AHN August 17, 2023

County League Cup champions!

Todd Buck Reporter/Photographer

On July 31, in Fort St john the Northern Bulls were victorious in their chase for the cup, winning their final match against the Northern Strikers by 58 runs.

Northern Bulls, Northern

Strikers, Energetic Stars and FSJ United all competed in the competition at Forster Fields.

“Cricket is a new and emerging sport in fort St. John with a good community involvement, and we host games which include teams from Prince George, Grande Prairie, and Dawson Creek,” says Joel

David, president of NPCF. Man of the match, as well as man of the series was awarded to Ananthakrishnan Anilkumar, who also was awarded the title of best batsman of the event.

Best bowler for the County League Cup was awarded to Joel David this year.

The county league for the NPCF has been held every year since 2017, and continues to gain support in the North Peace.

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gun on scene: four people arrested, charged

Todd Buck Reporter/Photographer

At around 6:18am on August 2 local RCMP responded to a report of shots fired around Triangle Park which is located on 112th Ave and 103 Street in Fort St John.

Four individuals had been observed arriving at a residence, in what later was determined to be a stolen vehicle to commit a break and enter where a shot was fired into the residence.

The vehicle then left the scene, but returned a short time later and two people approached the house this time.

The home invasion was interrupted when frontline police showed up to the scene and locating the individuals from the vehicle.

One of the individuals was in possession of a spent shell casing and bear spray, while another was found with a collapsible baton. Containment was set up around the resi-

dence and all four individuals were arrested at the scene.

Eight people, with the assistance of the RCMP dog services were removed from the home with no injuries.

A loaded pistol was found after a search warrant was executed for the car. The residence was also searched which resulted in locating additional firearms and ammunition, which was seized for further investigation.

“This is a great example of how a timely report by the public combined with a quick response led to the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of a 3D printed handgun, said Constable Chad Neustaeter, Media Relations Officer for the Fort St John RCMP.

Everyone came out of this harrowing situation safely which is the best possible outcome for a file like this.

The following charges have been approved for Bradley Johnson; possession of a fire -

arm knowing its possession is unauthorized, reckless discharge of a firearm, unauthorized possession in a motor vehicle, break and enter with intent, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.

Johnson has been remanded into custody and his next court appearance scheduled is for August 21, 2023.

The following charges have been approved for Dallas Garbitt; unauthorized possession in a motor vehicle, break and enter with intent, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.

Garbitt has been remanded into custody and his next court appearance is scheduled for August 15, 2023.

The following charges have been approved against Clinton Marks; unauthorized possession in a motor vehicle, break and enter with intent, posses-

sion of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.

Marks has been remanded into custody and his next court appearance was scheduled for August 9, 2023.

The following charges have been approved against Amanda Gehring; unauthorized possession in a motor vehicle, break and enter with intent, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.

Gehring has been remanded into custody with his next court appearance scheduled for August 10, 2023.

The local police are asking anyone who might have additional information in this matter to contact the Fort St John RCMP at 250-787-8100. If you want to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

New mayor of Hudson’s Hope ready to serve the community

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Travous Quibell is the newest mayor of Hudson’s Hope, officially declared elected on July 31, following the July 29 by-election. Quibell said he appreciates everyone who supported him, and fellow candidates for running a clean race.

“I’m sure for everybody that has gone through an election and race for position as mayor or councillor, it’s a little surreal when you get to the end of it. It takes a little while to sink in, but it’s been an immense outpouring of support from the community,” he said. “And it was a good race, it was a clean race.”

Born and raised in the community, Quibell has served on council for the past 20 years as a councillor. Stepping into the role of mayor means new but familiar responsibilities, says Quibell, the biggest change being an increase in public profile and how he represents the community.

“There’s a certain amount of

additional public profile that comes with stepping into the shoes of mayor, as the representative of your community,” he said.

Ultimately, the role means being on 24/7, added Quibell, meeting with residents officially and unofficially, whether that’s at a council meeting or running into folks at the grocery store or the post office - all part of dayto-day life in the small town.

However, district responsibilities will never fall solely on him - it’s a team effort, noted Quibell, with mayors needing to listen to and rely on their fellow council members.

“We like to think of the mayor as the person who is, you know, sort of making the shots, calling the orders, that sort of thing. But really, you are beholden to your council at the end of the day,” said Quibell.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to be a leader, to direct the conversation, to bring forward ideas, to listen to your community, and help steer your council in the direction your community needs to be successful.”

Quibell says he takes cues from all of the town’s past lead-

ers, but was particularly inspired by the legacy of former mayor Lenore Harwood, who was known for her kindness and tenacity in pursuing many important projects and initiatives for Hudson’s Hope.

“She was a fantastic leader for our community and she made being a mayor a full-time job - really took it to heart and that poured out of her,” said Quibell. “If you spent any time around Lenore, you know what kind of person she was, and how much she truly cared for the community, and I’ve tried to carry that forward.”

Quibell also expressed respect for his predecessor, former mayor Dave Heiberg. The by-election was called shortly after Heiberg stepped down earlier this year. An educator at heart, Heiberg taught at the local school for many years, in addition to numerous roles in the community.

“He was a fantastic mayor and a fantastic leader. He could really command a room, and you know, as a teacher, it’s one of those skill sets that he definitely leaned into,” said Quibell.

