A B.C. Supreme Court Justice has found a man not guilty of setting a fire that killed three people staying at a downtown Prince George motel.
Justin Kyle Aster had been facing faces three counts of criminal negligence causing death and one count each of arson in relation to an inhabited property and arson damaging property from the July 8, 2020, fire at the Econo Lodge Motel at Victoria Street and Ninth Avenue
However, Justice Margot Fleming concluded Crown prosecutors had not proven their case against Aster beyond reasonable doubt and found herself agreeing with many of the submissions
from defence lawyer Jason LeBlond during closing arguments
Crown’s case hinged largely on video from the motel and surrounding businesses showing Aster in the area at about the time the fire broke out shortly after 8 a.m. in a pile of debris from a renovation that had been left beneath a stairway at the east end of the motel’s courtyard.
Video showed Aster passing through the courtyard and a breezeway and a “shadowy figure” in behind the pile for a brief period shortly after smoke was seen coming from the motel However, no one is seen actually setting a fire, investigators were unable to precisely determine how the blaze was ignited, and testimony as to exactly when the fire broke out was inconclusive.
The Econo Lodge fire on July 8, 2020, in Prince George.
WEAVER AUCTIONS
Beaverly resident builds dike to protect land
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
After watching seasonal runoff flood her property, threaten her home and wash out her road access, longtime Beaverly resident Maria James decided to take action and built a 900-foot-long dike to protect her land.
When James bought the land southwest of Prince George to develop an equestrian facility, her 7 77 acres on Foos Road wasn’t prone to flooding.
“It wasn’t a swamp in 1976, when I bought it, because horses don’t do well in swamp,” she said “(But) In 2020, it destroyed most of our road, destroyed most of the access to our place The water was running right under the snow and spread out right over the property. We were running pumps all year long to get rid of the water.”
After suffering seasonal flooding again in 2021 and 2022, James decided to take action to save her home
In the summer of 2022 she found a
photo
trucking company doing a project nearby that required relocating 50 truckloads of soil She hired a local contractor she had used before to turn the truckloads of dirt into a dike 900 feet long, three feet high and four to five feet wide at the base.
“I said, ‘One of these years it is going to take the whole house,’” James said. “The dike was created to protect my property and house from possible disaster…this was the first year we had no rivers, creeks or signs of flooding. What a relief.”
She believes the extension and development of Dave Road near her land, and the removal of a beaver pond in the area, are what caused her property to flood three years in a row James’ assessment has not been verified by a qualified professional and the Citizen could not independently assess her claim.
“This story is a warning for rural residents to be vigilant when development is happening and to consider the impact it may have on their property and them,”
she said. “I would not have been able to sell my property, knowing the (new) owners would be flooded out.”
Regional District of Fraser-Fort George chairperson Lara Beckett, who represents the Beaverly area, said she spoke with James about the flooding, but hasn’t heard from other property owners in the area having the same issues.
In the regional district, if a development is allowed under the official community plan and zoning for the area, then district staff have little involvement in the design of the project, she said Final approval of any new roadway is up to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
But if regional district residents do have flooding issues, reaching out to their local elected official and regional district staff is a good place to start, she said.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said the ministry facilitates the development of rural roads and subdivisions, in accordance with provincial standards, environmental legislation and best practices.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia
Date: Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Virtual Attendance Only via Microsoft Teams Video Conferencing
The Board of Directors of the Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia (LTSA) invite customers, stakeholders and interested parties to attend the Annual General Meeting of the LTSA The LTSA is a publicly accountable, statutory corporation established under the Land Title and Survey Authority Act, and is responsible for operating British Columbia’s land title and survey systems
Public attendance at the AGM will be by virtual-means only Registered attendees may join the meeting via Microsoft Team video and will have the opportunity to submit questions live.
To register to attend the LTSA AGM, send an email to LTSABODADMIN@ ltsa.ca with your name and email address. Details for joining the meeting virtually, including unique access information, will be sent to the email identified.
The LTSA Annual Report for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023 as well as further information about attending the AGM virtually, is accessible on the LTSA website at https://ltsa.ca/news-updates/
One end of a 900-foot-long dike Maria James built to protect her property from flooding is seen in an undated handout
NOTICE OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION
What: Public Consultation regarding Salmon River-Lakes Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1587, Amendment Bylaw No 3300, 2023
Owner: William Kordyban
Agent: Shauna Goertzen, McElhanney Associates Land Surveying Ltd.
Proposal: An application has been made for an amendment to the Salmon River-Lakes Official Community Plan (OCP) and a zoning bylaw to allow a lot line adjustment between two properties. Bylaw No. 3300 proposes redesignating a 3.37 ha area from Agriculture/ Resource (AG/RES) to Lakeshore Settlement (LS). The lot line adjustment would not create any additional parcels.
The subject property is Block C Of District Lot 2500 Cariboo District, Except Plans 30345 PGP35855 And EPP68930, which is located at 17900 Thompson Rd W
How can I provide comment? Anyone who believes that their interest in land is affected by the proposed Bylaw shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to provide written comments regarding matters contained in the Bylaw
Written comments will be accepted by the Regional District until 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, and must be sent by: Email: developmentservices@rdffg.bc.ca
Hand/Mail: Attention Development Services,155 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1P8 Fax: 250-562-8676
Any written submissions received will become public record, be posted on the RDFFG website, and form part of the public Board agenda. By submitting a comment, you are consenting to the disclosure of any personal information that you provide. Personal information is collected and disclosed under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
Need more info? A copy of the proposed Bylaw and any relevant background materials are available for review by the public on the Regional District’s website at http://www.rdffg.bc.ca/services/ development/land-use-planning/current-applications/ or at the Regional District office, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., between May 15 and June 15, 2023. Appointments are preferred For more information contact Daniel Burke, Planning III, at 250-960-4400.
MEET THE SCHOOL DISTRICT 57 BOARD CANDIDATES
DON FITZPATRICK
Don Fitzpatrick moved to Prince George in 1991 where he attended elementary school, high school and college
He’s the father of five children, four of whom are still in school.
“A strong connection to the north and a strong understanding of the importance of education are two things that I hold dear to my heart,” said Fitzpatrick
“In seeking this position, I have drawn upon my personal experiences as well as those of my children in elementary and high school.”
Fitzpatrick said no matter what their background, belief system, culture, or identity is, students should be treated equally.
“I am constantly hearing the stories of my five children, four of whom are still in school, two of whom identify as LGBTQ community members and two of whom are Indigenous,” said Fitzpatrick.
“As a parent, you feel powerless when your child is experiencing hardships in the school system As a result, I decided to run for school trustee My experience and drive will enable me to make a significant impact in our schools for all students.”
Fitzpatrick said resources are needed within schools to work closely on the front lines with students to ensure they get the
education they are entitled to, in the safest and most inclusive of ways.
