AHN September 14, 2023

PRRD considering re-establishment of Agricultural Advisory Committee

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Peace River Regional District is taking another look at whether a new Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) is needed, with board directors voting in favour of connecting with producer groups at their September 7, 2023 Electoral Area Directors Committee Meeting.

It’s been five years since an AAC was in place at the PRRD, with the previous committee being dissolved in August 2018 due to a lack of participation. A report detailing the history of the AAC was also received by the board at the September 7 meeting.

Directors said they want to ensure local producers have an interest in taking part, before moving ahead with any formal process for a new committee.

Jill Copes from the Landry Women’s Institute and Nor’ Pioneer Women’s Institute was in attendance at the September 7 meeting, and noted she was representative on the previous agricultural committee – which she’d like to see return.

“This is the largest agricultural area in the province, and does not have an agricultural advisory group,” Copes said. “There are 38 AC committees throughout BC. The provincial guidelines suggest there is a need to connect with farm community beyond AAC members.”

“Your role is to advocate on behalf of residents, businesses, and industry, in support of a prosperous economy,” she added.

The AAC was dissolved after the PRRD received a lack of responses for committee member nominations from local agriculture producer groups and associations.

Copes says she felt “things went sideways” when the PRRD’s regional agricultural plan was delegated to the AAC and that volunteer farmers simply couldn’t attend the volume of meetings, nor were most rural residents aware of AAC advertisements seeking member nominations placed in local newspapers by the PRRD.

In total, 63 meetings were held from 2002 to 2018, before the AAC was dissolved. Copes added that the women’s institute also sent a letter in April 2018, indicating that the PRRD’s agricultural plan would not work as presented.

“In reviewing whether this committee should be re-established, I think it’s very important that the rural residents have a voice that is heard - there are many agriculture issues that urban directors would not know anything about,” said Copes.

Cope further noted she would prefer community groups to be invited in any future committee, over having designated individual members at large.

Longtime Peace Region residents Jim and Margaret Little sent a letter to the PRRD saying they would like to see the AAC re-established, noting while they understand that meetings weren’t well attended, it remains a potential voice for

those living in the rural areas.

“The issues that are facing the agriculture community are increasing, and the voice of rural Peace residents is extremely critical,” reads their letter. “Local concerns are unique to the different areas of our area - what is important in one area may not have the same importance in another.”

“It is for certain that the rural needs, concerns, are very different from the urban ones. However, it is absolutely necessary that agriculture concerns of all areas are understood and considered,” they added.

Electoral Area C Director Brad Sperling says a lot has changed in the five years since the AAC was dissolved, and that it may be time for a second look - especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent wildfires fuelled by drought.

“The way this fire and drought and everything else is going, it’s going to keep changing,” Sperling said. “I think we really need to have a deep look at how to bring this back.”

PRRD CAO Shawn Dahlen said the board should determine where an AAC fits within their strategic plan, and if they want to consider it for their 2024 budget.

“Agriculture, as well as food security, is embedded right now in the strategic plan,” said Dahlen.

Electoral Area E Director Dan Rose said there’s time left to do outreach and make sure they’re including all relevant parties, as not everyone belongs to local producer groups such as grain commissions, cattle associations, or horticultural associations.

“We do know that membership in producer groups is not membership of everybody,” he said.

Electoral Area Director Committee meetings are also available for delegations to appear every month before the PRRD board, added Rose.

“There’s always room, we have very few delegations that we entertain,” he said. “That’s always been wide open for producer groups and individuals to come here with concerns.”

Electoral Area B Director Jordan Kealy is in favour of bringing back the AAC, and said there’s a variety of complex issues facing agriculture in the Peace that require collective communication to the provincial government, noting he’d like to see the terms of reference for a future committee restructured.

“When it comes to communication of what goes forward to the government and how groups are viewed, I think we need to get everybody in the same room and try and work as a consolidated effort,” he said.

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

Fort St John strongman is pressing for nationals!

TW Buck Reporter/Photographer

Local to the North Peace, Ryan Stickel was recently in Courtenay, competing in the BC’s Strongest Man competition placing 2nd overall, winning several events and winning 1st in his weight class. The competition which took place on Saturday August 26, consisted of 5 events, and had 45 athletes competing in various weight, gender, and ex-

perience categories.

Stickel competes in the heavyweight men’s open category, which had 8 men 120 Kg and up. All the athletes competing in Comox at the BC’s Strongest Man / Woman had previously qualified through regional competitions to be there.

“I did my first contest in 2012 down in Hope and another in 2013 in the Yukon, then I waited a few years while still training

with competing in mind. It was just difficult to get to a contest since most are 12 hours away and work didn’t line up, plus the births of our children, and a few family weddings fell on competition dates,” says Ryan Stickel. “Then I did the powerlifting meet in Prince George in 2021 and then Kelowna this year in June and then provincials this past weekend.”

For the national competition, events are a 340 lbs viking press (overhead press on a frame), 330 lb per hand farmer carry, (like hauling groceries, only with weights in each hand), a 710lb axle dead-lift, and a 330lb keg lifted over a bar for as many reps as possible.

Stickel trains at local gyms for multiple hours, 4-5 times a week to compete at these competitions and won’t change much in preparation for the nationals, except adding in more overhead variations and defi-

cit dumbbells to eliminate the bonus of a flexing bar.

