AHN July 6, 2023

Fort St. John part of SPCA’s new facilities announcement

Fort St. John is among four new facilities named across the province to help bolster animal and pet care in BC.

“For many British Columbians, pets are part of the family,” said Premier David Eby.

“Sadly, it’s still too common to hear about abandoned or mistreated animals. British Columbians care deeply about the welfare of all animals. That’s why we’re helping the BC SPCA build four new facilities where rescue animals will be able to get the high-quality care they need and deserve,

before they find new homes.”

The Province is providing $12 million to help build BC SPCA shelter replacements in Fort St. John, Vancouver, Duncan, and Prince George. Currently, shelters in these communities are either closed or outdated, and are neither designed nor equipped to provide modern care for animals.

“We are committed to ensuring that all pets are treated with the utmost care and respect,” said Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “This funding will support modern, new shelters and facilities

where pets can receive the treatment and quality of care that they deserve. As part of our commitment, we are also continuing work on developing a framework for the licensing and registration of commercial breeders of cats and dogs so proper rules are in place to protect kittens and puppies in B.C from unethical breeders, like puppy mills.”

Fort St. John will see $1 million to develop a new permanent shelter after structural issues were identified, which made it unsafe for humans and animals to continue to use the existing building.It is estimated

the four facilities will offer care to thousands of companion pets per year in B.C., ranging from cats and dogs, to birds, rabbits and rodents.

“We greatly appreciate this significant support from the Province for these four communities where our aging facilities are making the care and protection of vulnerable animals increasingly difficult,” said Marcie Moriarty, chief of protection and outreach services, BC SPCA editor@dcdn.ca

Flyers

The Brick, Home Hardware, Canadian Tire, Shoppers, Safeway, Walmart, Peavey Mart

Crews are hard at work on the fourth phase of the 100th Street corridor project which is expected to last into the fall.

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. tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

Lt. Beard helps cook pancakes for the annual pancake breakfast at the Fort St John Fire Station on Canada Day. BUCK

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After months of collaboration on detailed design, construction plans and risk mitigation, crews completed the safe installation of the product pipe ahead of schedule. While this will be the first time the raised bore method is used in Canada, the Coastal GasLink team tapped into the expertise of the TC Energy team who successfully implemented this technology in Mexico.

Fatal plane crash - RCMP look for witnesses

Police look to speak with witnesses after a small plane crash killed one man near Simpson Lake on Sunday afternoon. On June 25 at 5:41 pm Chetwynd RCMP received a report of a plane crash at Simpson Lake in the Mount Lemoray area.

Police attended the crash site and confirmed that the pilot and sole occupant of the small aircraft had died in the crash. The cause of the crash is still under investigation and police are seeking any witnesses to the crash, or any of its flight prior to the crash. The aircraft was a small, grey, two-seated Savannah rotax ultralight.

Toxic drug alert issued for FSJ

Northern Health & First Nations Health Authority note an increase in drug overdoses in Fort St. John.

The ODs are linked to stimulant use causing deep sedation requiring hospitalization and lengthy monitoring.

“This is a general overdose alert, substances circulating in the Northeast region are very toxic. Please take care and share this alert widely,” say officials.

Northern Health recommends your safety getting overdose prevention, recognition, and response training; carry naloxone, not using alone, and knowing your tolerance. If you are sick or had a time of abstinence or reduced use, use much less

“Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number right away if someone overdoses.” editor@dcdn.ca

“There are indications that the pilot may have been attempting to make a landing prior to the crash, either at Simson Lake, or possibly Heart Lake,” said Sergeant Wahnese Antonioni, Detachment Commander for the Chetwynd RCMP.

“Witnesses or video of the plane that day could play a significant role in determining causal factors in this tragic crash.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Chetwynd RCMP at 250-788-9221. editor@dcdn.ca

During the spring, UV reactors and a rental clarifier were added to the process at the water treatment plant.

These were the final additions of work needed to convert the water treatment plant so it’s capable of treating the surface water of the Peace River.

Nearing the end of May, the District had submitted water samples to a lab for bacterial testing and water quality parameters such as THM, HAA, pH, turbidity, color, and hardness.

Additionally, the water samples were tested in a lab for UV Transmittance.

In early June, the sample results came

back from the lab, with all the results within the BC and Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines. As well, the results demonstrated the temporary treatment plant consistently provides potable water that is meeting the BC Provincial drinking water objectives.

A consultant with the district applied to Northern Health on June 15 to rescind the Boil Water Advisory.

Northern Health inspectors were visiting the Water Treatment Plant on June 20, inspecting the temporary water treatment plant process.