He said every student no matter background, beliefs, culture, or how they identify should be treated equally as education is a right not a privilege
“It is important that we put our students and teachers first We can do that by encouraging inclusion, supporting all students, breaking down stereotypes, and overcoming prejudice in all forms,” said Fitzpatrick.
“As a trustee, I will work to strengthen programs within our schools that advocate for inclusion such as SOGI123 ”
SARAH HOLLAND
Sarah Holland is a financial planner that lives in Prince George Since November 2018, she’s worked for Manulife as a financial planning consultant, providing financial planning expertise and assistance to advisors, in order to help their clients achieve their goals and plan for their future
“I am honoured to announce my candidacy for the position of school board trustee in the upcoming by-election from School District 57. I am an involved community member and a parent whose children have graduated from this district In my work life, I’m a financial planner and analyst,” said Holland
“I will bring my dedication and
expertise to the Board of Education, and look to work collaboratively to make informed, data-driven decisions that support the success of all students in caring school communities.”
She said she looks forward to engaging with voters, listening to concerns, and sharing her vision for a brighter future for our schools.
DAVID LOW
David Low has lived in Prince George since 1992 and has four adult children
He has a master’s degree in counselling and has taught both in the public system and in the private system
He presently owns a credit counselling agency with his wife.
Low said he is running as a trustee because his friends and wife were encouraging him to do so
“The bickering and partisan positions that people take on issues is divisive. Our city is too precious to have such disagreements separate us,” said Low.
“The Fraser Institute School Ranking stated that we have the poorest school academically in the whole province located in our district. Instead of discounting the survey, or justifying the low grade, we need compassionate collaboration with the stakeholders, to assist in the process of improving the standard,” he stated.
Low said his education and experience will assist him in becoming an effective trustee
Continued on page 5
DON FITZPATRICK
SARAH HOLLAND
Continued from page 4
“I am a team player. I am not an approval seeker Therefore, I am quite able to express my opinion. I am an empathetic listener I have had much opportunity to see factious groups come together to accomplish a mutual goal.”
In terms of SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity), Low said he’d like to ask, “How can I bring peace into the board SD57, or handle conflict? How can we administer SOGI so that parents and students are not
being offended and teachers feel safe? No bullying, intimidation or discrimination.”
Low said he hopes to bring stability and respect to all.
“I will represent the community and its education with the upmost degree of integrity I will value all teachers, students and parent’s right to be heard on issues that concerns them Inclusiveness is hard to achieve, but it is possible.”
HOW TO VOTE IN THE
JUNE 17 BYELECTION
Prince George voters will go to the polls on June 17 to elect two trustees to serve on the School District 57 board of education
The byelection was prompted by the resignation of trustees Betty Bekkering and Gillian Burnett
On June 17, polling stations will be open from 8 a m to 8 p m at Glenview (7310 Cluff Rd.), Heritage (257 Anderson St ), Malaspina (7900 Malaspina Blvd ) and Pineview (8515 Old Cariboo Hwy.) elementary schools, as well as the Van Bien Training Centre, located at 311 Wilson Cres
Advance voting will be available at the School District 57 head office (2100 Ferry Ave.) on June 7 and June 13, from 8 a.m. to 8 p m
Mail-in ballots are available for eligible voters
Forms can be obtained on the School District 57 website or picked up at the School District 57 office during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a m to 4:30 p m )
Eligible voters can request a mail-in ballot be mailed to them by phoning 250-561-6800 or by emailing byelection@sd57 bc ca
The deadline to request a mail-in ballot in 4 p m on May 26
To be counted, mail-in ballots must be received by the chief election officer no later than 8 p.m. on June 17.
For more information on the byelection and voter eligibility, visit the School District 57 website
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AUTO THEFTS RISING
Prince George RCMP have seen a sudden rise in the number of vehicle thefts being reported in the city.
In the first two weeks of May, the RCMP have seen a more than 100 per cent increase in the number of vehicle thefts, Prince George RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jennifer Cooper said in a statement
The RCMP are offering the following tips to motorists to reduce their chances of being a target of vehicle theft:
• Don’t leave your vehicle running with the keys inside.
• Keep track of your keys
• Always lock your vehicle when you leave it, and leave windows up
• Use an anti-theft device.
their eyes from the powder. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome
The Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum’s mini-train will be on-site offering rides.
The event is free, but the society will be collecting donations to support construction of an accessible outdoor space for guests and families at Rotary Hospice House
RESIDENT WINS $75K
Sunny Mexico awaits Sherry Wickes, thanks to her recent $75,000 BC/49 prize that she scored from the May 6 draw.
The Prince George resident purchased her ticket from the 7-Eleven on Highway 16 East and checked her ticket while grocery shopping at a Superstore.
FIRE CALLS UP IN 2022
The Prince George Fire Rescue Service responded to 20 5 per cent more calls between Jan 1 and April 30 this year than over the same period in 2022
According to a report to the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George board of directors, the fire department had responded to a total of 3,559 calls (2,271 medical, 907 fires, 209 rescues and 172 administrative calls) by the end of April this year.
During the same four-month period in 2022, the department had responded to 2,953 calls (1,828 medical, 773 fires, 168 rescues and 184 administrative calls).
Prince George fire crews responded to a record 9,880 calls in 2022, up from 8,087 in 2021
A total of 1,013 of the calls this year (614 medical, 303 fires, 50 rescues and 46 administrative) were in April, up from 808 calls (466 medical, 242 fires, 45 rescues and 55 administrative) in April 2022.
During the five-year period from 2015 to 2019, the department responded to an average 6,200 calls per year, ranging from 6,881 in 2017 to 5,888 in 2015.
HOSPICE WALK SUNDAY
The Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society’s fifth annual Hospice Colour Walk returns to the city on May 28
The free, colourful celebration will be happening at the CN Centre parking lot, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Participants are encouraged to wear a white T-shirt to get the full colourful effect, along with sunglasses to protect
“My first thought was, ‘No way,’’’ Wickes exclaimed.
Wickes hadn’t shared the news of her win with anyone, until now
“I kept the secret all day!”
Aside from a beach vacation, Wickes plans to use some of her prize to offset part of her recently purchased truck and will save the rest.
Wickes matched five of the six numbers to win the prize. The odds of doing so are one in 2 3 million
LAWSUIT CHALLENGED
A lumber producer who claims a Prince George-based business is partly responsible for damaging equipment it had purchased from the owner of a Fort St. James sawmill may be going after the wrong people
In a response to a civil claim Teal-Jones Group filed in March, the numbered company identified as doing business as Allen’s Scrap and Salvage Ltd filed a response on May 11 in which it not only issued a wholesale denial of responsibility but says that by the time the work was being carried out, Allen’s was under different ownership.
Pursuant to a sale of the business to Central Salvage Ltd., it had not operated Allen’s since September 2021, according to the response. According to Teal-Jones’ claim, Allen’s damaged the items in June 2022 while removing them as part of the dismantling the old Conifex sawmill Teal-Jones is also suing Hampton Lumber Mills-Canada Ltd which bought the Fort St. James sawmill and the related timber rights from Conifex in 2019
Premier weighs in on northern opioids crisis
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
In 2022, a record 181 people in the Northern Health region died from illicit drug toxicity, according to data reported by the BC Coroners Service.
