AHN August 31, 2023

Crime levels returning to historical norms, says Fort St. John RCMP detachment commander

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Crime levels are returning to historical norms, says Fort St. John RCMP detachment commander Insp. Tony Hanson, presenting stats from their semiannual report to city council on August 14.

“I look at the numbers and I sort of see a return to some more of the historical norms for the crime for the city,” he said.

However, that doesn’t mean call volumes are down - they actually increased 28 percent over last year. The lowest file count in decades was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, noted Hanson.

“To put it in perspective, in 2015, Fort St. John detachment responded to 15,800 calls for service. And the historical norm would be normally between 13 to 14.5, in terms of that,” said Hanson. “But without a doubt, we are seeing an upswing.”

Municipally, file counts are up 34 percent, with 5,402 calls so far in 2023, and 4028 in 2022. Rurally, an increase of 6.5 percent was seen, with 1,272 in 2023 and 1,194 in 2023. The semi-annual report is a record spanning from January 1 to June 30, 2023.

Industry, particularly oil and gas in Northeast BC, is a known driver of crime, says Hanson, bringing in transient populations who engage in all manners of crime - property theft, illicit drugs, and violent crime.

“I don’t have the metric as to why this all may be occurring, but the fact of the matter is that industry is restarted,” he said. “It’s busy in town again. When I drove past the large parking lot in front of the subway by the highway, it was packed with big rigs and industrial vehicles.”

“And two years ago, there was nothing there, right? And that brings the criminals,” said Hanson.

Increased economic activity means money for criminals and an increased opportunity to steal objects - the drug trade is often tied to property crime, said Hanson, with individuals using theft to feed their addictions. Local dealers are then used to acquire their drug of choice.

“In many cases, perpetrated by individuals with addictions who are seeking funds to perpetuate their addiction,” he said. “Or, they’re perpetuated because somebody owes money and has to find the funds. And so, there are cases where actually the others will instruct the people who owe them what to steal.”

Property crime was up by 71 percent in the city, with 697 files last year, and 1,193 files in 2023. Rural areas saw less of a spike with a 29 percent increase - 151 files in 2022, and 195 files in 2023.

Hanson noted that he is generalizing to a degree, but in his experience, he has found the connections between property

crime and the drug trade to be true.

Beyond property theft, the city has also seen a rise in the number of break and enters to businesses at 331 percent municipality, 16 in 2022 and 69 in 2023. Rurally an increase of 225 percent was seen - 8 in 2022 and 26 in 2023.

In the rural areas, the thefts are being driven by break and enters to industrial sites, with criminals targeting copper and other equipment.

Auto theft is also a concern for the Fort St. John detachment, despite being close to the historical range. However, sophisticated thefts of newer vehicles with complicated electronics are rarely seen, older vehicles are far more likely to be targeted, says Hanson.

“We’re not seeing that here, it’s old school,” he said. “And often a lot of these vehicles are used and dumped, so they’re probably being used for crime.”

The city saw a 172 percent increase in vehicle theft was seen in 2023 with 79, compared to 29 in 2022. Rurally the increase was only 27 percent, with 28 in 2023, and 22 in 2022.

On a positive note, Hanson says discussions are ongoing with Northern Health over the Car 60 program, which has paired a mental health worker to attend mental health calls with the RCMP.

Funding is being sought to provide a second mental health worker, while provincial support for a mental health app is also expected to be rolled out, with the app already being used at the Prince George RCMP detachment.

The app provides general medical info for symptoms officers may see in attending a mental health call, and has links which provide advanced notices of why RCMP are coming to the hospital, with a report attached.

“It basically allows the officer to translate lay person into medical that’s recieved by the emergency room,” said Hanson. “And it helps facilitate the process and speed up our involvement, so we’re not sitting at the hospital.”

Hanson reiterated that the RCMP were never intended to be mental health first responders and has given several media interviews explaining that point, but with no other front line services available day and night, it often falls on them.

“There are no other front line 24/7 supports, so it falls to the police. Positively though, the public dialogue is now acknowledging this, and so hopefully that will translate into greater supports being implemented by the government,” he said.

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

The sidewalk and streetlight project for 2023 is ramping up, with crews recently seen working around the Rotary Skate Park, excavating, and installing the conduit needed for the future lights. The project aims to improve usability, as well it will compliment some of the other work done in those areas.

Officials said that community members had reached out to the city, saying that they didn’t feel safe walking in some of these locations. They went on to

say that by lighting some of these areas, they feel it will have an impact on the local crime and vandalism.

The Canada Community-Building Fund is responsible for the $800,000 dollar budget that was set for completing the project that was started last year, installing sidewalks and streetlights along 84 Street, between 93 and 96 Avenues and along 95 Avenue, between 84 and 86 Street

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TW Buck Reporter/Photographer

Ministry silent on Old Fort access questions from PRRD

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative

The Peace River Regional District says they’ve yet to receive any response from the Ministry of Transportation to a June 6, 2023 letter regarding sustainable access for residents of Old Fort. Nor have they received any updates regarding Old Fort access since their May 26, 2022 Committee of the Whole meeting.

PRRD directors voted in favour of sending another letter to Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, inquiring

about the status and timeline of providing sustainable access for the residents of Old Fort.

The recommendation was made at their August 17 board meeting, with directors agreeing to CC both Premier David Eby and local MLA Dan Davies.

The Old Fort community was majorly impacted by landslides in fall of 2018 and the summer of 2020. Following the crisis, the PRRD was notified that a multi-ministry committee was formed to review options for an alternate route or extra emergency route into Old Fort, includ-

ing slope stabilizations and a cost-benefit analysis of creating a new route versus other options.

During the May 26, 2022 Committee of the Whole meeting, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure representatives recommended maintaining the existing road as the lowest cost option, with no new construction or land acquisition.

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

Hey now - Cougar takes swipe at man

Darron Kloster

A man reported last week that a cougar took a swipe at him while he was hiking at Elk Falls Provincial Park near Campbell River.

The man was on the Canyon View Trail on Aug. 15 when he encountered the cougar, but didn’t suffer any injuries.

“The cougar made light

contact on the back of his leg, but didn’t break the skin or leave any scratches,” said a spokesman for the ministry of environment.

The big cat also had a run-in with a dog near the same location, and was spotted by several other hikers in the area.

The ministry said the cougar was treed, but had left the area by the time conservation

The Linda Krystina Safe House

officers and tracking hounds arrived. The cougar was not located.