Looking forward, Quibell said he’s still committed to livestreaming council meetings as soon as he can get the idea moving with council - greater transparency and improved communication from council was a hot topic for residents who attended the by-election all-candidates forum.

“I feel it’s one of the easiest wins for us; streaming is now almost ubiquitous. We have a culture now where, you know, my ten-year old son streams his video games so that his friends can watch,” said Quibell. “If he can do it, we can do it.”

Community growth was another deeply discussed topic during the forum. While there’s no magic solution to solving the town’s growth, says Quibell, the town needs look holistically as to how to make it an appealing destination for new businesses and potential residents.

“It’s very rarely a case of there being a magic bulletone single thing that you can do to suddenly spur on growth in a community and so it’s going to come down to a lot of different things,” he said. “As a community we have to make sure that we do our strategic

planning correctly.”

Quibell feels the town’s greatest strength remains lifestyle - while winters may be tough in Northeast BC, Hudson’s Hope enjoys hot summers surrounded by lakes, rivers, and vast amounts of wilderness available for recreation, a huge draw for anyone who loves the outdoors and a relaxed pace of living.

“We have access to an immense amount of recreational area. We have some of the most beautiful lakes, and rivers, and green areas that exist anywhere in the province,” said Quibell, noting the micro-climate is similar to the Okanagan, despite a shorter summer.

Council’s first official sitting following the by-election will be August 14. It’s expected the tie for the councillor position will be settled by then, a judicial recount was requested for candidates KK Charlesworth and Jeanette McDougall, who tied at 113 votes each.

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

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Asphalt milling on 100 St.

Thursday August 3, crews were working along 100 Street from 93 Ave to the Alaska highway, milling the asphalt in preparation for the re-surfacing process.

A machine first rips up the old asphalt and removes it before a crew truck cleans and preps the road so it’s ready

when the paving crew arrives to re-surface the road.

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tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

Kiskatinaw River Bridge update

The Kiskatinaw River Bridge debris is safely being cleared away from the bridge piers - and is expected to finish this summer.

During the spring of 2021, a slide took place at the Kiskatinaw River Bridge, which had impacted the bridge’s structure according to Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. That summer, slope monitoring systems were installed and the ministry geotechnical engineers regularly monitor the area for any movement.

The continued closure of the Bridge is due to the slide remaining active, and the ministry is still monitoring and collecting data.

There is still no date on when it will reopen to the public according to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

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tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

Todd Buck Reporter/Photographer

Volunteers of the Year, Penelope Mercereau and Yvonne Moritz with newly elected Mayor Travous Quibell, posing with the award plaques in Beattie Park. (District of Hudson’s Hope photo) TyLee

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Colours of the Peace

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OpenMonday-Wednesday&Friday9:00-5:30pm andThursday9:00-7:30pm

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The North Peace Spinners and Weavers Guild held a natural dye weekend this past July, using local plants to colour their fabrics, a long-running tradition for the group.

Stinging nettle, goldenrod, and more - there’s a wide variety of plants, found natively or grown in local gardens, that can be used to dye wool and other fabrics, noted long-time guild member Rene Giesbrecht, who’s been involved with the guild for over 40 years. She currently serves as their secretary.

“There’s just tons that give really good colour, or things that grow in our garden too. Like comfrey, chamomile, dahlia, amaranth, all kinds of things give off some colour,” said Giesbrecht.

The most common natural colours found in the Peace are yellow, gold, green, and brown, she noted, with some pink as well. These can all be mixed to create blends of different colours.

“You definitely can. It’s always a little bit of a crap shoot, you’re not sure exactly what you’re going to get until you do it,” Giesbrecht said.

Rainwater is collected and used for the dye process, ensuring there’s no chemicals which could interfere. The water is then boiled, with plants being added to extract all of their colour. While it’s a very low-tech method, it’s also incredibly accessible for anyone to try, all you need is a cooking pot, some water, and plants of your choice.

“We try to use water that hasn’t got any chemical in it, and we would cook it gently, you know,

simmer it for anywhere from 45 minutes to a couple of hours. Then we would remove the plant stuff and we would add our wool to it and again simmer for a while,” said Giesbrecht.

Bark is another option for local dyes and also produces great colour, says Giesbrecht, using materials such as poplar, apple tree, cherry bark, or alder bark. Wool is primarily the fabric of choice, which holds colour very well.

“Those we would soak for a few days prior, and then we cook them, we would cook them for an extended period of time, like a couple hours,” noted Giesbrecht of preparing bark dyes.

Giesbrecht has held various positions with the guild over the years and says spinning, weaving, and dyes are all part of a hobby which holds appeal across generations, young and old.

“There’s always still people interested. I think in the last few years, we’ve seen more younger people come on board. I started as a young person and then it kind of waned for a while and now there’s more younger people,” Giesbrecht said.

“They’re very interested in the whole idea of locally sourcing our fibres, using dyes that are better for the environment, we’re not using a whole bunch of chemicals,” she added.

If anyone is looking to learn more about natural dyes and to see how it’s done, Giesbrecht says the guild will be attending the North Peace Fall Fair, and encourages visitors to stop by and check out their displays.

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

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KK Charlesworth elected councillor for Hudson’s Hope

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A by-election tie was broken today for the District of Hudson’s Hope, with the completion of a judicial recount. The district made the official announcement on social media.