The Northern Health region had the highest rate of illicit drug deaths per capita in B C at 59 5 deaths per 100,000 people, 39 per cent higher than the provincial average of 42 7 deaths per 100,000
During an exclusive interview with Glacier Media, Premier David Eby said the provincial government is working to improve the quality of life and access to
services in rural and indigenous communities across the north, so that people aren’t forced to move to regional hubs like Prince George and Terrace
“I want to recognize that healthcare is a challenge generally in rural and remote communities,” Eby said. “We are working to keep people in communities ”
One example Eby provided was allowing people to have bail hearings remotely, rather than being flown into a centre like Prince George, where they then are released into a community without any family or community supports
In the past 10 years, Northern Health’s illicit drug toxicity death rate has
increased almost 10-fold, going from 6 3 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2012 to 59.5 deaths per 100,000 in 2022. The health region’s death rate from illicit drug toxicity has risen steadily since 2019.
Terrace and Prince George have been especially hard-hit, with the local health areas having the second- and fifth-highest rates of illicit drug deaths in the province.
The Terrace local health area reported 110.5 illicit drug deaths per 100,000 people in 2022, only behind Vancouver Centre-North (470.8 deaths per 100,000).
The Prince George local health areawhich includes Prince George, Mackenzie, Valemount, McBride, Hixon, McLeod
Lake, Kwadacha and other small communities – reported 79 deaths per 100,000 residents (84 deaths total, including 81 in Prince George) Other northern local health areas facing high rates of overdose deaths include Kitimat (72 8 deaths per 100,000 residents) and Prince Rupert (68 1 deaths per 100,000 residents) In northern B.C. especially, mulitigenerational trauma in Indigenous communities is a key contributor to mental health and addictions issues, Eby said
The province is working with the First Nations Health Authority to address the need for culturally safe healthcare services across the north, he added
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
IDENTIFY DEVELOPERS
On May 11, Arthur Williams wrote that Prince George city councillors Brian Skakun and Trudy Klassen “seek transparency regarding numbered companies” that wish to rezone land, apply for a land variance or to buy city land BC’s Land Owner Transparency Act lays out the disclosures required by numbered companies, and what B C government needs to do to ensure transparency But why should we expect to know who’s buying, building or re-zoning city land Isn’t that confidential?
The Hub Collection Ltd , builders based in Vancouver, were offered great incentives, purchased seriously underpriced city land, then stopped the proceedings, and waited a little while, all in the dark, while the city’s land buy-back time ran out, leaving The Hub with a piece of property worth seven times its original purchase price In a while, they returned with a new, more lucrative plan to build a seniors housing complex.
In 2022, a report for the Office of the Federal Housing Advocate called ‘The Financialization of Multi-Family Rental Housing in Canada’ defined three policies Canada put together which gave large investment firms a leg-up to buy massive blocks of apartment buildings and the opportunity to “squeeze new value from old buildings by raising rents and fees and cutting maintenance ” Rental housing as a money-maker for real estate investment trusts and the firms reported on have exploded in value. The report recommended tracking ownership, the impacts of commercializing housing on renters, suspending subsidies and support for commercialized landlords, and applying greater rent controls and tenant protection, province by province.
When we don’t know who wants to buy or rezone land or we don’t know who we are dealing with, then we don’t know for certain what they intend Over decades, city lands have been purchased, sold, zoned and rezoned, with and definitely without, the best interests of the
larger community Cities can be notorious for shady land sales and Prince George has had its fair share.
But it does not have to be that way There’s no honest reason why we shouldn’t know exactly who and what we are dealing with
Jan
Manning, Prince George
OBSCENE COSTS FOR SENIORS
I had a coffee in a local restaurant and had a fantastic conversation with a gentleman, I was shocked at what he told me, and did some research Now, I know that inflation exists, I know that certain things are inherently expensive, but what I heard thoroughly disgusted me
The gentleman was discussing his mother, who requires extra care and lives in a home in the Okanagan. Between his sister and himself, and his mother’s savings and pension, they pay in excess of $7,000 a month for her to reside in this home At first I thought that this was a unique setting, but no, it is the standard across B.C. The gentleman is on a small disability pension
If I look at my old job at the pulp mill, and what my wages would be today, those wages would just cover the cost of my parent being in care. Of course, pensions, and the pensions of a spouse or dead spouse would help, but the amount being charged is a disgrace. In my own home, with a mortgage, groceries, vehicles, and two kids, we do not even approach this amount, and when one considers the food served at many of these homes and the extra charges that are required, it staggers the mind.
We focus a lot on the cost of daycare and the inability some families have with having their children cared for, but imagine the kind of net income a family needs to have, if an elderly parent from one or both sides of the family requires care? Seven to fourteen thousand dollars, on top of the day-to-day living by your own family, raising children and preparing for your own retirement
Regardless of your status, and income, the sheer amount being charged, especially when one hears the
horror stories of how the elderly are treated, and the conditions in some of these homes, is obscene. There is no reason for this other than it making someone extremely rich on the misfortune of others.
Someone I knew had to pay extra for her husband to come and have dinner with her every day, so he brought food from home, and that was later disallowed When you look at this, and the pathetic amounts paid in pensions, you realize just how bad the elderly are treated
Michael Maslen, Prince George
BAIL REFORMS ARE CRUEL JOKE
Reverse onus applies to a person convicted of a violent weapons offense only in past five years Excuse me, but don’t you think they should still be behind bars for such an offense? A judge has to sign a form that they considered the safety of all involved including the general public before approving/denying bail Gee, I would expect that should be the judge’s number 1 concern!
In the midst of a toxic drug crisis and a provincewide gang war, not one word about drug traffickers, first time offenders or not, especially those caught as well with firearms. Not one mention about the non-violent chronic repeat offenders who cost untold tens of millions of dollars in extra policing and court costs, and untold hundreds of millions more in victim costs: loss of possessions; property damage; insurance rates and deductibles; loss of time and work dealing with crime; security systems; and crime prevention measures.
Someone who has over 20 convictions doesn’t need a timeout. They require serious intervention. Their rap sheet already tells you how ineffective the “everyone can be rehabilitated” approach has been.
The Charter of Rights should be rewritten to place the rights of victims and of society at large to a peaceful, crime-free existence as paramount, overriding the rights of those who feel obliged to break the laws.
Bill Thompson, Quesnel
We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada.
Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.
NEIL GODBOUT EDITORIN-CHIEF CURTIS ARMSTRONG PUBLISHER
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Road installed through Moccasin Flats
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
The residents of Moccasin Flats encampment got an early start to their day last Monday, as some of them woke up to the sound of rumbling graders and loaders working to clear a roadway through their campsite.