“The atmosphere at these competitions is like nothing I’ve seen in any other sport, all the athletes are so supportive of one another even while competing against each other,” says Meagan Stickel. “Every event the previous competitors are crowding around screaming ONE MORE REP, GET UNDER IT!! Absolutely channelling all their strength to the person lifting. They all genuinely want each other to do well

and it’s inspiring to see.”

Leighton Fehr is another Fort St John strongman who qualified for BC’s Strongest man but was unable to attend the event, as well as Alex Lorincz who represented the North Peace in the Grande Prairie’s Strongest Man competition winning 1st place.

Get news delivered to your inbox six days a week, subscribe to our newsletter. tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

Reporterher

On target - archery is a huge hit with residents in Hudson’s Hope, with the Tested True Archery Club enjoying a busy summer.

In June, the club hosted their first outdoor shoot at the Cameron Lake Outdoor Educational Centre, setting up 30 plus 3D targets along a 6.5km trail

Hudson’s Hope RCMP officer Cpl. Erich Schmidt has been involved with the club

since the beginning, and said the numerous targets allowed archers to test their skills at various distances and altitudes.

“This type of archery shoot provided archers with many shots that they would encounter while archery hunting and also provided some very dynamic shots that put even the best archer to the challenge,” writes Schmidt.

He added that the club is really grateful for the support of local and neighbouring businesses in the region, which made the event possible. The

club was also in attendance at this year’s Hudson’s Hope Fall Fair to host another competition, inviting everyone to give archery a shot.

The archery club has also partnered with the River of the Peace Metis Society, providing the club with a very generous monetary donation, allowing them to purchase 24 3D archery targets, several youth and adult bows, and additional equipment needed to host larger archery events.

Weekly outdoor archery shoots are expected to con-

tinue into the fall at the Pearkes Centre field, with the club moving back indoors once the snow flies.

our newsletter.

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

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative

Helloagainit’sbeenalongtimesincemylastreport. ThisisKatelynnBueckertfromtheGreenValley4-HClub. Ihopeeveryonehashadagreatsummer.WehadourAchievement DayonJuly15&16GreenValleydidverywellthisyearitwasin DawsonCreek.Everyonehadagoodtimetherewasnewfriends madeandoldfriendsrejoined.Nowit’stolookforwardtothenew yearandit’scomingupfastinOctobersowewouldliketothankour

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BC extends state of emergency

– and will enact emergency orders to ensure the safety of people in our province as needed.”

The state of emergency issued by the province on August 18 is being extended until September 14 in order to ensure public safety and to support the response to BC’s worst wildfire season.

peratures in the coming weeks along with smoke, strong winds, and dry conditions. All of which, contribute to the possibility of extreme fire behaviour.

“While many people have returned home, tens of thousands of British Columbians remain under evacuation order or alert due to wildfires,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “We’re continually assessing the situation – which can evolve quickly

More than 3,500 personnel are contributing to the response efforts including BC Wildfire Service staff, contract personnel and personnel from South Africa, Mexico, Ontario, Australia, and the Canadian Armed Forces.

The southern and coastal regions have recently received some rain which provided some relief.

Northern BC is expected is to see unseasonably warm tem-

GreenValley4-HReport

While 4,200 people are on evacuation order, close to 65,000 additional people remain on evacuation alert and are ready to abandon their homes at a moment’s notice. Get news delivered to your inbox six days a week, subscribe to our newsletter. tbuck@ahnfsj.ca 250.785.2116|9511-85thAve,FortSt.John

TW Buck Reporter/Photographer

A 200-300 worker camp proposal for Pink

Mountain

Rob Brown Managing Editor Dawson Creek Mirror

The PRRD will entertain an application concerning a 200300 person work camp near Pink Mountain. The camp, expected to provide food and accommodation for industry working is being proposed as a temporary use online.

With the near completion of the LNG project, there is an enormous demand d for Natural Gas necessary to fill the pipeline, “reads the application. “There will be a large influx of working in the near future that will need to be housed and fed in order to get the necessary work completed.”

A septic system is expected to be installed as well, including

Provideyourinputontaxis,ride-hailing, andotherservicesrelatingto passengerdirectedvehicles.

Registertospeakatapublicmeetingby September22orprovidewritteninputto theCommitteebyNovember30.

Forfulldetails,visitwww.leg.bc.ca/cmt/pdv orcall250-356-2933or toll-free1-877-428-8337.

wells drilled and water treatment installed, and if necessary water will be hailed in for drinking or cooking.

A hearing goes Sept. 14 at the Pomeroy Convention Centre in Fort St. John at 10am on the matter. The deadline to comment on the matter to the PRRD is Sept 13 at 4pm. editor@dcdn.ca

PRRD to talk grant writing, regional funding

SpecialCommitteetoReview PassengerDirectedVehicles

www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/pdv

Rob Brown Managing Editor Dawson Creek Mirror

More than $2.1 million has been secured since March 2021 for 28 regional projects by their grant writing services and programming.

Recommended reads for you:

UNBC research group gets

$800k to continue Nechako River Basin study

Don’t try to dodge police checkpoints, B.C. fire zone residents are told Officials from Clear Course Ltd. Are expected to be on

hand Thursday morning at the PRRD to provide a breakdown of services and more to members of the PRRD’s Electoral Area Directors committee.