The District of Hudson’s Hope is currently waiting to hear back from Northern Health on their review of the application, as well as the recent inspection results.

While the District continues to operate the Water Treatment Plant’s temporary system, they asked in a statement that users limit their outdoor watering to essential uses only.

The commercial water stand is being kept closed by the District and has reduced outdoor water use for their parks and grounds work.

tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

Suncor target of cyber attack

In a media release put out on June 25, Suncor Energy confirmed that they were indeed the target of a cyber-attack.

The company stated that they are taking appropriate measures and are working with thirdparty experts in order to investigate and resolve the current situation in a statement.

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One impact of these cyber-attacks appears to be with Petro-Stations across the country, several locations so far are unable to process electronic

payments.

The Petro-Canada Twitter account posted Saturday evening, saying “logging into PetroPoints from our app and website is temporarily unavailable. We’re working hard to resolve the issue and apologize for the inconvenience.”

At the current time, Suncor Energy is not aware of any evidence that the customer, supplier, or employee data had been compromised or misused as a result of this cyber-attack the com-

pany said in a statement. Some transactions with customers and suppliers may be impacted while they work to resolve the incident.

The company has no further details about the type of attack, or which levels of operations were affected.

We will update you with further details, once the extent of the attack is known.

tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

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GraceTraskWonowon4-HClubReporter

Treaty 8 First Nations pull land sharing request from PRRD

Four Treaty 8 First Nations have withdrawn their request to the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) for support of an initiative designed to connect Treaty 8 members with private landowners who wish to allow individuals to practice Treaty rights on their land.

In a statement released Wednesday - Doig River, Halfway River, Prophet River, and West Moberly First Nations have been working with their representative, Dale Bumstead, on this initiative, which was intended to strengthen ties between local Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members. The initiative was intended to be voluntary and would not

provide access to private lands held by owners who did not participate in the program.

“The initiative initially received support from 11 of the 12 PRRD directors. Unfortunately, disinformation about it was circulated online, and the June 8 PRRD committee of the whole meeting was disrupted by a crowd of angry landowners. The meeting was ultimately shut down by the fire marshal due to overcrowding. The PRRD subsequently rescinded its support for the initiative,” said officials.

The proliferation of false information about this initiative on social media has inflamed tensions and divisions in the

northeast, threatening to reverse any tentative progress that was being made on reconciliation at the regional level, said officials. The negative backlash has also affected the Saskatchewan Treaty Land Sharing Network, which is not affiliated with this initiative in any way.

As a result, the First Nations say they have decided not to pursue this initiative and to allow the much needed work of reconciliation to continue without this distraction.

Below - robust feedback from residents to the PRRD last week at the North Peace Arena on the matter. editor@dcdn.ca

ToprepareforfillingtheSiteCreservoir,whichmaybeginasearlyasthis fall,therewillbechangesinaccesstothePeaceRiver.

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

Newboatlaunchesareunderconstruction,buttheywillbeinaccessiblefor atleastoneyearafterfilling,asBCHydromonitorsforslopestability. Pleasecontinuetousecautionwhenonthewaterandstayawayfromthe SiteCdamconstructionarea. Formoreinformation,visit

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Fire under investigation

On June 21, Fort St John Fire Department responded to a house fire in the area of 88 Street and 90 Avenue.

Eighteen firefighters re -

sponded to the fire, which had a large amount of smoke and flames on the outside and into the roof when the fire department arrived on scene.

While no injuries were reported, the fire is still under investigation.

tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

HeART Walk 2023 nearly here

Tom Summer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

From the Northern Rockies to the Peace, the Dawson Creek Art Gallery is seeking artists to create approximately 40 popup art exhibitions across businesses in the downtown cores of Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, Hudson’s Hope, and Fort Nelson.

Organizer Payge Fortier said she feels it’ll be a good distraction for residents from the wildfires impacting the region.

“This is my first year, it kind of got dropped in my lap, so I’m figuring it out as I go. I feel like there’s been a bit of an impact from the fires in the area, because I’ve not seen as many registrations as I had thought,” said Fortier.

The deadline to register is today, June 30, and artists par-

ticipating can receive a $100 honorarium for taking part. A well-known Peace Region artist herself, Fortier says it’s been a pleasure putting the event together.

“It’s been really good, it’s been great. Meeting lots of different artists, getting to check out areas I’m not really familiar with,” said Fortier, who’s appreciated the opportunity to tour the region.

One her favourite artists in the walk so far is Samantha Wigglesworth, added Fortier, noting that there’s many great artists living in Northeast BC.

“She’s one that stood out to me, she’s a phenomenal portrait artist,” Fortier said.

