The City of Prince George is aware of the safety and security concerns posed by an encampment in Millennium Park, but has little power to do anything about it, according to a statement released by the city.
The park, located at the corner of First Avenue and George Street next to the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George office, has been the site of an ongoing encampment since 2022
“The City is aware of concerns relating to the
present use and condition of Millennium Park, located at First Avenue and George Street,” a statement released by the city said
“The current state of Millennium Park is one result of a complex web of challenges facing the City and its residents, including a shortfall not only in housing and shelter space, but also in health and safety supports for the City’s unhoused population
The City is aware of the safety and security concerns expressed by residents and business owners relating to the downtown core and other areas of the city ”
A Prince George couple has lost out on the chance to take home $100,000 dollars after discovering their winning scratch ticket had been expired for five days.
“This weekend my wife was doing a little bit of cleaning up in our bedroom and found a box full of odds and ends that were left over from Christmas, hand warmers and that sort of thing, and in that box was a scratch ticket,” explained Dan Lewis
It was a two-player Clue scratch game, and so Lewis’ wife Cerise asked him if he wanted to play it
Lewis said he looked at the ticket and saw she had all three symbols and then checked the rules on the back that clarified if you have all three symbols you win a $100,00 prize. The couple’s joy was short lived as Cerise quickly got out her phone to check the ticket on the BCLC app only to discover it had expired.
“We turned the ticket over and looked at the expiry date and it was five days before we had scratched the ticket.”
Lewis said they called BCLC to see if there was a grace period where they might still be able to cash in the ticket. He said they explained the situation and that the ticket was worth $100,000 and was put on hold briefly before being told that “if the ticket was expired, it was expired ”
Lewis said he is not quite sure how a ticket they received at Christmas would expire just two months later, and was hoping BCLC would forgive the five day discrepancy but doesn’t think that’s going to happen
“When we first saw that we won $100,000 we thought ‘wow this is going to take care of all of our problems!’ We will be out of debt, this and that, and then of course a couple minutes later we were devastated to find out that we won absolutely nothing ”
Lewis says his advice going forward is to check your tickets as soon as you get them
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
The encampment at Milllennium Park, located at the corner of First Avenue and George Street, last week
A judge has recommended a man who pleaded guilty to trafficking and weapons offences committed in Vancouver serve the remainder of his sentence at the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre.
By doing so, Ryan David Patrick would “remain close to his supports and away from the downtown eastside,” Provincial Court Judge Reginald Harris said in a decision issued January 23
Patrick was sentenced to two years for dealing in fentanyl, as well as concurrent terms of 18 months for trafficking in cocaine and six months for possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Less credit for time served,
Patrick had six months and two weeks
to go as of sentencing
The outcome stems from a December 2018 police action in which they executed a search warrant on a single room occupancy building on Richards Street
In an array of plastic bags, as well as a jar and a pop tin, they found nearly 50 grams of cocaine, nearly 30 grams of methamphetamine and mixtures of fentanyl, methamphetamine and Etizolam adding up to 9 5 grams Two scales, hundreds of small zip lock baggies, a grinder and cutting agents were also uncovered
Police also seized an imitation nine millimetre handgun, bear spray and a baton
Patrick pleaded guilty to the three counts in July 2022 and charges against co-accused Sandra Lorrain Sloan were stayed in December 2022.
Harris noted that when Patrick was asked about his offences, he commented
Court decisions show ‘limited jurisdiction’
Continued from page 1
The legal fallout of the city’s attempt to clean up the Lower Patricia encampment on Nov 17, 2021 illustrated the limited power municipalities have to address those concerns.
“In 2021 and 2022, the City initiated litigation in an attempt to address concerns pertaining to the encampment in the Lower Patricia area, including concerns relating to public safety and security in City parks and surrounding residential and business areas,” the city statement said “This approach was not successful, however it did serve to confirm the limited jurisdiction the City has in matters pertaining to the unhoused population It is clear that these issues can only be meaningfully addressed only with the cooperation and support of provincial authorities.”
to help residents of the Millennium Park encampment access services and supports, the statement said
On July 11, 2022 city council rejected a city administration proposal to designate one or more areas in the city where overnight camping would be allowed
These issues can only be meaningfully addressed only with the cooperation and support of provincial authorities.”
The City of Prince George is continuing to engage with the provincial government on potential solutions, the statement said, and will update the public when there are further developments In the meantime, the city is providing garbage bins for residents of the camp to use
that he was living in a building “full of addicts” where overdoses were common and that now with the clarity of sobriety, recognizes his actions were wrong.
But notably, Patrick did not express concern to the writer of the pre-sentence report for the harm he may have caused those who purchased drugs from him.
Harris also found Patrick’s pre-sentence report and the psychological assessment “confirms his substance misuse is the primary driver to his criminal conduct.”
Patrick, who hails from Ontario, started using marijuana when he was 14 and by 22, he was using cocaine regularly Then, and after moving to Vancouver, he started using heroin Thereafter, he progressed to using heroin every day for six years, Harris wrote.
Whether Patrick has indeed been transferred to PGRCC could not be confirmed.
“Privacy laws prevent BC Corrections from confirming whether an individual is in custody or under community supervision,” a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General said in an email.
However, Patrick has some loose ends to tie up in this city.
He continues to face counts of robbery with a firearm, assault causing bodily harm and firearms offences from an alleged March 2021 incident in Prince George Sloan remains at large after failing to appear for sentencing in August 2022 on counts stemming from the same set of allegations
Patrick also continues to face counts of resisting arrest and breaching release orders from separate incidents alleged to have been committed in Prince George.
on the
The Board meets monthly and is responsible for providing library services and programs in Prince George. Their work includes creating policies, establishing goals and objectives of the library, and advocating for the library in the greater community Visit www.pgpl.ca/board for more information on current members, the time commitment required, and the activities of the Library Board.
The City is accepting applications to fill one (1) vacancy for the remainder of a term ending on November 30, 2023.
Involvement with council committees, commissions, and boards provides residents the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of our municipality and to provide input on important civic issues.
How to Apply
Individuals interested in serving on the Library Board must be available to attend regularly scheduled meetings and be willing to actively participate in projects that the Board undertakes throughout the year
Applicants must undergo a criminal record check. Details regarding the criminal record check process will be sent by email to the applicant upon receipt of a completed application form. Applicants must begin the criminal record check process by the application deadline noted below for their application to be considered.
Applications may be completed and submitted online (www.princegeorge.ca/committees), delivered to the Legislative Services Division, 5th Floor City Hall, at the address below, emailed to legislativeservices@princegeorge.ca, or faxed to (250) 561-0183.
City outreach coordinators continue to collaborate with representatives from other agencies and levels of government
“The City has, on two occasions, facilitated a large bin being delivered to the site On these occasions the encampment residents were able to get rid of anything they no longer wanted or was considered by them to be garbage,” the city statement said
“The Regional District has also provided a bin on one occasion ”
Deadline to Apply: 5:00 p.m., Thursday, March 16, 2023
For any questions, or to have and application form mailed to you, please contact the Legislative Services Division at (250) 561-7792 or legislativeservices@princegeorge.ca.
The City is seeking residents interested in serving
Prince George Public Library Board.
Unvaccinated city workers defend decision
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
Kas Baker started working at the City of Prince George in July 2017 and hoped to stay until he retired – but now he has no plan of going back.
Baker worked as an irrigation technician in the summer, and drove plows and vacuum trucks in the winter. Then, on Nov 10, 2021, the city launched its Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine Program.
“I was happy at the city,” he said “I’m not against vaccines I’ve got my small pox and other proven vaccines (But) it didn’t sit well with me I just wasn’t interested in getting that vaccine ”
Baker didn’t get vaccinated against COVID-19, and was placed on an unpaid leave of absence on Jan 14, 2022, and faced termination on Jan. 15, 2023 if he did not get vaccinated and return to work
He said many of his family members didn’t get vaccinated either, or later regretted doing so.
“To be told ‘do this or you don’t have a job.’ That is so wrong on so many levels,” Baker said “I know a lot of people who were against it, but got it for fear of losing their jobs ”
Going on unpaid leave affected him and his family “financially, emotionally, mentally and physically,” he said He was left feeling “bitter and angry” and took part in
the Freedom Convoy to Ottawa
“(But), I’m actually grateful, now. It forced me to expand my wings and look at different options,” Baker said.
Baker started his own business, and after a slow start, he is now earning a better living than he did at the city
“I have more freedom, I’m my own boss I feel like I’ve spread my wings and I’m just soaring like an eagle,” Baker said.
“The thought of going back to the city literally makes me feel like they’d clip my wings and shove me in a pigeonhole There is just no reason for me to go back ”
In an interview with the Citizen days before the city suspended the Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine Program on Jan 13, Mayor Simon Yu said a total of 16 unvaccinated city employees were still on unpaid leave as of January.
A city employee provided the Citizen with a copy of the settlement agreement offered to unvaccinated employees, negotiated between the City of Prince George and CUPE Locals 399 and 1048
Under the agreement, employees can remain on unpaid leave for an additional year, up to Jan. 15, 2024, and will retain recall rights as if they had been laid off
“If impacted employees’ original positions are available at the time of agreement of these settlement terms, those employees shall be recalled to
their original position In the event that an impacted employee’s original position isn’t immediately available the employee will be recalled to work which they are capable of performing in the order of bargaining-unit wide seniority,” the agreement says “Should an impacted employee’s original position become available at a future date while they remain an employee of the City, they will have a right of recall to that position unless they fail to respond to the notification…”
Employees had until Jan 27, to notify the city if they wished to be recalled “Impacted employees who do not wish to return to active employment or who remain on leave and otherwise terminate employment with the Employer, will receive payout of 50% of their accumulated sick days This clause shall not apply if the employee is terminated for cause,” the agreement says
The agreement is a final settlement of all grievances related to the Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine Program, the agreement says A clause of the agreement also says that if they city brings back the mandatory vaccine program, it will provide the union with a month’s notice “for the purpose of minimizing impacts of such policy or procedure on employees.”
Baker said he didn’t feel his union representatives consulted him or his fellow unvaccinated employees before agreeing
to the terms of the settlement
“One of the main reasons I’m not going back to the city is that trust has been broken. It’s unfair, there is no justice,” he said “When I think of the other workers if I could afford to hire every one of them, and pay them well as they deserve, I would. I’m proud to be one of the few.”
A second unvaccinated city employee, who spoke to the Citizen on the condition of anonymity, said returning to work at the city now “would be akin to staying in an abusive relationship ”
“I cannot return to a toxic, discriminatory workplace There is animosity amongst the vaccinated employees who threatened job action if we, the affected employees, were compensated in any way,” they said. “I have also heard some employees feel ‘unsafe’ around those who were not vaccinated for COVID-19.”
The employee said they don’t feel the compensation they were offered was fair and that they felt their union failed them However, the employee said, despite the ongoing hardship, they feel they made the right choice to remain unvaccinated.
