Prince George Citizen July 15, 2021

PRINCE GEORGE

Wildfire strikes near Ancient Forest

CITIZEN STAFF

Lightning strikes from the storm that hit the city early Saturday morning sparked at least five new wildfires between Prince George and McBride, while humans are believed to have caused at least four more fires in the same vicinity.

One of those blazes was discovered Sunday morning along Highway 16, west of the parking lot of The Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Provincial Park, 120 kilometres east of Prince George.

“It’s suspected to be human-caused,” said Sharon Nickel, communications specialist for the Prince George Fire Centre.

The fire was relatively small at 0.2 hecatres but Nickel said because of its proximity to Highway 16 and the fact it is in a highly-valued area, on the edge of the only inland rainforest in North America, it had the potential to threaten hikers in the popular tourist attraction and the BC Wildfire Service responded immediately

Another small fire east of the city at West Twin caused by last Saturday’s storm was reported, along with smaller fires in the Prince George-McBride corridor at Walker Creek, Kidd, Torpy River, Sinclair Mills and Dodd Creek.

City pushing tent city injunction

HANNA PETERSEN

The City of Prince George is continuing to seek a court injunction to remove tent encampments from public property.

A tent city has been established at the end of Fifth avenue, dubbed Moccasin Flats by those living there, and unhoused persons have also been camping at a vacant lot on George Street near the Courthouse. In a news release, the city said the

encampments are “known to be dangerous and unhealthy” and is in the process to apply for a court injunction for the closure of the encampments but that is expected to take a few months.

When the city distributed notices of trespass to those living in the encampments in mid-June, the First Nations Leadership Council called on the city to end evictions until a workable plan to address homelessness is in place.

City council has also postponed its decision on the proposed Safe Streets Bylaw, which would allow city bylaw officers to issue $100 tickets for a number of “nuisance” behaviours like panhandling, open drug use and camping in public areas

The bylaw will return to council for final reading on Aug. 30.

Local advocacy group Together We Stand said it believes these bylaw amendments increase chaos for Prince George

citizens, Indigenous organizations, social services and businesses, and criminalizes the poor

However, Mayor Lyn Hall noted the postponement means council has more time to meet with other groups, including provincial ministry staff and BC Housing, as well as learn from what other cities have done.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

A wildfire broke out near the Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Provincial Park on Sunday The BC Wildfire Service belives the fire was human-caused.

WHAT:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

Public Hearings regarding:

•Proposed “City of Prince George Restrictive Covenant Discharge BylawNo. 9216, 2021”

•Proposed

“Authorization Issuance Land Use Contract No. LU 28-76, BylawNo. 2910, 1976, Discharge BylawNo. 9136, 2020”

WHERE:

Council ChambersofCity Hall, 2nd Floor,1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC

WHEN:

7:00 p.m., Monday, July 26, 2021

PROPOSALS:

1. “City of Prince George Restrictive Covenant Discharge BylawNo. 9216, 2021”

Applicant: Bruce Wayne Lambright for A. Bortolon Trucking Ltd., Inc. No. 187256

Subject Property: 2707 Queensway

BylawNo. 9216, 2021 proposes to discharge the existing Section 219 Restrictive Covenant registered at the Land Titles Office under Document No. PG28330 on the subject property,asshown on Appendix “A”toBylawNo. 9216, 2021.

The purpose of this application is facilitate the relocation of an existing automotive electronic retail, sales service and installation business to the subject property.The existing Section 219 Restrictive Covenant on the property limits the use to arestaurant, gift shop and asingle family dwelling

The proposed Bylawapplies to the property legally described as Lots 4, 5, 6and 7, Block 35, District Lot 933, Cariboo District, Plan 727, Except Plan 28793 and Lot 8, Block 35, District Lot 933, Cariboo District, Plan 727, as shown outlined in bold black on Location Map #1 below

Location Map #1 2707 Queensway

2. “Authorization Issuance Land Use Contract No. LU 28-76, BylawNo. 2910, 1976, Discharge BylawNo. 9136, 2020”

Applicants: Koehler Land Surveying Inc. for 101178167 SaskatchewanLtd., Inc. No. A0095152; 101100639 SaskatchewanLtd., Inc. No. A0095153; and Frejno Holdings Corp., Inc. No. A0098760

Subject Properties: WesternAcres Subdivision

BylawNo. 9136, 2020 proposes to discharge the Land Use Contract registered on title of the subject properties under the Land Title and SurveyAuthority registration number: M12699, as shown on Appendix “A”toBylawNo. 9136, 2020.

The Land Use Contract registered on the subject properties restricts the land use, development regulations, infrastructure and future subdivision within the subject area. The purpose of this application is to discharge the Land Use Contract, therebyallowing the subject properties to be regulated under the “City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007”.

The proposed Bylawapplies to the properties legally described as

•South West ¼, District Lot 625, Cariboo District, Except Plans H705, 13483, 13646, 14296, 18560, 25988, 25989 and 33086;

•North West ¼, District Lot 625, Cariboo District, Except Plans 18560, 25988, 25989 and 33086;

•Lots 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17, District Lot 625, Cariboo District, Plan 13646;

•Lot 1, District Lot 625, Cariboo District, Plan 10485; and

•Lot 1, District Lot 625, Cariboo District, Plan 9280, Except Plan 21612;

all as shown outlined in bold black on Location Map #2 below

Location Map #2 WesternAcres Subdivision

HOWCAN IPROVIDE COMMENT?

Residents are invited to provide comment in writing,bytelephone or in person.

Submissions in writing

Residents are encouraged to provide written comments to Council to be included in the Council meeting agenda package and available for public viewing on the City’swebsite.

Forsubmissions to be included on the agenda for Council’sreviewinadvance of the meeting date, theymust be received by the Corporate Officer no later than 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Submissions received after the noted deadline and before 3:00 p.m., Monday, July 26, 2021, will be provided to Council on the dayofthe meeting for their consideration during deliberations on the application.

Submissions maybesent by email to cityclerk@princegeorge.ca, faxed to (250)561-0183, mailed or delivered to the address noted below

Please note that written submissions for all applications will formpartofthe Council agenda, become public record and are posted on the City’swebsite. By making awritten submission you are consenting to the disclosure of anypersonal information that you provide.

Submissions by telephone

In an efforttoprovide the public with options to speak to Council on aPublic Hearing application(s) and in accordance with the current Ministerial Order,the City now offers participation remotely via telephone during Public Hearings.

Residents can pre-register to speak to the proposed Bylaw(s) live via telephone. Pre-registration will be open from 8:30 a.m., Thursday, July 22, 2021 to Monday, July 26, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. To pre-register to speak to Council via phone, visit our website www.princegeorge.ca/publichearings to complete an online registration formor call 311. If you miss pre-registering,please watch the online live meeting broadcast as there will be an opportunity for you to call in for alimited period of time.

Submissions in person

Residents who wish to speak in person can do so during the Public Hearing in Council Chambersonthe 2nd Floor of City Hall at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 26, 2021.

The City of Prince George follows the ordersofthe Provincial Health Officer and guidelines regarding the size of the gatherings and physical distancing

WESTERN ROAD

Subdivision plan gets go-ahead

HANNA PETERSEN

Prince George city council is moving forward with a controversial large development proposed in upper College Heights.

A New Westminster-based developer, Ridgecrest Development Group Inc., is looking to create a subdivision with more than 200 lots including a mix of single-family and multi-family homes on a 34-hectare area south of St. Lawrence Avenue. The site is currently a mix of undeveloped residential land and greenbelt

A site plan shows the proposed subdivision would be divided into two sections one with 70 lots and another with 150 lots, separated by a greenbelt area with a trail.

Following a public hearing, council has now approved amendments to redefine the area from parks and open space to neigbhourhood residential and preliminary approval for rezoning to allow for multi-family residential. The amendments and rezoning will require final approval from city council at a future meeting before the next phase in the development process can begin.

The city received 19 letters in opposition to the amendments. The correspondence included concerns over infrastructure, drainage, access and egress, traffic volumes, lack of park space, and school capacities.

Prior to the city seeking formal public

input, the city also received a petition on May 10 in opposition of the application.

Particular concerns were also raised about the rezoning allowing multi-family housing in the neighborhood and the loss of greenspace, despite it being privately owned land.

“It is a catastrophe for this neighborhood for that green space to be rezoned to residential,” said Joyce Willows who called in during the public hearing. “Really we don’t have the greenspace that other communities have.”

in place but cannot right now due to lack of housing options,” L&M Engineering planner Ashley Elliott said during the developer’s presentation to council.

“It is a catastrophe for this neighborhood for that green space to be rezoned to residential.”

The developer has proposed putting a covenant on the properties to include the addition of a trail network in order to preserve some of the greenspace, limiting the number of duplexes to 10, the number of townhouse units to 50 and that no building in the development is to have more than six units.

“Right now the housing in College Heights is predominantly single-family homes which leaves a large gap in housing options for households which have different incomes and lifestyle stages such as those who do not want to purchase a single-family home or those wishing to age

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

Where Public Hearings are required to be held, measures have beenput in place toensure the safetyofmembersofthe public attending the Public Hearingto provide comments.

City of Prince GeorgeopenCouncil meetings are public andmay be televised, streamed live by webcast, recordedand archived on the City’s website forviewing by the public. By attending an open Council meeting or making asubmission at apublic hearing you are consenting to the disclosure of anypersonal information thatyou provide.

Formore detailed informationon providing submissions to Council, please visit www.princegeorge.ca/ publichearings.