In a previous conversation with Alaska Highway News, Dawson Art Gallery Executive Director Duncan Malkinson said the event is a great way

to bring the arts to communities and is excited to make it a regional affair.

“We’re pretty excited on how it’s being scoped this year; it’s within what’s called the Northern arts envelope, where we try to do art outreach and try to get everyday folks involved with the arts and exposed to the arts,” said Malkinson. “It’s through that we hope that people will love where they live and enjoy the South Peace.”

The pop-up art installations will be on display in July and into the fall. Anyone interested in taking part can contact programs@dcartgallery.ca to register.

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

the new

font inspired by the essential service newspapers provide.

Patch or repair?

Fort St. John crews were busy Tuesday morning, as crews were working to patch up pot-

holes in 98 Street. 100 Ave to 98a Ave. has been closed for road

maintenance and will remain closed until crews are done.

tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

May29,2023

Length:18.5 inches

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

Ph: 250 261 7563

Celebra�ng Births

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ProudParents Roband Bailey Shackleton THANKYOUFORRECYCLINGTHISNEWSPAPER.

Remember to be cool this week, and more advice from the Senior’s Hall

by Pamela den Ouden

Be cool!

Heat event. Extraordinary heat events. Heat dome. Heat response. Heat emergencies. Extreme heat emergencies! These terms are part of the new vocabulary of summer. Keeping cool during these times is an important health consideration, especially for those who are medically vulnerable.

of our tax dollars at work. The province is providing $10 million to BC Hydro to cover the costs. BC Hydro expects to install 8,000 units throughout the province over the next three years.

ARIES–MAR21/APR20

Thisweekyouaresurroundedbyaheightenedsenseofromance.It couldbefromreadingafavoritebookorwatchingabelovedmovie, Aries.Useittospiceupyourlovelife.

TAURUS–APR21/MAY21

Taurus,somethingyoudesperatelyneedseemstobemissingfrom yourliferightnow.It’smorethanamisplaceditem.Focusyourattentionthisweekonfiguringoutwhatitis.

GEMINI–MAY22/JUN21

Trynottolistentoanygossipthisweek,Gemini.Itwillonlyfrustrate youandcouldputyoufurtheroutofsorts.Avoidpeoplewholoveto talkaboutothersforthetimebeing.

CANCER–JUN22/JUL22

Istherealuxuryyouhavebeencravinglately,Cancer?Youcouldbe verytemptedtogiveinandmakeapurchasethisweek,evenifyour financesmaynotbeonsolidground.Becareful.

LEO–JUL23/AUG23

Leo,youremotionswillbeallovertheplacethenextcoupleofdays. Thisturmoilmaycompromiseyourusualobjectivityaswellasyour goodsense.Trytotalkyourfeelingsthrough.

VIRGO–AUG24/SEPT22

Virgo,yourimaginationknowsnoboundsthisweek.Ifyou’rereadyto delveintoacreativeproject,dosonowwhenyouhavealotofideas andoutsideinspiration.

LIBRA–SEPT23/OCT23

Youcouldhavedoubtsaboutafriendyouthoughtwasclosetoyou. Hasthispersonpromisedtodoyouafavoranddidn’tdeliver,Libra?Be patientbeforeyoudrawconclusions.

SCORPIO–OCT24/NOV22

Feelingsofconfusionmaygetinthewayofyourabilitytomakesound decisionsthisweek,Scorpio.Youmightneedtolightenyourload, sinceyouoftentakeontoomuch.

SAGITTARIUS–NOV23/DEC21

Sagittarius,donotgetintoanargumentwithsomeonewhohasadifferentopinionfromyourown.Asktogetmoreinformationaboutwhy heorsheseesthingsinaparticularway.

CAPRICORN–DEC22/JAN20

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AQUARIUS–JAN21/FEB18

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PISCES–FEB19/MAR20

Listencarefullyandtakenoteswhensomeoneatworkprovidesdirectionsforanupcomingtask,Pisces.Youdon’twanttomakeanymistakesasitcoulddelaytheproject.

FAMOUSBIRTHDAYS

JULY2 MargotRobbie,Actress(33)

JULY3 TomCruise,Actor(61)

JULY4 PostMalone,Rapper(28)

JULY5 MeganRapinoe,Athlete(38)

JULY6 SylvesterStallone,Actor(77)

JULY7 JackWhitehall,Actor(35)

JULY8 MayaHawke,Actress(25)

Between June 2 and July 28, BC Hydro is offering all residential customers $50 off the purchase of a qualifying energy-efficient room air conditioner. Eligible products include Energy Star window air conditioners that use 30% to 40% less power than standard units and portable air conditioners offering best-in-class efficiency and features. For more details, visit www. bchydro.com/deals to check out the conditions and read the fine print. You have until Sept. 26 to apply for the rebate (you’ll need your receipt).