Approximately 25% of time has been spent on grant proposal writing, 50% on building capacity and collaborating with community groups, 20% project services (creating tools, designing information sessions & workshops), and the remaining 5 percent on project management/administration. This amounts to 23 grant proposals from 14 community groups totalling $1,660,081 awarded. Another 18 grant proposal out-

comes pending connected to $841,515 in funding requests for the area.

2023 grant highlights include $100K for the North East Native Advancing Society Indigenous Plant Field Guide, $96,950 for the South Peace Mile 0 Park Society Pioneer Village Re-roofing project, and $13K for Chetwynd Public Library’s Mental Health programming. editor@dcdn.ca

Hudson’s Hope RCMP investigates suspicious cat death

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Hudson’s Hope RCMP are seeking to speak with anyone who may have any information regarding the suspicious death of a cat which occurred on September 5th in Hudson’s Hope.

On this date, the Hudson’s Hope RCMP received a report of a beloved family cat named Belle, which had been found deceased in the area of Paquette Ave. and Kyllo St. Upon the investigation, it was confirmed that the death of this feline was intentional and quite disturbing. Police are investigating this incident on the basis of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation can contact the Hudson’s Hope RCMP directly at (250) 783-5241, or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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

City of Fort St. John proclaims September as Literacy Month

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

At their August 28, 2023 regular council meeting, Mayor and council for the City of Fort St. John proclaimed September 2023 as “Literacy Month”.

“Literacy is the key to opportunity for Canadians to increase their chances to be successful in today’s modern world. Engaging children

and youth in literacy programming ensures the best possible environment for getting a head start on literacy and lifelong learning,” wrote the city on social media.

Tom Summer, Alaska Highway News, Local Journalism Initiative. Have a story idea or opinion?

Email tsummer@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John! Now is the time! Vote for the People’s Choice Awards!

For over 40 years, the Alaska Highway News has been providing the community of Fort St John with the People’s Choice Awards.

Due to our readers no longer having access to our content through social media, we’re reminding our readers to go online and vote, for who you think is the best of the best in our community.

Fort St. John Mounties pick up World Police, Fire Games medals

Rob Brown Managing Editor Dawson Creek Mirror

Two Fort St John Mounties recently detained some iron at the 2023 World Police and Fire Games. Retired Cpl. Steven Fracoeur and Cst. Aidan Finlay participated in Winnipeg from July 28 to August 6.

Francoeur, now reserve constable, competed in the Men’s 40+ Singles Pickleball and won a bronze medal on August 3, 2023.

Reserve Constable Francoeur standing on podium with two other pickleball medalists

He also completed in Mixed 40+ Doubles Pickleball, team-

ing up with a retired LAPD police officer, and won a silver medal on August 5.

Reserve Constable Francoeur and doubles partner standing on podium with two other pickleball team winners

Francoeur is a member of the Peace Country Pickleball club here in the Fort St John area and is looking forward to going to the 2025 games in Birmingham, Alabama.

Constable Aidan Finlay also had the pleasure of competing on a combined rugby team of RCMP and Firefighters called team 1697, winning a Bronze in Men’s 7’s. Finlay thoroughly enjoyed the games and short

time spent together with his teammates.

Constable Finlay with the combined Police Fire 7’s Rugby team

There were approximately 8,500 athletes competing from over 70 countries in close to 60 different sports. The RCMP had the 4th highest agency medal count at the games at a total for retired and active duty members of 107.

Canada lead the country medal total count at 656 with the United States close behind at 651 medals. Canada received 262 – Gold, 227 – Silver, and 167 – Bronze. editor@dcdn.ca

FSJ: 250.785.5631

Ryan Wallace: rwallace@ahnfsj.ca

DC: 250.782.4888

Janis Kmet: jkmet@dcdn.ca

Nicole Palfy: npalfy@dcdn.ca

Dan Przybylski: horizon@dcdn.ca www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

NOTICEOFANNUALTAXSALE

PursuanttoSection645oftheLocalGovernmentAct,theCityofFortSt.Johnwillconducta TaxSale torecoveroutstandingtaxes. ThesalewillbeheldattheCityHallCouncilChambers,10631-100Street,FortSt.John,BCat 10:00AM,Monday,September25,2023. Allthepropertieslistedbelowwillbesoldbypublicauctionforaminimumoftheupsetprice,unlessguaranteedpaymentbycash,interac,moneyorder,certified chequeisreceivedby 4:30PMFriday,September22,2023,forthedelinquentportionoftaxesplusinterest.

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Note:PaymentsreceivedafterSeptember7th,2023,arenotreflectedinthislisting. Thesuccessfulbidderoneachpropertymustpayincash,interac,moneyorder,certifiedchequetherequiredbalanceby3:00PMofthesameday. Failuretopaythebalancewillresultinthepropertybeingofferedforsaleagainat10:00AMonthefollowingday. FormoreinformationcontacttheFinanceDepartmentat:tax@fortstjohn.ca FYI:ThislistisupdatedregularlyontheCityofFortStJohn’sfacebookpage.