KK Charlesworth was elected councillor after the tie was decided by lot at the Fort St. John Law Courts, drawing names placed in sealed envelopes.

Charlesworth was tied with fellow candidate Jeanette McDougall at 113 votes, forcing the matter to be decided by judicial recount. With the position finally filled, the byelection is officially concluded, and the new council will have their first official sitting on August 14.

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

Facebook blocks Alaska Highway News and DC Mirror posts

Rob Brown Managing Editor Dawson Creek Mirror

Readers of the Alaska Highway News and Dawson Creek Mirror may have noticed they cannot find us on Facebook – and may have received this message:

“In response to Canadian

government legislation, some content from news publications, like posts, can’t be viewed in Canada. This does not include your ads.”

This means most of you are not able to see link we post –and we will not be allowed to post in Canada.

We encourage you to encourage Justin Trudeau to correct this error. You can reach the office of the Prime Minister at justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca

Here are some options to get around the Facebook block:

1. Visit our website alaskahighwaynews.ca and then

save it to your cell phone home screen.

2. Subscribe to Alaska Highway News and Dawson Creek Mirror on X (formerly Twitter) at @AHNnewspaper

3. Visit our website on your desktop computer, and laptop as well.

Hudson’s Hope RCMP hosting community coffee talks

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Hudson’s Hope RCMP have been begun hosting a coffee meet and greet with local first responders, including the fire department, BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and the health clinic.

Organized and spearheaded by Cpl. Erich Schmidt, the officer said it’s been a good opportunity to meet with the community in a more relaxed setting and answer any questions might have about emergency services, policing, healthcare, or fire regulations.

“It kind of just took the idea of the coffee with a cop kind of feel, and just expanded it, and made it more coffee with the first responders,” said Schmidt. “So not only the RCMP, but the fire department, BCEHS, and the nurses and staff from the health clinic.”

The Hudson’s Hope RCMP detachment recently welcomed two new members, constables Jim Wall and Cara Volz. The new officers are settling in well, said Schmidt, helping to tackle a busy summer season tending to mo-

4. Catch our newsletter and subscribe at https://www. alaskahighwaynews.ca/ account/mailinglist

“Canadians now less safe on many levels,” says Canadian Police Report, a westernfocused police report website this week in response to the block. editor@dcdn.ca

tor vehicle incidents, traffic concerns, and more.

“We got our two new members in, so it was kind of an opportunity for them to also integrate into the community, have a meet and greet with people,” said Schmidt.

Schmidt wants to continue hosting the coffee talks, with one meeting already in May, and another this past week on August 2. He plans to have the meetings every couple of months, hosting them at the Pearkes Centre.

“It gives the ability for community residents to come in and any questions, you kind of have it all covered,” he said.

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

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Peace River Regional District, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, and the City of Fort St. John are taking part in a shared accessibility strategy for Northeast BC. The strategy is intended to identify barriers for those with disabilities and ensure everyone can participate in their community.

Members of the public are needed to form an accessibility committee who will meet quarterly over the next two years to identify current barriers and make suggestions to make the region more inclusive.

Everyone is welcome to apply to

take part in the committee, but preference is being given to those who have a disability or organization which serves individuals with disabilities to ensure the committee includes personal and firsthand experience.

Successful applicants will act as ambassadors for strategy and advisors for the project team. The deadline to apply is August 13 by midnight, by following the link here. If assistance or support is needed to complete the application, they can call 778-844-0616.

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

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Dawson Creek RCMP impounds multiple vehicles, seize illicit drugs

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Rob Brown Managing Editor Dawson Creek Mirror

During the first week of August, 2023, officers with BC Highway Patrol – Dawson Creek were busy keeping local highways safe through targeted enforcement of dangerous driving behaviours.

BCHP impounded nine vehicles over the course of five days, including five impaired drivers and four vehicles for excessive speed in and around the Dawson Creek area.

One of these stops resulted in the driver attempting to flee the scene, but he was quickly apprehended. A search subsequent to the arrest revealed that

the driver was in possession of 52 grams of illicit drugs including suspected cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl. The driver now faces multiple charges including prohibited driving, impaired driving, obstruction, and possession of a drug for the purpose of trafficking.

Various suspected drugs in both large and small clear plastic bags

BC Highway Patrol would like to remind road users that officers will be conducting enhanced road check activities in anticipation of the Dawson Creek Fair during the upcoming weekend. If you partake in the festivities, please do so responsibly and arrange for a sober driver, taxi or transit.

Garry Oker brought the rhythm Wednesday in the Ovintiv tent at the Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede’s opening night.

THANKYOUFORRECYCLINGTHISNEWSPAPER.

BC wildfires: resident fears, evacuations and learning from indigenous communities

With millions of hectares burned, 2023 has been labelled Canada’s most destructive wildfire season ever, and summer isn’t over yet.

With the hope that rain and cooler weather could bring relief to B.C. wildfire crews, we are still coming off a weekend where a B.C. festival was evacuated due to wildfire, and several properties are still on alert.

Imagine having to drop everything, grab your kids and leave your home. Well, this (having to leave their community during a wildfire) is a fear that 76 per cent of B.C. residents have according to a spring survey released by First Onsite – leading the country considerably.