“The wrongs have not been made right,” they said. “(But) I did not bend my morals for a pay cheque I maintained my dignity. I maintained my bodily autonomy The situation I was placed in allowed me to see a larger picture, one where I was in control of my own fate ”
into
the use of Regional District properties for community purposes for 5-year terms with:
Willow River Recreation Association for the Willow River Equestrian Property legally described as Lot A of District Lot 785, Cariboo District Plan 8289, located off Arnett Road in Willow River, BC.
Pilot Mountain Recreation Commission for the Pilot Mountain Firehall Meeting Room Facility legally described as Lot 1 of District Lot 2414, Cariboo District Plan PGP39734, located at 9070 Syms Road in Prince George, BC.
Penny Community Historical Association for the Penny Community Hall Property legally described as Lot 20 of District Lot 5496, Cariboo District Plan 2294, located off Penny Access Road in Penny, BC.
Dome Creek Community Association for the Dome Creek Recreational Facility Property legally described as Part of the Fractional Southwest ¼ of District Lot 3274, and District Lot 9085, Cariboo District, located 13766 Dome Creek Road in Dome Creek, BC.
Bear Lake Recreation Association for the Bear Lake Recreational Property legally described as Lot 25 of District Lot 2971, Cariboo District Plan PGP10838, located 461 Hart Lake Road in Bear Lake, BC.
In consideration of the entitlements given, the Regional District will receive a nominal sum of $1.00 each of the specified term of the agreements.
For more information please contact: Cindy Paton Community Services Leader cpaton@rdffg.bc.ca
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
After three consecutive years of cancellations and scaled-back plans in the wake of the pandemic, the Relay For Life in Prince George has been cancelled for 2023.
“It was definitely not a decision that was made lightly,” said Alison Payne, manager of signature programs for the Canadian Cancer Society
Prince George is one of 14 cities among the 52 Relay For Life cities across Canada forced to the plug this year due to a lack of volunteers and dwindling participation
“Every year we look at our resources and we look at each event to make sure we’re using our funds the best way possible for people living with cancer,” said
Payne. “Unfortunately with the impact of COVD we’ve lost a lot of our volunteer base. These events are volunteer-led and we just don’t have the volunteers to run the committee to return the event. It’s such a community event which is why it’s so hard when we have to close it.”
Jim VanderPloeg, a Prince George paramedic who helped organize the first Prince George cancer relay in 1993, says it’s a harsh reality that charitable organizations are having a difficult time recruiting volunteers with the energy it takes to create event and he hopes that community spirit will return He got involved after his father died of cancer in 1991 He went to the Canadian Cancer Society’s Prince George office and asked manager Steve Horton what he could do to help the cause.
VanderPloeg was an avid cyclist and wanted to create a bicycling fundraiser that could involve the whole family but was told by police the logistics of closing roads to establish a safe route were not feasible That’s when he and Horton hit upon the idea to create the walking relay at the Masich Place Stadium
“We heard Coquitlam had done a 12-hour event with some success, so we had to one-up them and go 24 hours,” said VanderPloeg “In 1993 we only had 90 people and six teams sign up and I remember being there at 2:30 in the morning and it was a drizzly night and there were six people walking around the track, and it was beautiful ”
Originally called the Romp’n’ Stomp’n’ Good Time, after five years the relay became known as Relay For A Friend. It
was held on the Victoria Day long weekend in May and thousands packed into the stadium to place luminary candles around the track to remember loved ones who died of cancer, those still fighting it and those who had beaten the disease
Since 1993 the 24-hour relay in Prince George has raised millions of dollars for cancer research. It surpassed $500,000 in 2017, which marked the fourth consecutive year Prince George collected more money than any other Relay For Life in Canada Dozens of people walked laps for the entire 24-hour period as individuals to show their commitment to the cause
After a field turf surface was installed at Masich Place Stadium and it no longer became possible to anchor tent pegs to the field, the Relay For Life was moved to the parking lot at Exhibition Park in 2018.
Prince George Chamber names new CEO
Quynlan Young has been named as the new chief executive officer of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce.
The position became vacant in January when Todd Corrigall tendered his resignation after five years as CEO. Young will begin the role effective Feb 22
Young began working at the Prince George Chamber of Commerce in 2018 as executive projects coordinator, and is excited to be returning in this new leadership role following her recent maternity leave
“The mission of this organization aligns significantly with my personal values Uplifting the businesses of Prince George is so important to me,” said Young, “I know I have big shoes to fill, and as the leaders before me did, I really hope to
make a difference.”
Young was born and raised by a family of business owners in Prince George, BC, whom she has assisted with day-to-day operations for years She attended UNBC, where she spent time studying various businesses through casework on the UNBC JDCWest team and creating solutions for their respective challenges
“We are so happy to have Quyn returning to our team as CEO,” said Ray Noonan, president of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce “The board is confident that she will excel in this leadership role, as we have already seen her demonstrate her business expertise. I feel the board has been able to add value to the membership by extending the offer to her ”
Public hearing planned over park’s future
The City of Prince George will hold a public hearing to determine the future of a 46.8-acre greenspace along the Nechako River.
City council approved the first two readings of a bylaw to amend the official community plan and rezone the greenspace, known as Birdsong Park The greenspace is located on the west side of Foothills Boulevard, immediately west of Nechako Riverside Park
Currently it is zoned as mix of greenbelt and agriculture and forestry land The bylaw, if approved, would see the area
zoned as park and open space The city purchased the land from Pittman Asphalt as part of a 2016 deal which saw the company’s gravel mine in the area expand.
“This is a good news story,” Coun Garth Frizzell said. “Look at the stretch along the Nechako River that is being protected for parks.”
The area has several hiking trails, and is accessed by a trail under the bridge from Nechako Riverside Park City council will hold a hearing at a future date, to allow city residents to provide feedback, before considering the final reading of the bylaw
In October, members of the North Nechako Residents Group requested the land be officially designated a park.
Prince George Chamber of Commerce CEO Quynlan Young.
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
Where did all of Prince George’s volunteers go?
Our city is a little less now than it was last week It’s likely that what led to the unfortunate news that the Prince George Relay for Life, which had been the country’s top relay for five years and peaked in 2017 raising half a million dollars, being permanently cancelled will have further impact on our community. It was cancelled because the organizers were unable to find enough volunteers.
Prince George has been blessed with a strong sense of community for over 100 years It’s that lifeblood that allows the Spruce Kings and PGARA to continue to operate The hours spent coaching PG Youth Soccer or supporting the Air, Army, and Navy Cadet programs The Girl Guide leaders who share their time teaching and mentoring young girls and youths. It’s those who see a need to help others that come out for St Vincent de
Paul and the Salvation Army
The outpouring of volunteers that once could be counted upon for the Canada Winter Games, the World Women’s Curling Championship, and Coldsnap has started to dwindle. At a time when our city’s population is greater than it’s ever been, there are fewer people stepping up to give their time
Like the rest of the world, our city shut down during COVID-19 For two years all of us stopped doing the things we were used to doing We formed new habits and routines while we were forced to stay home Skip the Dishes and
binge-watching shows became standard fare The plus side of being house bound was we connected with our families as we played board games and built puzzles
The downside of COVID was that as our routines changed and we lost the connection we had with our community. Rotary and our seniors centres have seen their membership and volunteers drop dramatically The BC Summer Games that were hosted in Prince George struggled to find enough people to help make the event happen successfully.
In 2014, Prince George rebranded itself as The Volunteer City, as we were the volunteer capital of B C It’s time that we started thinking again about how we can give back to our community
What are your treasures of talents and interests that could be shared with others? The organizations where you could make a real difference are plentiful
There’s the Prince George Council of Seniors to start with
Or any one of the four Rotary clubs in town who have brought our city numerous parks, sports fields, and were instrumental in the formation of the Rotary Hospice House. Thanks to Volunteer Prince George, you can browse a wide selection of opportunities for a match to the treasures you have to offer
At a time when so many people are feeling disconnected, there is an added bonus of giving our time. It helps us care more for, and have a stronger connection to, one another. Prince George has been a better place to live because of our volunteer community. I would invite you to experience the joy of fellowship and join one of our city’s many service organizations, or help out with any of the amazing events going on in our community.
SUPER BINGO
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH
Saturday Evening Bingo at 6:00pm
Cameron Stolz is a Prince George writer
Trudeau squanders LNG opportunity
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s reception of Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in January was more than the usual international embarrassment. It was a pair of world-class opportunities cast aside for no apparent reason
Kishida leads a country of 125.5 million people Although its economy has struggled, Japan remains the world’s third-largest national economy and one of Canada’s most important trading partners
Canada’s exports of merchandise to Japan totalled $14 5 billion in 2021, while imports from Japan were $15 5 billion
It is our largest source of direct foreign investment, and the exchange of Canadian minerals, natural gas, agricultural products and softwood lumber for Japanese vehicles, electronics, and medical technologies, to name a few, makes Japan our fourth-largest trading partner True, there was some agreement in Ottawa on security issues and general economic expansion. But in the
hyper-critical area of energy security, one would expect that when the Prime Minister of Japan asks the Prime Minister of Canada for assurance of natural-gas supplies (to replace reliance on Russian and Chinese energy) Canada would respond in the spirit of geopolitical good sense and economic self-interest
Instead, Mr. Trudeau offered up a non-committal lecture on decarbonization and energy diversification
Not long ago, our prime minister turned his back on Germany’s interest in securing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from eastern Canada
While it is not his responsibility to assess the “business case”, there is some merit in the observation that the infrastructure to supply LNG from the east coast is essentially nonexistent
However, no such impediment exists to supplying Japan’s energy needs from Canada’s west coast Here, the LNG Canada export terminal at Kitimat is expected to be operational in 2025, fed by the Coastal GasLink pipeline. And Woodfibre LNG
aims to open in 2027
Much of this export capacity has been made possible by the participation of First Nations, 20 of whom are involved in LNG distribution through Coastal GasLink benefits agreements, employment and contracting, and potential equity participation
In addition, the Haisla Nation’s Cedar LNG project and the Nisga’a Nations Ksi Lisims LNG project are moving forward Cedar LNG could be in production by 2027 or 2028 and Ksi Lisims LNG could be operational in late 2027 or 2028. At the moment, unexplained federal and provincial regulatory decision delays for Cedar LNG are disconcerting.
In short, First Nations have done our part by sharing the wealth of our territories while taking measured risks to lift our people from poverty. Facing a cold, dark future under current federal policies, Canada should do no less
The second opportunity Prime Minister Kishida’s visit offered was an occasion for the Trudeau government to change its
climate narrative
Natural gas is a transition fuel that can help other nations make the change from coal to cleaner energy while helping to lift populations out of poverty.
The world doesn’t care one bit about LNG’s contribution to Canada’s insignificant 1 6 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. The world does care about people, security and economics Countries will get their gas from whoever will supply it, and those other suppliers will profit while Canada wallows in division and debt.
Prime Minister Kishida has opened a new opportunity to prosper together and to introduce a measure of reason into Canada’s climate-change policies
In an increasingly unstable and dangerous world, Prime Minister Trudeau would do well to reconsider the cost of opportunities lost
Karen Ogen is CEO of the First Nations LNG Alliance. She has served as elected chief of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation 20102016, and twice as a council member
We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada.
Nous reconnaissons l’appli financier du gouvernement du Canada.