ProudParents

Marlin& Theresa Ball

KARTER MARLIN BALL

July31,2023

Length: 19.5inches

Weight: 7lbs14oz

Time: n/a

Blueberry River First Nations developing bat stewardship project

WILDER TIMOTHY ROBERTS

August13,2023

ProudParents

Length: 20inches

Weight: 7lbs13oz

Time: 12:40pm

Cody &Kaylynn Roberts Hometown: FortSt.John,BC

ARIES–MAR21/APR20

Aries,agoalyouhavebeenworkingtowardisnearingcompletion. Taketimetoreflectonallittooktomakethegoalcometofruition.

TAURUS–APR21/MAY21

Taurus,trytogetawayonavacation,evenifit’sjustaweekend jaunt.There’sneverbeenatimeyoucouldusealittlegetawaymore thanrightnow.Pushthisintothepriorityzone.

GEMINI–MAY22/JUN21

Gemini,itistimetogetmoremovementintoyourdailyactivities. Don’tyouwanttobeinthebestpossiblehealth?Incorporatemore exercisegraduallywithactivitiesyouenjoy.

CANCER–JUN22/JUL22

Apartnershipwillgetevenstrongerthisweek,Cancer.Itcouldbea relationshipwithaspouseorevenabusinesspartner.You’llbenefit fromthisaddedstrength.

LEO–JUL23/AUG23

Youmaytakeimmensepleasurefromdoingmundanechores thisweek,Leo.Washingwindows,organizingthegarage,sorting throughunusedclothes…theseareallthingstokeepbusy.

VIRGO–AUG24/SEPT22

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Blueberry River First Nations is developing a bat stewardship program to improve roosting for bats in the Pink Mountain area.

The nation made the announcement on social media, and said they will be installing bat boxes and monitoring the use of the sites by various bat species. 11 boxes in total will be installed, with sites selected by Blueberry River monitors and Elders.

Bats face several threats to their existence, including habitat loss from agriculture expansion, forestry, and other industrial development.

White nose syndrome is also a concern, a type of fungal infection which is lethal to bats.

The fungus thrives in cool, damp conditions, and is easily found in the hibernacula — the cracks and crevices where bats make their home.

Eight species of bats are found in Northeast BC, and previous studies have been conducted in the Peace by organizations such the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, tracking the northern myotis and little brown myotis.

These two species are also the study subjects of

Logging-site arson

the First Nations’ project, which are valued for their pest control abilities by eating mosquitoes and other insects, as well as pollination and seed dispersal by eating nectar from flowers or fruit from plants.

More than six million bats in eastern North America have been killed by white nose syndrome. Climate change causing extreme weather events and wind farms are also potential threats to bats.

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

RCMP from Prince George are currently investigating arson that occurred last weekend on the Mackenzie Lookout Forest Service Road.

Employees left the site on Friday afternoon, and when they returned to work on Tuesday, they found 3 of their machines had been burned beyond repair.

The area where the machines were stored is fairly remote and not visible from the Forest Service Road. We are looking to speak with anyone that was

in this area over the weekend who may have noticed some unusual activity or anything suspicious that could assist in this investigation, states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.

RCMP are currently seeking any witnesses to the logging-site arson, and anyone with information regarding the incident they can contact the Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300, (Please quote file # 2023-30709).

Get news delivered to your inbox six days a week, subscribe to our newsletter.

tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

TW Buck Reporter/Photographer

Editorial: Words of wisdom from 1894,

in high esteem.

Canada’s first Labour Day

enemies.

Everything that we have that is worth anything is the product of labour, of the hand or of the head. That’s hardly a new idea; in fact, it was a key point in the first Labour Day editorial published on our pages — or more precisely, our predecessor, the Daily Colonist — on Sept. 2, 1894, the day before the first national holiday in honour of working people.

The editorial reflects its times; for example, there are a dozen references to males in the workforce, a pointed snub of the women who were also work-

ing. (Admittedly, women employed outside the home were very much in the minority 129 years ago, but plenty of them held paying jobs.)

Recommended reads for you: B.C. labour movement’s decline has yet to bounce back, professors say Saskatchewan RCMP’s top Mountie says relationships built after mass stabbing

Beyond that, many of the points made in the 1894 editorial ring true today, noting as it does that labour should be held

“It seems to be one of the laws of nature that men should work for what they have,” the editorial says. “Nature furnishes them with the raw material and they must, by labour, get almost everything else for themselves.”

It also asks if we could be as happy as we are if we had nothing to do, and could get everything we required by merely wishing for it.

“What healthy-minded man would lose the pleasure of doing things? What pleasure is purer or gives more satisfaction than that which is obtained from exercising the powers of our bodies or our minds for some useful purpose?

“This is a pleasure about which very little is said, but it is one which all who have endeavoured to do anything useful have felt. Besides the enjoyment there is in the exercise of the powers of the mind and the body, that exercising is the only way of developing them.”

The 1894 editorial painted a rather bleak picture of what human life would be like with-

out labour. “Men and women would lead a dreary animal existence, and they would be useless, unformed creatures,” it says.

“Labour, strenuous labour, continued through centuries, has transformed the savage, clad in skins and living in caves, into the civilized man who has conquered the earth and who makes all parts of the world minister to his necessities.