The survey of Canadians found that regional concerns for all indices were highest in British Columbia – which has endured several years of intense wildfire activity – including the devastating 2021 fire that eviscerated the town of Lytton. Eighty-two per cent

of B.C. residents are worried about personal or family safety and 60 per cent are concerned about their insurance coverage (i.e. is it sufficient?)

Finally, two thirds of B.C. residents (67%) are worried about having to leave their home or community.

There is an increased risk of upheaval during wildfire season. This is going to happen again and it’s how we respond that matters most.

The number one piece of preparedness advice is awareness – always listen to authorities. If authorities put a community on evacuation alert, residents need to be ready to go at the drop of a hat, equipped with a full tank of gas and a packed bag. Moving quickly can protect lives.

Weather catastrophes do not respect borders.

While not all communities are directly affected by fires, wildfire smoke can be carried hundreds or thousands of kilo-

meters from the fire zone and can impact health even at low levels. As we have seen recently, wildfires from B.C. and Alberta can create air quality advisories far away, a reminder that communities to be aware of how they are at risk, as well as be prepared to withstand and recover quickly when disaster strikes— no matter the location.

Learning from indigenous communities

Mike Flannigan is professor of wildland fire at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia. In this short video,Mike discusses that one of the best things we’re learning about fighting these fires is the concept of using prescribed and cultural burns practiced by indigenous communities.

Changing the framework: The importance of building resilient communities

When disasters such as wildfires occur it is important to determine which learnings can be applied so we can build back better and create communities

LETTER: On the fires in Maui

treme weather events.

that are not only more sustainable, but also resilient to their surroundings and environments. Technology, building materials and community design all need to be taken into consideration. Strategies like integrating resilience into our building codes and practices can go a long way in ensuring we are prepared for not only today, but also into the future.

This sentiment was reflected in the wildfire survey. More than four-in five B.C. residents (83%) agreed that we should make our cities and towns resilient to physical, social, and economic shocks from climate change and severe weather events –again leading the country. Meanwhile, 80 per cent of residents said that catastrophic weather has taught us the importance of preparedness and community – also leading the country.

Critically, two thirds of respondents (63%) are concerned about their own community’s ability to withstand the effects of climate change and increasingly ex-

I’ve read, the best way for anyone wanting to help from afar is to donate to organizations like Red Cross.

For anyone who had plans to visit Maui, I’ve been seeing many comments and posts noting that now is just not the time. Locals have been severely displaced by losing their homes, their livelihoods, and much more - they’re going to need a lot of help and time to recover.

It’s likely not advisable to visit the other islands, as they’re taking in displaced residents, and treating many burn victims. The State of Hawaii has asked everyone to avoid all non-essential travel.

Building disaster-resistant communities will be a generational effort. As temperatures continue to rise, and cities expand, certain risks will remain. It’s important for residents and business owners to be aware of the tangible ways they can protect their lives, properties, and assets from wildfire. This includes clearing away gutter debris; pruning trees and keeping lawns mowed; and creating an evacuation plan. Additionally, it’s critical to ensure that businesses and homes have adequate insurance coverage.

Catastrophes provide an opportunity to rethink how we build and live in our natural environments. While building planners take into consideration how planned/lived environments can coexist with natural areas, businesses and residents can also take extra steps to protect themselves, reduce interruption and safeguard lives.

Jim Mandeville

As many have probably heard or read, Hawaii’s Big Island and Maui have been devastated by wildfires. There’s little left of Lahaina, which was burnt very badly - forcing residents to flee into the ocean to avoid the flames.

I had the pleasure of visiting Maui with family this past June, and I greatly enjoyed my trip, locals were friendly and welcoming, and the scenery was beautiful. Lahaina was a huge highlight for me, and I’m grateful for the time spent there.

Sadly, Maui is in a state of

emergency with the wildfires causing loss of homes, property, and life, with six fatalities confirmed. From the few photos I’ve seen on social media, little is left of Lahaina’s historic Front Street, including the old courthouse and the Banyan Tree.

The Banyan Tree is much loved by tourists and residents alike, standing since 1873, when it was planted. It’s still standing after the fire, but is very charred, much like the bones of the courthouse beside it.

I can’t imagine what residents are going through right now, and what I’ve seen online

looks almost apocalyptic - in one video, a group of residents fleeing to safety had no choice but to drive by a body on the street, unable to help them, as they would have passed out from the heat and smoke.

The unprecedented destructive power of the wildfires is being attributed to strong winds from Hurricane Dora, which fanned the flames. Cell service, including 911, were knocked offline with several towers and landline downed.

Even boats in the Lahaina harbour caught fire, causing fuel tanks to explode - the destruction is surreal. From what

With BC experiencing one of the worst wildfires seasons on record, what’s happening in Hawaii is incredibly relatable. There’s been a couple wildfires near my region, but nothing catastrophic. It’s a tough time for Hawaii right now, and I really hope things get better. A lot has been lost by the people who live there.

Tom Summer lives and writes from the Kootenays.

Photo left - The Old Lahaina Courthouse. It’s been a part of the community since 1860, and served as a customs house in its early days. It’s a much beloved historic site, with the equally famous Banyan Tree living just behind it

0167

North Peace dominates at Canadian Death Race

Todd Buck Reporter/Photographer

The Canadian Death Race was held in Grande Cache, Alberta on August 5 and was a 118km race with five legs varying by 20 to 36 km.