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Shoe repair shop symbol of a better world
Just think of how hopeless we’d be if the ships didn’t come in and our nation lost its supply of cheap footwear.
Lucky for us, we’ve still got Jerry down at Steve and Son’s Shoe Repair on George Street, the only place in Northern B C where you can get your shoes fixed.
To me, that little shop is a symbol of something very important. It is a window into a rapidly disappearing world of self-reliance, resourcefulness, and a philosophy of understanding value
In a throw-away world of easy-come easy-go, Jerry’s shoe repair shop invites us to consider otherwise
Your items, like your shoes and your clothes, are things to keep alive They are things that should live for decades, not months Things that should be built not just to last, but to be able to maintain and to resurrect
It’s not like that now. In this era of cheap mass-production, where almost all of our nation’s footwear is manufactured overseas, we place little value on the ability to keep those shoes on the road. The moment they wear out, we throw them away.
We almost don’t have a choice Our shoes, along with most of our household items, our appliances, even our automobiles and furniture, aren’t really designed to last or to be repaired all that much They are designed to be thrown away
HE BACK TORY MES STEIDLE
There’s a word for all this: planned obsolescence And it has a rationale
The more material that can just be thrown in a landfill, the more stuff we have to mine, log, and drill, and the more overseas factories we need to replace all the stuff we thoughtlessly turfed
And all this, of course, feeds a better and bigger world economy and a bigger Gross Domestic Product, or GDP
The more we throw away, the more we consume, the more containers rolling in off the ships to replace everything, the busier the railroads are, the more forest we can level for strip malls and highways, the more taxes can be charged, the bigger the bureaucracy can be, and the better we can delude ourselves into thinking our economic system and existence here on earth is resilient, let alone sustainable. We are so saturated with relentless advertisements and marketing schemes and messages that most of us have come to associate repairing our footwear with being poor! We associate mindless consumption, waste, and our nation’s GDP with our worth and status as human beings!
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
CITY’S FUTURE CAN AND SHOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM ITS PAST
As a recent letter to the editor indicates, people will continue to ring alarm bells to try and draw us away from the future our community deserves.
They will wring hands about resources, industries, and sites that used to be, and reinforce the false choice of “jobs or environment.”
They will make it seem like Prince George has no choice over so much
It is true that we cannot control corporate closures or changes in resource availability.
And real jobs and livelihoods are being jeopardized and lost in our community and beyond
Coupled with impacts of the climate crisis, there are brutal consequences all around us, time and again.
But even in an atmosphere of losses, closures, and hard impacts, we must ask ourselves what we want to bring into the future, and what we’d like to leave behind
Being too reliant on a few sectors and a handful of companies is something we should leave behind, along with the notion that we must sacrifice our air, water, and health for local jobs
We should instead follow the lead of
key reminders from this Monday’s city council meeting.
We were told that the new Strategic Plan (‘23-26) emphasizes diversity and sustainability, aiming to serve Prince George as a “vibrant provincial centre” with an “enviable quality of life ” Coun Garth Frizzell added that such guiding documents are about “where we want to go.”
Where we want to go is likely quite different from an over reliance on resource extraction and heavy industry
We should invite developments and jobs that fit with our goals
We should stop prematurely boosting anyone proposing something for our fine city
We should consider potential costs and benefits across all sectors social, economic, environmental, health, and cultural Forestry and heavy petro-industry are not interchangeable sectors and we should not pretend that they are (neither are western forestry and eastern fisheries, btw).
They do both come with significant costs for the environment and human health, however
And a new investment in oil, gas, or virgin plastic production is the opposite of future-forward in 2023 Furthermore, the highly dynamic and geographically
If you feel that way, I won’t pass any judgment I like buying new footwear as much as the next person. We are all victims of materialism
But if your shoes are worn out, take them downtown and get them repaired Give it a shot
Throw a wrench in this globalized spiral of disempowerment Throw a nod of appreciation to the bygone era of self-sufficiency it represents
There will be a day when we need every shoe repair shop and shoemaker there is James Steidle is a Prince George writer
mobile West Coast Olefins proposal that has resurfaced here and elsewhere over the last few years was not promising an order of jobs comparable with those recently lost by Canfor workers There was also no guarantee that jobs would be local
It is true that we have over-extracted and otherwise lost many of our resources.
It is also true that corporate decisions will likely continue to favour cost cutting, consolidation, outsourcing, and automation in lieu of well-paying jobs But Prince George today is a very different place from the Prince George of several decades ago.
We have gained many strengths and much diversity. We have a different future in mind one that would support and reinforce work done by the Lheidli T’enneh, the City of Prince George, People’s Action Committee for Health Air, Canfor, the Fraser Basin Council, PG AIR, Northern Health, CNC, UNBC, and many others to improve local air, water, and life
We now have several large service and education employers in addition to our industrial base.
Our council and others are also fighting to bring further opportunities our way, such as new veterinary education facilities We are a hub, and one now strategically connected with a new federal
initiative to support economic diversification in B.C. (the PacifiCan office).
Prince George was also recently ranked the most affordable city in B.C. The rise of remote work and the trend of people moving to smaller North American cities both stand to work in our favour For example, the provincial public sector has recently adopted a new direction in remote work that enables employees to live further from their associated branches/offices.
There likely will be more shutdowns and we should remain “open for business”
But we should not feel overly pressured to accept any new (or reappearing) proposal This beautiful place and community are priceless and a better future is worth investing in as anyone lucky enough to live here knows.
The official provincial motto of BC is “Splendor Sine Occasu” (Splendour Without Diminishment) Now that sounds like “where we want to go.”
Acknowledging the traditional and unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh.
Zoë Meletis Annie
Administrators of Too Close 2 Home, and proud residents of Prince George
Booth Marie Hay
Susanne Weber
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
Jerry Gauthreau of Steve and Son’s Shoe Repair in this 2019 file photo
Sex infections on the rise among B.C. seniors
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
The rate of sexually transmitted infections among senior citizens has increased significantly in recent years, according to BC Centre for Disease Control.
“Seniors with STIs are growing in number,” Ann Welch, the education manager of Positive Living North, said “That comes with their age and where they’re at and where they’re coming from They
grew up in a time when it wasn’t as open to talk about things like that and despite what their sexuality might be they most likely have been in monogamous heterosexual relationships for the majority of their adult life and now they are exploring more freedom and a sense of acceptance in that exploration.”
Condoms are highly recommended to reduce the transmission of STIs. Condoms have contributed significantly to the reduction of the infection rate for sexually transmitted infections like AIDS,
genital herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea
“I think there needs to be a focus on certain issues like privacy, consent and social stigma that can result in a lack of education and tools for safer sex so we need to work on reducing that stigma and we can’t assume that sex is not happening for the older population and there needs to be more support by providing education and supplies if needed for safe sex,” Welch said Positive Living North is an agency that provides quality support, awareness
Seniors centre gets funding boost
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
“They didn’t forget us,” Joann Smiley, general manager for the Elder Citizens Recreation Centre, said about getting $11,250 from the Prince George Community Foundation Interior Savings endowment fund.
The Prince George Community Foundation and Interior Savings announced the Spruce Credit Union Legacy Fund grants in the amount of $241,250 that were presented to three recipients
The grant recipients are Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation that got
$150,000 to go towards a portable cardiac care machine, the Prince George Agricultural & Historical Association that got $80,000 for a tractor to help with the BC Northern Exhibition Outdoor Ag Arena revival project and the Elder Citizens Recreation Centre for their kitchen renewal project that will cost the non-profit group a total of $35,000 but they narrowed their request for a grant to target the stainless steel counter tops that will be installed quickly so that the centre can better create and serve those hundreds of meals to the residents of Prince George each week
“What’s most important is the show of support from the Community Foundation
SATURDAY, FEB 18, 2023
Veterans Plaza – 11am to 4pm
for our little project,” Smiley added.
“It really makes a difference to know that we have community support. I’m just so excited It’s all about giving to our seniors and supporting our chef and volunteers who put so much effort into feeding our seniors and having stainless steel counters will make that so much easier than the worn laminate we have now So making it easier for them to do what they do is so important.”
Catherine Pennington, president of the Prince George Community Foundation, said the foundation was honoured to award the grants for the important work the groups do in the community
education, and prevention services to people living with, affected by, and at-risk for HIV/AIDS/HCV As a leader in preventative health, the organization promotes the holistic well-being of individuals and communities in Northern British Columbia The agency provides workshops that are geared for specific groups that will provide information in a comfortable and inclusive way.
“We are an Indigenous-based group but we provide services to anyone and everyone,” Welch said
The grant money is part of the Spruce Credit Union Legacy Fund that has an endowment of $500,000 that will generate community investment grants every year in perpetuity. There will be an announcement in the fall with details about how community groups can apply for the next grant funding cycle
“These are big projects – the Spirit of the North and the BCNE – but ours is a smaller project,” Smiley said. “For me the honour is that they didn’t forget us I am so thrilled these big projects got support, too If you think about it the grants have touched everyone in the community They are with everybody, for everybody ”
Seniors council moving
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
In an effort to host more staff and programs on site to better serve the community, the Prince George Council of Seniors is moving to a bigger location that will suit their needs and growth well into the future.
The Council of Seniors office was located at 721 Victoria St for the last dozen years or so and now they will be located at 1330 Fifth Ave , beside MLA Shirley Bond’s office
“We just needed more space to accommodate the growing number of staff on site,” Michelle McGregor, executive director for the Prince George Council of Seniors, said. “We had three staff and there are eight staff members now ”
Prince George Council of Seniors (PGCOS) is a registered charity that operates several programs, services and events to enhance the lives of seniors in the Prince George area through the Seniors Resource Centre
“I am applying for more grants for more initiatives and I’m just waiting to hear back on those,” McGregor said “We’re looking to add two more staff in the future so we really need this space In the past we were renting boardroom space and finding a new location was very hard This space is beautiful and we know our staff
and clients will appreciate it ”
The new office space holds many small offices for staff, a modest conference room and perhaps most importantly a space for intake workers to help those in need in a private setting.
The transition takes place from Feb 16 to 24 and the old office will be closed through that time and then the new space at 1330 Fifth Avenue will open on Monday Feb 27 Regular programs like Meals on Wheels and Better at Home will continue to run during the office closure
Included in the services provided by the Council of Seniors is a Housing and Community Resource, a friends and family caregiver support program, with more programs soon to be set up in the new office. At the resource centre, there will continue to be programs available for those who are low income to have their taxes done at no cost There is also advance planning clinics so low income seniors can get information about last will and testaments, powers of attorney and representation agreements
There is also a variety of printed material seniors can pick up at the Resource Centre that offers information about health, housing, transportation, legal issues, abuse and neglect and pensions For information, visit www pgcos ca or in person when the new office opens on Feb. 27 at 1330 Fifth Ave.
Seniors housing project denied
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
City council has denied a request by Vancouver-based developer The Hub Collection Ltd. to change the scope of a proposed development at 4500 Ospika Blvd.
The City of Prince George sold the land to the developer in July 2020, on the condition that the developer would build a 256-unit student housing complex on the 5 6-hectare lot within the next 24 months
City council denied a request by the developer to modify the Section 219 restrictive covenant on the property to allow development of a 118-unit seniors housing complex instead.