The B.C. Conservation Officers Service closed the Canyon View Trail where the Quinsam and Campbell rivers meet for two days, reopening the popular four-kilometre loop trail on

Friday. The conservation officers left trail cameras to monitor the area during the closure and have posted signs for trail users to be aware.

The area is busy in the summer with hikers there to see the falls and this month, anglers

NoticeofPublicHearing

have been using the trails to reach the pink salmon run. Cougars account for about 2,500 calls to the Conservation Officers Service reporting line every year, according to WildSafeBC.

dkloster@timescolonist.com

OCP&ZoningAmendmentBylawNos.2527&2528,2023

When: September12,2023| 6:00PM

Where: NorthPeaceLeisure PoolMeetingRoom 9505100St. FortSt.John,B.C

ForMore Information: Contact: Development Services 250-784-3200

TollFree: 1-800-670-7773

A three-bedroom house on a large acreage in Treaty 8 territory is staffed 24/7 and is there for those who need safe house and support services.

In 2017, the Saulteau First Nations community was hit with a senseless act of violence resulting in the death of a pair of beloved community members –Linda and Krystina.

In response, the community rallied and created this safe house solution. Chief and council of the Saulteau First Nation purchases the safe house with the goal of bringing awareness and support the area, community, and people.

The programs are grounded with a focus of First Nation and Indigenous teachings for clients. editor@dcdn.ca

FSJPA/

Email: planning@prrd.bc.ca

Viewapplicationsat: www.prrd.bc.ca

FortSt.JohnArea

LotBSection35Township83Range19Westofthe 6thMeridianPeaceRiverDistrictPlan1703

Address: 8507269Rd.

ThePeaceRiverRegionalDistrictishostingameeting todiscusstheproposedOCPandZoningAmendment bylaws.

Proposal: Toredesignate&rezonethepropertyfromIndustrial StudyArea(ISA)toRuralResidential(RR)andfrom SmallAgriculturalHoldings(A-1)toResidential3(R-3).

Writtencommentsorconcernsaccepteduntil4:00pm

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ThispublichearinghasbeendelegatedtotheDirectorof ElectoralAreaC.

fsjpa.wildapricot.org

SeptemberGeneralMeeting

September14,2023 4:00PM-9:00PM

LocationNorthPeaceRod&GunClub

Gentlemen, TheupcomingGeneralMeetingisThursdaySeptember14th. ThemeetingwillbeheldattheNorthPeaceRod&GunClub. Youcanshowuptoshootasearlyas4:00PM.Thebirdsare provided,shellswillbeavailableforpurchaseattherange. Therewillbesparegunsforthosewhoarefirsttimersordonot haveagun.

Shootingwillbefollowedbysteakdinnerat7:00pm. Theguestspeakerwillbeannounced Asalwaysweencourageyoutobringaguest. Seeyouthere!

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November15-18,2023 FortSt.JohnCurlingClub

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NoticeofIntenttoConsider

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When: September14, 10:00AM

Where: PomeroyHotel& ConferenceCentre

11308AlaskaRoad

FortSt.John,BC

ForMore

Information:

Contact: Development Services

250-784-3200

TollFree: 1-800-670-7773

Email: planning@prrd.bc.ca

Viewapplicationsat: www.prrd.bc.ca

PinkMountainArea

BLOCKADISTRICTLOT1664PEACERIVERDISTRICT

Address: PinkMountainruralarea

ThePeaceRiverRegionalDistrictishostingameeting todiscusstheproposedTemporaryUsePermit.

Proposal: Toestablisha200-300personworkcampthat providesaccommodationandfoodforindustry workers.

PAN’s First Annual Summer School of the Arts

TW Buck Reporter/Photographer

This unique workshop was held at the North Peace Cultural Centre in Fort St john and saw renown printmakers and painters, Alain Costaz and Victoria Edgarr from Victoria, BC, visit the North Peace to teach at this workshop.

Writtencommentsorconcernsaccepteduntil4:00pm September13,2023.DocumentsmaybeviewedMondayFriday,8:30am-4:30pmat1981AlaskaAvenueDawson Creek, BCV1G4H8

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“Edgarr taught at Charlie Lake Elementary School before, and she also did workshops for Flying Colours here in town,” says Costaz. “I taught print for 25 years in art college, as did Victoria so they (PAN) invited us up to participate in this exhibition.”

Individuals of all experience levels attended the event and were given instruction and demonstrations on new techniques and different methods of print making that they would be able to utilize for their own artistic expressions.

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and everything that they have shown us is new,” says Sandy Troudt, a founding member of Flying Colours. “It’s different ways of using the ink and processes we haven’t used before such as the jigsaw. Not everything you do turns out to become a show piece, but all that learning and experimenting can create something that you are really proud of.

PAN workshops allow artists of all experience levels the opportunity to experiment in print and encourages exploration of innovative and alternative printmaking techniques. “The fact that you can combine two things, you can combine drawing so the graphic element, and you can combine colour using different coloured inks,” says Costaz.

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Where to find us? Not on Facebook but we’re still here!

Alaska Highway News

We’re still here!

If you were still able to see our Facebook page and stories last week, you can’t now. Our page went dark on Wednesday like all other news sites in Canada have or will.

Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, is no longer allowing Canadian news of any kind on its sites in response to the federal government’s Bill C18, Online News Act.

We hope the government

and Meta will reach an agreement before the act comes into force in the new year so that we can be restored on these sites.

But for now, all news is banned.

The aim of the bill, it says, is to “enhance fairness in the economic relationship between news businesses and online platforms” by having companies like Meta and Google pay a fee for hosting our news stories.

The ban on Canadian news that has resulted is not helping us or any other community news organization. We want to be easy to find

on as many platforms as possible so that you get as much local news as possible.

So, having us removed from social sites hurts us — and you. But the fact is we are still here.

How can you find us?

We are at alaskahighwaynews.ca, where you can read all our stories — and comment under them.

Please bookmark our homepage so you can come back easily.

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We also remain in print, delivered for free to community boxes around town and at local grocery stores and other shops each Thursday.

Please pick up a copy of the Alaska Highway News at or at our office at 9916 98 Street, Fort St. John, and the Dawson Creek Mirror at our office at 901 100th Avenue, Dawson Creek.