According to officials, it’s more of a soloist event with around 250 individuals attempting the challenge, and

around 100 teams competing each year.

Over the last few years, Wendy Giesbrecht has been entering teams and competing in these ‘ultra’ races, however this was the first time entering with the all-female team, Nanny Goats.

The Nanny Goats finished the female relay first with a

time of 16 hours and 20 minutes, and consisted of Wendy Giesbrecht, Amanda Kermosta, Teresa Loeseken, Melissa Fitzpatrick, and Kristen Guys.

Results for the top five in the female relay were as follows, Nanny Goats with a time of 16:12:23

The Sweat Box 3 with a time of 18:06:58

Record high for rents in Canada

Todd Buck Reporter/Photographer with National Rent Report

The National Rent Report charts and analyzes monthly, quarterly, and annual rates and trends in the rental market on a national, provincial, and municipal level.

Vancouver once again tops the list of 35 cities for average monthly rent. In July average monthly rent in the city for a one-bedroom home was $3,013, and average monthly rent for a two-bedroom was $3,918.

Year over year, average monthly rent in July for a onebedroom in Vancouver was up 16.2 per cent and up 15.7 per cent for a two-bedroom. Month over month, average rent in July for a one-bedroom home in Vancouver was up 2.3 per cent and rose 1.4 per cent for a two-bedroom.

Burnaby finished third on the list of 35 cities for average monthly rent in July for a onebedroom home at $2,541 and for average rent for a two-bedroom home at $3,372.

Year over year, average monthly rent in July for a onebedroom in Burnaby was up 19.6 per cent and up 17.5 per cent for a two-bedroom.

Victoria came in 11th on the list for average monthly rent in July for a one-bedroom at $2,054 and $2,753 for a two-bedroom.

Surrey finished 15th on the list of 35 cities for average monthly rent in July for a one-bedroom at $1,951 and for average rent for a two-bedroom at $2,556.

Year over year, average monthly rent in July for a onebedroom in Surrey was up 9.7 per cent and up 14.7 per cent for a two-bedroom.

Kelowna came in 16th on the list for average monthly rent in July for a one-bedroom home at $1,947 and sixth for aver-

age rent for a two-bedroom home at $2,790.

Year over year, average monthly rent in July for a onebedroom in Kelowna was up 2.1 per cent and down 8.7 per cent for a two-bedroom.

Average asking rent in Canada reached a new high of $2,078 in July. according to the rentals.ca and Urbanization latest National Rent Report.

This represents a 8.9% annual increase, marking the fastest pace of growth over the past three months. A 1.8% hike in average asking rents compared to June represented the most rapid month-overmonth increase in the last eight months.

Compared to July 2021, average asking rents in Canada have increased by 21%, translating to an additional $354 per month on average. Several factors have contributed to this rise, including a surge in post-secondary students signing leases before the fall term, population growth at an unprecedented level, and home-buyers temporarily sidelined by the Bank of Canada’s latest interest rate increase to a 22-year high.

“Canada’s rental market is currently facing a perfect storm of factors driving rents to new highs” said Shaun Hildebrand, president of Urbanation. “These include the peak season for lease activity, an open border policy for new residents, quickly rising incomes, and the worst ever home ownership affordability conditions.”

For the first time, average asking rents for purpose-built condominiums and apartments rose above $2,000 in July, reaching $2,008. One-bedroom apartments lead the way, posting a 13% annual increase and a monthly rise of 2.5%. Regarding specific unit types, one-bedroom rents averaged $1,850, followed by twobedroom units at $2,191, and three-bedroom units at $2,413. Among the more affordable

options, studios averaged rents of $1,445.

Calgary’s rental market retained its distinction of having the fastest rent growth among Canada’s largest markets, with annual asking rents for purpose-built and condominium apartments up by 16.1% to $2,036, although it moderated from its 18.4% pace in June.

Meanwhile, Montreal surged ahead with a significant acceleration from 11.2% to 15.3% in July, establishing an average asking rent of $1,987.

The remainder of Canada’s largest markets witnessed a slower rate of annual rent growth in July. Toronto experienced an 11.5% increase in average asking rents (compared to 15.7% in June) to reach $2,849. Vancouver maintained the highest average asking rent among the largest markets at $3,340, reflecting a 12.2% annual rise and a 2.9% monthly increase.

Greater Montreal emerged among the top five for fastestrising rents in mid-sized mar-

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The Sweat Box 1 with a time of 18:40:12

Fierce Females with a time of 18:43:01

Chicks with Kicks with a time of 19:10:02

The fourth-place team, Fierce females is a group of five students from North Peace Secondary School who were also competing in the relay, and this was their first time they had done any event like this.

The Billie Goats are the ‘husband version’ of Giesbrecht’s team, and managed to finish 7th overall, with the Nanny Goats finishing 10th overall.

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

kets. Laval witnessed a notable 28.5% annual growth, reaching $2,011, while Cote SaintLuc experienced a 23% increase, reaching $2,306. In B.C., Richmond and New Westminster exhibited the fastest annual growth rates, with 27% and 20.7% respectively.

The rent growth in Ontario was led by Brampton and Scarborough within the GTA, where average asking rents for purpose-built and condominium apartments saw increases of 18.6% and 18.2% respectively.