“We sold the land for a specific purpose. That’s what I expect to be built there,” Coun Kyle Sampson said
Coun. Garth Frizzell said the city is open for business and willing to work with developers, but he supports sticking to the original agreement
There is “a desperate need for student housing,” in Prince George, Coun Cori Ramsay said.
The city’s housing assessment identified the need for 5,000 new rental units in Prince George by 2030, she added
Coun Tim Bennett said he understands there is a need for seniors housing in
Prince George as well, but the proposed location, at the corner of Ospika and Tyner Boulevards, doesn’t appear to fit the needs for seniors.
“This was a specific deal for a specific location to meet a specific need,” Coun. Ron Polillio said “For that location, it makes sense.”
A copy of the purchase agreement, dated July 29, 2020, says, “The Covenantor will commence construction of the proposed student housing project upon the Property and will have completed framing on or before 24 months following the completion of the purchase of the lands ”
The purchase agreement was obtained through a Freedom of Information request by an area resident, who provided a copy to the Citizen City director of planning and development Deanna Wasnik, said that city administration already modified the original covenant in October 2021, functionally eliminating the requirement for construction to be completed within two years.
The amended covenant requires the developer to have begun pouring the foundation within 24 months of the conclusion of the purchase agreement, which they had done prior to stopping construction
While city staff are not required to
bring changes to the covenant to city council for approval, Wasnik said the change from a 256-unit student housing facility to a 118-unit seniors housing facility was significant enough to warrant bringing the change to city council for approval
“The first time I saw that was in a Prince George Citizen article,” Skakun said “The point is we could have had information about what the actual conditions of the covenant are (before now).”
On July 29, 2020, The Hub Collection bought the lot from the City of Prince George for $500,000, according to the purchase agreement
BC Assessment valued the land at $682,000 in its 2020 assessment That value grew to $758,000 in the 2021 assessment and $3 127 million in the 2022 assessment.
The sale price of $500,000 was “fair market value” for the land, Wasnik said.
The amendment to the official community plan and rezoning to allow development of the site, following the sale, likely contributed to BC Assessment’s increased assessment of the land value.
Under the original covenant, if The Hub Collection is “in breach or default of any of the material covenants or agreements,” in the deal, the City of Prince George has the “exclusive and irrevocable option” to
purchase the land, including all improvements, back for $485,000.
“Given the public interest in the development and use of the Property in accordance with this Agreement, the public interest weighs strongly against any modification, cancellation or discharge of this Agreement...” the document says
The amendment to the covenant approved by city staff in October 2021 means the city is no longer in a position to exercise its right to purchase back the land, after The Hub Collection failed to meet the two-year requirement to begin framing
The initial public consultation regarding the proposed student housing complex at the site drew some concerns and opposition from area residents, primarily regarding increased traffic.
During the City of Prince George’s public consultation period on the housing project from March 12 to April 9, 2021, the city received 26 letters and a 21-name petition against the proposal and nine letters in support.
The applicant also submitted a petition with over 40 signatures in favour of the project
Only 31 of the signatories were from Prince George
A spokesperson for The Hub Collection could not be reached for comment
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Forests critic watching wood salvage program
MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff
Opposition forests critic Mike Bernier is taking a wait-and-see attitude to the provincial NDP government’s recently-announced doubling of funding to go to the Forest Enhancement Society of B C
For 2023, FESBC will have $50 million to distribute
Projects funded through FEBC subsidize retrieval of fire-damaged wood and logging waste from areas too remote or costly to access
Premier David Eby announced the allotment in January while attending the Truck Loggers Association Convention in Vancouver
“Doubling in essence is good, if we get results with it,” Bernier said However, Bernier said the better strategy is to give forest companies the certainty they need to make investment decisions
“To know that if they apply for permits, there will be a timeline that they can follow, that they’ll have access to timber and that they can look at reducing costs for them,” he said “That’s what these companies want ”
The announcement came shortly after Canfor announced it will be shutting down a line at its Prince George Pulp and Paper Mill.
Whether Canfor will take advantage of the latest allotment remains to be seen but according to the Ministry of Forests, between October 2019 and January 2022, FEBC aided Canfor to the tune of $3 7
million to pull from the surrounding area low-grade fibre suitable for pulp that would otherwise be burned and have it trucked to the mill
In turn Canfor spent $29.4 million, based on $50 per cubic metre of the 587,769 cubic metres that was was retrieved
Bernier, the B.C. Liberal MLA for Peace River South, said he will also be keeping an eye on details surrounding a $90-million fund to encourage job development in the value-added forestry sector when a program guide and proposal form are released on February 28
As it stands, the government has said that through the fund, Victoria will contribute up to $50,000 towards completion of business plans and technical assessments for fledgling capital projects and up to $10 million for “investment-ready” capital projects.
Examples of the latter include “adopting innovative processes to manufacture value-added forestry products from biomass or other alternatives,” according to a government backgrounder document.
“We’ll be watching that for sure and it’s right back to the same thing,” Bernier said
“I’m all in favour of making sure that we put in policies and supports if they’re going to tangibly support and keep people working in our communities. If it’s just for political gain, if the government’s making announcements and there’s no substance behind it, then that’s where I have a problem because that doesn’t help anybody ”
The B.C. Liberals have re-introduced legislation to reduce taxes to make buying a used car more affordable.
The Provincial Sales Tax (Used Passenger Vehicles) Amendment Act, 2023, would eliminate the provincial sale tax being applied towards used vehicle purchases less than $20,000, provided the vehicle has been driven at least 6,000 kilometres. Starting Oct. 1, the provincial NDP government began collecting 12 per cent PST on used vehicle sold privately using a formula that bases the tax on the Canadian Black Book value rather than the actual sales price
“Last spring, in the middle of an affordability crisis, the NDP announced they would be increasing the tax on used vehicles, taxing people on what the NDP
deems the vehicle’s value to be, rather than the sale price,” said BC Liberal Finance Shadow Minister Peter Milobar in a statement “Now, the NDP are effectively punishing people for finding a good deal at a time when millions of British Columbians are struggling to make ends meet Instead of continuing to make life less affordable, Premier Eby and his government should be looking for ways to provide people with relief.”
Milobar said the proposed amendment would provide up to $2,400 of tax relief on used vehicle purchases That would especially benefit people who can’t afford to buy an electric vehicle at this time and are struggling to pay living costs
“With everything from gas to groceries to housing getting more expensive, people are looking to their government to make things easier, not harder,” said Milobar.
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
City predicted to have weakest job growth in B.C.
ARTHUR WILLIAMS
Citizen staff
The Cariboo economic region, which includes Prince George, is projected to have the lowest employment growth in B.C. over the next 10 years, according to the B.C. Labour Market Outlook report.
According to the forecast, the predicted employment growth rate from 2022 to 2032 is 0 2 per cent per year –well below the B.C. average of 1.3 per cent.
“In the next ten years, the Cariboo region is expected to have 18,500 job openings. About 93 per cent of these jobs will replace exiting workers and 7 per cent will come through economic growth,” the report says “Employment demand is expected to grow at an average of 0 2 per cent annually during the next ten years ”
The Cariboo economic development region includes
communities from 100 Mile House to Mackenzie, and the Robson Valley. As of 2022, 87,700 people were employed in the region The region is expected to see 1,300 new jobs by 2032, with 17,200 job openings to replace workers retiring or otherwise leaving the workforce
“The region’s largest industries are: other retail trade (excluding cars, online shopping and personal care); hospitals; food services and drinking places; elementary and secondary schools; wood product manufacturing; ambulatory health care services; and forestry, logging and support activities,” the report says “The region is the third largest in geographical size, but less than five per cent of B C residents live and work here ”
The top 10 industries in the region for job openings (new and replacement) over the next 10 years will be: hospitals (1,490 jobs); other retail trade (1,290 jobs); food service and drinking places (1,150 jobs); personal,
non-automotive repair and non-profit services (850 jobs); universities (770 jobs); wholesale trade (770 jobs); business and building support services, excluding travel (730 jobs); social assistance (670 job); other manufacturing (600 jobs); and paper manufacturing (600 jobs)
The strongest job growth in B.C. over the next 10 years is predicted in the Vancouver Island/Coast region (1 5 per cent per year) and the Thompson-Okanagan region (1 4 per cent per year)
The Mainland/Southwest and North Coast/Nechako regions are expected to see average job growth (1 3 per cent per year), with below-average growth predicted in the Northeast (0 5 per cent per year), Kootenay (0 4 per cent per year) and Cariboo (0 2 per cent per year) regions
Throughout B C , more than a million job openings are predicted by 2032
Prince George has lost 2,000 jobs in the last year
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
Prince George’s unemployment grew by 0.5 percentage points in January, rising for a third straight month
The city’s unemployment rate rose to 5.9 per cent in January, according to data released by Statistics Canada That’s up from 5.4 per cent in December, 4.2 per cent in November and 3 5 per cent in October In January 2022, the city’s unemployment rate was 3 4 per cent
As of January, 52,300 people were holding down jobs
in the city, while 3,000 people were actively looking for work, Statistics Canada reported. By comparison, in January 2022 there were 54,300 people employed in the city and 1,900 people actively job hunting.
The city’s labour force participation rate – the percentage of working-age adults working or actively seeking work – was 64 6 per cent in January, down from 68 5 per cent in January 2022.
In January, Prince George’s unemployment rate was higher than the provincial (4 4 per cent) and national (five per cent) averages
While Prince George has seen a downward trend over the past three months, the overall provincial picture remains strong, according to B C Jobs Minister Brenda Bailey.
“B C’s growth was steady with the addition of 22,000 new full-time jobs in January, while our unemployment rate remains near all-time historic lows at 4 4 (per cent); one of the lowest in the country,” Bailey said in a statement released on Friday “B C ’s total job growth in January was 7,700, reflecting a loss of part-time positions coming out of the holiday period ”
Biathlon provincials set
TED CLARKE
After the city was buried under 45 centimetres of new snow last week, that’s taken much of the worry about trail conditions at Otway Nordic Centre when Prince George hosts the B.C. biathlon championships, Feb. 24-25.
The host Caledonia Nordic Ski Club got an early start to conditioning its Race Maze trails when it fired up the snowmaking guns as soon as it got cold in November Combined with the new snow, race conditions are expected to be ideal for the races coming up in two weeks
Sprint events are scheduled for Saturday, Feb 24 starting at 10 a m Sprint results will determine start orders for the
pursuit on Sunday, Feb 24, which starts at 11 a.m. Racers will leave the start gate in five-second intervals following the sprint winners in each category.
A fun race for under-13 biathletes and recreational racers is scheduled for the afternoon of the 24th
“Unfortunately we are competing with Canada Winter Games that weekend, so our junior men and women that are 19-21, the top athletes will be away in that age category,” said John Neumann, Caledonia Nordic competition lead “Most of the athletes in our B C event will be 13-18, plus the masters people that decide to race ”
The provincial championships are the last stop in the three-event Biathlon B C season
Coaches, organizers win B.C. Athletics awards
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
Prince George Track & Field Club junior development coach Lauren Matheson has received the BC Athletics top honour for her work with local athletes.