There is also a program for free publicly-funded portable air conditioners for low-income medically vulnerable people—more

Speaking of being cool, I try to put in 10,000 steps a day. I walk every day on the trails by the hospital. About a month ago, I noticed some construction on the west wall of Peace Villa. Workers were building a wooden structure; it looked like a roof access and covered walkway with an opening for a door, but when I talked with one of the workers, he told me it was support for air conditioning at Peace Villa. The finished product looks like giant white caterpillars crawling up the side of the building! I’m sure the residents will appreciate the comfort of a cooler atmosphere as that side of the building gets the sun most of the day.

Friday, July 7, 2023, at 7 p.m. at the Main Cemetery on 100th Avenue

Did you know that the Fort St. John Cemetery is home to an American Civil War Veteran, FSJ’s first Muslim storekeeper, a

Hudson’s Bay Company clerk, and a member of the Order of Canada? Hear all sorts of interesting stories about Fort St. John’s past. Learn about cemetery mysteries such as the undertaker who ran away with the cemetery map! Tour is $10 and can be paid at the gate of the cemetery prior to the tour.

Jam sessions Come to the FSJ Seniors Hall every Tuesday from 2-5 p.m. Bring your favourite instrument and sing and play! Ages 55 and up welcome.

Seniors Services

Do you have a question about seniors’ services and supports in B.C.? Call the OSA (Office of the Seniors Advocate) information and referral line. The seniors service specialists will work with you to provide resources and systems navigation. Call 1-877-952-3181 or email info@seniorsadvocatebc.ca. The website is www.seniorsadvocatebc. ca.

Parting Thought: Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. ~ Franz Kafka

OPINION Grady: it’s time to come home

We can all relate to parents telling their children “It’s time to come home” whether it be for supper, curfew time or getting ready for bed. Some of us have lived away from home and have received the message that a loved one is not doing well medically, and we should come home. There is the struggling teenager trying to find their way being told “it’s time to come home.” We can read the story of the prodigal son and what isn’t in print is knowing the father’s heart is saying in his heart and to the Lord in his prayer “it’s time for my son to come home.” This familiar expression of course relates to home and family.

During the pandemic there are many tragic and sad stories that took place in our society. There were so many issues that

developed during this time that included family losses, burnt out care providers, long term health problems, the divide it caused in our society and the list goes on and on.

One of the underlying consequences of the pandemic was in the Christian churches where vaxers and non vaxers became an issue along with government protocols and decisions by the church leaders of how the congregations were going to respond. It caused a major divide with all parties knowing their point was right and why couldn’t everybody else see how right they were. As in family disputes there comes a time when we all move past the disputes and hopefully healing, and forgiveness takes place with the family staying united and move on.

The subject of divisions and unity were of incredible importance to the teaching of Jesus Christ. Part of what He taught about division and its consequences is covered in Mathew’s gospel with “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” What Jesus mentored and taught about unity He lived in the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. One of the last prayers that Jesus prayed before He gave His life is found in John’s gospel and to me it is the cry of His heart for true followers. It is a prayer of not only unity for believers but IF we are united in Him the world will know the Father sent Him.

The reason I raise this issue is that one of the consequences

of the pandemic is the enemy used it to divide the Church and the Body of Christ has not fully reconciled itself. It really doesn’t matter who was right or wrong but we come together in unity. The Apostle Paul stated it so beautifully in Colossians 3: 12-14

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with

each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

“It’s time to come home” as we miss you and need you.

John Grady - Fort St John

OPINION Saugstad: The Un-Convenient Truth - Fiction needing fixing

Canada does not have a “climate” target that it likes.  Like the Canucks and Leaf’s pursuit of a Cup, Canada is batting 0 for 9 on the success scale, and soon will be 0 for 10.  Meeting one anytime soon is not happening until we change governments, and that is finally in the realm of possibility.

Much of what we read and hear about climate change is at best, “climate washing” and at worst, pure fiction.  Stories abound that claim the latest weather is 100% fossil fueled climate change.

Sort of correct, sort of wrong.  No matter what anyone says, today we have weather, tomorrow we have more weather… some days better suited to our lives than others, some is exceptional and awe inspiring and some unexplained, but mostly fitting within a range of predicable variables.

Nothing like having a fire season that is great for fires and even better for the host of climate change I-told-you-sowriters.  Yes, must agree, today Canada is frying, tomorrow, who knows, but have you had a chance to look at the continental US of A, or Alaska or

Yukon, NWT, Ontario, Newfoundland or Russia, Spain, Italy, or Portugal?  Frying they are not.