City crews got started at 9 a m , plowing a designated road marked on either side by concrete dividers to provide safer access for emergency vehicles to the camp on the east side of downtown that is home to about 100 people
Charlene Pouce Coupe has been camping at Moccasin Flats for three days with her male friend and she sees the road construction as a good thing She’s hopeful it will bring more improvements and better amenities to the area.
“This road is a start, that’s the way I see it,” she said.
Pouce Coupe asked a city supervisor who stopped to talk as he drove through in his truck if he knew if or when the city
was coming with more portable toilets. Just two port-a-potties serve the entire encampment and both are located close
to the west entrance, a long walk from the shelter she shares with her friend
“If the city is putting this (road) up, then the toilets should be the city’s responsibility,” said Pouce Coupe.
The city worker said he would make some inquiries to try to rectify the problem
She said that would just be the start of meeting the basic needs of the residents of Moccasin Flats, where there’s no water supply, no showers, no garbage disposal system, and no place to escape the weather
“My top priority would be tarps and a proper shelter with outhouses and a proper shower place, like there’s nothing here for them,” said Pouce Coupe
“Those tents they have in war zones would be perfect for here. These tarps here are so thin and it’s really bad in the scorching heat. Some of them need tents. There’s an elderly lady sleeping on a couch and it’s not nice.”
Tiny homes, garden planned for encampment
The idea of building safe and secure homes for people in the downtown encampment is a way to help the city tackle the homeless problem that’s been tried in other cities and Katt Cadieux says the time is now to start building those tiny homes in Prince George. Cadieux heads the nonprofit UNDU (United Northern Drug Users) and the organization is behind the tiny home project
The group is now looking for volunteers willing to donate their time to build the homes and for donations of building materials
“We put a thing out on Facebook and we’ve had a few bites from people that have carpentry skills that are willing to share their knowledge of how to build little homes for people so that they’re not living in tarps and tents and they’ll have more security,” said Cadieux. “We have a bit of money for hammers and nails and we’re looking for (wood) pallets, any kind of wood we can get down there The
materials is the biggest piece.”
Donations of building material can be brought to the Atco trailer UNDU has parked at the site near the west entrance to the encampment.
UNDU is paying for the portable toilets set up near the trailer, which now serve the encampment, and another toilet was
brought to the other end of the encampment a few days ago
UNDU helped organize the Moccasin Flats site cleanup on April 29 As a way to avoid trash from piling up as it did, Cadieux is hopeful the city will provide dumpsters at either end of the camp. The lack of a water supply at the camp
remains an issue.
Cadieux says UNDU is planning to get the Moccasin Flats garden in shape on May 25
They’ve got lots of seeds and garden volunteer April Ottesen has seedlings she’s grown in her yard in a nearby neighbourhood, ready to be transplanted to the community garden.
Ottesen and Niki Hanson started the garden last June with a donation of 12 yards of topsoil But more dirt is needed to expand the garden and give the residents camping nearby the ability to grow their own food.
“If someone is willing to donate some soil we’re more than happy to go pick it up,” said Cadieux
Cadieux says the therapeutic value of having a garden in the encampment for the first time last year makes all the effort it takes well worthwhile
“It created community and created jobs,” she said “It’s healing It got people to get in touch with nature and be able to get away from their daily survival and come together to learn about planting and growing ”
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
A city crew installs concrete barricades at the Moccasin Flats encampment at Lower Patricia Boulevard on the east side of downtown Prince George
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
April Ottesen weeds the cabbage patch last September at the Moccasin Flats garden.
RD to spend $500K to boost office security
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
Tthe Regional District of Fraser-Fort George board of directors has approved a $505,000 security upgrade to the district’s office at 155 George St., next to an encampment in Millennium Park.
Regional district CAO Jim Martin said the current plan would see the lawn in front of the building completely fenced in and converted into a secure parking area with controlled access for staff
“A couple days ago, one of our staff shared that they were scared (downtown) for the first time, when they came into the office early People were circling their car, and they didn’t know what their intent was,” Martin said “A couple of weeks prior, our staff were forced to witness an altercation with an axe ”
One person was swinging an axe at a person armed with a shovel, he said District staff have been frequently exposed to people engaging in open drug use and relieving themselves on the front lawn, Martin added
“Some of our clients come in and want to know if it is safe to come here,” he said The goal is to get the project completed this summer
“Is there a safe place for people (encamped on the district lawn) to go in Prince George?” director Art Kaehn asked “This is going to be a potential worksite, it won’t be safe for people to be there ”
Martin said the regional district is working closely with the city on a strategy to safely relocate residents from the district lawn and Millennium Park Last week
Prince George city council designated the Lower Patricia encampment, named Moccasin Flats by residents, as the only public space in Prince George where overnight camping is allowed
District director and Prince George city councillor Brian Skakun said he hopes the initiatives being taken by the city will have a positive impact on businesses and organizations downtown.
“It’s a sad state of things that even governments have to invest in heavy security,” he said “ It’s not sustainable ”
Former mayor, city staff join consulting firm
EXCITING FEATURES
• Recruiting Here - Find your next opportunity here!
• Honour House Society Tour of Honour will be stopping by the show on Saturday, May 27th!
• Saturday is Family Day - Register one person and the family is FREE!
Friday, May 26 9am-5pm Saturday, May 27 9am-4pm
Three of the key figures in the George Street parkade fiasco are now working together at a Victoria-based management consulting firm.
Former Prince George mayor Lyn Hall, former city manager Kathleen Soltis and former City of Prince George general manager of planning and development
Ian Wells are all listed as staff members at Wellesley Consulting Group Hall’s title at the company is associate, government relations and strategic partnerships; Soltis’ title is associate, stakeholder engagement, people and culture; and Wells’ title is associate, land use and development planning, government relations
There is no indication that the Wellesley Consulting Group had any connection to the parkade. Some of the services provided by Wellesley Consulting Group
include strategic planning and risk mitigation, people and cultural engagement, government relations, lobbying, and operational planning and improvement The company was founded in Prince George by managing partner Ross Birchall Soltis, Wells and Hall all left the City of Prince George, after it came to light that Hall and City of Prince George senior staff, including Soltis and Wells, were warned the parkade would be significantly overbudget in 2018, two years before that information was made public and too late to stop construction The original budget for the parkade was $12.6 million, the final cost came to $34 16 million – $22 46 million for the parkade, $597,138 to connect the parkade to the city’s district energy system, and $11.1 million for water and sewer upgrades in the area
Soup honours sister’s memory
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen staff
The Soup Factory started out as Margaret McMorrow’s business in 2011 but when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer she asked sister Juanita Dalziel to take over Dalziel honoured her sister’s last wishes in 2014 and continues to honour her memory with one little change in the business’ name which is now called Sister’s Soup Factory as a reminder that it was once was and in some ways will always be Margaret’s business.
“I started this as just a farmers’ market business and I’ve actually grown it to a full-time business,” Dalziel said “I do trade shows all over Alberta and B C and I am in stores all over Alberta and B C ” Dalziel can be found at the Farmer’s Market alongside the courthouse in downtown Prince George every Saturday for the summer.