Authority

Personal informationiscollectedunder the authority of section 26(g)and disclosed under the authorityofsection 33.1(1)ofthe Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). For informationorquestions, contact the City’sFIPPACoordinatorat (250)561-7600 or 1100 Patricia Boulevard, PrinceGeorge,BC, V2L 3V9.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Acopyofthe Bylaws and other related documents will be availablefor review by the public on the City’swebsite www.princegeorge.ca under ‘News and Notices’beginning Wednesday,July 14, 2021.These documents mayalso be reviewedatthe Development Services office on the 2nd Floor of City Hall on July 14,15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 26, 2021, between thehoursof 8:30 a.m. and5:00 p.m.

WHO CANI SPEAK TO?

Formoreinformation, please contact Development Services in persononthe 2nd Floor of CityHall, by telephone at (250)561-7611orbyemail to devserv@princegeorge.ca

Forquestions relatedtoPublic Hearing participationand procedures, please contact Legislative Services Division by telephone (250)561-7793 or by email to cityclerk@princegeorge.ca

The property will be serviced via extension of existing sanitary, sewer and storm infrastructure along Southridge Avenue and Vista Ridge Drive. A services study was done and the city found that the property can be adequately serviced with nearby municipal water and sanitary sewer infrastructure.

A traffic impact study was also done and urged development on St Patrick Avenue until an extension to Glen Lyon Way is made in a westerly direction. A four-way traffic stop to replace the existing two-way stop signs on Southridge Avenue is also recommended after the construction of approximately 350 dwelling units, but the development is 150-units less than this requirement.

“A big concern in the neighbhourhood is the traffic racing down the hill without having some kind of limitation,” said Stacy Larsen, during the public hearing.

Coun. Brian Skakun said he could not support the amendments or rezoning need-

ed for this development.

“I emphathize with the neighbours here,” said Skakun. “I am challenged with this development; I am challenged with the presentation… The traffic is a nightmare and it’s only going to get worse so I won’t be supporting it.”

However, consensus from the rest of council noted the developer had adequately addressed the concerns raised and noted concerns also be mitigated throughout the processes of the development, which would be done in phases over the span of eight years.

“College Heights is an absolutely beautiful area of our city and it has grown exponentially in a short time and is a testament to how desirable the area is,” said Coun. Terri McConnachie. “I have had in the past calls from seniors and from all walks of life who cannot afford the single-family dwelling or don’t want to but don’t want to leave College Heights.”

She said the development would contribute to the long-term growth of the area.

“It is going to be good for the community and good for the whole community and provide a lot of varied housing. Some of the townhouses I have seen have been phenomenally built and what they are doing is impressive,” added Coun. Cori Ramsay, who noted she was sad for the loss of green space.

REQUEST FOR COMMENT

OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN BYLAW NO.8383, 2011 AMENDMENT BYLAW NO.9204, 2021

Subject Property –1330 and 1380 Foothills Boulevard

The City of Prince George is considering an amendment to the City of Prince George Official Community Plan (OCP) BylawNo. 8383, 2011 to amend Schedule B-6: Future Land Use to facilitate the development of an additional three (3) apartment buildings on the subject property.This application to amend the OCP also includes a rezoning application under BylawNo. 9205, 2021.

Please visit the City of Prince George website at www.princegeorge.ca for more detailed information. From the homepage of the City of Prince George website click on “Business and Development”; click on “Planning and Development”; click on “Land Use”; and scroll down to “Applications in Progress”.

The City requests written comment from anyperson, organization, or agencies that maybeaffected by this amendment to the OCP.Please forward anywritten submissions by 5:00 pm by July 23, 2021 to the Development Services Division at 1100 Patricia Boulevard, PG V2L 3V9, Fax: 561-7721, Email: devserv@princegeorge.ca

3V9 311@princegeorge.ca

Visit princegeorge.cafor information about Cityservices and operations. Youcan even subscribe to receive information directly to your inbox. Visit news.princegeorge.ca/subscribetoselect the categories that matter to you.

The 2021 Hospice Dream Home is complete and will open to the public on July 17

Hospice Dream Home tickets on sale

The Prince George Hospice Society is offering a sneak peek at its newest Dream Home, which will go to one lucky winner when the grand prize is drawn in December.

The Hospice Dream Home opens to the public for tours on July 17

The 2021 home is once again built by North Nechako Homes and is located at 4047 Brink Drive in the Nechako View subdivision.

This year, the Hospice Dream Home comes almost completely furnished by Ashley Furniture, excluding the baby room, some decorations, TVs and the linens.

Do

However, including the appliances and furniture, the total value for the home is over $800,000

The west coast contemporary home has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, five brandnew appliances and is approximately 3,470 square feet in size.

The Prince George Hospice says the 2021 Dream Home Lottery is more important than ever for the organization.

“COVID has impacted all of us and Hospice has seen the need to expand all of our programs to meet the increasing need of our community,” said Donna Flood, Executive Director

“This fundraiser is more important to us than ever, due to changes created by COVID-19, we truly hope that our caring northern communities will once again support Hospice, and help sell out our tickets.”

The Prince George Hospice Society will be selling 11,999 tickets at $100 each and the grand prize draw for the home will be held on Dec. 17 and 100 per cent of the money raised goes to support the hospice society

Over 65 companies provided materials, labour, and skills to build the home.

“We wanted to lead off with a sneak peak of the house,” said Flood, explaining Hospice will be sharing photos of the house each day in the lead up to the official opening on July 17.

“We wanted to get people excited that the house is here and the house is ready and they still have an opportunity to buy tickets.”

In addition to the dream home and four early bird prizes, there will be two 50/50 raffle draws this year with a chance to win up to $150,000 each.

Tickets are $25 each with the first 50/50 draw held on Sept. 17 and the second 50/50 held on the same night of the dream home draw

Both Dream Home and 50/50 raffle tickets will be available for sale at the dream home, located at 4047 Brink Drive starting on July 17, but tickets are already available to purchase online.

The Dream Home will be open for ticket sales Monday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets will also be available starting on July 17 at the Prince George Hospice Society Office on 1506 Ferry Avenue as well as Canadian Tire from Thursday to Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

HANNA PETERSEN

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Prince George Fire Rescue crews battle a blaze engulfing the Econo Lodge near 15th Avenue and Victoria Street on July 8, 2020.

BUSINESS DROPPED FROM FIRE LAWSUIT

MARK NIELSEN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Prince George-based fire safety business is no longer a defendant in a lawsuit seeking damages for those affected by the fatal fire at the Econo Lodge motel a year ago.

A notice discontinuing the proceeding against Aztech Fire Safety and Planning Ltd. was filed June 29 at the Prince George courthouse Mundi 910 Victoria Enterprises Ltd., Choice Hotels Canada Inc., the City of Prince George and All Points Fire Protection Ltd still remain defendants in the action, first filed in August 2020 by Leonard Hay with the help of two law firms.

The action, which has not yet been certified as a class action, is being brought on behalf of anyone who was a registered guest or in the adjoining Yolks All Day restaurant or simply on the site at the time of the fire, with the exception of the owners and staff.

In the claim, Hay said he suffered second-degree and third-degree burns as well as psychological injuries and all his possessions were destroyed when the fire broke out in the motel at the corner of Victoria Street and 15th Avenue on the morning of July 8.

Hay did not hear any fire alarms and did not see motel staff helping guests to safety, according to the notice.

Three people died in the fire and RCMP launched an investigation into whether a

crime was committed. No one has been charged.

In a response to the notice of claim, filed jointly by Aztech and All Points, Aztech said it has never been engaged to prepare a fire safety plan for the motel

Similarly, All Points said it has never been engaged to prepare a fire safety plan or design a fire protection system for the motel

In separate responses, the other defendants also deny responsibility and oppose granting of relief.

Mundi and Choice also claim that in February and March 2020, All Points inspected the motel’s fire alarm system and found it to be fully functional.

For its part, the city says it fulfilled all of its applicable duties and obligations, and “reasonably relied upon representations from the property owner’s representatives and from All Points that a fire safety plan had been prepared and that the testing of the fire alarm system had occurred.”

In a response to the claim in the lawsuit, as amended in September 2020, that firefighters failed to deal with the fire correctly, the city says it “developed quickly into a dangerous conflagration” that put firefighters at risk of injury or death.

“At all times, the firefighters of the city acted reasonably and prudently in fighting the fire,” the city said.

The allegations have not been tested in court.

City opened safety hub in April

from page 1

In its latest news release, the city said it is continuing to work with partners including the Province of B.C, Northern Health, BC Housing, and local Indigenous organizations.

The city also listed some initiatives underway including:

Supportive housing under construction on First Avenue at the former location of NR Motors.

The first building phase will include 50 supportive housing units, which are expected to open in early 2022.

The next phase of the project will begin soon after and include 100 units and health service supports on the site.

The City opened the Community Safety Hub in April, at Second Avenue and George Street in order to address persistent and multi-faceted social issues such as homelessness, substance use, and mental illness.

The Hub facilitates coordination among service agencies and organizations such as Northern Health, BC

Housing, Downtown Prince George, the Prince George Native Friendship Centre, the city, and Prince George RCMP BC Housing, Northern Health, and non-profit shelter operators are in the process of providing training to shelter staff and open overdose prevention spaces in the city’s shelters so that guests are able to safely use indoors, if they choose to. The overdose prevention spaces will only be available for shelter guests and will not be available for use by the public.

In addition, these shelters have set up indoor cooling stations where people can come in off the streets during the day, hydrate, and cool down. Outreach workers are also connecting daily with people experiencing homelessness outdoors to inform them of the available community services and distribute water bottles.