A recent article in the Globe and Mail (June 9th) quotes an IPCC, (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) that climate change has only caused an increase in “fire weather” in some regions around the world, and that they have only a “medium confidence” that climate change will cause an increase in wildfires around the world.  The article goes on to report that we are “still not seeing an overall increase when considering the total areas burned at the global level”.

In short, as weather systems move in their endless journeys around the world, they create conditions in parts for wildfire, some for floods, some for blizzards, and some for just plain ordinary nice days.  Just unfortunate that we drew the short straw for wildfires in our neck of the woods this year.

Nothing like Ottawa, or Toronto or New York to receive the dubious honor of being the “smoggiest” cites in the world for a day or two, thanks to northeast winds blowing smoke

from Quebec into their pristine environments, to set the Twitter and media world ablaze with more rhetoric.  But sadly, their rhetoric also has consequences, and some being not so nice.

After a few decades of our prestigious universities preaching to their students about the evils of climate change and its dire consequences, their students, now being some of our children’s teachers have set about preaching the same message to their students, now being our children. Consequences are that many of these children are feeling a sense of hopelessness and live in fear of climate change ending their lives prematurely, so much so, that they are seeking counselling on how to live lives in the times of danger (my words, but from a Canadian Press article published it the AHN on June 10th).  Isn’t preaching fear to children akin to hate?

So sad, as these preachers go on and on about the dangers of fossil fuels, they forget to talk about how we should be preparing for and reacting to natural disasters (oh my, excuse me, no such thing as a natural disaster anymore, all come from the hand of man burning fossil fuels!!).

Remember the great flood of Sumas Prairie (Abbotsford) in 2021, about how it was 100% certain caused by climate change which can be directly linked to fossil fuels?   Forgotten was the dyke constructed to keep Sumas Prairie from reverting back to its previous status as a lake was forecast to fail, by many and successive governments. Despite the warning, no works were completed, and their predictions came true,

climate change or not.  The real story should be about what we must do to prevent or minimize damage from natural disasters, not keep pushing the climate change narrative that spending billions on electric vehicles will save Canadians.

Like the Sumas story, and in the same year from the same storm, the Coquihalla Highway washed out.  Forgotten was how the highway was substantially over budget during construction and the government of the day cut spending, resulting in fewer and smaller sized rock (riprap) being used to armour the road and bridges.  Result, water won, highway lost, but oh how we blamed climate change.  Maybe we need to spend more fixing and rebuilding our infrastructure so we can end these climate change stories?

Or after years of neglect, the Stanley Park Seawall washed out during a storm, blamed on climate change. Real story, a “king” tide (happens every year) combined with a windstorm (happens multiple times/ year) combined with no maintenance budget to repair the damage years of seawater bashing a manmade structure, and you get what you got, a washout and once again, water wins, Seawall looses. Without ongoing maintenance, will happen again.

And, with BC’s constant floods, no discussion of how hydrology works.  Rivers carry sediments, tiny bits most of the time, but up to huge boulders during floods. Year after year, they build up their bottoms as sediments are deposited, until one day, they overflow and flood the surrounding lowlands.  Notice how upset the

“environmentalists” get when government proposes to remove gravels from rivers to prevent or reduce the risk of flooding, or object to the placement of dykes to keep them in place?  And where do we choose to live and locate our infrastructure?  In floodplains of courses, as we must dam many mountains.

Back to the fires.  Just plain fiction we have the ability, will or budgets to stop wildfires in our fire prone forest, which is most of BC other than the wet coast.  Pure fiction that stopping fossil fuel use will stop wildfires, pure fiction that fire dominated ecosystem can survive without us having to breathe smoke, with some years being much worse than others as the wildfire cycle continues.

Read the reprint article in the AHN on June 9th?  The one about an Environmental and Climate Change Canada research scientist writing a computer program (called it attribution science) that tells us, for a fact, that this manmade climate change increased the likelihood of this years fires by a factor of ten.

Guess I can believe that the cool wet weather for the Yukon, or lack of California fires this year were also decreased by a factor of ten?

Someday one’s head does hurt trying to make sense of all things.

Until the next flood, fire, or blizzard.

reflect those of Alaska Highway News.

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Paws for the cause gives youth opportunities

Paws 4 Stories had their first reading session with children since pre COVID-19 on June 27, at the Fort St John Public Library.

“It’s to give the kids an opportunity to improve their reading skills, but in a less stressful environment,” says Alisa Lurie, Children’s Services & Program Coordinator at the Fort St John Public Library.