MS fundraiser goes Sunday
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH
Citizen staff
It began with a feeling like an electrical shock traveling along her spine when she put her head down.
“Then I started having stroke-like symptoms of tingling and numbness and things wouldn’t work and I went to the doctor and for eight years they kept telling me I was depressed,
I was imagining things and it was all in my head and not to worry about it,” Kerry Etter said.
One day, her whole system seemed to shut down all at once and that’s when she was diagnosed That was when she was 35 and the doctor said Etter probably had MS since she was a teenager.
The annual Prince George MS Walk goes May 28 at Lheidli T’enneh
Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p m The fundraising goal is $40,000 There’s a festival that will take place along with the 2 5km walk that includes children’s activities like bubbles, games and face painting, vendors will be on site along with lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, snacks and drinks. Musical performances will be showcased at the bandshell.
Prince George Folkfest Society (PGFFS) would like to invite existing and new members to attend our Annual General Meeting to discuss the continued success of
the prince george winter music festival!
returns february 2 to 10, 2024! Thursday, June 22nd - 7:00 pm Knox Performance Centre (Lower Hall) - 1448 5th Ave Time and venue subject to change www.coldsnapfestival.com @coldsnapfest
SATURDAY, JUNE 10TH 6:00 PM Evening Bingo
JACKPOT $4,000 cash plus $2,000 Slot Free Play $300 Regular Games $600 Double Win Regular games $2,000 $200 Slot Free Plays X 10 Draws
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
Sister’s Soup Factory owner Juanita Dalziel took over the business to honour her sister Margaret’s memory
Golf course builder, business icon remembered
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
Mike Church, a successful logger, gold miner and heavy-equipment operator who built the Aberdeen Glen golf course in Prince George, is being remembered for his enthusiasm and vision.
Surrounded by his family at Prince George Rotary Hospice House, Church died on April 11, three weeks shy of his 88th birthday
It took two years for him and his crew of a dozen heavy haulers to turn that parcel of land in the Hart into an 18-hole legacy.
“He had tremendous vision, not just with building the golf course,” said Mike’s son Craig “If he saw a mountain of dirt that had to be moved he had a plan in his mind and looked for the easiest, quickest way to do it, and he was so good at it
Born in 1935 in Big Creek, southwest of Williams Lake, Church went to school in Prince George and studied civil engineering at UBC but left university early to work in his dad Percy’s sawmill along the Fraser River at McGregor
When the sawmill was sold, Mike continued logging on his own, then switched to sewer, water and road construction throughout B.C., Yukon and Belize.
Mike Church stands in front of the Aberdeen Glen subdivision during construction
His work on municipal road projects Dawson City led to a gold-mine opportunity in the Yukon and his expertise took him to mines in B.C. and Australia.
He paid a golf course architect from Vancouver to design Aberdeen Glen’s tee boxes and greens, but everything else was designed and engineered in his own mind.
No. 4, the love-it or hate-it hole with its tee-box set on a hill tucked into the woods, was his favourite
Church started building the 100-lot Aberdeen Glen subdivision at the same time as the golf course
The residential lots he sold helped pay the golf construction costs
He also built the Del Haven town home community on the north side of the Nechako River just west of the Yellowhead Bridge.
Although he started playing late in life, only a few years before the course opened, Church made up for it and soon became a good golfer
With a big gallery watching him line up for the first official swing on opening day, May 15, 1999, he nailed a zinger drive right down the middle of the fairway
“He was very steady, didn’t lose a lot of golf balls, very good around the green,” said grandson Jessey “He was one of those guys that didn’t want to lose ”
Alice Cooper golfed Aberdeen Glen twice and the first time he played with the legendary rocker, Church wasn’t too sure who he was meeting
“He really didn’t know who he was at first,” said Craig, “because he said to me, ‘Why does he have his hair all pushed up behind his hat, and why is his name Alice?’”
A celebration of Church’s life is planned for Saturday, July 8, starting at 1 p.m. at the clubhouse.
Kids program on way
A new program is coming to a yet-tobe-determined Prince George school.
Seamless Day Kindergarten integrates before- and after-school care into the kindergarten classroom, delivered by certified early childhood educators (ECEs)
working alongside classroom teachers
The program provides more families with access to affordable early learning and childcare, before and after school, conveniently located in the kindergarten classroom.
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 57 (PRINCE GEORGE)
NOTICE OF BY-ELECTION BY VOTING, ADVANCE VOTING AND MAIL BALLOT VOTING OPPORTUNITIES PRINCE GEORGE TRUSTEE ELECTORAL AREA No 1
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY given to the electors of School District No
57 - Prince George Trustee Electoral Area No 1 that a by-election by voting is necessary to elect two (2) School Trustees for Prince George Trustee Electoral Area No 1 and that the persons nominated as candidates for whom votes will be received are:
SCHOOL TRUSTEE – PRINCE GEORGE TRUSTEE ELECTORAL AREA No. 1 Two (2) PERSONS TO BE ELECTED
SURNAME Usual First Name
Duncan Lucy
Fitzpatrick Don
Holland
Low
Mahoney
Martin
McCrory
McKenzie
GENERAL VOTING DAY
Sarah
David
Milton
Dusty
Shar
Heather
Price Bill
Silva Josh
Will be open to qualified electors of School District No. 57 Prince George Trustee Electoral Area No. 1, on Saturday, June 17, 2023 between the hours of 8:00 am and 8:00 pm at the following locations:
• Pineview Elementary School, 8515 Old Cariboo Hwy, Prince George, B.C. V2N 5V2
• Van Bien Training Centre, 311 Wilson Crescent, Prince George, B.C. V2L 4P8
ADVANCE VOTING DAY(S)
Will be open to qualified electors of School District No 57 Prince George Trustee Electoral Area No. 1, between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm at the School District No. 57 Office located at 2100 Ferry Avenue V2L 4R5 on Wednesday, June 7 2023 and Tuesday, June 13, 2023
VOTER REGISTRATION
The registration of electors for this By-Election will take place at the time of voting. You will be required to make a declaration that you meet the requirements to be registered.
RESIDENT ELECTORS
Only one (1) vote per elector is allowed within School District No. 57 and Electors must reside within the Prince George Trustee Electoral Area No. 1, to vote.
Resident Electors will be required to produce two (2) pieces of identification (Picture identification is not necessary)
• At least one with a signature to prove identity
• At least one must prove both residency and identity
You will be required to make a declaration that you are:
• Canadian citizen;
• 18 years of age or older on general voting day;
• resident of British Columbia for at least six (6) months immediately before the day of registration;
• resident of, or registered owner of the real property, within the voting jurisdiction of Prince George Trustee Electoral Area No. 1 on the day of registration;
• not disqualified by the School Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualified by law from voting;
Residential Address or Jurisdiction
Prince George, BC
Prince George, BC
Prince George, BC
Prince George, BC
Prince George, BC
Prince George, BC
Prince George, BC
Prince George, BC
Prince George, BC
Prince George, BC
NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY ELECTORS
Must own real property within the Prince George Trustee Electoral Area No 1 and provide legal description of the real property and the mailing address. If more than one (1) owner, a completed “NonResident Property Elector Consent Form” must be attached. Only one (1) registered owner of the real property is eligible to vote.