Matheson was honoured in the Coaching Excellence category
“We are so proud of her and she is so deserving,” Elena Thomas, Prince George Track & Field Club president, said. “I think Lauren wanted to be head coach of junior development since she started coaching many years ago She has a great program and the kids enjoy themselves and the parents enjoy themselves and we’re getting good athletes out of the program She should be very proud of what she does She gives 110 per cent to the club and I’m very very proud of her She is very deserving of this award ” Thomas and Corine Masich were
also honoured, acknowledging their leadership roles in organizing track and field events at the BC Summer Games at Masich Place Stadium in Prince George in July.
The dynamic duo received the Executive of the Year Award for Volunteer Service for their extraordinary efforts to make the games a success.
Thomas said the award was very much appreciated.
“Corine and I did a lot of work together and it was the first time we worked on an event this big so it was nice to do it as a team and learn from each other’s experiences,” she said “It was very nice to be acknowledged.”
The awards gala was a little overwhelming, she added
“Compared to some of the other people who were given awards and what they were being recognized for I felt a little small potatoes,” Thomas laughed “But it was still wonderful to be there.”
Sylvia Masich, left, representing mom Corine Masich, Lauren Matheson and Elena Thomas were at the BC Athletics Awards Gala in Vancouver
Special Olympians victorious at winter games
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
There were 18 Prince George athletes who attended the Special Olympics BC Winter Games in Kamloops from Feb. 2 to 4 and they have returned victorious. In snowshoeing, David Dunn earned gold medals for the 400m, 800m and 1600m races and received a bronze in the 200m race
Adrian Rosen earned golds medals for the 200m and 800m races and a silver in the 400m Tegan Raines earned one gold medal in the 400m race and one bronze in the 100m race Marinka VanHage earned silver medals in the 100m, 200m and 400m races
When the Prince George snowshoe team combined their efforts they won a bronze medal in the 4x100m relay race. In curling, the Fire on Ice team of athletes that included Greg Eveneshen, Darcie Muzychka, Ruth Caldwell, and Tyler LeFebvre won a bronze medal while the team of athletes that included William Spaetgens, Samuel Russell, Spencer Rourke and Gregory Cole came in fourth place.
In the five-pin bowling competition the team that included athletes Debbie Bileck, Mathew Brewer, Audrey Nelson, Leif Skuggedal and Adam Spokes came in fifth place, while Prince George bowler
Lance Pattinson who stepped in to play on the Dawson Creek team because they were short a player won a gold medal
The local Special Olympic athletes are excited about the BC Summer Games
coming to Prince George in 2025 The event will see as many as 1,100 athletes with intellectual disabilities compete in 10 sports, including 10-pin bowling, basketball, bocce, golf, rhythmic gymnastics,
powerlifting, soccer, softball, swimming, and track and field. The athletes will compete in regional teams, supported by about 300 volunteer coaches and mission staff
Prince George will host the 2025 Special Olympics B.C. Summer Games.
Special Olympics BC president and CEO Dan Howe made the announcement at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Special Olympics B.C Winter Games.
“Prince George was an outstanding host for the 1991 SOBC Winter Games and the 2001 SOBC Summer Games,” Howe said “We’re thrilled to bring back our provincial summer games in this welcoming community that is well known for hosting high-quality sport events and for being the home of the strong year-round Special
Olympics BC – Prince George programs ”
The event is expected to draw roughly 1,100 athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete in 10 sports: 10-pin bowling, basketball, bocce, golf, rhythmic gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, softball, swimming, and track and field The athletes will compete in regional teams, supported by roughly 300 volunteer coaches and mission staff
The event will be the first B C Special Olympics Summer Games since 2017, because the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the games in 2021
SUBMITTED PHOTO
David Dunn, from left, Adrian Rosen, Marinka VanHage and Tegan Raines are Special Olympic athletes who all returned from the BC Winter Games in Kamloops with many medals for their snowshoe races of 200, 400m, 800m and 1600m
Prince George ball player named to Team Canada
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
Jared Young is about to get a chance to play baseball for his country.
Baseball Canada named the 27-yearold Chicago Cubs prospect from Prince George to the 30-player Canadian team roster and Young will be sporting the maple leaf at next month’s World Baseball Classic tournament
“I’m pumped, they called and asked and it’s during spring training, during a very big part of my career, but it’s something you can’t turn down,” said Young
“Playing for Canada is something I’ve wanted to do my entire life and I’m getting the chance at 27, so that’s cool ”
Canada is grouped in Pool C with the United States, Mexico, Colombia and Great Britain All Pool C games will be played in Chase Field in Phoenix, close to Young’s home in Scottsdale
“Some of the games are in Japan, and all over the world, and mine are going to be about a 20-minute drive to the field - it’s pretty cool and it’s a pretty special opportunity,” Young said “It’s going to feel like I’m playing baseball at home and that’s kind of neat It works out great that spring training is 20 minutes away and I don’t have to do any extra travel I couldn’t be more excited.”
Young will face his Chicago Cubs
teammates in an exhibition game on Wednesday, March 8 in Mesa, Ariz , the Cubs’ spring training base. Canada also has an exhibition lined up against the Seattle Mariners on March 9 in Peoria, Ariz
Courts getting upgrade, thanks to Jumpstart
“Viewing and rest areas are covered with shade structures ”
Managed by former Toronto Blue Jays catcher Ernie Whitt, Canada opens its tournament March 11 against Great Britain, then plays the U S (March 12), Colombia (March 14), and Mexico (March 15)
The U S won it in 2017, the last time the WBC was played.
“That’s definitely a good team and I can’t wait to go out there and give them a ball game and see what we can do, because it’s going to be really exciting,” said Young
Young was called up from triple-A Iowa last September and made a smashing major league debut with the Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago in a game against Colorado. With his Prince George family - parents Dana and Randy and brother Tanner - watching from the stands, Young collected his first MLB hit, a double down the right-field line in the eighth inning.
He went on to play five more games during a 12-game call-up to Chicago In 19 at-bats he collected five hits and scored two runs, batting 263 with a 364 on-base percentage He went error free with 17 put-outs in two games at first base and also played at right field and as the designated hitter
Young was sent back to the Iowa Cubs for their last game in 2022 and ended the season at their home park in Des Moines against the Toledo Mud Hens with a tworun walk-off home run in the ninth inning.
“That meant a lot more than you think,” said Young. “That was a really good one.” He played 109 games for Iowa in 2022 and hit .230 with 17 home runs and 21 doubles and 59 runs batted in
Construction is expected to begin this spring to replace the existing tennis and basketball courts on Massey Drive with a new, multi-sport facility.
Prince George city council approved entering into a gift agreement with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to build the courts.
The value of the donation by Jumpstart is estimated to be roughly $900,000, city director of civic operations Blake McIntosh said.
“This is a significant gift to the city,” Coun. Garth Frizzell said. “The amount, over $900,000, is one you don’t see often around this table.”
In October, city council approved a $475,000 budget to cover the city’s portion of the project, preparing the site for the upgrade
“The new sport court will include one regulation size International Basketball Federation (FIBA) court, one flex court that includes tennis and basketball configurations and one racket sport court that would include tennis and pickleball options,” McIntosh wrote in a previous report to city council
With the gift agreement in place, construction is expected to begin in spring, McIntosh said.
“If we get a typical spring and start in late May, we could hold a grand opening sometime after Labour Day,” he said
“This is going to be a premier, destination facility for the city There is going to be a lot of people in the pickleball community who are going to be really excited.”
Since the city already has an existing facility on the site, which is aging and in need of refurbishment anyway, city staff don’t anticipate any significant increase in operating costs for the facility, McIntosh said.
The useful life for the new playing surface is expected to be about 15 years, with the remainder of the facility expected to be useful for 20 to 25 years, he added
Coun Kyle Sampson said if the city won’t be incurring additional operating costs for the new facility, then he’s happy to support it.
“Sometimes a gift isn’t really a gift,” he said. “(But) I think this is going… to make the site better ”
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Jared Young with his mom Dana at Wrigley Field in Chicago last September, after he made his Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago Cubs.
rince George Chamber of Commerce Appoints Quynlan Young as New CEO
The Prince George Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors is pleased to announce that they have appointed Quynlan Young as the new Chief Executive Officer
The position became vacant in January when Todd Corrigall tendered his resignation after five years as CEO Young will begin the role effective February 22, 2023.
“ Uplifting the businesses of Prince George is so important to me
Young began working at the Prince George Chamber of Commerce in 2018 as Executive Projects Coordinator, and is excited to be returning in this new leadership role following her recent maternity leave. “The mission of this organization aligns significantly with my
personal values. Uplifting the businesses of Prince George is so important to me ” , said Young, “I know I have big shoes to fill, and as the leaders before me did, I really hope to make a difference.”
Young was born and raised by a family of business owners in Prince George, BC, whom she has assisted with day-today operations for years. She attended the University of Northern British Columbia where she spent time studying various businesses through casework on the UNBC JDCWest team and creating solutions for their respective challenges.
“We are so happy to have Quyn returning to our team as CEO,” said Ray Noonan, President of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce, “the board is confident that she will excel in this leadership role, as we have already seen her demonstrate
her business expertise. I feel the board has been able to add value to the membership by extending the offer to her.”
In her time at the Chamber, Quyn has had the opportunity to work with the organization’s membership of more than 700 firms. While she initially began her employment with a preference for planning and executing business workshops and large networking events, she quickly began to favour the work that the Prince George Chamber does to engage and advocate with and for the business community of Prince George. “ I am excited to reconnect with our members to gain a true understanding on how I can best serve them. I look forward to focusing on economic recovery and development and continuing to grow a business community that is connected and collaborative.” said Young.
Quynlan Young, CEO
Prince George Chamber of Commerce
the tax base, support crime prevention programs, recognize the importance of education in providing employment skills, are aware of environmental and cultural issues and maintain contact and work with politicians to improve the manner and method of doing business in Prince george. For newcomers, we are a primary resource for researching and understanding our community. the Prin
Author published in Chicken Soup for the Soul
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
Local author Linda Gabris has her short story Mosby’s Rainbow published in Chicken Soup for the Soul Lessons Learned from My Dog.
The piece is about her beloved pet’s end of life Gabris, who’s been a published writer most of her adult life, said this short story is her sixth story with Chicken Soup for the Soul publishers.
“Most of my writing is non-fiction and I’ve taught writing in Prince George
for about 15 years,” Gabris said “And sometimes I just like to write – like I used to teach in my class – writing is a sort of therapy Mosby’s Rainbow is about a very sad day and it’s just a little memorial for my dog and then I felt like I could get on with healing ”
Her other Chicken Soup for the Soul stories include Dirty Harry, Big Red and A Perfect Exchange.
“If you publish a story with Chicken Soup for the Soul one time you are then put on their writers’ list so once you have a story in one of their books then you
get notices for what they’re looking for,”
Gabris explained “I’ve been a writer all my life so I am always writing something ”
Gabris’ resume includes being a cooking columnist for British Columbia Outdoor Magazine for more than 20 years, feature article writer on topics like fishing, hunting, prospecting for gold, foraging, and outdoor sport and recreation
Her articles are published in BC Outdoors, Ontario Outdoors, Michigan Out Doors, Lake Country Journal, Cottage Magazine, Vitality Magazine and numerous other publications.