Children are given the oppor-

tunity to practice their reading aloud skills in one-on-one sessions with Hank, a trained St. John’s Ambulance therapy dog and his handler.

“It’s a way to keep literacy skill up, and to have a calming presence for children to be able to practice some of their reading skills in a low-pressure environment and read to someone who is judgment free,” says Lurie.

The program is best suited for children grades K-7, and parents or guardians should be present for the program. Sessions last 15 minutes, and registration is required with the library as the space is limited.

tbuck@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John film project picks up $20K

Lights, camera, funding!

A Fort St. John project has been greenlit for 2024. Fort St. John producer Ovvian Hill has been selected as one of 80 producers to receive funding.

80 content creators across BC will receive $20,000 in production funding, training, mentorship in partnership with the National Screen Institute, with distribution on Telus Optik TV. Hill will received training, one-on-one mentorship and distribution on TELUS Optik TV and online channels.

FSJ Bayanihan Spirit created by Ovvian Hill and representing the North Peace Filipino Canadian Association in Fort St. John. Since 2015, this association has actively participated in the City’s Canada Day Parades, consistently earning first or second prize for their beautifully crafted floats.

Site C Employment report for May

The latest employment statistics show that there were 5,985 total workers on the Site C project in May 2023.

Of the total workers, 3,944 were from

British Columbia, or 66%. There were 967 workers on site from the Peace River Regional District — or 19% of the construction and non-construction contractor’s workforce.

The number of apprentices employed on the project increased from 290 in April 2023, to 323 during the month of May 2023.

Their floats represent much more than mere award-winning displays; they symbolize unity, representation, and the powerful concept of ‘Bayanihan Spirit. editor@dcdn.ca

For some of the major project components of Site C, BC Hydro npotes they have contracted with companies who have substantial global expertise. During the month of May 2023, there were no workers in specialized positions working for Site C construction and non-construction contractors, who were subject to the Labour Market Impact Assessment process under the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Additionally, there were 57 management and professionals working for Site C construction and non-construction contractors through the federal International Mobility Program.

There were 496 Indigenous people working for Site C. The number of Indigenous people was provided by onsite construction and non-construction contractors that have a contractual requirement to report on Indigenous inclusion in their workforce.

Workers voluntarily self-declare their Indigenous status to their employer. There were 598 women working for Site C construction and non-construction contractors. The number of women was provided by on-site construction and non-construction contractors that have a contractual requirement to report on the number of women in their workforce.

editor@dcdn.ca

Millennials (Age 21-38)

Adults Age 18+

Adults Age 35+

Adults Age 50+

Boomers (Age 56-74)

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Predators make coaching announcements

The Northeast BC Predators female rep teams announced a handful of coaches to their respective teams for the 2023/24 campaign.

The organization welcomes new head coach for the U13 Predators Myles Morris, while Len Potvin and Paul Wiens return for another year to the U18 and U15 teams. Morris says he’s excited to be part of the NEBC Predators organiza-

tion in 2023-24, and to help continue the high standard of competitive female hockey established in the north east.

“I look forward to using the lessons that I have learned from the many great coaches I’ve played for and coached with, to encourage this group of hockey players to have fun and achieve the goals they set for themselves and our team.”

Len Potvin has been the U18 Female Predators head coach 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23, and he looks forward to a fourth season as the U18 predators coach.

“The last three seasons have been rewarding as each year as a team we have improved with last year our team being an extremely tough team to play against resulting in a

strong showing at the BC provincials in Williams Lake. Each year brings twists and turns, ups and downs that always result in great positive memories and rewarding team results.”

Paul Wiens returns to the Predators coaching roster as head coach of the U15 Predators for the 2023/2024 hockey season.

“I am very excited to help

them excel, compete and grow as young Female Athletes. This group has huge potential and high expectations; so growing as hockey players and being role model community members will be our priority,” he says. editor@dcdn.ca

BC Forest Practices Board fires shot across Chief Forester’s bow

In a new special report, the BC Forest Practices Board is calling for a “paradigm shift” in how forests are managed to deal with catastrophic wildfire.

“The path forward relies on an immediate response from the provincial government involving acceptance, alignment, and action from multiple government ministries,” states the report.

Ending the war on deciduous tree species like aspen is made clear throughout the report.

“Another example is that aspen stands burn at a lower intensity than conifer stands, but reforestation obligations currently prioritize establishing conifer stands,” it states.

It elsewhere adds “a tendency for clearcut silviculture systems and reforestation to well-stocked, even-aged conifer plantations, the suppression of deciduous species, extensive salvage harvesting, and the elimination of post-harvest broadcast burning have all contributed to increased homogeneity of the landscape and

continuity of forest fuels.”