“It has changed him from a wild creature, only a little above the brutes in intellectual power, into a high-minded philosopher or a deep-thinking man of science, who has by hard and persistent labour wrung from nature her deeplyhidden secrets and made her forces obedient to his will.

“Should not labour then be held in high honour? Not one particular kind of labour, but all kinds, for they have been all necessary to the progress and the happiness of mankind.”

The editorial dismisses the idea, apparently promoted by some labour advocates, that labour and capital are natural

LETTER: on the Fort Nelson News stopping their press

Judith, just a note to let you know how saddened I am that an era has come to an end. You have done a tremendous job of running the paper over the years.

An era comes to an end & a new era begins, I wish you

& Anthony all the best. Enjoy your already golden days.

To Dr. Kenyon, you were my doctor for a long time, thank you. You stood behind Judith in this endeavour, you two are awesome.

Maureen Elder

OPINION Langevin: has science been hacked?

Gerry Langevin Columnist

During the Covid outbreak a popular statement we heard was, “Follow the science.”

However, I heard apparent science claims that seemed to support one side of the argument, and then science claims that seemed to support the other side of the argument. I recently read a statement regarding “Follow the science” whereby the guy said rather, “Follow the money.” which may be more accurate than we think. Typically we tend to follow the science that best suits our interests.

But isn’t all science just proven facts? We know that math, the laws of Physics, Chemistry, and so on, are reliable and unchanging, so how can there be contradictions in scientific observations and conclusions, especially when carried out by

qualified scientists? I imagine that there are a few factors involved which contribute to the variations: The information is not complete, the appropriate ability and/or equipment to conduct accurately decisive experiments are not available, the human error margin, and the motives, biases, and assumptions, that we tend to bring to the table, are contributing factors.

I am saying we, because we all have them. There is another other factor that is not necessarily directly the work of any scientists. There are people who take claims of science and use it to promote their own agendas, and true, that can come from any side of the spectrum. This is scary, because who does not love science, and trust it? That makes us particularly vulnerable to precepts and suppositions that influence our very life values and judgments.

As with anything else, if we religiously follow science without question, are we not subjecting ourselves to the direct, or even indirect agendas of people, and submitting to their influence, or even control. Have not various political groups used the scientifically questionable theory of Evolution to devalue human life to the point where they felt they had the right to put to death anyone they wanted? It is hard to imagine that something so useful and helpful as science can be used for such things. Again it is human folly that is the guilty party.

cience in its purest form is suppose to be the objective pursuit of knowledge, whereby we can freely examine a claim or observation, and apply experiments and calculations in the attempt to verify its validity. Still the conclusion of Intelligent Design has faced ridicule and persecution in parts of the

scientific world, and yet everything from atoms and DNA, to galaxies, scream precision, order, and design.

Since God does not subject Himself to man’s arrogance (imagine that), some boldly claim that He doesn’t exist. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” and “...without faith it is impossible to please Him.” Those are His terms; nevertheless, in His great love, God has left ample observable evidence, and then rocked the planet by sending His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is still impacting millions of lives today.

What I am saying, is that we must not blindly follow the assertions and ideals of men by failing to carefully examine the claims and objectives. The Bible says, “The naive believes everything, but the prudent man considers his steps.” Dear friends, science is amazing, but

“Capital and labour are as necessary to each other as the right hand to the left, or as the head is to the hand,” it said. “It may be true that the proper relation between them has not yet been discovered, but it is clear that whatever it is, it is not that of warfare.”

The editorial expressed hope that recent “unseemly and ruinous contests” — labour disruptions — would be looked back upon “with a shudder as a bad dream or as the frightful mistake of deluded, ill-advised and over-excited men.”

And the final note from this weekend in 1894:

“Labour, then, properly understood and rightly appreciated, is worthy of all honour, and it is devoutly to be hoped that those who have entertained mistaken notions of its nature and its objects will, before very long, see it in its true light and learn from it all that a dispassionate contemplation of the benefits it has conferred on mankind is designed to teach.”

we must understand that, like religion, some of it may have been hacked and infiltrated! NEVER PLACE YOUR ETERNAL SOUL AND FAITH IN THE WORKS AND OPINIONS OF MEN!

Just for interest sake, here are some passages from the Bible that today can be scientifically verified. “...He hangs the earth on nothing.”, “The Lord sits enthroned on the circle of the earth.” “...He stretched out the heavens.”, “...whatever passes through the paths of the sea.”

God performed the first open surgery on Adam, and He taught Israel to isolate and quarantine people with infections and viruses, and to use 7, 14, and 21 day screening periods. So enjoy science, believe the Bible, and trust God. He loves you SO MUCH!

RCMP locate wanted man, thanks media

32-year-old Nathan Field who has been wanted by RCMP since June 15, has been located and arrested.

The individual was wanted for Breach of Release Order and Mischief under $5000 after he

had removed his ankle monitor.

The RCMP thanks the public and the media for their support and assistance.

BC Hydro adds higher-powered chargers

BC Hydro announced it is adding higherpowered chargers to its fast-charging network with the introduction of 180-kilowatt charging units, which can add up to 180 kilometres of driving to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes.