The Alaska Highway News and Dawson Creek Mirror have been your source for local news for decades, and we still are.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

New funding means more will have access to nutritious foods

TW Buck

Food Banks BC is receiving $15 million in funding to continue helping local food banks meet the rising demand, help solve the food-access challenges faced by northern communities, and to fund rapid access to food in emergency events such as the wildfires.

“We all want people to have the support and services they need to get healthy, nutritious food. Global inflation has hit people hard, and the rising cost of food is especially challenging,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “Our new $15 million funding will help food banks meet rising demand and fund rapid access to food in emergencies like wildfire.”

Food Banks BC will also work with some school districts that need extra help designing

school food programs, which are funded by the Ministry of Education and Child Care.

“Across B.C., we are experiencing greater demand for food banks than we have seen in the 40 years since food banking began in this province,” said Dan Huang-Taylor, executive director, Food Banks BC. “This welcome and necessary funding from the province will significantly enhance our work to support front-line hunger-relief agencies and to enhance access to food for those disproportionately impacted by poverty, including children and people living in B.C.’s northern communities.”

According to a media release, Food Banks BC funding is a portion of the historic $200-million investment that was announced in March, to strengthen the food supply throughout BC, encourage more food production in remote areas, increase the availability

of fresh foods, strengthen food infrastructure, and to create more regional community food hubs.

“This funding will help many local non-profits meet their needs and face the increasing demand for providing nutritious food to the communities they support. Our work with Food Banks BC and its partner organizations shows the power of coming together to support others in difficult times,” says Megan Dykeman, Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development and Non-Profits.

Food insecurity has seen a substantial increase due to supply-chain issues, inflation, and climate emergencies such as fires and floods that can interrupt food supply and production.

tbuckahnfsj.ca

Reporter/Photographer

Charges following home invasion and assault

Rob Brown Managing Editor Dawson Creek Mirror

On Wednesday, August 23, shortly after 9pm, Northern Rockies RCMP were called to a report of a home invasion on Boundry Road in Fort Nelson.

An unknown man came into a home, through the front door, and took keys from a key rack. The homeowner chased the suspect out of the house and down the street where he was assaulted

by the suspect. Community members came to the aid of the home owner and held the suspect until police arrived.

The suspect was combative with the police but was arrested after a brief struggle. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment of serious but non-life-injuries.

The suspect, Randell Cole Auger, 36 years old, has been charged break and enter, theft, assault causing bodily harm, assault police officer and obstruction.

Auger has been remanded in custody to a provincial correctional facility awaiting a future court appearance.

This was a random event and Auger is not known to the home owners said S/ Sgt Jason Rumming NCO i/c Northern Rockies RCMP. Auger is from Alberta, where he is well known to police and had just arrived in Fort Nelson.

editor@dcdn.ca

Fort St. John fire fighters assisting with Okanagan wildfires

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative

The City of Fort St. John has sent three fire fighters from their department to assist with the devastating wildfire season in the south of the province.

Council approved a request on August 18 from

Emergency Management BC to deploy a wildland apparatus and three members to assist the BC Wildfire Service in the Okanagan.

“Earlier this year, we were grateful for the support of fire departments across BC while we had several wildfires in our area, and although we wish we didn’t have to, we

Summer Reading Club wraps up for 2023

TW Buck

Reporter/Photographer

The Summer Reading Club (SRC) is a free province wide program, which encourages kids ages 2-12 to continue reading throughout the summer.

Kids and families who were registered with the program, were given a reading tracker which was used to keep track of their self-assigned daily

reading goals over the summer.

“They check in with us weekly for incentives like stickers, badges, and prizes to reward them for meeting their goal and reading every day,” says Alisa Lurie, Program Coordinator & Children’s Services at the North Peace Public Library.

“This year, our SRC theme was ‘Journey Through Time’ which was all about time trav -

el and exploration, so each week’s reading theme was something cool like: Dynamic Dinosaurs, Ingenious Inventions, and Rollin’ with Retro.”

This program keeps kids engaged with the library, reading, and learning throughout the summer and tries to make reading as fun as possible, so the kids and families have the freedom to pick what they want to read.

are happy to lend our hand during their time of need,” wrote the City of Fort St. John Fire Department on social media.

“Our thoughts are with all the residents and first responders dealing with this historic wildfire season. Stay safe.” they added.

The McDougall Creek Wildfire has left a trail of

“Having a free program like this that is available to all families to participate in keeps people connected. Especially for newcomers to the community, it gives them a chance to make new friends and make connections with other families during the summer,” says Lurie.

“As Library Director, I wanted to thank our Summer Student Puneet, and our Children’s Services and Programming Coordinator Alisa Lurie for their

destruction in West Kelowna, reducing homes to ash. 90 structures were significantly damaged or lost in West Kelowna and on Westbank First Nation lands, while up to 100 were lost in the North Westside.

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

incredible hard work in getting the Wrap Up Party together,” said Matthew Rankin, Library Director.

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The Greeks of antiquity have left us a remarkable account of how a good world became evil that bears an astonishing resemblance to the account of the fall of humanity recorded in Hebrew Scripture.

A woman lets curiosity overpower sense and disobeys a clear instruction.

We are struggling to live and ultimately are dying in 2023 with the results of that choice.

Greek poet Hesiod’s (c700 BC), Works and Days, in which the myth of Pandora and the box is told, may have been influenced by Eastern wisdom literature from the Sumerian, Egyptian, and Hebrew traditions.

This cross-fertilization of ideas should not surprise modern readers given the volume of trade and commerce carried on among the nations of the period.

Apparently, our present-day idea of Pandora’s box is not quite what Hesiod put in writing. In the 16th Century, Greek and Latin scholar, Erasmus, mistranslated the Greek pithos, a large storage jar (3-4 feet tall), to pyxis, a box that the artists have depicted as shoe-box size, thus greatly diminishing the evil that would be set free.

Briefly, this is the Pandora myth, forms of which predate Hesiod by generations: Pandora was put in charge of a large, sealed pithos and ordered never to open it. One day, overcome by curiosity, Pandora ventures to remove the lid, but before she can ever look inside, all the evil of which unregenerate humanity is now capable escapes into the world.

Horrified, Pandora slams the lid shut, forever locking in Hope that humanity might be able to overcome evil.

Now, without Hope, humanity is at the mercy of evil.

In the tradition handed down to us in the Holy Bible, Adam and Eve, created perfect and upright and given freedom to choose, used that freedom to separate from their Maker, their source of life, and align with the destroyer, the source of all evil, and the father of lies.