More information on supportive housing projects in the city is available online through a joint BC Housing, Northern Heath and city website. -with files from Arthur Williams

ASSMAN'S

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

It’s now official. The Prince George Kodiaks will join the B.C. Football Conference next year as the province’s seventh junior football team.On hand for Friday’s announcement at Masich Place Stadium were, from left, BCFC president Tyler McLaren, Kodiaks president Craig Briere, Kodiaks head coach/director of football operations Keon Raymond and Mayor Lyn Hall.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL COMING TO CITY

TED CLARKE Down, set, hut.

The backfield is in motion and Prince George football has taken a quantum leap with Friday’s announcement that the Prince George Kodiaks will join the B.C. Football Conference in 2022 as the province’s seventh junior football franchise.

Headed by Keon Raymond, a two-time Grey Cup champion with the Calgary Stampeders, who will take on the dual role as Kodiaks head coach and director of football operations, the Kodiaks have a year to gather an 80-player roster to compete in the BCFC using Masich Place Stadium as their home field starting in August 2022.

“This is something special, the time and work and effort that’s been put in to this community and to us joining the BCFC for us to have a junior football team here,” said Raymond, addressing the crowd of about 500 drawn to the Masich Place Stadium stands Friday morning. “This is huge and I’m so excited to be part of it and to take this thing further and bringing home championships.

“My core principles, I’ve always been a man of faith, family and football. I want to make sure our Number 1 thing is we dedicate to raise young men, that’s the most important part. When I come out here on this field I expect the best out of my team. I expect discipline, I expect them to work hard and give the maximum effort and I’m expecting they do all the little things because that makes champions.”

as an expansion franchise in 2022.

The Prince George team will attract players from all over Canada and the Kodiaks also plan on utilizing graduates of the B.C. High School Football Association’s Northern Conference teams in Prince George and Vanderhoof to continually stock their talent pool. Players aged 19-22 are eligible to play junior football in a four-month season that runs from August-November. The CJFL is a development league for the CFL and university teams in U Sports.

“You’ve got to always produce and I think being able to get kids, whether they’re from Saskatchewan or Alberta, wanting to come up here and play for me would be a huge help in recruiting,” said Raymond. “We’ve got 80 kids to put on the field here and I’d like a lot of them to be from Prince George and these northern communities.”

Kodiaks president Craig Briere says having two post-secondary schools, University of Northern B.C and the College of New Caledonia, should help the team attract players and the Kodiaks plan to take an active role helping them find jobs that will keep them on the city

“If you look at the junior football programs that are successful across Canada they take the approach of developing the person through the sport of football and at the end of the day the game is that vehicle,” said Briere, who has worked nearly three years on the junior project.

Masks arenolonger manditory, but to respect others:

If yousee others wearing amask, youmight want to also

• wear amask, especially if youare in someone else’s space.

• considerputting your mask on.

If only one person is wearing amask, out of courtesy,

• mask in which case one personiswearing amask.

If no one is wearing amask, it might be safer to wear a

If they see that youare not wearing amask, they might

• remove theirs, which means youshould probably put your back on.

If youfeel confused, this is quite normal. •

The Kodiaks will join the Kamloops Broncos, Langley Rams, Valley (Chilliwack) Huskers, Vancouver Island (Nanaimo) Raiders and Westshore (Langford) Rebels next season to form a seven-team B.C. Junior Football Conference. The BCJFC is part of the Canadian Junior Football League and its teams compete for the Canadian Bowl national championship along with the sixteam Ontario Junior Football Conference and six-team Prairie Junior Football Conference, which will add the Lethbridge Vipers

“Our emphasis is making sure our players have to opportunity to continue to play football and not have to leave home. They will have the opportunity here to play the game they love and more importantly develop as young men and give back to our community.

“This team isn’t just for Prince George, this team is for the north. We want kids playing from Williams Lake to Fort Nelson, from Prince Rupert to McBride. At the end of the day we want 80 players to come from northern B.C.”

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Babicz named city manager

CITIZEN STAFF

City council has appointed Walter Babicz as the new city manager.

Babicz had served as the acting city manager for the past nine months, since the departure of former city manager Kathleen Soltis. Babicz previously served as the city’s general manager of administrative services.

“On behalf of council, I wish to congratulate Mr Babicz on his selection for the critical role of city manager, and to thank him for his many years of excellent service to the City of Prince George as the corporate officer and as a senior administrator,”

Mayor Lyn Hall said in a press release.

“The fact that council selected Walt as city manager, council’s sole employee, speaks to the respect we all have for his years of service and the appreciation we have for his performance as acting city manager over the past nine months.”

The city manager is the top administrator of the city’s operations, overseeing 750 staff and an annual budget of $185 million.

Babicz was raised in Fraser Lake. He graduated from the University of Victoria’s

law school, and has lived in Prince George since 1995. He practised law with a private firm until 2008, when he became the city’s manager of legislative services.

“I’m honoured and excited to be selected as the new city manager and to be continuing to serve the community that I care so deeply about,” Babicz said in a press release. “I look forward to working collaboratively with council, city staff, and the community.”

Renewable diesel plant proposed at P.G. Refinery

CITIZEN STAFF

The company that owns the Prince George Refinery is looking to develop a plant on the refinery site to convert vegetable oils, used cooking oil and animal fats into millions of litres of renewable diesel per year

Calgary-based Tidewater Midstream and Infrastructure Ltd. Is seeking city council’s approval to rezone part of the refinery site on PG Pulpmill Road to allow the construction of the plant A project summery provided to city council by the company said Tidewater hopes to begin construction as early as this month and have the facility operational in two years or less.

Once complete, the plant is expected to produce 150 million litres of renewable diesel per year – nearly 25 per cent of the province’s target to produce 650 million litres of renewable fuel in B.C. by 2030.

“Renewable diesel differs from bio diesel in that it lacks the oxygen that makes bio diesel prone to separation and unsuitable for cold temperatures without blending; renewable diesel does not require blending with traditional diesel to be utilized, and is, therefore not subject to blending limitations,” Tidewater’s report said. “Once in operation, the Prince George renewable diesel facility is estimated to have a carbon intensity (CI) rating of 10-20 g CO2eq/ MJ, which yields an ~80-90% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions based on various viable feedstocks.”

Tidewater says its proprietary process produces renewable diesel that meets all the specifications for diesel in Canada and the U.S. While the technology has been commercialized in Europe, the U.S. and Asia, the Prince George Refinery project would be the first in Canada

The project would use much of the current infrastructure of the Prince George Refinery, however the project will require the installation of a small boiler, several heaters and six additional storage tanks on the site.

“The gas fired heaters and the small boiler will utilize modern burner technology to minimize combustion emissions,” Tidewater’s report said. “The reformer gas fired heater will be equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) unit to minimize emissions. SCR is a process capable of abating emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX) to extremely low levels by utilizing an ammonia catalyst to convert the nitrogen oxides to naturally occurring nitrogen and water.”

A “minimal increase in emissions” were expected as a result of the project.

The rezoning necessary for the project are going before city council on Monday night for first and second reading Public consultation and a public hearing will be required before council considers final approval of the rezoning.

Tidewater purchased the Prince George Refinery from Husky Energy in 2019.

Walter Babicz

The Pederson familyKevin, Claire, Parker and Lara - dropped by the streetside patio of The Makerie Cafe and Crafts on Fifth Avenue to take part in some Summerfest Saturday activity

Summerfest drives off pandemic doldrums

TED CLARKE

Tucked under the dome of their umbrella on the rooftop patio of the Black Clover restaurant, Cynthia Carrier and Sylvia LeBlanc were staying dry in the afternoon downpour as they ate their lunch.

The light rain those dark thunderclouds brought was just a minor distraction for the longtime friends as they took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather to get reacquainted on the first Summerfest Saturday of the season.

“This is the first time we’ve had lunch since COVID,” said Carrier , who first met LeBlanc when they worked together on the BC rail trains.

“We’ve had couple dinners together but this is the first lunch we’ve been able to have without having to mask up,” said LeBlanc.

“It’s freeing,” said Carrier. “I’ll still wear my mask walking around, but if I’m sitting across the table form Sylvia I’m not going to wear it.”

Carrier saw the rain coming as she drove downtown to meet up with LeBlanc but they weren’t going to let that keep them from enjoying their view of Fifth Avenue and George Street below from their thirdfloor perch. She had a great view of the big thunderstorm that ripped through the city overnight, finally providing some needed rain after three weeks of drought. It left clear skies free of the wildfire smoke that had choked the city the previous few days.

Downtown Prince George, the not-forprofit organization that provides programs to encourage people to shop, eat, drink and be entertained in the downtown core, has for years presented Summerfest as a one-day event. But this year, coming out

Avenue. They got there just before the rain and sipped on beverages while the kids picked up paintbrushes and used them to paint mini houses they brought out to their patio table.

“It’s nice to see the lack of masks and people just getting out and doing stuff,” said Kevin. “People have that second dose (of COVID vaccine) and a little normalcy is nice to see. You respect those who maybe want to be sheltered a little bit but at the same time even they are getting out, so it’s good.

“I feel like there a bit of a boom coming maybe for a bit because everyone have been cooped up.”

“It feels really good to be out and about and being social and seeing everyone enjoying themselves in Prince George,” said Lara. “Just walking over it did seem kind of weird because everyone was so close together, just enjoying themselves.”