Gabris has a cookbook out right now called Cooking Wild and this spring her latest book called Foraging and Cooking Wild Foods in BC will be released
Mosby’s Rainbow used to make Gabris cry when she read it but as with all things time softens your perspective
“Now it’s just nice to know that other people can read about Mosby and he can be remembered,” Gabris said.
As with other Chicken Soup for the Soul books about animals, royalties are donated to the American Humane Society.
Aspiring actor brings Elton John to local streets
CLARKE Citizen staff
Caleb Oman had just finished his day at acting school in downtown Prince George and was heading for the bus stop on Fourth Avenue when he walked up to P.S. Pianos and saw a kid-sized piano just itching to be played.
He warmed up with a Frank Sinatra tune, belted out some Bruno Mars and Jerry Lee Lewis, then dug into his rendition of Elton John’s Your Song.
Scrolling his phone to show him what chords to play, Oman nailed it with spot-on keyboard proficiency, backed by a powerful voice that carried the tune perfectly A passing pedestrian, Marla Wilson, liked what she was hearing and recorded it on her phone
“I just happened to be walking past him that afternoon,” she said “He sounded good and the small outdoor piano was cute, too He is talented and brightened
my day with his playing and his singing voice ”
A couple days later, Oman’s mom in Burns Lake saw the video Wilson posted on Facebook and from there it blew up on social media
“My mom shared to a bigger group on Facebook, Hell Yeah Prince George, and within a couple days it got over 10,000 views, which really surprised me,” he said Oman, 23, is a student at the Story Institute PG, part of the inaugural class of 15 aspiring actors attending the school started September by Barkerville Historic Town manager/film director James Douglas The school is a block away from the piano store
“I’d noticed it out there and I like playing piano so I just decided to kill a bit of time and I ended up missing my bus, but that was OK,” he said
Oman’s mom used to play when she was younger and his parents got him into piano lessons when he was four but he
didn’t stick with it for long and aside from a formal lesson revival when he was 11 or 12 he considers himself self-taught He and his high school classmates Trevor Stewart and Tyree Parkin and math teacher Bob Mills formed a band – Nein To V Playaz They played at parties and
festivals and the occasional bar.
“I watched a lot of videos and picked up stuff just by ear, so it’s all mostly self-taught, but I’ve been playing 19 years since I was four,” he said. “I’m not big on reading sheet music, I just like to look at the chords and kind of play around and figure it out myself ”
P.S. Pianos owner Peter Stevenson started wheeling out the tiny upright piano, known as Princess or Tom Thumb, outside the entrance of his store three years ago. Except on the coldest days of winter it’s there whenever the store is open, protected from the elements by an overhead awning The piano was made in 1927 and was painted by local artist Magee Spicer
“This is a very old Japanese piano and the keys are smaller and the key bed is lower; it’s a cute little piano that hasn’t been made in decades,” said Stevenson “We tune it occasionally because it’s outside ”
Lheidli elder narrates Huble Homestead book
incorporates Dakelh, which is the traditional language of the Lheidli people
There are now Dakelh audio pronunciations available for the children’s book Ceepee and the Fish Camp.
The book is the fourth title in the Huble Homestead children’s book series, set in the early 1900s and is inspired by the seasonal round of the Lheidli T’enneh It’s a children’s history book that celebrates the First Nation’s history and
Lheidli T’enneh Elder Edie Frederick has now recorded audio pronunciation of the Dakelh vocabulary words which are available in a glossary online
Frederick has also recorded a reading of the book in its entirety which is also available online for free.
The story was written by the Huble Homestead/Giscome Portage Heritage Society and translations were done by
Frederick, along with illustrations by watercolour artist Cliff Man and Lheidli artist Jennifer Pighin.
The project was made possible by the participation of the Lheidli T’enneh and the financial support of the province, Northern Health and the Fraser FortGeorge Endowment Fund
The Huble Homestead children’s book series launched in 2012 with Mr Huble Builds A House, and since then has added two additional titles: Mrs Huble Grows
a Garden, and Mr. Seebach and the New Store The titles were also written by the Huble Homestead/Giscome Portage Heritage Society, and illustrated by local watercolour artist June Swanky Parker.
You can read the book online at hublehomestead ca/ceepeefishcamp and to learn a bit of Dakelh, check out hublehomestead.ca/vocab. The book is also available for purchase at Books & Company at 1685 Third Ave and at the Huble Homestead Historic Site
TED
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
CALEB OMAN
Healthy North y
In response to the toxic drug emergency in BC, a new text health alert system has been launched across Northern Health.
The system uses text messaging to send alerts as a public health measure to prevent drug poisonings and deaths, and provides timely information and up-todate resources to people who use drugs and community members.
The Toxic Drug and Health Alerts system also allows subscribers to anonymously submit information that Harm Reduction teams can use to make alerts as informative as possible This includes information such as the dates and locations of drug overdoses, physical descriptions of the drug and packaging, where the substance was purchased, and what it is believed to be – and can be submitted by texting using the keyword OD Community members are encouraged to opt-in for toxic drug alerts by texting the keyword JOIN to ALERTS (253787). They will receive toxic drug and drug poisoning alerts and public health alerts
Northern Health (NH) Tracks is an online service that helps you get updates on your loved ones as they go through the stages of surgery while in hospital.
NH Tracks is currently only available at hospitals in Prince George, Quesnel, Smithers, and Vanderhoof. Other surgery sites for NH will be added in time
Wait for your family member, friend or loved one from any location. NH Tracks lets your replace the hospital waiting room with a coffee shop, living room, or anywhere you want to wait in comfort.
Patient updates are live – When your loved one moves from surgery to recovery, the website will update when they move
Return to the hospital when you see your loved one is nearing the end of their surgical journey
Learn More about NH Tracks and how to use the service on our website.
Decriminalization is not legalization.
Starting January 31, 2023, people are allowed to possess up to 2.5g (cumulative) of the following substances for their own personal use, without risk of criminal penalties:
• Opioids, including fentanyl and heroin
• Crack and powder cocaine
• Methamphetamine (meth)
• MDMA (ecstasy)
Possession of more than 2.5g of these substances (cumulative) will remain illegal, as will their production and trafficking.
Why is BC doing this?
• Fear of being criminalized drives people to hide their drug use and use alone. Given the increasingly toxic drug supply – using alone can be fatal.
• Decriminalization will help reduce the stigma about substance use, so people feel more comfortable seeking care and life-saving services.
• The Government needs to use every tool at its disposal against the toxic drug crisis.
• Reducing stigma about drug use is a vital part of BC’s work to build a system of mental health and addictions care for people in British Columbia.
Reducing stigma around drug use is a vital part of BC’s work to build a comprehensive system of mental health and substance use care for people throughout the province.
Read more on the BC Government website www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/overdose/decriminalization
HOROSCOPES & PUZZLES
OF FEBRUARY 19 TO FEBRUARY 25 2023
ARIES
You’ll be distracted this week. You may be tired and need to rest. Your creativity will impress many after you produce a masterpiece.
TAURUS
You’ll discover a mountain of files at work that you must take care of urgently This situation will help you become more organized and efficient, relieving stress.
GEMINI
Before undertaking a major project, take the time to relax and enjoy yourself. A promotion, for example, calls for a celebratory drink. Embrace the new challenges ahead of you.
CANCER
The idea of taking a trip or going on an adventure will stimulate you. You’ll finally find the time and means to take a well-deserved holiday and get away from it all.
LEO
An irritating situation shows up on the horizon. It would help if you made changes in your life to find happiness. Sometimes you need to shake things up.
VIRGO
You must make compromises to regain harmony at home and work. After reaching agreements with future clients or partners, new achievements are coming.
LIBRA
This week will be entirely devoted to working. If you’re looking for a job, you’ll find a demanding position that helps create better prospects for your future.
SCORPIO
If you’re no longer satisfied with your job, you’ll make some changes and find a new one that aligns with your ambitions. You could end up in the boss’s chair or start your own business.
SAGITTARIUS
You’ll have to tie up lots of loose ends at home. Once everything’s resolved, you’ll have a better relationship with your loved ones and significant other
CAPRICORN
You’ll purchase a new gadget that may take a bit of time to learn how to use. You’ll have to make a few trips to get all the necessary answers and find complete satisfaction.
AQUARIUS
Your drive and dynamism will allow you to spoil yourself. You may earn a considerable amount of money and treat yourself to a few luxuries, including a trip or outing that impresses many
PISCES
You need to rest before taking on a new challenge. Get out of the house to break up the daily routine. You’ll find inner peace if you express yourself openly and promptly
HOW TO PLAY:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.
cl assi fi eds
IN LOVING MEMORY
RYAN KENNETH WOOD
SEPT 25, 1977 - FEB 17, 2003
Sometimes our memories of Ryan sneak out our eyes and roll down our cheeks.
God never prepared us for your departure.
God wrapped his arms around us, comforted us, gave us some peace, he is our strength!
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, And I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest in your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
God bless our family and friends for keeping Ryan in your memories and reminding us of who he was!
Love Ken and Mary
wish that you were here.
Love & miss you
Darlene, Mike & Kasey
REMEMBRANCES
A Vanished Friend
Around the corner I have a friend
In this great city that has no end; Yet days go by, and weeks rush on, And before I know it a year has gone, And I never see my old friend’s face, For life is a swift and terrible race. He knows I like him just as well As in the days when I rang his bell, And he rang mine. We were younger then, And now we are busy, tired men, Tired of playing a foolish game, Tired with trying to make a name.
“Tomorrow, I will call on Jim, Just to show that I am thinking of him.” But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes, And the distance between us grows and grows, Around the corner, yet miles away
“Here’s a telegram, sir,”
“Jim died today!”
With great sadness and a heavy heart, we announce that Dennis Norval Felker passed away in Prince George, B.C. on December 13, 2022, at the age of 91, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Williams Lake, B.C. to a pioneer family, The Felkers. Father George (Bud) Felker and mother Kathleen (Kay) nee Bliss. He was the last surviving sibling of seven. Josephine, Joe, Margaret, Alice, Ruth and Jimmy had all passed.
Dad was a member of the IUOE 115 since July 17, 1959. He received a Fifty-Year membership watch in 2009, that he treasured. He worked on most of the major construction projects throughout B.C. Including the Coquihalla Hwy, Rogers Pass, Hwy 97, both bridges in Prince George, WAC Bennet Dam, and many more too numerous to list. He would work construction projects in the summer and drive logging truck in the winter. He could operate any piece of machinery or drive any type of vehicle but his two favourites were Thunderbirds and Scrapers.
His favourite pastimes were spending time with family and friends, drinking coffee, talking construction, debating politics and watching the news. He always knew what was going on in the world. He thoroughly enjoyed a good road trip, travelling all over Canada, the United States and places abroad, stopping and visiting all his many family members along the way.
Dad is survived by his special friend, Joan Zwarich, of Edmonton, Alberta. His two sons, Dennis (Tracey) and Greg.