Pandora left us with no hope, as did Adam and Eve, but with one life-altering exception. The Creator, not wishing them to perish, provided a Way of escape for all who choose to take the Way. But that’s another story.

The point I am making is the same in each tradition: Pandora made a choice with terrible, but unintended consequences; Eve and Adam made a choice with terrible but unintended consequences. Pandora was warned that she should never open the pithos; Eve and Adam were warned of the consequences of eating the one forbidden fruit in the Garden.

And we are daily experiencing the consequences, unintended though they were.

So, let’s bring the lesson of Pandora

and Adam and Eve home to ourselves and consider some of the choices and the unintended consequences of modern-day society.

I wrote this far in my rant yesterday when the day I called tomorrow is today and I must take up the cause again.

Read on for some highly troubling consequences, intended or otherwise, of choices our government has made on our behalf. And because we choose our government, these are our choices.

One “unintended” consequence of Bill C18 has just hit me between the eyes, and it hurts. I also feel outrage at the injustice of a steamrolling government crushing long-held liberties, showing no respect for mature adults, electors, obviously supposing that we cannot sort out truth and fiction ourselves.

Having just received a news item from south of 49, I see, clearly, right in the middle, this unflinching statement: “In response to Canadian government legislation, news content cannot be shared in Canada.” Other than that, the item is totally dead to any of the usual manipulative measures one can use on a device.

Totally dead! Unreadable! Unintended?

If so, the legislation can be fixed by a prompt reversal – like right now.

And if it is not promptly reversed or suitably amended in some other way to allow free and unrestricted access to news, to the uncluttered exchange of ideas and information essential for a functional democracy, then we will assume that the consequence was intended.

It’s a sad commentary on the direction our once-free country is taking. But it is a direction we could have anticipated as early as November, 2013, before Mr. Trudeau took office as PM. It’s a consequence of either our apathy or our deliberate choice.

When asked the nature of the government he favored, Mr. Trudeau frankly admitted that he admired the “basic dictatorship of the Chinese Communist Party” above democracy.

And now we have it.

At least we are a long way down the road toward totalitarian control.

Now think back over the years of Mr. Trudeau’s watch. What decisions were made, or not made, the “unintended” consequences of which are now being played out?

But don’t lay the blame at the feet of one mere mortal.

We, the people elected our government and now we are experiencing the consequences of the choice we made, intended or otherwise.

Happily, each day is bringing us another choice closer.

Choose well, we will live or die with the consequences.

Merlin Nichols Columnist

Trudeau slams Meta for removal of News amid fire season

TW Buck Reporter/Photographer

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government has been in a standoff with Meta this summer, since the government passed C-18, which is legislation requiring companies like Google and Facebook to make revenue-sharing deals with news publishers.

Bill C-18 received royal assent on June 22, and aims to ensure fair revenue sharing between news outlets and digital platforms.

“Canadians from coast to coast are watching in horror, the images of apocalyptic devastation and fires going on in communities that so many of us know. This is a scary and heartbreaking time for people,” says Trudeau.

“It’s Facebook’s decision, to put corporate profits ahead of allowing Canadians access to news, instead of making sure their paying their fair share of the advertising profits Facebook makes off of Canadians.”

According to BC Wildfire Services, there are currently

379 active wildfires in British Columbia alone, making the total 1,873 fires so far for 2023.

“People have questions, bout whether they have lost their homes, about whether they need to evacuate, and that’s where local news is so important. As well, the work people are doing to share messages and keeping people informed with safe and up to date information is unbelievably essential to keeping Canadians safe.

That’s why it is so inconceivable, that a company like Facebook is choosing to put corporate profits ahead of ensuring that local news organizations can get up to date information to Canadians and reach them where Canadians spend a lot of their time, online, on social media, on Facebook. Facebook made billions of dollars of profits over the past years, including off of Canadians.”

If Meta ran these stories, would they not be in violation of C-18? Whose fault is this, Meta? Trudeau? Or Both?

“They are choosing to block

This week at the Senior’s Hall

by Pamela den Ouden

To many, the word “palliative” has a somewhat negative meaning, but according to Michelle O’Laney, program coordinator of the Fort St. John & District Palliative Care Society, it’s about “living life to the fullest by managing all the symptoms.”

She said doctors often “don’t speak ‘palliative’ until the patient is dying,” but she said the society’s volunteers can be involved in helping clients right from the diagnosis forward.

Support for the clients and families, considered as the “unit of care,” depends on their interests, whether it’s talking, playing cards, or reading books. O’Laney said she hopes clients and volunteers will develop a meaningful relationship.

There are about 15 volunteers who come from a wide range of healthcare backgrounds, including nursing. Many are older and want to continue serving the community

in this way. Volunteers receive training over four weeks about their role, practical measures of support, funerals, legal issues, and communication. “We don’t have enough volunteers,” said O’Laney.

The group has been operating in Fort St. John and area for 26 years. They receive funding from Northern Health, BC Hydro, and through donations. The society has furnished two palliative care rooms at the Fort St. John General Hospital. The rooms are equipped with recliner chairs and a microwave oven, so families can stay comfortably with their loved one.

“It gives them a bit of peace of mind.”

These rooms are also available for those discharged after big surgeries like hip replacements. Hospital beds can also be borrowed from the society for care at home.

Located in the Peace Lutheran complex at 9812 – 108 Avenue, the society’s office has a small library of grief related

access to their sites from sharing important local news, that’s Facebook’s choice.

We are simply saying that in a democracy, quality local journalism matters, and it matter now more than ever before.

When people are worried about their homes, worried about communities, and worried about the worst summer for extreme weather events we have had for a long, long time.”

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books. Coming up in the fall is a grief support group that runs for six weeks on a drop-in basis. Norbert Kaspar, a grief and bereavement volunteer, helps people “navigate a lot of different things concerned with grief and bereavement.”

O’Laney said this fall, they will be holding a Death Café, where “we eat cake, drink coffee, and talk about death.” Often an uncomfortable topic, O’Laney said “death is part of life.”

Advance care planning can help relieve a lot of anxiety

around end-of-life care, and O’Laney can provide information and a guide through which clients can make their health care wishes known.

One longterm goal of the society is to open a hospice house here in Fort St. John. Differing from “palliative,” “hospice” does refer to the “very end,” said O’Laney.