The “Non-Resident Property Elector Consent Forms” can be obtained at School District No. 57, 2100 Ferry Avenue during regular office hours between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or from the School District website https://www.sd57.bc.ca/ In addition, the forms will be available at the voting places on Advance Voting Opportunity days and on General Voting Day
You will be required to make a declaration that you are:
• Canadian citizen and;
• 18 years of age or older on general voting day;
• Be a resident of British Columbia for at least six (6) months immediately before the day of registration;
• Be a registered owner of the real property, within the voting jurisdiction of Prince George Trustee Electoral Area No. 1 at least thirty (30) days immediately before the day of registration; and
• Not be entitled to register as resident elector; and
• Not disqualified by the School Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualified by law from voting;
Non-Resident Property Electors must produce two (2) pieces of identification (Picture identification is not necessary)
• At least one with a signature to prove identity
• At least one must prove both residency and identity
• Proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property (Property Tax Notice, Land Title Registration or Property Assessment Notice)
• “Non-Resident Property Elector Consent Form”, if there is more than one owner of the property
If you have questions on whether you are eligible to vote as a nonresident property elector, please contact the Chief Election Officer at 250-561-6800 ext. 321 or byelection@sd57.bc.ca
Examples of accepted identification include:
BC Driver’s Licence**
BC Care Card**
BC Identification
Debit or Credit Card
Property Tax Notice
Social Insurance Number Card
Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
Canadian Passport
Current Utility Bill - Containing Elector’s Name and Address
Certificate of Indian Status card
Firearms License (PAL)
Student Identification Card
Owner’s Certificate of Insurance and Vehicle License (issued by ICBC)
Provincial Social Assistance Form SDES8
**Driver’s Licence and/or BC Identification Cards with a BC Care Card on the reverse are only one (1) acceptable form of identification.
MAIL BALLOT VOTING
Mail ballot voting is available to all residents of School District No 57 Prince George Trustee Electoral Area No. 1 and non-resident property electors of School District No 57 Prince George Trustee Electoral Area No. 1, who are eligible to vote in the By-Election. In order to receive a mail ballot, electors must complete a request form. The form may be obtained online from the School District’s website https://www.sd57.bc.ca/, at the School District No. 57 office at 2100 Ferry Avenue, Prince George, during regular office hours, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., by mail, by calling 250-561-6800, or by emailing by byelection@sd57.bc.ca
Requests for a mail ballot package must be returned by 4:00 p.m. on May 31, 2023 by mail or courier, by hand delivery during regular office hours - Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.; by fax to 250-561-6820; or by email to byelection@sd57.bc.ca
Mail ballot packages will be mailed to applicants as soon as ballots are available, commencing on or about Friday, May 26, 2023. To be counted, your ballot must be received by the Chief Election Officer no later than 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023 For more information, please contact Jan Cote, Chief Election Officer, at 2 50-561-6800 ext. 321, or Cindy Morris, Deputy Chief Election Officer, at 250-561-9235 ext. 2209.
Jan Cote
Chief Election Officer
Short film features Northern FanCon attendees
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
An intergalactic invasion by an alien intent on conquering Earth who instead crash-lands into a comic convention at Northern FanCon in Prince George is the plot of a short film produced locally by Barker Street Cinema.
Filmed during last year’s FanCon at CN Centre, Conquest was shown to a live local audience for the first time last Friday to help kickstart the eighth annual entertainment expo
The incompetent anti-hero, Dreadmore (Mark Meer), comes from a race of conquerors and plans to use his weapon to subdue the human race But he has a change of heart when he climbs out of his crashed spaceship to a friendly reception from FanCon attendees, who applaud his freakish Star Wars-inspired appearance and give him thumbs-up approval for his impromptu participation in the cosplay contest.
Dreadmore is the obvious judges’ choice as the contest winner and celebrates WWE-style when he’s awarded a championship belt
Directed by Kate Kroll, written and produced by Norm
Coyne, the movie will be shown this summer on the North American festival circuit.
Just six minutes long, Coyne says the movie is a proofof-concept film that has potential to be turned into a
full-length feature.
“On this film I’ve met with The CW (Network),” said Coyne. “There are big platforms looking at it right now. It’s a bite-sized piece so that people can see how you would film it and get a feel for the actors on screen.”
Guests who worked on the six-minute film last year were paired with local crew members from Prince George
Among the guests were Tina Teoli, the former head of the TV series makeup department for The Flash and The Good Doctor; costume designer Allisa Swanson (The 100, Firefly Lane); artist/prop designer Evil Ted Smith (The Fifth Element); and producer Marc Bernardin (Picard, Writer’s Guild award winner for Castle Rock)
Meer had a major role in the video game Mass Effect One of the henchmen in the film is Ming Chen of AMC’s Comic Book Men
Coyne, a former Prince George resident who now lives in Kelowna, selected Kroll, an award-winning filmmaker, based on her proven ability and her current momentum in the movie industry
“I have been following Kate’s career closely and I believe she is headed for the top,” said Coyne “She absolutely needed to be the person to direct this film.”
Fashion exhibit showcases UNBC graduate
A UNBC graduate is having her first solo exhibition of her fashion creations in the Galleria at Two Rivers Art Gallery from today through July 2.
Olamipo Bandele immigrated to Canada from her home country of Nigeria to complete a master’s degree at UNBC She now lives and works in Prince George as a content writer and designer Longing for the comforts, rhythms, and familiar faces of home, she reconnected with her home and its culture through the
art form she knows best: fashion
Bandele’s designs are a feast for the eyes From voluminous ruffles to richly textured fabrics, each garment and accessory celebrates the colours and styles of Nigeria.
Throughout the exhibition, Bandele’s designs are complemented by her writing.
Through both poetry and prose, she shares her longing for home and how gratitude and authenticity can be powerful coping mechanisms.
This written practice illuminates Bandele’s perspective as she builds a new life in Prince George while maintaining her roots in Nigeria, and in this way, she offers the viewer a window into her challenging, yet rewarding, journey.
There is an opening reception for the exhibit on May 25 at 7:30 p.m., where Bandele will discuss her design process and the influence of Nigerian culture on her work This event is free and open to all to attend.
Check out what’s happening this week...
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Conquest stars Mark Meer, left, who plays Dreadmore, and Washika William (Daria), pose for a photo
Abeti Aja by Olamipo Bandele
Healthy North y
We want to hear from you Northern BC! Public Health has launched the province-wide BC SPEAK Survey
Wildfires or forest fires are common in forested and grassland regions from May to September. They can cause extensive damage and put lives in danger.