The report points out new legislative changes that allow for BC’s chief forester, Shane Berg, to “consider preventing, mitigating and adapting to impacts caused by significant disturbances to forests and forest health, including wildfire.”

That, however, seems unlikely given Shane Berg, as Deputy Chief Forester, oversaw a 2019 report that justified spraying glyphosate on the fire-resistant deciduous species to suppress them. A leaked draft of that report shows statements saying glyphosate spraying made forests more prone to fire and failure were scrubbed from the final report Mr. Berg approved.

“The current Chief Forester and senior staff in the Ministry of Forests have been aware their policies are responsible for more vulnerable, fire-prone landscapes.” says Stop the Spray BC spokesperson James Steidle. “They have been knowingly walking us headlong into an oncoming catastrophe because diverse, resilient landscapes don’t produce the

projected “timber-supply” yields that are necessary to justify the rate of harvesting we are seeing today. And that’s what matters at the end of the day. Greed.”

“I’m thankful the Forest Prac-

tices Board is finally taking the failure of forest management seriously,” says Steidle.

“The war on deciduous, all the spraying, all the manual brushing, must stop today. But the Ministry absolutely will not let that happen. You can mark my

words. The landscapes of vulnerability will march on under our watch and with our money. Fundamental changes will not happen under the existing bureaucratic leadership and corporate-captured culture within the Ministry.”

June2023

SAVETHEDATES UpcomingEvents2023

June23-25: ArnieIsberg1-PitchTournament

November4: BeanAngelGala

Keepuptodateandfollowuson FacebookandInstagram

MEMORIALWALL

TheMemorialWallhasbeenalongstandingtradition attheFSJHospitalFoundationandisareflectionof theInMemorycampaignsfriendsandfamilieshave createdinrecognitionoflovedoneswhohavepassed. Thesespecialgifts,madeinalovedone’smemory, havealastingimpactinthecommunityasthey touchthelivesofpatientsdaily.Everyspring,theFSJ HospitalFoundationishonoredtoaddnewnames tothisspecialwallinrecognitionoftheloveinour communityforourcommunity.Weinviteyoutopass bytheHospitaltoviewtheFoundation’sMemorialWall (thewalllocatedbetweenthemainHospitallobby andthePeaceVillaResidentCareFacility).Wearesure youwillrecognizemanynotableindividualsthathave helpedmakethiscommunitywhatitistoday..

HAVEAHEARTFORTHESENIORS ATPEACEVILLA

Onceagain,thecommunitycametogethertoraise fundsfortheFSJHospitalFoundationatthe21stannual HaveaHeartRadiothonhostedbyBellMediathispast

Thursday,June15atHomeHardware.Themoney willbeusedtopurchasespecialchairsandbutterfly tablesforPeaceVilla.Thisnewacquisitionwillhelp improvethequalityoflifeoftheresidentstomake themmorecomfortableduringmealtimesorwhen theyarehavingrecreationalactivitiesorwhenthey havefamilyvisitingover.ToencouragegenerosityBell MediadonatedtwoticketstoBryanAdams’concert, inGrandePrairie,everyonewhodonatedaminimum of$50totheHaveaHeartRadiothon,nameswere enteredtoadraw.MavisNelsonwastheluckydonor thatwonthetwoticketstoseeBryanAdams,Mavisis veryexcited.

BRINGONTHEBURGERS

OnJune3rdFortMotorshostedtheirannualRV&CarShow.Onlocationwereentertainersandvendors,most notablewasBrownsSocialhousehostingacharityBBQtoraisefundsforthePeaceVillaFund.Theremusthave beenmanyhungrypeopleinattendanceasBrownsSocialhousewasabletoraise$2,330withtheirfamous burger.

BLUEYDAYBLOCKPARTY

ItwasabrightandbeautifuldaywhentheFSJHospitalFoundationhostedoneofitssignatureevents,BlueyDay.Therewere22registeredparticipantsandseveral walk-inparticipantswhoraised$66,000fortheCancerDiagnosticsandTreatmentFundthroughtheFSJHospitalFoundation,topurchaseaHematologyAnalyzerforthe HospitalLaboratory.Thesebraveparticipantsshavedtheirheadsincommemoratingtheirlovedoneswhoaregoingthroughcancerandthosewhohavepassed.12of theparticipantsdonatedtheirhairtotheBCWigsforKidsProgram.JoiningtheFSJHospitalFoundationonlocationatDooley’sBarberwasMr.Mike’sSteakhousehosting acharityBBQ,volunteersfacepaintingchildren’sfaces,theCityofFortSt.JohnRecreationDepartmenthostingoutdoorgames,alongwithBCAmbulanceServices,the FortSt.JohnCityFireDepartmentandRCMPwhowereon-sitetoprovidesupporttheFSJHospitalFoundationandsharedtheirworkwiththecommunity.