Big Plans for the Seniors’ Hall

In July, the Fort St. John Senior Citizens’ Association received a $2,000 dona-

tion from the Rotary Club of Fort St. John. The money has been designated for a kitchen renovation. “Our kitchen is old and needs modernizing,” said Wendy Clayson, president. “It’s the heart of the building, and a very valuable asset.” The kitchen, licensed and inspected by Northern Health, is an important aspect of hall rental, said Clayson. She will move forward with fundraising and grant applications. (I’ll be following this story!)

Coming soon! Scrabble starts on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 11 a.m. at the Seniors’ Hall. Details soon about Bingo!

0167

Wendy Clayson, centre, receives donation on behalf of Seniors’ Association from Fort St. John Rotary Club.

Dropping water levels raises ire with Arrow Lakes residents

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative

Residents in the Arrow Lakes region say they’ve been impacted by drastic drops in the water levels, which can fluctuate quickly as the once pristine valley turned hydroelectric reservoir is bound by conditions under the Columbia River Treaty.

The treaty, which was negotiated in 1964, was created for the development of the Duncan, Hugh L. Keenleyside and Mica Dams on the Canadian side, and the Libby Dam on the American side. Since then, communities have been dealing with the fluctuating water levels and loss of land.

An August 3 meeting was held by BC Hydro, with engineers and forecasters who manage the Columbia River System to explain the lower-than-normal water levels this year - a combination of severe drought conditions and snow pack being depleted early. More than 160 people were in attendance to share their comments and concerns.

By the end of July, the Arrow

Lakes reservoir stood at 1,417 feet and was expected to fall 1,400 feet by the end of August. It’s the second lowest flow in 63 years, with levels more than what one would expect in September. Levels are expected to stay at the required licence minimum at 1,378 feet.

The communities of Nakusp, Edgewood, Burton, and more say they’ve been grappling with the drops, which are putting people’s property and businesses at risk.

Residents Doug and Rachel Elliott live in Burton and manage the local campground, which is leased by the community. They say the drastic change in water levels could affect camping for summers to come, with several guests cancelling reservations - a threat to their livelihood and the local economy.

We are supposed to be a lake front campground and that is not the case this summer. Some have been coming for upwards of 30 years and are absolutely shocked to see what is happening this year,” writes the Elliotts. “People bring their families to enjoy our beach,

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kayaking, paddle boarding and boating. Our boat launch has now been land-locked since August long weekend.”

Waterfront users are also at risk of injury, say the Elliotts, with debris exposed from the receding shores.

“This has also exposed many hazards from the old town site which creates a danger to our campers who go down to explore or try to find their way down to the water’s edge which is now hundreds of feet away from the campground, and basically a giant mud pit. There is shattered glass everywhere and rusted metal littered all along the flats,” they write.

Nakusp Mayor Tom Zeleznik has been collecting comments and concerns from residents, and has passed the sentiments on in a letter to BC Hydro Stakeholder Engagement Advisor Mary-Anne Coules, and MLA Katrine Conroy for the West Kootenays.

“We have seen since 1968 massive erosion along our reservoir with this annual 60 to 70 feet fluctuation of levels that has affected our main highways,

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fisheries, limited or no access for the returning spawning fish, and many lakes front properties eroding away, which is very visible to see by boat or driving along our eroding highways due to these constant fluctuations,” writes Zeleznik, asking for a more gradual drop on behalf of residents.

In his correspondence with Coules, Zeleznik has also asked if BC Hydro would be willing to meet for an open consultation with residents, in addition to a walk around to see the impacts first-hand.

Several species of endangered fish are at risk with the sudden drops which exposes riparian zones along the shoreline, including provincially red listed ‘Umatilla dace’ carp and blue listed sturgeon and bull trout. The carp is endemic to the Columbia Basin, and isn’t found anywhere else.

Toxic minerals are also kicked up during the drops, with large amounts of silt, and can create oxygen depleted water, a danger to all fish species.

Some further comments from residents collected by Mayor Zeleznik:

“Whatever we ask for the Arrow Lakes reservoir isn’t likely to get much traction if it doesn’t account accurately for the broader context of the treaty,” writes resident James E. Cunningham. “The renegotiation of the treaty is quite far along now, and a lot of public engagement efforts were and are being made, but somehow, they seem to be missing the mark in communicating that context.”

Cunningham goes on to explain that before the dams, an average of 62.4 millions of acre feet in water trickled down into the Canadian portion of the Columbia, with 41 coming from Kootenay Lake and another 21 entering from above and below Nakusp.

According to Cunningham, the treaty requires Canada to have three reservoirs at Kinbasket, Arrow Lakes, and Duncan, adding up to 15.5 millions of acre feet of water stored - ultimately leading to unstable lake levels, either too much or too little, and inconveniencing communities all along the basin.

could be one potential solution.

Long-term residents Pat and Jan Dion wrote to MLA Conroy in July, outlining their concerns - noting that BC Hydro’s financial benefit shouldn’t take away from the community’s tourism and quality of life.

“After living in Nakusp for the past thirty years we have noticed how much the water levels have gone down and how rapidly. It is devastating to see the foreshore disappearing before our very eyes. This has been the earliest and fastest that our water levels have gone down,” write the Dions.

Canada doesn’t have full autonomy over the flow of the Arrow Lakes, bound by the treaty, it requires consultation and to abide by terms set with their American counterparts. The treaty is being renegotiated in an attempt to modernizethe 18th round of negotiations was completed on August 10 and 11 in Seattle.

The Canadian negotiating team included representatives of the governments of Canada and BC, in addition to the Ktunaxa, Secwepemc and Syilx Okanagan First Nations.

First Nations in the Arrow Lakes region have been advocating to return salmon to the Canadian portion of the Columbia River, as the fish has been absent for 80 years. The long-term vision is to return salmon stocks to the area for social and ceremonial needs, in addition to food and rebuilding the ecosystem.

A letter of agreement was signed for the initiative between the Syilx Okanagan Nation, Ktunaxa Nation, Secwépemc Nation, Canada and the Province of BC on July 29, 2019 in Castlegar.

It’s long been expected that BC Hydro would manage any impacts to the area from their hydroelectric projects.

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

With files from John Boivin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Valley Voice.

Editor’s note - An earlier version of this story had the Elliotts’ names as the Hilmans, which is used just for social media.