To prepare for forest fire season:
• Stay informed of weather conditions and advisories in your area
• Ensure that your family has an emergency kit, a plan, and a full tank of gas
• Contact your local municipal, provincial or territorial emergency management organization tofamiliarize yourself with evacuation routes and procedures.
• Create a fire smart property to potentially decrease damage to your property FireSmart BC,Consult with your local fire department or a qualified engineer about making your home fire-resistant.
Find information here on how you can be better prepared for wildfires: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prepare
Check out our story on #EPW2023 and share how you plan for emergencies for a chance to win stories.northernhealth.ca/stories/emergencypreparedness-week-contest
By participating in the survey, you will provide valuable information about how to help improve the health of your community Help us understand your community’s health and well-being needs. Complete the survey and win! Northern BC residents who take the survey can win one of 3 iPads, or one of 150 grocery gift cards.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, there are a number of mental health and substance use resources that can help.
Northern BC residents can get help immediately by contacting any one of the following:
Call 310-Mental Health Support at 310-6789 for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health.
Call 1-800-784-2433 if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide.
The KUU-US Crisis Response Service at 1-800-5888717 provides culturally-aware crisis support for Indigenous peoples in BC.
The Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service at1-800-663-1441 can help you find resources and support.
BC has several virtual mental health supports for anyone experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges, and you can find more information at www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substanceuse/virtual-mental-health-supports
ARIES
You’ll be successful at work by taking the time to negotiate, ask questions and close deals. Your home life will improve if you impose more discipline.
TAURUS
Whatever the project, you must take the time to work out the small details and prepare to thrill your social circle.
GEMINI
You’ll succeed in standing out and being admired in some way For example, getting a new look for the summer will turn heads and attract attention.
CANCER
If you’re anticipating a move, you’ll be inspired to
HOROSCOPES ZLES
family An apprenticeship would be beneficial to your career development.
LEO
You’ve earned certain confidences because you’re trustworthy and discreet. You could be told a secret or two that will leave you feeling perplexed.
VIRGO
Travel will be more complicated than expected. You may have to drive your loved ones around this week. You’ll show initiative in a project in which you’ll be involved for several years.
LIBRA
Make sure you reflect for several days before making a significant purchase. This will ensure you better price.
SCORPIO
You must rest this week. Drinking a second cup of coffee at work will help you clear your head and be more productive. Your creativity and intuition will guide you in the right direction.
SAGITTARIUS
Your plans could change suddenly For example, your guests could cancel an activity you had planned. Fortunately, you’ll enjoy the calm and relaxation instead of the frenzy
CAPRICORN
You’ll organize a staff meeting at work. You’ll also have success with a housewarming or birthday party Your popularity will skyrocket.
AQUARIUS
You’ll find relevant information about a course or training program that will lead to spectacular professional development You’ll have the opportunity to broaden your horizons.
PISCES
The holidays are just around the corner If you have young children, you may be worried about finding summer activities to keep them busy Take time with them to carefully choose a day camp, for example.
William Murray MacLatchy
His family sadly announces William’s sudden death on May 8 at TRIM long-term care in Mission, BC. William was born on October 23, 1964 in Prince George, BC. He graduated from College Heights Secondary in Prince George and completed a Business Administration Diploma at the then Fraser Valley College in 1987. His working life notably included many years with Newcastle College in Langley, before declining health slowed him down.
William was an avid train buff and photographer, a serious follower of world news and politics, and a lover of all animals, particularly cats and dogs. Over many years he developed a large collection of history books and a massive array of history and science fiction DVDs He was a caring and kind person and is greatly missed
He is survived by his mother, Joan MacLatchy of Mission, his brother Michael MacLatchy (Alcina), with nieces Breanna and Catriona of Port Moody, and step-brother Michael McLoughlin (Grace) of Hope
Many thanks are extended to the staff at TRIM for their care and kindness over the last year and a half
A gathering for family and close friends is being planned
DECAROLIS,AntonioRocco
It is with great sadness that we announce our beloved husband, father, grandfather, andgreat-grandfather,AntonioRoccoDeCarolis,haspassedawayattheageof85.
Antonio will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Fernanda; and by his children, Clory (Valerio) Ferrari, Cesidio (Christine) DeCarolis and Franca (John) Mercuri Antonio was a very proud Nonno to his six grandchildren, Francesco (Alex), Gino, Antonio (Rachel), Sabrina (Sam), Nicolas and Micheal; and Bisnonno to his three great-grandchildren, Dominique, Elizabeth and Asher, with two more on theway
He was predeceased by his parents, Cesidio and Clorinda DeCarolis; and infant grandson,Marco.
Antonio was born in Alvito, Frosinone, Italy on June 6, 1937. Antonio treasured growing up in Alvito with his parents and siblings. As a young man, Antonio sought adventure and opportunity, moving to Rome to learn his trade of commercial painting before immigrating to Canada in 1963. After a few years in Edmonton, Antonio married the love of his life on January 20, 1968, and over the next 35 years, Antonio and Fernanda built a wonderful life for their family in Prince George, BC Always an entrepreneur at heart, over those years in Prince George, Antonio built two successful and well-respected businesses, Tower Painting and Villa Roma Restaurant. His reputation for excellence and integrity, both in business and in life, remains a legacy our family will always cherish. In 2003, Antonio and Fernanda returned to Edmonton to be closer to their growing family In retirement, Antonio and Fernanda enjoyed time with family and especially relished spending their summersinAlvito,aplaceheadoredsomuch.
Antonio was a wonderful husband, father, nonno and bisnonno. He never lost his curiosity and quick wit, with a clever story or joke always at the ready Our family will miss these little things the most, and while this void will never be filled, we are grateful that he is nowatpeace.
A Prayer Service was held Friday, May 19, 2023, at 7:30 p.m at Santa Maria Goretti Roman Catholic Church, 9110 - 110 Avenue NW, Edmonton.AFuneralMasswasheldSaturday,May20,2023,at9a.m atSantaMariaGorettiRomanCatholicChurch.
In lieu of flowers, our family suggests a donation in Antonio’s honour to the Alberta Cancer Foundation (https://www.albertacancer.ca/donate) Photos,memories,andcondolencesmaybesharedthroughwww.parkmemorial.com
Henry Anthony Gilbert left us with a smile on May 15, 2023. He was born in Madras in 1934 to Oswald & Trilby Gilbert At age 15 he moved to England with his family and at eighteen joined the Royal Air Force At twenty he decided to follow his sister Dagmar to Canada, where he learned about the Homesteaders Act. He settled first in Vancouver, where he met his wife-to-be, Katherine, and they were married in 1961. They started their family and then moved north to Prince George In 1967 Henry built a log house, homesteaded 160 acres on Wright Creek Road, and set down roots, where he and Katherine raisedtheir12children.