Ken Wintemute brought her three-yearold pit bull mix Baloo from Edmonton and they hooked up with Robert Jervis for a walk around downtown to the Farmers Market and a stop for a caffeine fix at the Makerie patio

“It’s been crazy, it’s been rough, honestly,” said Jervis. “I work in the restaurant business so my entire COVID life has been walking to work, working, going home, sleeping, and working.”

This Saturday, local businesses are teaming up to offer specials and a $500 Summerfest shopping spree, Dogs will be the centre of attention for the July 24 Summerfest Saturday and the draw is for a canine care package. Summerfest wraps up July 31 with a bike theme and the online winner will claim a $500 gift certificate from Cycle Logic.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Ken Wintemute, left, and her friend Robert Jervis took a break from walking Baloo, a pit bull mix, when they stopped for a beverage at The Makerie Cafe and Crafts on Fifth Avenue on Summerfest Saturday

City bracing for hike to RCMP salaries

MARK NIELSEN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The cost of policing could be an even bigger topic than usual when city council begins budget talks later this year as a major increase to the salaries RCMP members earn appears to be on its way.

The federal Treasury Board and the union representing RCMP members reached a tentative agreement in late June and, according to documents obtained by the National Post, it will see the force’s first class constables earn $106,576 a year starting in April 2022 if ratified.

That’s about $20,000 above the $86,110 they currently earn. Constables make up over half of the RCMP’s 20,000 officers and it typically takes three years to make the first class grade, according to the Post.

Under the current funding formula, municipalities the size of Prince George pay 90 per cent of the operating costs of their respective RCMP detachments, making the jump significant for the city’s bottom line.

But a review by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, released in January, suggests the hike will bring RCMP members in line with their colleagues in the municipally-run forces.

It found that the starting salary in municipal forces was greater than $70,000 per year – over 30 per cent more than the $53,144 RCMP offers for the first six months of service. Likewise, the salary for a first class constable was greater than $100,000 per year at non-RCMP detachments.

RCMP salaries have been frozen for the past 4 1/2 years after the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that RCMP members had a right to collective bargaining. In summer 2019, the National Police Federation was certified as the bargaining agent for members below the rank of Inspector.

RCMP national headquarters has advised divisions to budget for a 2.5-per-cent pay increase retroactive Dec. 31, 2016. For the 2018 calendar year, that worked out to about $3,600 per member, the UBCM

said in a bulletin. “Rates and provisions of a new pay package could potentially increase the retroactive pay impact beyond RCMP estimates,” the UBCM added.

(Over five years, 2.5 per cent works out to $11,315 in retroactive pay for a first class constable according to a calculation derived by the Citizen from an online compound interest calculator.)

The tentative agreement contains a 1.5 per cent annual salary increase effective April 1, 2017, as well as a “market adjustment” worth between 1.5 per cent to 2.5 per cent each year until 2022, according to the documents obtained by the Post, adding up to between three and four per cent a year.

Coun. Garth Frizzell, who chairs the city’s finance and audit committee, said local government has been planning and preparing to cover the retroactive portion of officers’ pay by putting money into a reserve.

As for the additional increase to salaries, Frizzell said the city hopes a way is found to ease it into the budget rather than being forced to take the full blow all at once. He also stressed the final number won’t be known until the contract has been ratified.

Based on the UBCM’s findings, forming an independent police service in Prince George would not be a cost saver and Frizzell noted the trouble Surrey has run into in the process of establishing its own police department, both in terms of cost and getting the department up and running

“Unless the numbers for RCMP come back staggeringly high, it seems like that’s a really big cost – to put your own force in,” Frizzell said. “There isn’t a political will anywhere around the table that I’m aware of for doing that, and that would be taking on a massive amount of undertaking,”

For 2020, the city’s contract with the RCMP worked out to $22.9 million based on 128 members, according to the City’s 2020-2024 financial services plan.

Ratification votes are expected to occur this summer and council’s budget talks are to occur in December

TREATMENT CENTRE APPROVED

HANNA PETERSEN

After hitting a significant roadblock, the development of year-round mental health and addictions treatment centre serving multiple B.C. First Nations in the north is moving forward.

Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) has been planning for an essential Indigenous Healing Facility, a dream built on decades of work, at Tachick Lake Resort in Saik’uz territory southwest of Vanderhoof. However, in March, the Agricultral Land Commission (ALC) North Panel denied CSFS an exemption for non-farm use on the site. Tachick Lake Resort has been used as a commercial lodge and campground since the 1960s and CSFS says this location was

chosen after years of due diligence.

The facility, currently planned to have 60 beds, is intended to serve area Indigenous people from a medically-based service delivery model that is grounded in traditional Carrier and Sekani practices.

After ongoing dialogue with the ALC and the province, the commision agreed to allowe the centre to move forward.

“We are very happy with the ALC Decision to allow ‘non-farm use’ of the property for operations of the Carrier Sekani Family Services Addiction Recovery Program in the new facility, and will continue to serve future generations,” said Chief Corrina Leween, Carrier Sekani Family Services Board president.

TACHICK LAKE RESORT PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK

The Tachick Lake Resort near Vanderhoof is seen in a Facebook photo.

GOLF WITH GODBOUT

Hitting the nail on the head

Each week this summer, Citizen editor Neil Godbout will share his experience learning to golf at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club. Want to get in a free round with Neil? Just drop him a line at ngodbout@ pgcitizen.ca

Week 6

There’s an old carpentry joke that applies to me whether I’m holding a hammer or a golf club.

My swings are like lightning because I never hit the same place twice

In the case of golf, weird things happen when you don’t hit the ball right.

Hitting the ball squarely with the face of the club but in a glancing sideways motion (commonly referred to as “slicing” the ball) puts a spin on the ball that makes it curve like a baseball.

Skilled golfers are able to intentionally hit these kinds of shots (they call them draws and fades) to work around trees, water and sand hazards or to get a certain roll towards the hole but for mere mortal golfers and especially beginners, slices are trouble because they inevitably leave you somewhere you don’t want to be.

A bad habit I’m working hard to eliminate is topping the ball. Instead of hitting the ball a smidge below centre so I’m driving it up and forward at the same time, I have a tendency to hit the ball on the high side of centre. The result is the ball first goes down and then skips along the ground, going a fraction of the distance it should have.

Prince George Golf and Curling Club pro Blair Scott has been pushing me hard on making solid, square contact with the ball, laying out pieces of string and putting the ball in the middle to get into my noggin what it looks and feels like for the club to strike the ball on the nose.

During my round last week with Citizen columnist and UNBC chemistry professor

What to buy

PIERRE PELLETIER

Prince George Citizen

Since January 2018, Pierre along with his wife Kerry and their 12-year-old Labrador Kodi have been living and travelling throughout North America in their 32-foot fifth wheel – mostly living off the grid using solar power

To begin with, when we started this adventure, neither of us had any experience with RVs – so if you’re a newbie and think the idea of using an RV for even simple weekend use is too daunting, well, keep reading because I’ll share with you what we learned and hopefully minimize your angst and save you a few dollars along the way

As you’ll see with RVing, there’s a lot of effort spent finding solutions to situations before they become problems. And in RVing 101, I’ll try to sprinkle a few helpful tips along the way

First, what type and length of RV to purchase? Really depends

On the par-5 18, I was on the green in four shots, just like Todd. On that final hole, nearly four hours into the round, I made a mental change to my swing and it worked beautifully Throughout the round, I was taking nice practice swings but then when I stepped up to the ball, I forgot everything and felt I had to strike the ball instead of just making good contact.

So, as I stepped up to the tee on 18, I remembered the wiffle balls I’ve been practising with and how those little, hollow plastic practice balls with the holes in them have brought out better swings.

At the top of my swing, in the instant of stillness before I started bringing the down to the ball, I said “wiffle ball” in my head. Straight up the fairway, good elevation. Did it again with the hybrid second shot with the same result.

Came up short of the green with my hybrid third shot, because I start getting excited about the prospect of being on the green in three and putting for a real-world birdie.

Todd Whitcombe, I was able to do that some of the time but consistency is still my greatest downfall.

I shot 11 and 10 on my first two holes. Then on the ninth hole par-5, I shot a 6 and only putted once. On the par-four 15, I shot a five, the only hole of the day I beat the good professor Shooting bogey is outstanding for me.

on what you’re planning to use it for Stopping at just one location and then heading home? Living in it for an extended period of time in numerous locations? Staying at campsites (full or partial services to water, electricity, sewage) or boondocking (no services)? Wish to visit other attractions or not planning to venture beyond your

campsite? Summer use or all seasons? How many people will be living in it? Need to transport an ATV or other toys? What’s your budget? Motorhome? Trailer? Fifth wheel? Van?

These are all important questions to discuss prior to selecting your RV. Make a list of what you must have and another of what

And then my “wiffle ball” mental tip fell out of my head, I chipped too far, putted too aggressively and turned my birdie chance into double bogey

Still, the 136 score is a 12 shot improvement over my previous best Best of all, the game is becoming more fun. I feel I have the ingredients to play better and I just need to keep practicing on the basics.

And keep the wiffle ball top of mind.

would be nice to have. For us, we had five items on our must have list: #1. Two doors. (If one door didn’t work, we could still access the RV.) #2. Use of a detachable vehicle to see the sights. (From the front bumper of the truck to the back carrying cage of the fifth wheel we were 50ft long Hard to park in a town or city Easy when you detach the truck from the RV.) #3. Ability to build a home office inside the RV (We specifically purchased a fifth wheel that had bunk beds. We ripped them out and built a nice home office in its place.) #4. Not too long and not too small (We settled on 32 feet – it’s turned out to be the perfect length for us.) #5 Must be able to access the bathroom when the slides are in – you’d be surprised how many RV designs block you’re ability to use the bathroom when the slides are in.