They also clarified that they do not own the campground, but lease it from the community.

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“Stabilizing the water level in the vicinity of Nakusp will require alteration of the storage capacity of the entire reservoir (roughly Castlegar to Revelstoke),” adds Cunningham, noting a weir by Needles

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RCMP’s monthly report for Hudson’s Hope

TW Buck Reporter/Photographer

The Hudson’s Hope RCMP received a report of a stolen vehicle on July 22 around Miller Road and Highway 29. The report stated that a grey Chevy Equinox had been stolen from a job site around 3:45PM. There were no suspects observed at the time, but later the stolen vehicle was observed heading to Fort St John but was still unable to be located by police.

This file remains open for investigation.

A search of a residence was conducted on July 31, along Fredette Ave. after, police confirmed that individuals were squatting at the vacant residence and left items and property behind. Upon searching

the residence police were able to locate and seize 5 firearms, thousands of illegal cigarettes, drugs and drug paraphernalia, along with several other weapons defined by the criminal code. All the items were seized for public safety due to the vacancy of the residence and is accessible to the public.

This file remains open for investigation.

On August 6, the BC Conservation Services were assisted by the Hudson’s Hope RCMP for a joint agency checkstop that took place along Highway 29. Several motorists were stopped and checked for various Motor Vehicle Act safety topics resulting in 2 prohibited drivers being located and subsequently charged.

Hudson’s Hope RCMP

stopped a truck on August 18, after it had been observed driving over curbs, as well as the lawn of the Hudson’s Hope School parking lot. The truck was later observed contravening multiple Motor Vehicle Act offences as it travelled through town. Based upon the police investigation, the driver was detained for being impaired while operating a motor vehicle and failed a road-side sobriety test. The driver of the vehicle was served a 90-day driving prohibition with their vehicle being impounded for 30-days. The driver also received several further violations for Motor Vehicle Act offences.

Hudson’s Hope RCMP received several complaints on August 19 that 5-6 ORV’s (side by sides) were observed in the area, driving erratically in the area of the Dinosaur Lake

Campground. When police arrived, they were unable to locate the ORV’s as they left the scene prior to police arriving. Though the area holds a designated ATV campground and only has one access to the lake, caution is to be exercised when operating an ATV/ORV in the public area due to the presence of children and public along the paths and roadways. The District of Hudson’s Hope and the RCMP are working together to get mor visible signage up in the area to restrict the usage of ATV/ORV’s along public areas which many tourists and visitors frequent.

Hudson’s Hope RCMP and BC Conservation Services have received numerous calls regarding the high volume of bears being observed. Enforcement agencies have been working steadily to monitor

and manage the situations. Property owners and residents of Hudson’s Hope are being asked to do their part in the management and remove as many attractants from their properties as possible. If any concerns or public safety issues are observed, please contact the RAPP Line at: 1 (877) 952-7277.

Anybody with information regarding current or past investigations is able to contact the Hudson’s Hope RCMP directly at 250-783-5241 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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New Dawson Creek hospital on track for 2027 completion

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative

2027 is still set as the completion year for the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital, with Northern Health sharing an update with the Peace River Regional District at their August 17 board meeting.

Cathy Ulrich, President and CEO of Northern Health, Mike Hoefer, Executive Director, Capital Planning, Facilities Operations and Logistics, and Angela De Smit, Chief Operating Officer appeared as a delegation to present the update.

“Essentially everything is on schedule and on budget, and on scope,” said Hoefer. “Now we are actively doing ground works on the site with the design builder and we’re working rapidly towards fall, setting up for concrete pours and crane erection.”

Permits are in place for the build, added Hoefer, noting it was a graduated permitting process. They’re expecting to be in operation by early 2027, if everything goes according to plan, with medical equipment and staff being moved in following substantial completion.

De Smit said the staff entrances are designed to reduce cross flow in the back, while curbing emissions by reducing parking outside and increasing reliance on public transportation by adding drop off loops for a connections bus.

“So, there’s less emissions or riding together, versus you know, five people coming for a meeting and they bring five vehicles, versus how can you carpool and those types of things,” she said. “It’s about keeping the environment safe as well in terms of parking.”

The new hospital will be able to handle two ambulances arriving at the same time, added Hoefer, further noting that a decontamination area is part of the design for workplace and contamination incidents.

A mental health ward is also part of the new building, and is regional in scope. An increase of beds from 15 to 18 is planned as part of the ward.

“We’ve positioned Dawson Creek as the centre for inpatient psychiatry,” said Ulrich. “We do have some ca-

pability in Fort St. John for mental health services, we have psychiatry there, and we are able to provide some care in that hospital, but the inpatient unit for higher level psychiatry is in Dawson Creek.”

A $590 million dollar contract was awarded to Calgary-based Graham Design Builders LP to design and build the new hospital through Northern Health and the province. The PRRD contributed $177 million to the project.

70 beds are expected at the new hospital, up from 24. Emergency department spaces are also increasing from 10 to 15.

The existing Dawson Creek and District Hospital will remain open during construction. Existing services will also remain in place, with the addition of laboratory, diagnostic imaging and physical rehabilitation upon completion.

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

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Recently,CanadapassedtheOnlineNewsAct,alsoknownasBillC-18, whichhasledtoastandoffbetweenthegovernment,GoogleandMeta —theparentcompanybehindFacebookandInstagram.

BothGoogleandMetahavesaidtheyplantocuttieswiththe news industryinCanadaasaresult.

ThismeansMetawillblockthepostingandsharingofournewsarticles onFacebookandInstagram.Googlewillalsoremovelinkstooursites andarticlesinGoogleNews,Discoverandsearchresults.They’llalso cancelsignificantcontentlicensingagreementsalreadyinplacewith ourparentcompany,GlacierMedia.

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RCMP presence increased for wildfire crisis

TW Buck Reporter/Photographer

With escalating wildfire conditions throughout the Okanagan region, RCMP officers from across the province are mobilizing to help provide much needed support for the affected regions. The residents are expected to see a large influx of RCMP personnel from multiple detachments and specialized units.

Officers are being dispatched using multiple means of transportation, including airplanes. Personnel being deployed in-

clude BC Highway Patrol, Indigenous Policing Services, Tactical Troop, and other specialized and front line units from within BC.

The primary responsibilities of these individuals will be to aid with evacuations, safeguarding evacuated regions, ensuring secure evacuation routes, and offering operational relief to local detachments. Additionally, they will be conducting proactive patrols to deter any potential criminal activities.