5 Grandchildren; Dewey of Vernon, Brennan of Williams Lake, Bear and Dustin (Kristin) of Prince George and Jadda (Cam) of Kelowna.
With great sadness, we announce the sudden passing of Marlene May Parker. She was pre-deceased by her parents Elwood and Reatha Parker.
Marlene is survived by her common-law husband of 50+ years Thomas E Messner, her children: Jack, Darlene, Willie, Shawn (Vanessa) as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and many good friends.
Marlene will be missed very much and has left a very large void in many hearts.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
In loving memory of Ryan Joseph Paulson
June 20th, 1982February 4th, 2023
It is with extreme sadness and heavy hearts Ryan’s family share the loss of our son, grandson, cousin, nephew, uncle, and friend Ryan on February 4th, 2023.
Born in Quesnel on June 20th, 1982. Ryan grew up in Quesnel, Prince George, and Summerland with his sister Lindsay, cousins Shaun, Cory, Kelsey, Kevin, and Blair and extended family. In adulthood, Ryan relocated and settled in Abbotsford.
Ryan’s favourite things were keeping himself educated and up to date with all things “techy”, playing his guitar, and spending time outdoors with friends and family.
remembered for his kind and generous spirit and his willingness and patience to share his knowledge and expertise unreservedly. Ryan’s many friends and family meant so much to him and we know that he treasured each one of these relationships very dearly.
Ryan was predeceased by his sister Lindsay Paulson; Grandfather Ernie Pederson; Grandmother Cora Paulson (Lambert) and greatgrandmothers Alma Lambert and Cora Peterson.
He is survived by his parents Lon and Sandi; Grandmother Sis
Fred and Carmen Paulson along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Family and friends will remember and honour his passing at a Celebration of Life to be announced and held later in the Spring.
John Robert Leverman
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our Dad, John Robert Leverman (75). Dad left us, presumably to go scout some new fishing territory on January 24, at the Nanaimo Palliative Care Unit.
Dad was known by his friends as Bob, but by our friends he was the Bobster, Sir, or The Mister. Despite how people named him, we all knew him as the funniest and most brilliant man, with surprising wells of compassion and tenderness. We warned our friends not to ask Dad any questions, but they sometimes couldn’t help themselves and were treated to answers that were long, passionate, deeply philosophical, but always true.
During his last days, he was surrounded by his family and close friends, and he was comforted by messages from loved ones. Bob Leverman was born in Edmonton, Alberta, to Marion Sidonia Leverman. His family moved to Prince George when he was a child, where he grew up and met the love of his life, Dianne Louise Dyson, whom he married in 1968. Bob and DD, went on to have many great adventures, as they moved to Vancouver where Bob pursued his degree at UBC law school. As they moved from Vancouver, Prince George and then onto Nanaimo, they worked together for over forty years and this didn’t kill either of them. They raised their two favourite children (black labs Sage and Shade), each one trained, gentle, and spoiled. They camped together and were never separated from each other. The few times that Mom went to visit a sister or chaperone a band trip, Dad waved from the window when she left, and was waiting by the window when she came home.
He is survived by his wife Dianne, his son, Justin Cameron Leverman; his much-loved granddaughter Taryn Marie Leverman; and his daughter, Morgan Kristine Leverman. A devoted father, he never missed a single soccer, hockey, volleyball, or basketball game (even “little girls basketball”), and he attended every concert his children played in. He was a second father to many of his children’s friends, beating them in chess games or helping with legal matters.
Dad also leaves behind his beloved extended families. He grew up with and had a special role in the Dyson family. Over the years, he extended and was extended, loving and joyful roles to the Eddy and Fumano clan. In his senior years, Dad was treated to another addition of family: Cameron’s lovely wife, Marteen, and three beautiful grandchildren. Finally, in his last days, Dad was blessed to be a larger part of the Chinook scaffolding company. Dad helped in the founding of the company in Prince George, and continued to find great satisfaction in being a part of this very supportive family up until his passing. Dad had no lack of love or family.
Although he was the quintessential family man, Dad’s contributions to his community were varied and spanned many years. He served on the boards of the United Way, Prince George Airport Authority, and the Prince George Youth Soccer Association. He was an active member of the Yellowhead Rotary Club of Prince George for many years, and during one of those years, served as its president.
Dad loved to fly fish, and if he could fly fish with his family and/or friends he was the happiest. He was a steward of the environment, a brilliant legal mind, an advocate for the weak and misrepresented, a teacher, a role model, a poet and a lover of music. Of all the things that will be missed about Dad, his sense of humour was legendary among those that knew him. Dad was always ready with a quip, he was incredibly quick, and he told (and participated in) the most outrageous stories. He will be missed by his family, his friends, his colleagues and the world, in general.
Dad didn’t want a formal service. At his request, his ashes will be spread on his favourite river after the first stonefly hatch in the summer.
The Leverman family wishes to thank the amazing staff from the Palliative Care Unit at the Nanaimo hospital. Thank you to Dr Eggen and her entire team. We only wish we could remember the name of every nurse, health care aide and volunteer, as well. Thank you for ensuring the comfort of the man that we so loved. We appreciate you.
All we request is that when you remember our father, you smile at the memory of him; but if you feel compelled to send flowers, please instead consider a donation for the Palliative Care Unit in Nanaimo or a Palliative Care Unit in your community.
“...we are so lightly here. It is in love that we are made, in love we disappear…”
Leonard Cohen
Because I Love You So Time will not dim the face I love, The voice I heard each day, The many things you did for me, In your own special way. All my life I’ll miss you, As the years come and go, But in my heart I’ll keep you, Because I love you so.
Thomson, Matthew Arran
January 11, 1944 ~ January 18, 2023
It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the sudden death of “Montana” Matthew Thomson on the 18th of January 2023. Matthew was born on January 11th, 1944. He was raised in Prince George. Matthew worked in various places throughout his life including Calgary, Hatchet Lake, Sask., Quesnel, and Ashcroft. He and his dad owned a ski hill, he worked with a paving crew, was a ranch hand, owned and drove logging trucks, plowed snow, drove for Bobell, was employed with the Village of Ashcroft and, his last and most favorite job, drove school bus. He loved his kids.
Matt is survived by his longtime partner, Val; his daughter, Angela; stepchildren Jason and Jody; granddaughter, Holly; brother, Peter; sister, Sandy and her partner, Bill; along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends. A service is planned for April 15th, 2023 @ 11:00 am at the Cache Creek Community Hall.
Thompson Valley Funeral Home Ltd. entrusted with arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.tvfh.ca
A warm and happy soul who put more into the world than she took back.
Kathleen “Kay” Gale Goodkey (Whitehead, Mason)
With deep sadness, the family of Kathleen “Kay” Gale Goodkey (nee Whitehead, Mason) announce her passing away at age 81 on February 4th, in Prince George, BC.
Kay was born on July 18th, 1941 in Iroquois Falls, ON.
She moved to Prince George in the early 60s, where she would spend the greater portion of her life, quilting, golfing, curling, gardening, working at the Golf and Curling Club and raising her family.
She leaves behind her beloved husband, Ed; Daughter, Sandra (Jim); Son, Stuart (Sue); Step-children, Tara and Kennedy (Jodie); Daughter In-law, Judy; Grandchildren, Michael, Theo (Carissa), Matt, Kaitlin (Steven), Daniel (Marissa), Halley (Jason), Gabe (Taylor), Lauren (Corey), Kassandra (Mitchell) and December; Great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Gweneth and Cecelia; Siblings, Judy, Rosealee, Jim and Liz.
Kay was predeceased by her husband of a prior marriage, Ron Mason; and son Tom Mason.
A gathering to celebrate her memory will be held at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club, where she spent uncountable happy hours over her lifetime, from 2pm to 6pm on Monday February 20th.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society (or charity of your choice), whose kind care has been immeasurable in this time.
As you share the stories and the memories of how they lived their lives and how very much they meant, may you find comfor t...
Barbara Cailleaux (née McKinnon)
Sept 7, 1939 - Jan 16, 2023
Our beautiful wife and mother has passed on. Barbara is survived by husband Paul Cailleaux, daughter Melanie Cailleaux (James Klein), daughter Melissa Cailleaux (Jeanette Cauley), and grandchildren Anne Cailleaux-Cauley and Felicia Cailleaux-Cauley. She also leaves family in Ontario including brother Douglas McKinnon (Margaret McKinnon), pre-deceased sister Dorothy (Chris Van Bree), brother Jim McKinnon (Karen McKinnon), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Barbara was born in Dauphin Manitoba, lived briefly in Nova Scotia, and then Ontario. After graduation, she travelled the Alaska Highway to White Horse, Yukon and met her husband Paul. From the Yukon, they moved to Fort Nelson, Dawson Creek, and Calgary, ultimately settling in Prince George in 1962.
Barbara loved her family, open spaces, views of the water, animals small and large (especially her spoiled springer spaniel Annie), the piano, and country air. We will miss her and remember her often, including when we see swarms of waxwings, which were so plentiful at the time of her death.
The family sincerely appreciates the excellent care that Barbara received from Dr. McCoy, the surgical ward team at UNHBC, and the Northern Health home care staff whose support, alongside her caregiver husband Paul, allowed her to live in her own home until she entered hospital. Thank you also to friends, neighbours, and others for their kindnesses and gifts in this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Alzheimer’s Society. Celebration of life details and location will be announced at a later date.
Donald Charles Norris
72 years
December 16, 1950 - January 24, 2023
Born in Vancouver BC and passed peacefully at Prince George BC Hospice after a courageous endurance with cancer. While constantly coping with complications of diabetes along with a bipolar disorder and panic anxiety, he gently and quietly assisted others for more than 40 years.
He obtained degrees in English and history at the University of British Columbia and his Certificate in Genealogical Studies: Canadian Records at the National Institute for Genealogical Studies and University of Toronto. He researched extensively and travelled to several countries and Canada to add ancestors to his and others’ family trees. He also wrote poetry of life’s experiences.
He is survived by his loving and supportive spouse, Gloria M.M. George, for more than 40 years, Sara Ashby; four grandchildren: Sebastian, Bradley, Beibhinn and Cillian; and Emily Williams in England; brother James and nephew Steven & family and many cousins.
He graciously supported Gloria as she obtained her law degree from University of British Columbia and through her several lengthy bouts with arthritic disabilities.
He is predeceased by his parents, Barbara and G. Donald Norris and sister, Catharine.
As requested, no formal service follows the cremation. Donations may be made to Prince George Hospice whose superb care kept Don comfortable. We are grateful for the immediate attention of dispatcher and attendants with BC Paramedics, his care at the University Hospital of Northern BC, and the attention of Prince George Cancer Centre, and Dr. R. Zhang.
Celebrate the lives of loved ones with your stories, photographs and tributes
STRASDIN, Ernest Jack Allan
(Dec 3, 1941 - Jan 24, 2023)
It is with deep sorrow that Jody, Debbie (Chris) and Jim, announce the passing of their dad Ernie. After farewell time with his children, five grandsons: Jackson, Ryan, Cashe, Patrick and Joel, and other close family, Ernie passed peacefully with thoughts of his beloved wife Pat, who remained forever in his heart.