(Helpful tip: when checking out RVs, ask the dealer to bring in all the slides – you’ll get a great idea of which cupboards and doors

are inaccessible to you. Trust me; you’ll truly appreciate this at some point in your travels.)

(Other add-ons such as solar panels, carrying cages, bike racks, ceiling fans, satellite dishes etc. will be discussed in upcoming columns.)

All the other decisions were a matter of whether or not we wanted to upgrade from the existing item, such as replacing the bedroom mattress. If you do replace your mattress, measure the length and width – don’t assume a queen size in an RV is the same as your home mattress. Also, ensure you have a mattress that you can easily lift since most RVs have a useful storage area beneath the bedroom mattress.

Overall, my advice is to rent an RV before you make that purchase, get a feel for what you’re getting into – and do a lot of research.

The old Boy Scout motto works well here: Be Prepared.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

This week Citizen editor Neil Godbout hit the links with longtime Citizen columnist and UNBC chemistry professor Todd Whitcombe

PIERRE PELLETIER PHOTO

Fishing hole

Babine Lake (North)

Babine Lake is home to a special strain of rainbow trout thatgrows much larger than common rainbow trout species. This strain of trout is part of arare ecotype called the Sutherland population.

These rainbow trout feed on kokanee and salmon fry,and grow quite large. There is limited information regarding the size of Babine Lake’sSutherland population, and because it is arare ecotype, anglers are encouragedtopractise catch-and-release when going after these big rainbow trout to encourage the long-term sustainability of this species. Barbless hooks are also encouragedtoimprove survival.

Fisheries biologists and area stakeholders continue their research programs on Babine Lake to determine if the stock is sustainable at present levels. They look at the habitatand conduct surveys on tributaries as well.

Babine Lake is known for producing trophy char,rainbow trout and salmon. Angler’s Atlas Field Staffmember Kenneth Donaldson says that the trout in Babine Lake, “are considered by many

to be comparatively large and aggressive fish and have been known to bite on sockeye rigs (flashers and bead setup @<30’) as well as plugs (green /yellow and blue worked for me) trolled at many depths. While you don’tneed adownrigger,Ithink it just gives you more control on the repetition of what depth works.”

Donaldson adds that,“Willow leaf and small “lifelike coloured” lures, suchasgreen and yellow workwell at shallower depths.” Early in the season the trout will inhabit shallow waters, but as the water warms up the fish migrate to deeper,cooler sections of the lake.

Don’tmissthe popular the Babine Lodge Fishing Derby in July!

Caution: Do notuse this mapfor navigational purposes. This mapmay notreflectcurrent conditions.Uncharted hazardsmay exist.BaseMap ©ProvinceofBritish Columbia.

Let’s act now to save summer

Winter is coming.

The warning issued by Ned Stark in the first episode of the popular Game of Thrones TV series (and George R.R. Martin books) gives the viewer a sense of foreboding.

Winter is cold, dark and merciless. It is the season of death.

In a spoof of Game of Thrones (wait, that was already done 40 years ago by Monty Python), Stark would have grimly stated: “Summer is coming.”

And everyone would have laughed Yay, summer! Bring on the season of long days basking in the warm sunshine, where the land and the rivers are alive. Let it stay with us forever. Who’s scared of summer?

With each passing year, more and more people, in B.C. and around the world are anxious about what future summers have in store.

Now we worry about heat waves and weeks of no rain harming crops, livestock and wildlife. Now we wonder how about the forest fire season will be and will

the air quality be so bad it makes day seem like night, as we’ve already seen in recent years.

While Prince George is blessed to be drawing its water from an underground aquifer, far more communities in B.C. depend on fresh water from reservoirs, making them vulnerable to summer drought.

The recent heat wave also brought soaring electricity use, which led to power outages and brown outs in various parts of the province.

And hundreds died.

While it’s difficult for coroners to blame deaths directly on the heat, more than 500 British Columbians died during the recent wave than in the same time period in past summers.

We only need to look to our cousins to the south to see the suffering and damage caused by extended, extreme heat events. Summer is coming?

Summer is not coming.

Summer is here

This is what climate change looks like.

“People don’t respond to fear. It’s demotivating. I like to talk about benefits and opportunities.” –

Yet Deborah Harford, the executive director of the Adaptation to Climate Change Team in the environment faculty at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, doesn’t want to dwell on the doom and gloom

“People don’t respond to fear It’s demotivating,” she said. “I like to talk about benefits and opportunities. We can outline the danger and here’s what we can do about it.”

Harford’s particular focus is on getting governments to act, not just with policy and regulation but with changing the discussion.

“There’s a misconception that individuals can solve this problem,” she said.

“I hear from young people all the time who say ‘you guys created this problem.’ I feel bad enough already that this generation is facing down this global crisis.”

She sees her role as working with other experts to develop solutions when people are ready to explore them (like right now, after an unprecedented deadly heat wave fresh in people’s minds).

It’s about making the connections between reducing carbon emissions and lowering the risk of extreme weather events, improving health outcomes, protecting biodiversity, helping vulnerable members of society, decreasing income inequality and safeguarding the tourism industry.

With B.C.’s tourism industry eager to welcome the world after the pandemic, a province shrouded in heat and choking smoke isn’t particularly inviting and people will make other plans, she noted.

Making those connections and creating those incentives to change leaves Harford upbeat about the future.

“I am optimistic about the human capacity to adapt but that’s also what’s responsible for a lot of the trouble we’ve got into,” she said. “We should have the courage to try things but it has to hold up for decades. We need robust solutions.”

And we need to be better than Ned Stark.

Although his prediction based on fact and experience was ultimately true, it fell on deaf ears, in much the same way the climate change warnings have been dismissed or diminished

In Stark’s case, even when given the power to affect change, he became mired in the politics. He lost sight of the big picture and then he paid the ultimate price.

There are worse summers ahead and they will become increasingly worse

Fortunately, we have the knowledge, expertise and adaptability to make things better for future generations.

- Editor-in-chief Neil Godbout

Rewarding silence causes problems

In politics, workplaces, everyday conversation with acquaintances and even friends, not saying what we actually believe is too common. It can be seen as kind, polite, or that dreadful word, nice. What’s the result of this “over-niceness,” where silence is rewarded?

In Indian Residential Schools, silence resulted in predators that continued for years. In our public schools today that means guiding your child to avoid taking classes from the worst teachers, instead of speaking up. At USA Gymnastics, it means they are still fighting to defend those who knew about Larry Nasser but remained silent. At work, it means business practices don’t improve, because no one dares offending the boss.

At some places of work, staff who look the other way or ignore problems are rewarded for being loyal. It is not the bright-

THINKING ALOUD

TRUDY KLASSEN

est and most motivated that are rewarded, but the one who makes the boss feel good by pretending that everything is amazing and perfect Praise the incompetent boss and you have a job for life or at least as long as the business lasts.

In politics, the consequences of silence are particularly bad.

MP Jody Wilson-Raybould knows of the results of not being silent first-hand As Attorney General she believed it was wrong to interfere in the judicial system, and when she said so, she was sidelined and removed to a less powerful position.

One would think that she would be lauded, and that her boss would be run out of office. Nope. Enough people voted for Justin Trudeau to be re-elected and his party is high in the polls.

This week when Wilson-Raybould announced her intention to not run for MP again, she cited specifically the toxic environment in Parliament, and how it seems there is less and less focus on working together for Canadians and this has increased over the last five years. In Parliament, the place that swears to work for Canadians? How can there be any hope then for any policies put forth by a government that cannot even value the people elected to represent them? It is an outrage.

Read her statement for yourself. As she says, it is time for the people to lead their leaders. But are there any people left that can show our leaders what it means to be a people worth a democracy?

If municipal politics is the place where politicians are trained, I cannot be very hopeful We re-elected a benevolent, smiling, kindly mayor and most councillors, whose best asset seemed to be they weren’t controversial Problem is, their defence of their most recent incompetence was “We didn’t ask the hard questions.” It feels like the rule is “Don’t say anything stupid. In fact, don’t say anything.”

We have come to expect our elected representatives to be like the Queen, cutting ribbons, smiling nicely, never saying a word out of turn. We are electing people who would make fine dinner party guests, perfect for the chair that needs to be filled by someone unobjectionable and won’t make anyone uncomfortable

Show up and shut up, don’t say anything controversial, and you are gold seems to be the order of the day. Problem is, who is left running the government?

AspenGrove is notjustanother golfcourse-it’sa 50-year-oldtaleofaman namedVernonwho loved thegamesomuchhebuilt hisown course -and his family wholivesand workshis dreamtothisday

Thestory begins in theearly 1960s, when ayoung Vernon Norbratenacquired 105 acres of Aspen-treefilled land just southofPrinceGeorge anddecidedto buildagolfcourse.

Sounds simpleenough.

At thetime, Vernon wasinhis early30s. With limited fundsbut with thepassionofagolfzealot and sweatequityfromanabundance of friends,Vernon setout to buildhis golfcourse. Clearing out theAspen, buildingeverythingfromtee to greenand from parkinglot to clubhouse, formanyyears thework wasdauntingand endless.

But finallyin1971, AspenGrove Golf Course opened itsdoors with anine-holelayout.