“B.C. is a leader in electric vehicle adoption and has one of the largest public electric vehicle charging networks in Canada, and we are committed to providing more options for drivers looking to charge their vehicles, especially if they are short on time,” says Hon. Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “These new higherpowered chargers have the ability to charge electric vehicles in a fraction of the time.”

In addition to being faster, the units also offer dual charging or power sharing, which allows two customers to use the same charger. For example, a 180-kilowatt

charger can adjust to provide two 90-kilowatt charging units and allow more drivers to access public charging stations.

The adoption of electric vehicles across British Columbia has increased significantly. There are now more than 120,000 EVs on the road in B.C., and BC Hydro predicts there will be between 700,000 and 900,000 EVs within the next 10 years.

“Our recent research found that of the 40 per cent of British Columbians looking to purchase a new vehicle in the next three years, many are considering an electric vehicle,” says Chris O’Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. “We are listening to the feedback from our customers who tell us they are looking for more charging options and higher-powered chargers to join our fast charging network, and we are excited to begin the installation of these 180-kilowatt units later this fall.”

The first communities expected to receive these units include Tumbler Ridge, Manning Park, Mackenzie and Surrey. BC Hydro aims to start installing these units in late fall 2023 and many of its new locations planned in 2024 will also receive these higher-powered charging units.

BC Hydro’s provincewide fast charging network currently includes 153 charging units at 84 sites in communities throughout B.C. BC Hydro is looking to add 3,000 ports to its network over the next 10 years. The chargers are funded in a partnership with the Province of B.C. and Natural Resources Canada. editor@dcdn.ca

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BC Hydro failing to address concerns, say Arrow Lakes residents

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Residents of Nakusp and surrounding areas met last week to share their concerns over low water levels on the Arrow Lakes, gathering at the Village of Nakusp gazebo on August 28.

Local media and Alaska Highway News were invited to hear criticisms of BC Hydro and concerns over the low water level impacts.

The meeting was organized by members of an online group called ‘Slow the Flow of the Arrow Lakes’. Over 1,500 residents have joined the social media page, exchanging information, pictures of the low water level impacts, and responses from BC Hydro.

An August 3 meeting was held online by BC Hydro to explain the lower-than-normal water levels this year, which they say is a result of severe drought conditions and snow pack being depleted early.

While residents understand the drought explanation, they feel BC Hydro has mismanaged the water levels in the Arrow Lakes, and that Canada took a bad deal in the original negotiation of the Columbia River Treaty, signed in 1964.

A modernized treaty is being negotiated between the United States and Canada, but residents in the Arrow Lakes say they would like it halted until their concerns have been addressed. A round of negotiations wrapped up in Seattle on August 10 and 11.

Shelter Bay resident Stan Chorney was in attendance at the gazebo, and said he’s very concerned about the environmental impacts, noting the drastic drops are particularly destructive to fish, which creates a domino effect on local wildlife.

“It’s a trickle-down thing, and the whole Columbia valley all the way from Columbia

Lake, and Kinbasket, Revelstoke Lake, and this lake is impacted environmentally,” he said. “Fish stocks, and that goes on to the shore birds, and all the mammals, and so forththe vegetation, the reptiles, you name it, everything is impacted, and it’s a huge domino effect that happens.”

A marsh near the airport has gone completely dry, says Chorney, with turtles, frogs, and birds devastated by the lack of water. Fish are also trapped in pools of water near his residence, slowly waiting to die.

“Everything that lives there is completely dead, because instead of being a marsh, it’s a big sand pile, and that’s one tiny area within the whole basin,” he said.

Chorney says it’s challenging for citizens to take action and keep BC Hydro accountable, noting he feels the crown corporation is more concerned about maintaining their bottom-line.

“A big part of that revenue comes from both the water that flows through the U.S., and the water sales that they make to the U.S.,” said Chorney.

Tourism and recreation are his other main concerns, said Chorney, with many business owners and residents missing out on their peak season due to the unexpected drop in water.

“The communities like this all the way down this valley rely on tourism in the summertime, it’s their peak season,” Chorney said. “The folks at Galena Bay that have places there, they go there because they wanted to enjoy the lake frontage of the water that’s there and put their docks into it.”

While the reservoir does normally drop some, docks and shores have been left high and dry a lot sooner compared to 2022. Chorney said his house is typically 15 metres away from the lake, and now it’s roughly two and a half kilometres.

The reservoir currently sits at

1,400 feet, with a draft operating range of 1,385 by the end of September. The required licence minimum level is 1,378 feet. While the levels are seasonally lower than average, BC Hydro says the low inflow conditions are not unexpected, with lower fall levels seen in 2015 and 2001.

BC Hydro Stakeholder Engagement Advisor Mary-Anne Coules said they did negotiate with the U.S. to hold back additional water in the spring, which resulted in the Arrow Lakes Reservoir being 8 feet higher from May to August.

Coules also explained that the changes in reservoir levels are not related to a navigational lock which was broken, and has since been repaired as of September 2, 2023.

“The navigational lock design allows BC Hydro to safely de-water the lock to complete repairs regardless of the reservoir elevation,” wrote Coules. “The navigation lock is not used for water management or dam safety purposes. Water discharges and reservoir levels remain safely managed with the spillway gates and low-level outlet gates.”