The report also noted an increase in asking rents for roommate accommodations across various provinces. Over the past year, B.C., Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec collectively experienced an average growth of 16.1%, resulting in average roommate rents of $971. Quebec boasted the fastest annual increase at 23.8%, averaging $901, while B.C. achieved a 20.4% rise, with an average of $1,163. Alberta’s roommate rents increased by 14.4% to $810, and Ontario saw a 7.1% growth, reaching an average of $1,009.

Vancouver and Toronto secured the top spots in average asking rents for roommate rentals, with $1,455 and $1,296 respectively.

The National Rent Report charts and analyzes monthly, quarterly and annual rates and trends in the rental market on national, provincial, and municipal levels across all listings on the Rentals.ca Network for Canada. The data from the digital rental platform Rentfaster.ca is incorporated into this report.

Network data is analyzed and the report written by Urbanation, a Toronto-based real estate research firm providing in-depth market analysis and consulting services since 1981.

*The data includes singledetached homes, semi-detached homes, townhouses, condominium apartments, rental apartments and basement apartments (outlier listings are removed, as are single-room rentals.)

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Local art exhibit’s opening night a success

raphy, engraving, woodcut, and more. Among these, linocut stands out as one of the most utilized and appreciated methods. Specially by Print Artists’ North,” says Florencia Ormeno, Gallery Coordinator.

Todd Buck Reporter/Photographer

The opening of this exhibit was well attended by the public and was held at Peace Gallery North on Friday night.

The event featured many exquisite examples of the won-

derful artistic expressions found in the North Peace, as well there were snacks and beverages for the public to enjoy while exploring the gallery.

“Printmaking encompasses various techniques, several of which are currently on display in the exhibit. These techniques include linocut, etching, lithog-

“Linocut involves using a sheet of linoleum as the base material. The process employs a subtractive cutting approach, where sections of the linoleum are carefully removed to preserve the areas intended to remain white on the final print,”Conversely, the parts that are left intact will carry ink. This meticulous process yields a linocut plate that can be used to reproduce the same image multiple times.”

According to their website, Print Artists North (PAN) is a

diverse community dedicated to the contemporary fine art of print making and was incorporated as a part of Flying Colours Artists’ Association in September 2016.

“It is the most welcoming group in the world,” says Linda Haugen, an artist with Flying Colours. “We have other artists

that we bring in for workshops, and their overwhelmed with how nice everyone is.”

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tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

Ex-conservation officer who saved BC bear cubs loses another appeal

Graeme Wood

Bryce Casavant, a former B.C. conservation officer who lost his position in 2015 after refusing an order to euthanize two bear cubs, has lost another appeal to regain his title.

In his second trip to the B.C. Court of Appeal, Casavant had challenged a B.C. Supreme Court decision that his dismissal was lawful.

“I’m disappointed but I respect the court’s decision,” he told Glacier Media Wednesday.

The latest decision means Casavant has exhausted all legal avenues in B.C.

“The only other steps left are the Supreme Court of Canada,” he said.

“We’re considering all our options, but it’s shaping up that way.”

Casavant’s journey through the courts began following his well-publicized refusal to kill two bear cubs in Port Hardy, in 2015. A conservation officer at the time, he declined to euthanize the bears, despite being ordered to do so by his

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commanding officer. Instead, he made his own determination that the cubs had not eaten any garbage in a residential lot. He transferred the cubs to safety but euthanized the cubs’ mother. The cubs were placed in a recovery centre and reportedly freed to the wild thereafter.

In a settlement agreement, Casavant had agreed to be transferred to a position as Natural Resource officer-senior compliance and enforcement specialist in a different ministry, with the same pay. But Casavant later challenged the agreement at the Labour Relations Board, which struck down

his application.

Casavant appealed the board’s decision to the B.C. Court of Appeal, which nullified it.

B.C.’s highest court ruled Casavant had been erroneously dismissed from his post as a conservation officer through arbitration and the board. The court said those proceedings should have been conducted under the Police Act.

Subsequently, the Supreme Court of Canada dismissed an application by the B.C. Government and Service Employees Union to appeal that B.C. Court of Appeal ruling.

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Following that ruling, Casavant went back to negotiations with the provincial government only to have those fail. Casavant once again returned to B.C. Supreme Court to seek a declaration, via a judicial review, that his dismissal was unlawful. However, a judge ultimately ruled Casavant’s original settlement agreement was valid, despite the prior B.C. Court of Appeal ruling that the process was flawed.

This most recent ruling by B.C. Court of Appeal Justice John Hunter agreed that the lower judge properly analyzed the legalities of settlement agreement.

Casavant said the case is “not really about me anymore.”

Pointing to its implications for environmental policing more broadly, he said conservation officers coming up today put on a uniform and gun, and go to work in the morning without knowing “this is the law, this is their rights.”

government to decide. It’s not set in stone. And that’s a very vulnerable position to be in, especially for younger officers who are new recruits.”

Reached to comment on the ruling, a spokesperson for the BC Conservation Officer Service said it had “no comment at this time.”

Casavant is a former Canadian forces veteran who served in Afghanistan and now lectures on humanitarian studies and the environment at Royal Roads University.

With files from Stefan Labbé/Glacier Media CompanyName

ContactName: Phone:

“A conservation officer today cannot know if they are making a constabulary decision in the field or not, and they cannot know — if they’re accused of a disciplinary default — what their rights are,” Casavant said.