Although Vernon andhis wife Marleneknewnothingabout runningagolfcourse, like most things in life, they learnedquickly. Soon,itbecame afamilyaffair with all theirkidsworking at thecoursetokeepit running. Andtheydreamed bigger –wanting to add anothernineholes for afull course 18-holelayout.

In 1986, with more helpfromfamilyand friends,the dreambecame areality.

Today, theluscious 18-holematurecourseisa jewel, carved out of aforest,and builtbya manwho loved thegameofgolf. Vernon passed away in 2019, but thefamilycarries on hisdream.Onany day, you might seefourgenerationsofNorbraten’s workingat thecourse. They’vealsokeptthe rateslow to encourageVernon’sdesiretobuild acoursefor the“average golfer”–and thefamilyatmosphereisfeltthroughout thecourse. Whereelsecould you experience a better golfer’s golf course than outatAspen Grove.

&P UZ

Army cafeteria

Secondhand

Huron, e.g.

ACROSS

Wintry

Conditions

Records

Creeps

Copied

Assembled

Avails 36. Lock opener

Soft drink

Ump’s relative

Hideous

Villain

PUZZLE NO. 826

HOW TO PLAY:

Fill in the gridsothat every row, every column and every3x3 box contains the numbers 1through 9only once.

Each3x3 box is outlined with adarker line You already have afew numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1through 9inthe same line, column or 3x3 box.

Observer

Mince 39. Mouth part

Greased

Best 46. Household animals

Haze 26. Relate, as a story 27. Stick around 28. Sidewalk border 29. On avoyage 30. Challenge 32. your request

48. Flat hill 49. Concluded 50. Succeeding 51. Paddle’s kin 52. Baked dessert 53. Citrus cooler 55. Twins 56. Large antelope

PUZZLE NO. 90

CL ASSIF IEDS

HOURS: Monday-Friday8:30am -3:00pm •Closed 12:00pm -1:00pm forlunch

In Loving Memory of Santo Pascuzzi

June 11, 1940July 8, 2011

It’s hard to believe that 10 years ago today, my husband/ our father went to hug our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven. The last 10 years without you here has been the hardest but we know that you are present every day of our daily lives. There is not a day that goes by where we don’t talk about you or tell funny stories of you. The trips to the Okanagan and Vancouver we cherish the most. During your adult life with us as a family, we look back and remember all the funny moments we had with you. When we laugh, you are smiling and laughing with us. Now after all this time, we are here to remember you and keep loving you here on earth. One day we will meet you again at heaven’s door where you will be there waiting for us to be re-united with you. You were the best friend, husband, and father anyone could ever have. You are always in our hearts and miss you so much.

Tu sei stato un grande uomo e sei il nostro ANGELO CUSTODE.

Love you always, Wife Franca and Sons, Alfredo and Mario.

REMEMBRANCES

Clarke was born August 18, 1936 and passed away July 3, 2021.

Clarke is lovingly remembered by his wife, Loretta, of 63 years.

He is fondly remembered by his children and their families, Roben (Deb), Randy (Tara), Rebecca (Brian) and Kerry. No service by request. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the SPCA.

Peace at last, you are much loved and missed.

BRADLEY CARROLL 2x49.8 PGC002238

LorraineCarroll,CD(neeCardinal) February08,1947-July01,2021

PeacefullyinTruro,NovaScotia.RaisedinPrinceGeorge, BC,LorrainejoinedtheNavyat18yearsold,offeringher theopportunitytoexploreandserveCanada,andto participateinaUNpeacekeepingmissioninBosnia. Predeceasedbyherparents,WilliamGordonRayand MildredIdaNancyCardinal,andsisterBerniceCardinal, nephewsGordon,Cody,andIan.Rememberedbyher son,BradleyCarroll(Megan),sistersMargaretLeggand Phyllis(Jim)Warren,brothersBill(Colleen),Richard,Jim (Verna),andGarryCardinal,grandchildrenAustin MackenzieandPoppyCarroll,familyfriendAnn Cherniawsky("Mrs.C"),andnumerousnieces,nephews, cousinsandfriends.DuetoCOVID-19restrictions,there willbenoserviceatthistime.

January 21, 1930July 2, 2021

Lyle passed away in Prince George on the beautiful morning of July 2, 2021 at the well earned and courageous age of 91.

He is predeceased by his parents, Alvin and Violet; brothers Lawrence and Leland, and his sister Laureen.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Eva (Olshaskie); daughters Maureen and Karma; sons Burl (Julie) and Mark (Maxine); Eva’s dear sister Jean MacDonnell, and many sweet grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Lyle treasured his many local friends.

It was Lyle’s deepest wish to return to his beautiful birthplace in the foothills of southern Alberta to rest. When the time is right, he and his precious Eva will lie there together.

There will be no service by request.

In lieu of flowers, please do something fun, share some memories or have an adventure and send him cheers. He would love that. Condolences may be offered at www.AssmansFuneralChapel.com

Obituaries

Obituaries

In Loving Memory of Linda Spencer

Sept 27, 1933 - July 16, 2015.

we love don’t go away,

In Memoriam

MILLER, Clarke Edward

VANCE, Wilfred Lyle

Gerald Allan McKinnon

October 23, 1951 - June 30, 2021

Gerry passed away after a short battle with cancer at home on Wednesday, June 30, surrounded by his family. Gerry was born in Calgary, the oldest (by 4 minutes with his twin Ed) of 5 siblings born to Mabel and Marvin McKinnon. When Gerry was 17, he went to fish with the Haida people in Prince Rupert who told him many a story of how the world came to be. Gerry, who had a remarkably good memory, was able to recite “How Raven Stole the Light” and other stories to all his grandchildren who remember this to this day! Gerry joined the army when he was 20 years old and was stationed in Cold Lake, AB for 5 years. He became a radio technician and obtained a degree in electrical engineering technology. He left the military and then spent time in Africa where he set up infrastructure for radio communication and technical schools, wrote curriculums, and taught courses in radio transmission technology.

Gerry returned to Prince George in 1981, where he worked as an alarm installer for PG Lock & Key. In 1986 he met the love of his life, Maria Brouwer, who gave him an “instant” family of four “older” children. On May 10, 1991, a car accident changed his life forever. After a recovery period of 2 years in multiple hospitals, Gerry became a stay-at-home dad for Iris and his two boys: Wolfey (1987) and Sean (1988). Gerry then devoted all his free time to researching and writing about McKinnon genealogy and the history of the Gaelic population in the Highlands and Hebrides of Scotland. Gerry set up the North American McKinnon Clan Society, which to this day is a vibrant society commemorating Gaelic cultural knowledge. Up to his death he remained the chief historian. He was a thorough researcher and a prolific writer. His published works include: The Shank Bone Papers, The End of an Old Song, The Small Regiment, A short History of the Lordship and Baronage of Nova Scotia, The Clan McKinnon, its Genealogy, Lands and Arms, Biographies of the Officers of the McKinnon Clan, and How Heraldry came to the West Highlands of Scotland. Gerry became a Licentiate of the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada (LRHSC), and helped many people obtain their family crests. Gerald was a kind and modest man of faith, and most of all proud of his family which also includes his furry friends Sam, Tucker, and Duchess.

He is survived by his loving wife Maria Brouwer, his son Sean R. McKinnon (Danielle) and stepchildren: Marc (Corry), Lilian (Geza), Daphne, and Iris (Kevin). His grandchildren: Elizabeth, Tyler, Loryn, Emily, Emma, Mason, Leon, Marijke, Maia, and Jeffrey. His great grandchildren: Mariah and Amelia. His siblings: Ed (June), Darwin (Loretta). His sister-in-law Marion (Harry). Cousins Jim (Bee), Robert (Penny), and Wally. His nieces and nephews: Bella, Koosje, Kim, Leanne, Naiomi, Kathleen, Kristina, Nicole, David, James, Robert. His special friends: Neal Cook, Des, Ami, and Jay. Predeceased by his parents, son Wolfey, sister Maureen, and brother Grant.

Gerry lived in thankfulness for the medical community who helped save his life in 1991. He specially honoured Dr. Appleby, Dr. Neary and Dr. Preston who were by his side for the past 30 years, giving him the best of care as he struggled with declining health due to the accident.

Gerry loved deeply and was loved deeply. He will live in our hearts forever.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday July 10, 2021 at Trinity United church. In lieu of flowers donations to the Canadian Cancer Society will be greatly appreciated.

October 22, 1950June 3, 2021

With sadness the family of Donna Bennett announce her untimely passing on June 3, 2021.

She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Eric; her three sons Rick (Teresa), Rob (Nicole) and Ryan (Jodi); brothers Ken and Larry, and sister Bev. Donna’s great delight was her grandchildrenAshton, Alexus, Maddie, Paul and Robyn.

Over the years she loved travelling to southern climes, and in retirement enjoyed times at senior’s club, and golfing with friends.

Donna will be remembered for her smile and sense of humour, a strong will, and care giving nature to all.

We are grateful for the support and care from friends during this time.

A Remembrance of her Life will be held in August.

Condolences may be offered at www.FraserviewCrematorium.com

1930-2021

On July 3, 2021

Claire (Kelly) Lavoie passed away at the age of 91 years. Kelly was avid about children reading books. Kelly started her career as an elementary teacher in Victoria then Kamloops and finally in Prince George Kelly was a driving force in around the creation of a kindergarten program from School District # 57. She now joins her parents James and Clarissa and her younger brother Arthur. The celebration of life will be Tuesday July 20, 2021 @ 3pm. Elks Lodge 663 Douglas St PG. In lieu of flowers please donate to PG Humane Society or donate a book to a local elementary school reading program.

