelsecanyousay, “I’mgoingtoputonmytoque,driveafewclicksdownthe roadandpickupatwo-four”?

SNACKFOODS

FromNanaimobarsandbuttertartstopoutineanddonairs, Canadaishometosomeofthebestsnackfoodsoutthere. Ourchocolatebarsarealsosecondtonone.Infact,Coffee Crisp,Smarties,Mr.Big,AeroandCaramilkcanonlybe foundonCanadianshelves.Additionally,dillpickleand ketchupchipsareuniquetoCanada.

often get stuck in the calm waters with no wind to power the sails. Nowadays, the “lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer” could be referred to as the doldrums!

Send news of interest to seniors to me at phbeav@ gmail.com or give me a call at 250-787-7311.