“It’s up to the union and the

BC midwives and province deliver new three-year deal, increasing wages

British Columbia midwives and the province have ratified a new three-year, wageincreasing agreement with the overwhelming support of health-care workers.

The new deal includes a series of fee increases and measures that the province says will provide more supports for Indigenous midwifery.

A vote among members of the Midwives Association of British Columbia on July 31 garnered 99 per cent support for the agreement, with 89 per cent of eligible association members taking part in the ballot.

The agreement is effective retroactively from April 2022 until March 2025.

Fees increase by 3.24 per cent, 6.75 per cent, and two per cent over the course of the deal.

Health Minister Adrian Dix says the agreement “will be transformative in helping grow the profession.”

Lehe Spiegelman, co-chair of the midwives association, says in a news release that the deal will allow midwives to focus on maternity care in B.C., which she says has the highest rate of midwiferyinvolved births in the country.

- Canadian Press

Applications are still open for accessibility committee

Applications are open to join the Northeastern BC Accessibility Committee, which will help guide the development of a shared accessibility strategy for the region.

The Peace River Regional District, member municipalities, and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, are collaborating to develop a shared Accessibility Strategy for the region. This Strategy will identify ways to reduce barriers for people with disabilities and ensure everyone can participate fully in their communities.

To ensure the Strategy reflects the perspectives of community members and people with disabilities, the member communities are establishing the Northeastern BC Accessibility Committee.

The Accessibility Committee will play an important role in helping local governments to identify barriers for people with disabilities and develop suggestions for actions to make the region and specific communities more accessible. Plans

are in place to formally launch the committee in September. All community members are encouraged to apply, with preference given to applicants who have a disability and to representatives of organizations who serve people with disabilities, to ensure the Committee includes the perspectives of people with personal and first-hand experiences.

If you would like to support this important work, please consider applying to be a member of the Accessibility Committee. Community members

can apply to be a Northeastern BC Accessibility Committee member at https://bit.ly/ northeasternbcaccessibility.

Completed applications are due by August 13, 2023. If anyone requires assistance or support with completing the application, please call 778-844-0616.

About the Accessible BC Act

The Accessible BC Act came into force in September 2022. This legislation aims to support people with disabilities

to participate meaningfully in their communities. It requires all prescribed organizations, including local and regional governments, to establish an Accessibility Advisory Committee, develop an Accessibility Plan, and build a tool so people can provide feedback on accessibility issues.

Contact Information: Urban Matters 778-844-0616

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2.Expandyournetwork. Meetingnew peoplethroughvolunteeringopens newdoorstofuturepaidopportunities. Astrongnetworkisessentialto advancingyourcareer.Nevermissa chancetomakeyoursbigger!

Celebratetheinvaluablecontributions oftheover12millionvolunteersin Canada.Ontopofthesocialbenefitsof volunteering,herearethreewaysthat givingbacktoyourcommunitycanboost careerprospects.

1.Developyourskills. Volunteeringfor acauserelatedtoyourcurrentor futurecareercanhelpyouexpand yourexistingskillsetandgainvaluable real-worldexperience.Afterall,you’re stillworking,butinsteadofgetting paid,you’redonatingyourtim etoyour community.

3.Buildreferences. Professional referencescanbehardtocomeby, especiallyifyouhaven’tworked severaljobs.However,they’re crucialforscoringawell-paying gig.Fortunately,you canaskthepeople youvolunteerwith, especiallysuper visors, tovouchforyour employabilityandwork ethic.

Finally,volunteeringshows potentialemployersthat you’reawell-rounded personwhocaresabout yourcommunity.If you’rereadyto becomepartof Canada’sextensive volunteercommunity, inquireabout exciting opportunities inyourarea.

Campfire ban lifted in Northern BC

Effective at noon today (Aug. 11), the ban on campfires is over for the Prince George and Northwest Fire Centres, the Ministry of Forests and B.C. Wildfire Service said in a release Friday.

That area covers the entire northeast corner of the province, from Prince George east to the Alberta border, north through the Peace and Fort Nelson to the Yukon border. While Fort St. James, Vanderhoof and Mackenzie are covered, the lifting of the ban does not apply to

Quesnel or Burns Lake, according to a map provided with the statement.

A Category 1 fire, or campfire, is defined as an open fire that burns piled material no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.

The ban on fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels or burn cages of any size and other larger open fires remains in place.

Campfires must have the following precautions in place:

Ready access to a shovel or at least eight litres of water the entirety of the time the campfire is lit a fuel break around the campfire, free of any debris or combustible materials the fire is fully extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the campfire for any length of time.

Health alert: Monster Energy drinks recalled in Canada

Health Canada has issued a recall of multiple flavours of Monster Energy Drinks due to caffeine content and labelling issues.

All flavours containing caffeine and without bilingual labelling have been recalled from the marketplace because of “various non-compliances related to caffeine content and labelling requirements,” according to the authority’s website.

The products have been distributed across Canada and no record of how many units were sold has been made public.

Currently, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products, says Health Canada, and

the CFIA is verifying that the industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the products, however, if you have one in your possession Health Canada advises against consuming or redistributing the product.

Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased.