“Our utmost priority is the safety and well-being

of our communities. As additional officers arrive to the area, we urge everyone to exercise patience, listen to instructions from emergency personnel, and drive cautiously,” says Cpl. James Grandy, spokesperson for the Southeast District RCMP. “Additionally, for the safety of wildfire and emergency personnel working in the area, we strongly caution against the use of non-governmental drones. Unauthorized drone operations in the area are dangerous and unlawful”.

According to RCMP,

anyone found interfering with wildfire control efforts (including flying drones or UAVs) can face penalties up to $100,000 and/or up to one year in jail.

Additional resources are being allocated in order to sustain core policing operations in these communities.

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Mathews Park has been blocked off to the public for most of the summer, while crews work to install multiple upgrades around the park such as a new fitness obstacle course which will provide older children and adults with a challenging and fun way to enjoy the park.

The rubberized tile surfacing is almost fully installed which will provide a safer and more comfortable surface to walk and play on.

As well, new play

structures have been added to the park and the old structure will be removed, providing a safe and fun environment for children to play and explore.

Crews are currently working on the parking lot and the trail connection improvements, making it easier to access and navigate the park.

Not sure when the park will be reopening, but we will keep you updated as further information is released.

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TW Buck Reporter/ Photographer

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PleaseJoinusfortheSouthPeace HealthServicesSociety

AnnualGeneralMeeting

Thursday,September14th,6pm

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Celebration of Life for the late Ione Snyder of Fort St. John will be held

Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Montney Community Hall. In lieu of �lowers expressions of sympathy can be made in memory of Ione to the Montney Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded through www.hamresfuneral.com

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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

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Maintenance Clerk - Canada Operations

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

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

Have a 1947 Massey Ferguson Tractor. Looking to trade for something of similar value. 780-356-2411

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Job Summary

Reporting to the Superintendent - Canada, the Maintenance Clerk will be responsible for various duties related to field maintenance activities. The role’s primary accountability is to provide effective day-to-day support of other individuals in the maintenance department to ensure overall administrative needs are met.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with maintenance staff to ensure that external service records and work history are received and accurately tracked to completion.

• Provide detailed oversight/management of external service provider costs to facilitate a clean link to the accounts-payable process – amending work orders, creating/processing PO’s / AFE’s, etc.

• Manage all materials related to external maintenance activities and ensure that work orders reflect accurate material data.

• Work with different disciplines to ensure required regulatory information/files are organized and uploaded to cloud-based document repositories. Leverage previous experience to ensure a functional, detailed, and accurate filing process.

• Work with maintenance staff to maintain an accurate database of preventative maintenance (PM) activities along with distribution of cost history reports.

• Assist technical team in Houston with maintaining accurate equipment database information

• Assist maintenance staff in preparing and maintaining presentations and spreadsheets.

• Effectively respond to various ad hoc requests for information and/or project support

• Collaborate with other administrative professionals at Murphy in the interest of continuous improvement initiatives.

• Provide backfill support to Field Administrators (when required)

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid driver’s license with no restrictions is required

Qualifications/Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Minimum 5 years of direct work experience in maintenance-related role

• Relevant experience with a CMMS. SAP-preferred.

• Proven computer skills, specifically with MS Office programs, MS Teams & DocuSign

• Exceptional organizational skills - ability to identify, plan, prioritize and execute work objectives

• Demonstrated skills in time management

• Proven ability to multi-task and remain detail-oriented in a fast-paced environment

• This position is deemed as a Safety Sensitive position, pre-employment drug and alcohol testing is required

Desired/Preferred Qualifications

• Diploma in Applied Business Technology or successful completion of a related Office Administration program would be considered an asset.

• Knowledge of the oil and gas industry

Working Conditions

• Position can be based out of either the Montney Field Office, located in Dawson Creek BC, or the Kaybob Field Office, located in Fox Creek AB.

• Hours of work – 5-on, 2 off - Monday to Thursday 8.75 Hours/Day, Friday 4 Hours.

• Minor overnight travel will be required on occasion.

Murphy Oil Company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents or have appropriate work authorization in Canada will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, genetic information, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status or any other category protected by federal or provincial law.

Have a 1951 Dodge Fargo Truck. Looking to trade for a similar era truck. 780-3562411 2004 Chev Cavalier 2-Door,

Contract Operator - Montney Operations

About Us Murphy Oil Corporation is a leading independent energy company committed to balanced crude oil and natural gas development and exploration. We remain steadfast in our devotion to innovative strategies and differentiated perspectives, resulting in sustainable, efficient growth worldwide. At Murphy Oil Corporation, we believe the rich experiences and backgrounds of our employees strengthen our Company, create a productive workforce, and drive our success. We encourage you to apply for the positions for which you meet the qualifications.

Please apply online, www.murphyoilcorp.com/life-at-murphy/

Job Summary

The Contract Operator will be responsible for the safe operation and optimization of numerous gas wells and associated equipment within Murphy’s Montney field, located near Dawson Creek, BC.

Responsibilities

• Performs duties under Lead Operator / Remote Operations Center direction necessary to meet target production rates safely and efficiently by employing industry best practices or Murphyapproved procedures.

• Ensure safe work practices such as Permit to Work, Job Site Analysis, Energy Isolation and Stop Work are followed at wellsites/facilities.

• Adhere to Murphy’s HSE policies and procedures as a condition of employment. Proactively participate in ERP exercises as required.

• Develop detailed knowledge of standard operating procedures and assist in development and updating of procedures as needed.

• Submit maintenance requests in a timely and accurate manner as required/found.

• Monitor and perform necessary repairs to basic wellsite equipment as required.

• Maintain all position-applicable records necessary for production accounting, regulatory compliance, HSE and maintenance.

• Submit requisitions for supplies as necessary and monitor inventory of material on hand.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid driver’s license with no restrictions is required. Successful applicant will be required to provide a drivers abstract.

• Successful candidate will be required to hold/provide:

◦ Account in good standing with WorkSafeBC

◦GST # issued by the Canada Revenue Agency

◦Certificate Of Incorporation

◦Proof of Commercial General Liability Insurance Policy

Proof of Automobile Liability Policy

Qualifications/Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Minimum 3 years of direct work experience in upstream light oil and gas well operations or maintenance

• Good mechanical aptitude

• Proactive safety attitude

• Skills in troubleshooting and time management

• Good computer skills, specifically with MS Office programs & MS Teams

• Prior experience with artificial lift systems, primarily plunger lifts.