Arrow Lakes resident Jane Robertson reached out to the constituency office of MLA Katrine Conroy, MLA Kootenay West and did receive a response, which reiterated the drought explanation, and why water is held back in the upper reservoirs.

“It is necessary for BC Hydro to hold back water in Kinbasket Lake so that power production can continue in the winter. At the same time, the Americans need to store water in Lake Roosevelt for power production in the winter for their side,” wrote the constituency office.

“With no more snow-pack or significant rain, that leaves Arrow Lake in the middle with no way to replenish. Meanwhile, we recognize that seeing the American side enjoy the benefits of a full reservoir while

we experience devastating impacts of a drought sure is very hard to witness, and we agree it isn’t fair.”

The office further explained that they are still bound by the treaty, which wasn’t written to encompass climate change.

“There was less concern for environmental and social impacts and when climate change and the droughts we are seeing now were not even imagined. It was a time when water and resources seemed endless, and they did not expect water to recede low enough to reveal debris dumps and to leave fish to die,” they noted.

Resident Colleen Lakevold says the valley is haunted by BC Hydro pushing the reservoir on an unwilling populace during the 1960s, hearing many first-hand accounts from her own family.

Homes were burnt, farm equipment left behind, and residents never truly compensated for the homesteads they had no choice in abandoning. The debris is still there today, lining the shores, and becoming exposed whenever the water gets low.

“The wounds have not healed 60 years later. The citizens were kept in the dark; as darkness fell on the valley, when Hydro entered it,” writes Lakevold. “They were forced off their land, they lost their homes, their farms and their livelihoods, many to die shortly after their forced relocation. The stress was simply just too much.”

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Broken promises continue in the valley today, added Lakevold, with frustration and resentment towards BC Hydro rising.

“Voices go unheard, concerned citizens watch as hundreds of thousands of fish perish, being trapped and landlocked. Reaching out for help or even acknowledgement from any level of government is at this time, falling on deaf ears,” she writes.

Nakusp business owner Heather Maxfield says the whole situation has been a disaster, as many people are still financially recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have just got over the effects of COVID and now we get hit with this,” writes Maxfield. “We have to put our orders in for summer stock before Christmas, so had no warning whatsoever that the water level was going to be so low to destroy our beach for tourists and locals.”

The Arrow Lakes Environmental Stewardship Society (ALESS) has offered to help the Slow the Flow group with research and advocacy on the water level impacts, and is actively looking for new members.

Village of Nakusp councillors were also in attendance at the gazebo meeting, coming to listen in and hear concerns from residents first-hand. Nakusp Mayor Tom Zeleznik has been collecting comments and photos to forward to BC Hydro.

“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, fisheries, limited or no access for the returning spawning fish, and many lakes front properties eroding away,” wrote Zeleznik.

The reservoir was never wanted by Nakusp, nor most of the Arrow Lakes - a region which had largely been left alone until hydroelectric development came to the valley.

The community was blindsided by the provincial and federal governments of the day, as the treaty was signed with the intention of developing reservoirs before anyone living in the valley was properly informed - essentially rubberstamping the project.

James Wood Wilson, a former BC Hydro employee, was in charge of the resettlement process during the creation of the three dams (Mica, Revelstoke, and Keenleyside) and wrote about the impacts and displacement of the populace at length in his 1973 book, People in the Way - The Human Aspects of the Columbia River Project.

“Many people, though not all, believed that when the Arrow Reservoir was full the region was generally an improvement over the old days,” writes Wilson. “But when the reservoir was low and stumps and mud flats were exposed, and as long as dust storms continued, all agreed the Arrow Lakes were far less pleasant than they used to be.”

According to the book, roughly 600 people were displaced near Revelstoke, another 1,100 by the Central Arrow Lakes, and 250 near Castlegar. While many did stay either near Revelstoke or Castlegar, about half in the Central Arrow Lakes left the region entirely.

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

Ministry refuses to compensate youth it misinformed: BC Ombudsperson

The refusal by the British Columbia government to compensate a young woman for its mistakes deeply disappoints the provincial ombudsperson, who says the former foster child may not be the only one harmed.

Jay Chalke said Wednesday the woman, identified as Alexandra, was led to believe by the Ministry of Children and Family Development that she would be eligible for government support for post-secondary education worth tens of thousands of dollars, but was denied

He said the ministry is also refusing to consider if other people were similarly affected.

“I’m deeply disappointed that government continues to refuse to compensate Alexandra, but also that they are refusing to look to see if other young people were also not provided with correct information or legal advice,” said Chalke.

“This is a ministry that has the obligation to act in the best interests of young people,” he said. “Alexandra’s best interests were definitely not protected in this case, and I’m concerned there may be others who are in the same situation.”

Chalke made the comments following the release of a report titled “Misinformed,” which makes five recommendations and details the investigation by the Office of the Ombudsperson following Alexandra’s complaint.

Her last name is not published to protect her privacy, but the report says she was born in the 1990s in a small town in B.C. and is currently in her 20s.

Children’s Minister Mitzi Dean said in a statement her ministry will be reviewing the ombudsperson’s report “to fully understand what went wrong when Alexandra sought advice from the ministry in 2015 and how we can avoid this in the future.”

She said important changes have been made since to ensure proper support and communication to help youth transition from care.