Gone but not forgotten.

May the Sunshine of Comfort Dispel the Clouds of despair

Wilson, Jimmy-Joe Randie

August 05, 1977 - June 30, 2021

It is with immense sadness that our family announces the unexpected passing of JimmyJoe.

Jimmy-Joe was predeceased by his loving grandfather Ernie Wilson. He is survived by and will be deeply missed by his children, Jaida and Kayden, his parents, Randy and Jillian, his sisters Chantelle, Chelsea, and Cherise, and his grandparents, Sandra Wilson, Rose and Tom Rupp, and Ken and Iiris Levers. He will be missed and lovingly remembered by Chantelle’s family, Brad, Haylen, and Ridge Work and Devine Wilson, Chelsea’s family, Glenn and Ryker Clarkson, and soon to come baby boy, and Cherise’s family, Ryan, Styles, Stryder, and Shayah Levesque and many extended family members.

Jimmy-Joe was born in Prince George BC and grew up in Pineview attending Pineview Elementary school and Blackburn Junior. After leaving Blackburn Junior he went to work at Dunkley Lumber where he spent the next 30 years taking pride in his work at the Dunkley mill. Jimmy-Joe was a hard worker and always put in 100%.

Jimmy-Joe loved his family, and enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his family, whether it was snowmobiling, fishing, hunting or having a beer around a good fire. He cherished the lifelong friends he made and he will be forever missed and always remembered.

Our family would like to thank the First Responders for their compassionate care.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 4:00 pm at the First Baptist Church, 483 Gillett St, Prince George, BC.

Celebrate the lives of loved ones with your stories, photographs and tributes

As you share the stories and the memories of how they lived their lives and how very much they meant, may you find comfort...

Celebrate the lives of loved ones with your stories, photographs and tributes

Claire (Kelly) Lavoie

Donna Lynn Bennett

Established Franchise Photography Business Serving Northern B.C for over 35 years

Gross Revenues of $150.000 plus annually from seasonal work

Lots of opportunity to expand the business. Transition support available to the right buyer

Serious Enquiries Only

Office 250-596-9199 Cell 250-981-1472

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Established Franchise Tax Preparation Business Mackenzieservicing and McLeod Lake area for over 30 years.

Gross Revenues of $85,000 to $90,000 Annually and Potential to expand revenues in a growing economy.

Transition support available for the right buyer.

Serious Inquires Only Office (250)997-9003 Home (250)997-5538 Cell (250)990-0152

Events

COMINGSOON UniversityHeights NeighboursMagazine. WeCareThatYouCare. SupportOurCommunity withYourSponsorships. ShareOurGoodwill. Thanks! -Keith 250-649-5877 universityheightsneighbours @gmail.com

Toys/Games/Puzzles

Personal Messages

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Job duties

HEAVY- DUT Y EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN

Decker Lake Forest Produc ts Burns Lake, British Columbia

The Technician per forms some or all of the following duties:

• Check bulldozers, cranes, graders and other heavy construction, for proper per formance and inspect equipment to detect faults and malfunctions

• Diagnose faults or malfunctions using computerized and other testing equipment to determine extent of repair required

• Adjust equipment and repair or replace defective parts, components or systems, using hand and power tools

• Test repaired equipment for proper performance and to ensure that work meets manufacturers’ specifications

• Clean, lubricate and per form other routine maintenance work on equipment

• Service attachments and working tools such as harvesting and tillage equipment, blades, ploughs, winches and side booms

• May perform repair work on heavy trucks

• May attach components and adjust new acquired equipment.

• The Technician may also specialize in specific types of machiner y, or in engine Responsibilities:

• Test repairs for proper performance and ensure the work meets manufacturer ’s specifications and legislated regulations

• Repair and replace defective parts and components on all machinery, equipment, hand tools, and power tools.

• Read and understand operating manuals, blueprints and drawings

• Perform daily routine maintenance on machiner y and equipment including cleaning and lubrication

• Complete all duties in accordance with Company health and safety regulations.

• Work independently and collaboratively with other members to achieve common objectives.

Requirements:

• Experience working with all brands of heavy-duty equipment

• Valid class 1 driver ’s license

• 5 years experience with diesel engines, hydraulics, electrical, and air brake systems

• Must have a Red Seal certification

• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects: minimum 50 lbs.

• Strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills.

• Must be able to take direction from super visors and work with minimal super vision.

• Good command of oral and written English

To apply to this position please contact: Justin Dechamplain Resumes can be dropped off to the Decker Lake Forest Products office: 10345 Lewis Road Or emailed to justindechamplain@hamptonlumber.com

Career Opportunities

SOCIETYOFST.VINCENTDE PAULDROPINCENTRE

TheSocietyofSaintVincent dePaulisaninternational serviceorganization dedicatedtohelpingthosein need.Ourmissionistolive theGospelmessageby servingthepoorwithlove, respect,justice,andjoy.

OurDropInCentreinPrince Georgeoperates7daysa week/yearroundproviding mealsandfoodhampersto thoseinneed.

Wearelookingforfull-time (MondaytoFriday)Drop-In CentreCoordinatorand AssistantCoordinatorwho understandsandsupports theSociety’sMission.The idealcandidateswillbe compassionate,havestrong organizationalskillsandbe abletotrain,leadandwork alongsidestaffand volunteerseffectively.

Well-roundedindividualsare neededwithan understandingoflocal serviceagencies,healthand safety,andMicrosoftOffice. AvalidFoodSafeand WHMIScertificateare requiredbuttrainingcanbe arrangedifnecessary.A currentcriminalrecord checkisrequired.

Pleaseapplywithresume and3referencesbymailto Box1617,PG,BCV2L4V6 oremail:svdppg@shaw.ca.

Nophonecallsplease.

Pleasedirectanyquestions toouremailaddress.Only thoseselectedforan interviewwillbecontacted. svdppg@shaw.ca ssvdppg.com

Trades Help

Bedroom/Bedding

pendant

function lock outs (mattress not included) $2000 250 964-9417 pics at http://invacare.ca/doc_files/Etu de_Booklet.pdf

Firewood

BIRCH Firewood in 20 foot lengths. Delivered by dumptruck load. $800.

Generators/Motors/Welders

Mills/Equipment

currentlylookingfor QualifiedJourneyman WeldersforChetwyndB.C. Minimum5years experience.Pleaseemail resume to peacevalley@uniserve.com. Nophonecallsplease. peacevalley@uniserve.com

Trucking & Transport

Sheds/Outbuildings

THIS WEEKEND GARAGE SALES D

Apartments / Condos-For Sale

Spacious, 3 level 4 bdrms, 4 baths, superb location. $277,500. 250-561-1255 Ready to sell!

Houses for Sale

4 bdrm house - 2 bdrms upstairs, kitchen, bathroom completely renovated. 2 bdrms basement need upgrading. Stove, fridge, blinds inc. Buy now before the price goes up. $338,000 2679 Queensway St. Will consider trade of a motor home, newer trailer or truck. 250-981-3583

Property For Sale

Recreational Property

Warehouseman’s Lien Ac t TAKE NOTICE

Pursuant to Section 4 of the Warehouseman’s Lien Ac t, the motor vessel:

described as Sea Cruise ex 29766 will be sold by private sale on July 29th 2021, to satisfy the indebtedness of Roderick Johnson in the sum of $17,915.62

described as Slide Bay ex 23780 will be sold by private sale on July 29th 2021, to satisfy the indebtedness of Jason Groven in the sum of $26,857.44

described as Pelican Houseboat will be sold by private sale on July 29th 2021, to satisfy the indebtedness of David Macrae in the sum of $22,219.79.

The vessel may be viewed at Port Edward and offers made in writing to the Port Edward Harbour Authority, PO Box 1820, 200 Bayview Drive, Port Edward, BC, VOV 1 GO.

The sale will be on a where is-as is. Vessels must be removed from PEHA Highest offer or any offer not necessarily accepted.

3 native evergreen shrubs to grow in the Pacific Northwest

Do you want to adorn your yard with plants indigenous to your area? If so, you’re not alone.Landscapingwithnativeplantsisonthe rise among eco-conscious gardeners Here are three evergreen shrubs that feel right at home inthePacificNorthwest.

1. EVERGREEN HUCKLEBERRY

Also called California huckleberry, this shrub has small dark green leaves that develop a bronzetingeinwinter Bylatesummer,itsdelicate pinkish-white bell flowers give way to succulent black berries that can be used to makejamsandjellies.

2. OREGON GRAPE

With leaves reminiscent of holly and tiny yellowflowersthatbloominspring,thisevergreen shrubwilladdinteresttoyouryardyear-round. Whilenotpartofthegrapefamily,itdoesproduce similar-looking purple-blue berries that areediblebutquitetart

3. PACIFIC WAX MYRTLE

This dense evergreen can be used as a natural

windbreakorprivacyscreen,andits tolerance to salt spray makes it a good fit for coastal areas. The shrub’s glossy green leaves are pleasantly aromatic, and it produces bumpy purpleberriesinthefall

Forhelpplantingandmaintainingtheshrubson yourproperty,hirealocallandscapingcompany

3 types of grass for a desert climate

If you live in a desert, maintaining a healthy lawn requires you to take the climate into consideration.Fortunately,severalgrassvarieties are well-adapted to hot and dry conditions. Here are three options that might work for youryard.

1. BAHIA GRASS

Native to South America, this type of grass doesn’t require much water and can thrive even in sandy or acidic soil. While it’s tolerant to light shade, bahia grass prefers direct sunlight. It also forms a thick carpet that makes it ideally suited for high-traffic yards. However, you’ll need to use a heavy-duty lawnmowertocutit.