• Well-developed interpersonal skills with a ‘Team First’ mentality

• This position is a field-based role and works 11.4 hours per day on a 7-on / 7-off rotation

• This position is deemed as a Safety Sensitive position, pre-employment drug and alcohol testing is required

Desired/Preferred Qualifications

• Gas Processing Operations or Field Processing Operations certification would be considered an asset

• Certification in an oil & gas related trade would be considered an asset

Murphy Oil Company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents or have appropriate work authorization in Canada will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, genetic information, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status or any other category protected by federal or provincial law.

Application No. PA 111761

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOTICE

Application for a Permit Under The Provisions of the Environmental Management Act NorthRiver Midstream Operations GP Inc. (NorthRiver), 1400, 888 – 3rd Street SW Calgary, AB, T2P 5C5, intend to submit this application to the Director to authorize the discharge of air emissions from a gas processing plant. The source(s) of discharge is/are (5 generators (2 backups)); (2) sales gas compressors, (2) heat medium heaters, (1) glycol regen incinerator, (1) acid gas flare stack, and (1) emergency flare stack.

The land upon which the facility will be situated is d-044-L/094-A-13 located 120 km northwest of Fort St. John, within the Peace River Regional District. The operating period for this facility will be 24 hours/day, 7 day/week.

The maximum rate and characteristics of air emissions discharged from this facility are represented in the table below. The operating period for this facility will be 24 hours/day, 7 day/week.

August 2023

15-17 Light a Moose Radiothon

November 12 Be an Angel Trees

December 1-15 Westjet Online Raffle

Climate change fuelled spring wildfires, notes PRRD report

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Peace River Regional District has received an afteraction report detailing the response to wildfires this spring. The regional district is generally well-equipped to deal with incidents, noted Chad Pacholik with Logic League Consulting, who authored the report.

Pacholik appeared as a delegation by video to deliver the report at their August 17 board meeting and says local wildfires are being fuelled by climate change. He acknowledged it’s not limited to just the PRRD - 20,000 people have been ordered to evacuate Yellowknife, in the wake of 240 fires burning in the Northwest Territories.

“While many people I think are calling this an unprecedented wildfire season, I think it’s really reflective of our new reality and what will become our new normal,” said Pacholik, noting that a drought year in 2022 exacerbated conditions, coupled with a hot and dry spring in 2023.

Providing the public with information remains critical to running any emergency operations centre (EOC), added Pacholik.

“The public information role is critical. And in recent years, the scope of that function has been increasing,” he said. “The PRRD was lucky to have someone, who in my opinion, is one of the best public information officers around during this emergency.”

In May, evacuation orders were made for the Red Creek and Stoddart Creek wildfires due to immediate danger and threat to life. More people are needed as public information officers, said Pacholik, with three to five more suitable for running an EOC.

“When properly managed, the information section, it really relieves pressure on the whole rest of the response. During this activation, information to the public started a little bit rocky, but improved as the response went on,” said Pacholik.

He added that having he EOC located in their down-

stairs office hasn’t been effective for the PRRD, disruptive for both non-emergency and emergency operations, with a dedicated space needed. The EOC was moved several times after activation.

The wildfires were largely handled by external contractors, noted Pacholik, cautioning that local knowledge remains most important part.

“So far, the solution that seems to have worked the best is that hybrid model, that bolsters that internal capacity and local knowledge, with the external contracted personnel,” said Pacholik. “As you know, we pointed out that in some of the past after action, we’ve used that dependence on external contractors, really can lead to inefficiencies due to the insufficient of the local geography, the relationships in place.”

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

JOIN US AT THE 2023

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation extends a warm invitation to all our valued members and the general public for our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). Mark your calendars for September 27, 2023 (Wednesday) at 7pm, as we gather at the Callahan Room of the Fort St. John Hospital.

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect, reflect on our achievements, and chart the course ahead. Your presence and engagement contribute significantly to our mission of fostering a healthier community. We look forward to sharing our progress and plans with you at the AGM!

“BE AN ANGEL” GALA: SEEKING DONATIONS FOR AUCTION ITEMS

The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation is in full swing preparing for the upcoming Be an Angel Gala, set to take place on November 4th. A cherished tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday season in the North Peace, this year’s event is set to dazzle with the captivating theme of the Roaring 1920s.

SUPPORTING HEALTHCARE: BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR

The dedicated healthcare professionals at FSJ Hospital and Peace Villa Residential Care Facility tirelessly strive to shape a future of healthcare excellence within our community, enriching the lives of those closest to your heart.

Monthly donors help us keep postage and administrative costs down. You’ll receive an annual cumulative tax receipt mailed to you in January for the previous year’s contributions. You can enjoy the flexibility to easily adjust your contribution –whether you want to increase, decrease, pause, or discontinue your gift. This provides you with unparalleled convenience, allowing you to make regular contributions through manageable monthly contributions.

Show your unwavering commitment to the FSJ Hospital Foundation and join our monthly donor program today! To enroll, simply visit fsjhospitalfoundation.ca or reach out to us at 250.261.7563. Your support makes a lasting impact!

Anticipate an enchanting evening filled with entertainment, dynamic live and silent auctions, an enticing opportunity to win a flight to any WestJet destination, and above all, the opportunity for you to have a wonderful evening with your friends while supporting local healthcare. For those interested, whether individuals or businesses, in making contributions such as items, services, or prize packages for our esteemed silent and live auctions, we invite you to get in touch with us at fsjhf@ northernhealth.ca or give us a call at 250.261.7563.

Your involvement can make a significant difference!

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE FSJ HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Why should you consider becoming a member? By joining, you’re making a direct impact on local healthcare in the North Peace Region. You’ll contribute to building a more resilient Fort St. John community. Stay in the loop about our efforts through our monthly newsletter. Take on the role of an FSJ Hospital Foundation ambassador. Participate as a volunteer at our numerous annual events. Share your expertise to further our cause!

To be eligible to vote at the upcoming Annual General Meeting scheduled for September 27, make sure you secure your valid membership at least 30 days prior (by August 29). Ready to make a difference? Become a valued member of the FSJ Hospital Foundation today! Visit our website at fsjhospitalfoundation.ca or give us a call at 250.261.7563 to get started!