“It’s clear that social workers need to provide accurate and complete information to youth and families, and we will continue to improve communication and information sharing,” said Dean. “We want to ensure that all youth in care receive the supports that will help make them successful in life.”

The statement does not discuss

providing compensation but said “all former youth in care, including this young woman named Alexandra, have access to free tuition at B.C.’s public universities and colleges.”

Chalke said Alexandra received mistaken advice from a social worker about her potential eligibility for post-secondary education supports and other funding if she transferred custody from government care to that of her aunt when she was 17 years old.

Alexandra was not told her transfer of custody to her aunt made her ineligible for post-secondary funding supports, he said.

She was also not provided with the obligation to receive independent legal advice to help her understand the consequences of the decision, Chalke said.

Dirk Meissner, The Canadian Press

100 Street re-opening on Saturday!

TW Buck Reporter/Photographer

100 Street will be re-opened for public use Saturday, September 9 after being closed since April 11 say officials.

Phase four of the project saw the replacement of aging underground utilities as well as aboveground improvements including wider sidewalks, a shared turning lane, furnishings, street trees, as well as catenary lighting.

The aging underground infrastructure is being upgraded along 100th St., and this is the fourth phase of this project which broke ground in 2020.

Phase 5 is set for 2024, and the planned construction will take place between 103 Avenue to 105 Avenue.

Get news delivered to your inbox six days a week, subscribe to our newsletter. tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

Obituaries

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation AGM will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 7pm (MST).

Location: FSJ Hospital Callahan Room

Everyone is Welcome.

In order to have a VOTE you must be a paid member 30 days before the AGM.

Questions: Please contact: 250.261.7563 or email fsjhf@northernhealth.ca.

Obituaries

Obituaries

Obituaries

GILLES FRANCOEUR, son of Roger and Monique FRANCOEUR, passed away unexpectedly of natural cause on August 4, 2023, at of 42 years of age. He leaves behind his wife Dawn Fedorick Francoeur, step daughter Kimberley and step-son Hayden and their spouses and children, and Dawn’s immediate family. His aunt Ann Parent and family. From back East, uncles and aunts Guy (Lina), Lucienne, Andre, Rosaire, Louise (Lorne), Gilles (Carmen), and numerous cousins, too many relatives to mention, also many friends here and a fare. Addition to the family, Mary Ann, Allysa and Conner. He has been involved with the Stage North Theatre Society were his love for acting grew more and more every year; this group was his extended family. He was an active member from 1996 until he moved to Kelowna in 2016, and remained a member to his last day.

He also was the Manager at The Brick in Fort St. John before his move to Kelowna in 2016, where he was the ops manager. He loved his job and his team. He will be greatly missed, and forever remembered by everyone.

Please join us to remember the good times and celebrate his wonderful life at Roger and Monique’s house on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 1 to 4pm. If you need to come later, just bring a snack or dish so we can share more memories of Gilles. For other dates, just call us and we will arrange a time for you. Contact us personally or someone who knows our location. Do not share tel. # or address on Facebook.

Dogs

LegaL/PubLic Notices

In MeMorIaM

In Loving Memory

Grace Bishop Feb. 21, 1934 - Sept. 15, 2006

William Bishop Feb 16, 1921 -July 6, 1995

I thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday and days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is my keepsake with which I will never part. God has you in His keeping.

I have you in my heart.

Sadly Missed - Your Children JoAnn, Stewart, Ross, Anita, Wade and families

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LegaL/PubLic Notices

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LegaL/PubLic Notices

Dale’s Automotive is selling two vehicles by bid on September 22, 8:00AM.

*2009 Dodge R2500 registered to Kevin Armstrong owing $7168.99

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*2017 Ford Escape registered to Josef Wallace owing $279.41

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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.

Houses for sale Log House on Moberly Lake, in-law suite, oak hardwood floors, on 5 acres. $345,000. 250-795-7990

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Application No. PA 111761

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOTICE

Application for a Permit Under The Provisions of the Environmental Management Act NorthRiver Midstream Operations GP Inc.

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.

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The type(s) of treatment to be applied to the discharge is/are: main flare stack Any person who may be adversely affected by the proposed discharge of waste and wishes to provide relevant information may, within 30 days after the last date of posting, publishing, service or display, send written comments to the applicant, with a copy to the Director, Environmental Management & Reclamation, British Columbia Energy Regulator, at 6534 100th Avenue, Fort St. John,

ProgrammaticCommunity Display

Our Roots 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.

Types

Geofencing Types

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”.

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● Event Targeting

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● Competitor Targeting

● Customer Loyalty

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• 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

Prince George explosion update

RCMP investigators have been working to uncover the cause of the early morning explosion that took place on August 22 in downtown Prince George.

So far, the investigation has been able to determine that the building was secured on the evening of August 21.

Multiple unauthorized individuals broke into the building throughout the night, while fire investigators have determined there is further evidence of copper pipe theft which had caused damage to at least one of the natural gas lines.

Activities of the unauthorized individuals was the source

of the ignition in which created the explosion that’s rocked the downtown.

“This investigation is incredibly complex, and it will take time before investigators can make any further determinations, but we felt an update into the status of the investigation was necessary as so many people in our city were affected by the events of that morning,” states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.

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TW Buck Reporter/Photographer