2. BERMUDA GRASS

Due to its high tolerance to drought, heat and humidity, this is one of the most popular grass varieties planted in desert climates. It’s also fast-growing, which allows it to recuperate quickly from damage caused by frequent use. However, it needs to be cut as oftenastwiceaweekduringthesummer

3. ZOYSIA GRASS

Once established, few weeds can penetrate the thick, soft carpet of this grass. In addition, it requires little watering and adapts to a variety of soil conditions. Zoysia grass is resistanttoheatandfrequentuse,butit’salsomore tolerant of shade than the Bermuda variety Plus,it’soneofthefirstwarm-seasongrasses toturngreenagaininthespring.

For help planting and maintaining your lawn, hirealocallandscapingcompany

OREGON GRAPE

7 signs your home’s insulation

needs to be replaced

Areyouwonderingwhethertoinvesttimeand moneyintofinishingyourbasement?Hereare threegoodreasonstogoforit

1. TO LOWER YOUR HEATING AND COOLING BILLS

An unfinished basement is often uninsulated, makingtherestofyourhousemoredifficultto heat and cool Since a key step to finishing a basement involves insulating the walls and floor, a positive side effect of undertaking this project is having a comfortable temperature throughoutyourhome.

2. TO EXPAND YOUR LIVING SPACE

Whetheryouwanttomakeaplayroomforthe kids,anofficeforyouorahometheatreforthe wholefamily,thebasementistheperfectlocation. If the space allows for it, you can also

convertitintoasmallapartment,whichmight be ideal for your adult children or elderly familymembers

3. TO ADD VALUE TO YOUR PROPERTY

Ifyoudecidetosellyourhome,afinishedbasement typically provides a 50 to 75 per cent return on investment. In addition to the increase in value, your property will likely be moreattractivetopotentialbuyers.

Keepinmindthatrenovatingabasementmay not be as expensive as you think. This is because you can choose different materials than thoseusedintherestofyourhome.Infact,the same hardwood flooring that’s ideal for a living room is a terrible option for a basement duetothehigherriskofmoistureproblems

Insulation is essential for keeping your home warm in the winter, cool in the summer and dry all year long. Here are sevensignsit’stimetoreplaceyours.

1. SOUNDS TRAVEL

Theinsulationinyourwalls,floorsand ceilings should muffle all but the loudest noises in your home If you can hearambientsoundsliketheclickingof akeyboardorthedrippingofatapfrom anotherroom,theinsulationisn’tdoing itsjob

2. HIGH ENERGY BILLS

Inadequateinsulationforcesyoutoturn up the heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer A higher-thanusual energy bill is often the first sign that you need to replace your insulation.

3. UNEVEN TEMPERATURES

Thetemperatureinyourhomeshould be consistent from room to room. If you have areas that are cooler or warmer than others, it’s an indication that there’saproblemwiththeinsulation.

4. COLD SURFACES

Walls, floors and ceilings shouldn’t be coldtothetouch.Ifyoursare,it’sasign thatthereisn’tenoughinsulation.

5. CONDENSATION AND MOULD

If you have mould on your ceiling, condensationonyourwindowsordamp walls and floors, it’s a sign that there’s too much humidity in your home.This maybeduetopoorinsulation.

6. PEST INFESTATIONS

Animals and insects can get into your home through gaps in your insulation. Additionally, they’re often attracted by mould and damage caused by water infiltration.

7. FREEZING AND ICE

Itisn’tnormalforpipestofreezeorfor icicles to hang from the edge of your roof. Both are signs that your insulationisn’tdoingitsjob

While it may seem like a big undertaking,replacingyourinsulationisasurefire way to make your home more comfortableandloweryourenergybills

Tips for styling your shelves

In many homes, shelves are essential for making sure your items are organized and easy to find. Here are a few tips for styling them.

CONSIDER LOCATION

The way you style the shelves in your bedroomwilldifferfrom the wayyoudisplay items in your bathroom. You should match whatyou’restoringtothelocation.Forexample,acollectionofporcelaindishesisperfectforthekitchen,whilebooksmaybetter suitthelivingroom.

CREATE INTEREST

WORK WITH COLOUR

Groupitemsonyourshelvesbycolour This will ensure that what you display looks cohesiveandwell-organized.

CORRAL THINGS IN BINS

Often, people use their shelves to store things they need but that aren’t very attractive. Baskets, bowls and bins are great for holding these items, and using them will make your shelves look prettier and more puttogether

Ifyoufollowthesetips,you’llavoidhaving shelvesthatlookclutteredandunappealing.

If you display only one type of item, your shelves will look dull and uninspired Instead, choose a variety of things in an array ofdifferentshapesandsizestocreatevisual interest.

7 deer-resistant plants for your Midwest garden

Deercaneasilyravageagardenbyfeastingon

flowers, shrubs and vegetables. One trick to keep these creatures at bay istofillyourgardenwithdeer-resistantplants. Hereareafewspeciestheytendtoavoid.

1.Amsonia. Native to North America, these perennialsarequiteeasytogrow.Theyproduce clusters of star-shaped blue flowers in springandbright,goldenfoliageinthefall.

2.Bugbane. Spikes of wispy white flowers bloom on this plant in late summer. While itstoxicitykeepsdeeraway,bugbaneisn’ta good fit for yards with pets or young children.

3.Columbine. These elegant, bell-shaped flowerscomeinavarietyofcolorsandarea favorite among hummingbirds. In the fall, theplant’sdarkgreenfoliageturnsmaroon

4.Evening primrose. While deer and rabbits ignore them, these fragrant pink flowers attract a variety of pollinators. Consider growing this tough, sprawling plant as groundcover

5.Globe thistle. This hardy plant is resistant to disease, drought and pests Its blue and purple flowers are prickly, but they bloom formonthsandareidealfordriedbouquets.

6.Purpleconeflower.Partofthedaisyfamily, this plant’s rough foliage is unappealing to deer Its flowers, however, are sure to draw beesandbutterfliestoyourgarden

7.Russian sage. Dense clusters of laven-

der-purple flowers bloom from late spring until fall. This plant’s silvery foliage has a delightfulfragrancethatrepelsdeer You can find these and other plants to adorn your yard at farmers markets, garden centers andnurseriesinyourarea.

Invasive insects in Canada

If a non-native species is introduced to a new ecosystem, it can wreak havoc on the environment. Since it generally has no natural predators, there’s nothing to stopitfromrapidlyincreasingitspopulation and taking over the territory Here aretwoinvasiveinsectsthatposeathreat in Canada.

EMERALD ASH BORER

Thesemetallicgreenbeetlestunnelunder thebarkofhealthyashtrees.Theirlarvae feed on the inner bark, killing the tree within a few years. Signs of an infestation include tiny D-shaped holes in the bark,butearlydetectionisdifficult.Since emerald ash borers live and breed in wood, the most effective way to prevent their spread is to avoid moving firewood from one area to another

SCARLET LILY BEETLE

Red on top and black underneath, these tiny beetles have an insatiable appetite

for lily leaves. If left unchecked, they’ll devour a plant’s entire foliage, leaving just a bare stem. Since the larvae also feed on leaves, as well as buds, flowers andstems, theycandoalotofdamage in a short period of time. Lily plants should therefore be frequently checked for signs of infestation, including holes in the leaves and soft, brown masses.

Homeowners can help protect Canada’s biodiversity by learning how to identify the presence of invasive species on their property and promptly addressing infestations.

3 benefits of having a white roof How to spot and remove mould

Isittimetoupdateyourroof?Ifso,youmay want to use light-coloured shingles or switch toawhitemembrane Herearethethreemain benefitsofhavingawhiteroof

1. You’ll save money. While dark surfaces absorb light, white ones reflect it. This means that in warm temperatures, a white roof will remain cool, thereby saving you money on air conditioning. Furthermore, because the roof doesn’t heat up as much, thematerialstaysintactlonger,prolonging thelifespanofyourshingles.

2. You can create a green space. If you cover your flat roof with a white membrane, you’re one step closer to having a space

that can accommodate a vegetable or flower garden Since the surface won’t reach extreme temperatures, it can be convertedintoarooftoppatio.

3. You’ll help the environment. Having a white roof helps to reduce the urban-heat-island effect, making it an especiallygoodchoiceincitiesandlargetowns. What’s more, if you choose a recyclable white membrane, it’s an eco-friendly option.

If you’re looking for roofing that’s good for theenvironment,cansaveyoumoneyandenablesyoutoconvertthespaceintoagarden,a whiteroofmaybetherightchoiceforyou

Mould can grow out of microscopic spores floating in the air and thrives in humid environments and mild temperatures. If left untreated,itcancausestructuraldamagetoyour homeandanumberofhealthissuesincluding headaches, coughs and respiratory problems. To avoid these issues, it’s important to learn howtospotmouldandeliminateitrightaway

SIGNS

These are the most common indicators of mould:

• Blackordarkgreenstainsonwalls, ceilingsandothersurfaces

• Whiteordiscolouredspotsonwalls

• Peelingorcrackedpaintorwallpaper

• Amustyodour

REMOVAL

If the contaminated area is small, you can clean it yourself. Wear protective gloves, glasses and a mask and use an all-purpose cleaner or diluted bleach to thoroughly wash awaythemould.Ifitreappearsafterthistreatment, it means that the affected area is larger than you first thought or that the fungus is multiplying. In this case, it’s best to hire a mould remediation specialist to remove it completely