The son of Charlie and Phyllis Strasdin, Ernie was the last remaining of four siblings. The families of his brother Don, sisters Shirley and Evelyn, and cousin Archie will cherish many happy memories. Predeceased by his wife, Ernie’s bond with Pat’s family remained strong through their shared love.
Born in Lawrence Municipality, Manitoba, Ernie moved to Terrace BC in 1951. In 1958, Prince George became home. Establishing himself as strong academic, Ernie attended post secondary 1961 at the University of British Columbia pursuing a Bachelors of Education Degree.
Ernie was president of the curling club his graduation year. While in Prince George, he continued growing his competitive curling spirit. In 1967 the Ernie Strasdin Rink (Team) won the coveted Kelly Cup. Ernie formed many lifelong friendships through his passion for curling and many years working in road construction, logging, and trucking.
Ernie’s family wish to a extend a heartfelt thank you to family and friends, Primary Care Team 6, UHNBC, Family Medicine Unit, Dr. Hillhouse, Dr. H. Smith, Dr. J. Sidorov and their office staff.
Final farewell plans will be scheduled this spring to celebrate Ernie, with a family Internment at Prince George Cemetery. Announcement issued prior to event.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
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
The Lakeside Village of Granisle is seek ing a well-rounded CAO/CFO multi-talented leader who has passion about public ser vice and community building, along with Municipal Finance background; Municipal Government or Public Sector experience is impor tant For more information refer to our Village website at www.granisle.ca. Interested candidates can submit their resume and cover letter by 4:00pm on Friday, Februar y 24, 2023 to Linda McGuire, Mayor Email: lmcguire@villageofgranisle.ca or mail to PO Box 128, Granisle, BC V0J 1W0 marked confidential.
Skilled Help
The Prince George Citizen is looking for a freelance photographer. Interested candidates please email lsmith@glaciermedia.ca along with some samples of your best photos.
Trucking & Transport Experienced gravel truck
To place your ad call: 604-630-3300
To advertise, call 250-562-6666 or email cls@pgcitizen.ca
To place your ad call: 604-630-3300
Spring
Cleaning?
remove your clutter! call 250-562-6666 to place your ad.
& Collectibles A LOT Of 45 & LPs. All kinds $5$40 each, 778-675-4716
BUYING ALL SILVER! WANTED 9999 BULLION, BARS, COINS, ROUNDS, ALL SILVER COINS, PRE 1968 COINS, ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, FRANKLIN MINT SETS, OLD STERLING SILVER, COIN COLLECTIONS +++ ALSO BUYING GOLD!!! TODD 25O 864 3521
Firewood
BIRCH Firewood in 20 foot lengths. Delivered by dumptruck load. $1100. or bucked to length $1300 per load delivered 250614-6667
Mills/Equipment
1998 KENWORTH with mixer trailer, white. $120,000. 617-3373
SAWMILL, 48” head rig, hand set, completely rebuilt, $8000 obo plus parts. 250-441-3242
Sheds/Outbuildings
NEW 30’ x 50’ All Steel Commercial shop, never assembled, c/w complete set of drawings and engineer cert. Has straight outside walls, 1 12’ x 14’ service door opening, 1 3’ man door opening, inside clearance 16’, roof has 3/ 12 pitch that is 20’ high at peak. Outside wall cladding painted tan. $30, 000 Call Bob 250-983-3372
Wanted
BUYING OLD JEWELRY, COINS, OLD MONEY, COIN COLLECTIONS, 9999 BARS & COINS, ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, COIN SETS, WORLD $$$ COLLECTIONS ++ TODD 25O 864 3521
Genuine Rolex watches, all models, old, new, damaged or parts req’d. Top prices paid subject to viewing. Gold, two-tone, tri-color & Stainless. Available 24/7 250-612-1808
Collectibles & Classic Cars
QUICK PAY For all gold, Estate
Dictator
A type of code
Cuckoos
Skin issue
City in central Japan
Sorrels
Twinned diamond
Canadian province
Veterans battleground (slang) 42. Of enormous proportions
Between DORRAINNE FYFE or anyone related, with the belief of abandonment of the storage UNIT A-16 located at AAA Self Storage 6700 Pacific Street, Prince George, BC V2N 6Y2. Belongings of DORRAINNE FYFE, 760 ABBINGTON BC VOE 2X3 (250 731 4630) will be dispose the aforesaid property unless the person being notified takes possession and liability of the property within 14 days from the date of this publication, the Manager
WAREHOUSEMAN’S LIEN ACT
Canadian Forest Products Ltd. (Canfor), Carrier Lumber Ltd., Takla Track & Timber Ltd., Hampton Lumber (Fort St. James Forest Products General Partner Ltd.), and Dunkley Lumber Ltd. have prepared an Amendment Requiring Approval (ARA) to their joint Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) for operations in the Prince George and Stuart Nechako Natural Resource Districts. The Amendment is available for public review starting on February 16, 2023.
Amendment ARA-014 is required to add Forest Licenses A98541 and A98545 into the Forest Stewardship Plan.
In accordance with the Forest Planning and Practices Regulation, Amendment ARA-014 is available for public review and comment from February 16th to March 20, 2023 at the following locations during regular office hours (8:00 am to 4:00 pm):
Canadian Forest Products Ltd: 1399 Bearhead Rd, Vanderhoof BC V0J 3A2; Phone: (250) 567-8275.
Representatives will be available to discuss the proposed amendment and to receive comment(s)
If an interested party is unable to review the Amendment (ARA-014) during regular business hours, please contact us by phone or in writing to arrange a suitable time
Adult Personal Messages Out Of Town
HOMES
REAL ESTATE LISTINGS
2023 trend: arches
Keep an eye out for arches when planning home design and decorating projects for 2023 Their smooth lines, evocative of eastern ideals of space organization, promote inner balance and elevate your mood Here are some ways to incorporate arches into your space
LARGE SCALE REMODEL
If you’re planning a major renovation, consider including arches in the structure of your home. Turn boring thresholds into elegant arched entryways or install half-moon windows For added drama, install curved wooden ceiling beams
SMALL DESIGN FEATURES
Update the focal points in your rooms For example, give your fireplace mantle a new look with an arch-shaped art piece You could also create a curved headboard with backlighting to evoke the feeling of a romantic sunset
LITTLE TOUCHES
You don’t have to invest in an extensive remodel to bring arches into your decor
Use curved moulding to create a DIY wall feature Explore yard sales and second-hand shops for vintage mirrors and furniture with arch details You could also experiment with an eye-catching paint colour by adding a geometric arch shape on an accent wall
Talk to a design adviser at your local home improvement store for more ideas
If you’re planning a
1.Picktherighttimeofyear. Fall and winter are typically less busy for most contractors During these times, you may be able to negotiate a lower price
3.Be specific. Clearly explain what you want upfront to avoid unnecessarily driving up the bill
Always ensure the contractor you choose has the required experience and certifications
2 Getseveralquotes Contacting several contractors will give you a good idea of the average price to complete the project. Shopping around may also help you get a better rate
Tiling: how to choose and apply grout
Do you have a tiling project in mind? Here’s how to choose a suitable grout and correctly apply it
CHOOSE A GROUT
Sanded grout is most suitable for installations with grout lines wider than three millimetres This type of grout is resistant to cracking and shrinkage However, don’t use it if you’re laying tiles with a glossy finish, as it could scratch them
On the other hand, grout without sand is best for narrow grout lines down to 1 5 millimetres It’s also easy to apply to vertical surfaces. If you’re tiling a bathroom or kitchen, use a waterproof grout.
Moreover, some grouts are cement-based while others aren’t Cementitious grouts come in powder form, and you must mix them with water However, epoxy
grouts, for example, come ready to use
APPLY THE GROUT
First, protect the area around your tiling project. For example, cover walls and countertops with plastic sheeting Then, clean the area to prevent dust and dirt from sticking to the grout
If you’re using cementitious grout, start by mixing it Next, wet the tiles and apply the grout from the bottom up in small sections Tilt the applicator to distribute the grout evenly and fill in the joints
Remove excess grout and wait about 20 minutes before cleaning the tiles and smoothing the grout with a damp sponge Scrub as little as possible and rinse your sponge regularly Wipe down the tile one last time once the grout has thoroughly dried Then, apply a sealant.
Find all the materials you need to complete your project at your local home improvement store If you want flawless results, hire a professional tiler
3 types of light bulbs
of bulb is best Here are three types of light bulbs and their uses.
1.Light-emittingdiode (LED). LED bulbs are energy efficient. In fact, they consume 75 per cent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs They give off a bright light, emit no heat and contain no mercury. They can last up to 50,000 hours, making them an excellent choice for hard-to-reach sockets.
2.Compact Fluorescent (CFL). CFL bulbs are almost as energy efficient as LEDs but require time to get bright They’re excellent for illuminating large spaces like garages They last between 8,000 and 10,000 hours and come in various colours CFL bulbs contain mercury, so handle them carefully and dispose of them properly
3.Halogen. These lights emit an intense directional light and are perfect for illuminating under kitchen cabinets and pendant or recessed lighting You can use halogen bulbs with a dimmer. However, halogen bulbs burn hot, so keep them away from flammable objects Plus, handle them with gloves bcause the oil from your fingers can make them explode if they get too hot.
Visit a home improvement store or lighting centre to see their lighting selections.
House lifting: 4 elements to consider
Lifting your home is a significant renovation project that requires careful planning. Here are four elements to consider.
1. MUNICIPAL REGULATIONS
First, you must determine if it’s possible to lift your home by contacting the urban planning department in your municipality. Once you have all the necessary information, you can move on to the next step.
2. EXPERT EVALUATION
Contact multiple house-lifting experts and have each one examine your property, establish a plan and come up with a quote.
3. CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR
After analyzing several quotes, you can choose the right contractor for the job Make sure the contractor has all the necessary permits and licences.
4. TEMPORARY HOUSING
When the work begins, you must find a temporary living situation because your water, electricity and gas may be cut off. Evaluate your housing options in advance to ensure they meet your needs.
For the best results, work with a professional in your area.
Best bathroom safety equipment
There are several reasons to raise your home. For example, if the foundation is sagging or cracked, the property is at risk of flooding, or you want to add a basement.
For the elderly or people with limited mobility, bathrooms are one of the more likely places for a slip-and-fall injury. These falls can result in broken bones and can even be fatal. Consider making your bathroom safer by incorporating some of these features.
•Accessible toilet. An elevated toilet seat can make sitting down much more manageable. Elevated toilet seats are easy to install and sit right on top of your existing one. A comfort-level or right-height toilet that sits slightly higher than a standard toilet is another alternative.
•Shower seat. This specially designed chair makes showering much safer. It has a back support, and the holes in the
material allow water to drain. Look for a model with suction cups on the legs for stability.
•Grab bars. Installing grab bars in the shower and beside the bathtub and toilet improve accessibility and safety, especially for people who use wheelchairs.
•No-slipbathmats These mats provide grip on the shower and tub floors and can help prevent falls. You can also use safety treads, which stick onto the floor for added traction.
Most slip-and-fall accidents occur in the home, so visit your local home improvement store to ensure your loved ones are as safe as possible.