Crews are working and are excavating the intersection of 103 Ave and 96 St. A detour has been set up to go around at the intersection of 102 ave and 96 street. TW BUCK

Photo:MrMikesBBQTeam,FireFightersandMaartenVanKooywithDainaPurchasefromHomeHardware

Sunday was a beautiful day for biking, nice and sunny with just a slight breeze (well, by our standards anyways). 6 Riders headed off towards Upper Pine school, staying together for the first 10km in neutral, which was lucky for Nigel Wray who dropped his water bottle and had to stop and retrieve it.

Once they headed down the 271 road the pack started to split up a bit, and once they hit the hills on the 256Rd, it was game on. Nigel Wray peeled away from the group and came across the finish line in first place, followed by Davide Loro. Sean Dignan and Ard Hoogenboom battled it out back and forth, but Sean managed to power up the last series of hills to finish in third.

In the half course Kristine Bock managed to just barely stay ahead of veteran Sam Keats for the win.

60km

Nigel Wray - 1:47:40

Davide Loro - 2:05:27

Sean Dignan - 2:08:58

Ard Hoogenboom - 2:09:46

32km

Kristine Bock - 1:13:30

Sam Keats- 1:17:34

Thursday smokeshow

Just when it appeared the Thursday night time trial was going to be smoked out, a favorable wind blew it all away with fifteen minutes to race time.

Thirteen riders rode under the fresh and breezy conditions. Nigel Wray was the winner at 24:10. Trev McDonnell set the bike pulling a canoe record for 8 km at 22:58 minutes.

1. Nigel Wray 24: 10

2. Melvin Jarnagin 28:30

3. Calvin McCracken 29:34

4. Heather McCracken 29:43

5. Barb Jarnagin 30:22

6. Benaiah Jarnagin 30:52

7. Landis Dell 31:59

8. Stella Jarnagin 32:24

9. Rob and Hunter 44:15

8 km

1. Ezra Jarnagin 15:21

2. Truman Jarnagin 15:42

3. Trevor McDonnell

required for 2 children ages 9 & 11. Full-Time Live-in only. Duties include: Cooking, Care for the children at home. Light house cleaning. School drop-off and pick-up. Must speak English. Related Experience necessary. Dawson Creek. Email resume to: rosaliejustado@gmail.com

Books, Coins,stamps

Large collection of youth hobby books.

Call for information dyoungdawson@gmail.com

250-719-7381

Wanted to Buy

2011 Diesel Dodge RAM 3500 automatic-4-Door for parts. (wiring-harness must be intact & functional)

250-789-3350

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

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

Heavy equipment

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

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

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

RestauRant/ Hotel RESTAURANT FOR LEASE In Chetwynd, B.C

• Fully Equipped

• Recently Renovated and Ready to go.

• Flexible Lease Period

• Flexible Rent

• Flexible operating hours

• Great Location If Interested, Please email : azimmangalji21@gmail.com

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

Education

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

Books, Coins,stamps

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

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

250-772-5407

Wanted

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

Misc FarM EquipMEnt

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

2239 Grain Vacs & Extractors Walinga 510 grain vac with new hoses.

$6200. 780-864-0809

Horses & Tack

Quarter Horses for Sale. Call 780-9712350

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

Fitness & Fun

250-726-4175

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

FROM

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0-100K VISITS FASTER THAN

In a recent survey of 2,461 Canadians, when it comes to driving traffic to automotive websites, or visits to a dealership, print and online newspapers rank highest. They outperform TV, radio,

magazines, autoTRADER, Kijiji and social media.

If you’re looking for better ROI from your advertising, perhaps more of your “I” should be in newspapers.

ProjectHeavyDutyisacommunityeventthatsupportsitsstudentsinthebuildingofourfuture. SchoolDistrict60thanksthefollowingsupporterswhomakethisopportunityforstudentsareality.

PROJECTSUPERVISOR

SiteSponsor

SD60ProjectCoordinator

CONSULTANTS

2023 ASCHOOL DISTRICT #60 PROGRAM

STATIONSUPERVISORS

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ARCHEMBAULT,LUKE BABUICK,ROBBIE BUECKERT,BRANDON DESJARLAIS,DAWSON GOODBUN,MIA

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GORTMAN,ILYA GORTMAN,OKSANA HAFNER,AURORA MCLEOD,CALLIE MILLIGAN,HARLEY

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