Health Canada also warns that high levels of caffeine may have adverse health effects for children, pregnant individuals, breastfeeding individuals, and those sensitive to caffeine. In addition, exercising while consuming caffeine may lead to adverse health effects including

insomnia, irritability, headaches, and nervousness.

What you should do about recalled food products

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, contact your healthcare provider

Check to see if you have recalled products

Do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute recalled products

If you become aware of recalled products being sold, report it to the CFIA

If you buy food products online, do not assume the products meet Canadian requirements

New pilot project will train firefighters to battle wildfires near urban areas

Wildfires aren’t just a threat to vast swathes of forest and the wildlife that inhabit them. They’re increasingly becoming a danger for urban areas and human populations.

On Friday, at District of North Vancouver Firehall #4,

federal and provincial officials announced $400,000 in funding that will go to the International Association of Firefighters for a pilot project to prepare departments across Western Canada to fight wildfires near urban settings.

Through the pilot, the IAFF is training 25 instructors in Kamloops, who will then train 325 municipal firefighters on how to fight interface fires.

At the announcement, Natural Resources Minister and North Vancouver MP

Jonathan Wilkinson addressed the tragic events in Hawaii, where a devastating wildfire in Lahaina has killed at least 55 people.

“The friends, families, and loved ones of those who have lost their lives are in our thoughts today,” he said, while acknowledging the challenging circumstances on home soil, as Canadians continue to fight the country’s worst wildfire season on record.

Wilkinson called the wildland-urban interface a “crucial area” that is home to more than 10 per cent of Canadians, and requires specialized training for firefighters to operate in.

“Right here in North Vancouver is one example of a thriving community calling the interface home,” he said.

“The training delivered through this pilot project will increase Canada’s firefighting capacity, making sure we have more firefighters protecting the communities that need it most, while also allowing us to learn important best practices and identify barriers to effective wildland fire training,” he said.

“Phase 2 of the government of Canada’s training program will fully launch next year and will be informed

by the lessons learned through today’s pilot project with the IAFF and others like it.”

Wilkinson commended the IAFF, which proposed the pilot program.

What is wildlandurban interface?

Wildland-urban interface could be a park inside a city, significant grasslands or forested areas near residential neighbourhoods.

“Interface fires can happen in just about any community, and making sure that [firefighters] are trained to effectively use the skills and tactics that are required in those types of scenarios is truly important, and we look forward to providing that training across Canada,” said Mike Carter, IAFF 6th District vice president.

While firefighters prevent major devastation in many circumstances, Carter said the Hawaii wildfires and the Lytton, B.C. disaster are examples of how interface fires can impact communities.

“Beginning next year, hopefully we’ll have ongoing funding from the federal government to expand the number of instructors and then train across Canada,” he said.

- Nick Laba

Announcements

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.

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Community notiCes

We’re here to help!

• PREVENTION

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1-866-979-HOPE (4673)

We’re here to help!

• PREVENTION

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• SUPPORT Northern Brain Injury Association

1-866-979-HOPE (4673)

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Education

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

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Complete Set of 1978

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A1 condition. Asking

$250 Firm. 250-7855321

Bicycles

For Sale: Huffy Mountain Bike. Steel Frame, 27in Wheels. Call 250789-3778

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Todd’s Coins: Buying gold, silver & coins

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Looking for School Desks and Playground

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Asking $18,000. Call Greg at 780-512-1207 or 780-538-9115

Heavy equipment

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

Horses & Tack

Looking for 3-horse angle-haul horse trailer. 250-759-4956

Wanted: large round horse hay bales within 45 minutes of Pouce Coupe, 250-786-5860 or Wonowon@shaw.ca

3521 Saddles & Tack

WANTED: Used Horseshoes. Call Ron at 780-774-2017 Western Saddle for Sale. Also have Boots, Cinches, Bridle and Halter. Call 250-7893778

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

Hay/Bales For sale

Will trade Alfalfa hay for grass hay. 250759-4956

ColleCtibles & ClassiC Cars

2004

It was the battle of the two fastest riders on the Baldonnel circuit, Thursday, July 28. Nigel Wray came out on top with a blistering time of 23:19 minutes, two seconds better than Ray Avanthay.

1. Nigel Wray 23:19

2. Ray Avanthay 23:21

3. Calvin McCracken 29:13

4. Dan Webster 29:59

5. Sam Keats 30:13

6. Richard Wood 34:02

8 km Rob and Hunter 17:09

Thanks Pat Ferris for timing.

Another perfectly windless evening on the Baldonnel time trial circuit on August, 3. Nigel Wray turned in the fastest time of 23:25 minutes.

1. Nigel Wray 23:25

2. Calvin McCracken 28:21

3. Pat Ferris 29:21

4. Sam Keats 29:33

5. Robin Sipe 33:00

6. Richard Wood 37:08

8 km:

1. Hunter LeClerc 16:44

Thanks Heather McCracken for timing!

The Blizzards came out on a hot, Sunday afternoon to conquer the steep, long and legendary Bear Flats hill. Nigel Wray won the day with a blistering time of 19:25 minutes for the 7.13 km’s.

1. Nigel Wray 19:25

2. Barb Jarnagin 28:46

3. Sam Keats 32:23 (getting primed for the BC Seniors Games)

4. Pat Ferris 36:45

Calvin McCracken had a most annoying flat tire. Dang.

Thanks Patricia M. Emery for timing and Heather McCracken for taking the pictures!