Henry was a heavy duty mechanic by trade and worked in the logging truck industry until he was fifty. He then joined his older children as a tree planter, eventually moving on to building and maintaining reforestation camps. He ended his employment career working for the Ministry of Forests, primarily maintainingcampsitesinthePrinceGeorgedistrict
Henry enjoyed the challenge, peace and tranquility of living in the country He embraced the concept of living off the land and readily participated as a hunter, fisherman and a gatherer He sought out simplicity in living and did his best to avoid the trappings of wants. He used a number of repeatable quotes, including “we are only passing through” and “everything will unfold as it should.” His Catholic upbringing offered him a direction, as he regularly prayed with his young children at night and had all twelve attend Catholic high school He rarely missed a Sunday mass and with his unique voice and cadence,volunteeredasareader
Henry also enjoyed the energy brought on by competition, whether it was the intensity of a ball hockey game or determining the best target shooter. He was often in the middle of some spontaneous game that developed during family gatherings and we would often close out an evening with his five dollar card game Histangiblespiritandlaughwillbegreatlymissed.
Henry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Katherine; his children: Chris (Rhonda), Beth (Gary), Tim, Will (Corinna), Paul (Sherry), Rebecca, Robert, Sarah, Mark, Matthew (Mae), Tristan and Megan (Declan);grandchildren: Ethan, Rachael, John, Hannah (Raymond), Ariel (James), Jonah, Finbar, Aedan (Stephanie), Jackson, Marco, Matteo, Ivory (Mark), Queenie, Athena and Ares; great grandchildren: Zayden, Attaia, Elijah, Everest, Amiah, Lilly, Jack,Charlie,RamseyandJulia
He is also survived by his sisters Jackie and June Henry was predeceased by his older sister Dagmar (our Aunty Dags), his son-in-law Terry Wilson and his greatgrandchildCarter
A funeral service and celebration of life will be held on June 3, 2023 at 11 am @ Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with Rev Father John Garden officiating. A reception will follow the service in the Immaculate Conception parishhall InlieuofflowerspleasesupportHospice-PalliativeCare
DavidReidKlein
1944-2023
It is with great sadness the family of David Klein announces his passing at the age of 79, on May 9, 2023 inVanderhoof,BC
David was born in Vancouver on January 23, 1944 and his family later moved to Salmon Arm, BC to settle on the Grandview Bench area He and his 3 siblings were bussedtoEnderby,BCtoattendhighschool
David moved to Prince George, BC on Boxing Day 1964 with his new wife Wendy (nee Artress) and in the TaborMtnarea,theybegantheirfamily: daughterConstance(ConnieKlein) sonSamuelD.L Klein(deceased1983) sonJasonR.JKlein
David was predeceased by his son Sam, his father Roland F Klein and his mother Constance (Connie) Klein(neeCoulter)
David and his father R.F. Klein and brother Roger began and built up R.F. Klein & Sons Ltd in 1965 for over 40 years
David loved snowmobiling and flying the company float plane They would often be out flying, fishing andcampingonweekends,meetingupwithfriendsfromFraserLake
In later years, he enjoyed running his excavator for hire at Cluculz Lake and moved there He was known as“DiggerDave”. HemademanyfriendsthereandthatiswherehemetDianeBloomfield.
David will be sadly missed by his partner Diane, brother Roger and Roger’s son James Klein, his sisters Deanna Beck and Barbara Seyforth, also his sisters-in-law Deb Ellison/Larry Wiens & family of Lumby, BC, Lyn Roelfsema/Lammert and family of Lumby, BC, Evelyn Artress and family of Nanaimo, BC, WendyKleinofPrinceGeorgeandmanynieces,nephewsandfriends
See you in Vegas baby!
With the opportunity for great personalization, the funeral service can truly reflect the uniqueness of the life it honours. Contact us to find out more.
Glenn Johnston - Director www.dignitymemorial.ca 1908 Queensway St. 250-564-4431
MarionRuthWatt(Evison)
April10,1949toMay17,2023
After a lifelong battle with several physical issues ending with 6.5 years of dialysis, Marion has finally been promoted to heaven. Thank you Jesus! Marion will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by those she has left behind - husband Dan, sister Ella Strong (Ken), brother Ross Evison (Sheryl), daughter Clories Shantelle David (Paul), granddaughters Emelia and Padma, son Fraser (Sarah), grandson Hunter, granddaughterReilly
Many thanks to the medical teams at UNHBC Special recognition needs to go to Doctors Butow andMcGhee,DoctorsBrashearandSinghandtheentire team in the hemodialysis unit What a group of friends! Her final 23 days were spent in hospice where the care continued to be superlative How blessedweweretohavesuchchampionsbyourside
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 10 at 2:00pmatFirstBaptistChurch
ShirleyBerniceGreen
Shirley passed away peacefully on May 12, 2023. She is predeceased by her parents, daughter Barbara and son-in-law Gerald. She is survived by her husband Roy, daughters Penny (Marty), Brenda, grand-children Jessica (Adam), Zachary and great grand-children JacksonandRyder
Shirley was a very supportive and caring woman to everyone she met in life No matter whoyouwere,everyonewasfamilytoher
We loved and cared for you as long as we could until you felt it was time to fly with the angels. We will feel you in our hearts always and forever.
There will be a Celebration of Life on August 12, 2023 at The Senior Centre, 169210thAvenue,PrinceGeorge Doorswillopenat11:30a.m
NeilDavidGlazier
May17,1962-April21,2023
After a long battle with cancer, it is with great sorrowweannounceNeil’spassing
Neil was a dedicated family man, loved and cherishedbyallwhoknewhim.
Survived by wife Brenda, brothers Chris (Tracy), Marty (Jeanette), Dwain (Heather), sister Corrina, stepdad Frank and many family membersandfriends
Predeceased by son Brett, mom Eliane Gyursek, dad Doug Glazier, grandma Florence MakepeaceandauntLoisMartin.
Celebration of life May 27, 2023 at Elks Hall, 663DouglasStat11am
REMEMBRANCES
Therese(Terry) Roy
June14,1932May7,2023
With great sadness we say goodbye to our beautiful mom Terry Roy Terry was born and raised in Zenon Park, a small FrenchCanadian community in rural Saskatchewan. Immediately after marriage Terry and her new husband Damien (Danny) Beaulieu moved to PrinceGeorgetostartanewexcitinglife.
Terry’s early years in Prince George were spent homemaking and raising her six children. Unfortunately, Terry was not immune from tragedy Her oldest son Marc lost his life in a boating accident Shortly after, Terry lost her husband Damien to heart disease Tragedy would strike once more with the loss of her oldest daughterJeanette
In the early 80s Terry met, and shortly after married, her second husband Raymond Roy, with whom she would spend the next 30+ years of her life Terry and Ray moved to a lovely home on the North Shore of Fraser Lake where they spent many good times hosting family and friends on their lakefront property. These were wonderful years that hold many fond memories for all who werefortunateenoughtohaveattended.
Terry’s final years were spent in Prince George in various Seniors’ and family members’ homes until January 2020 when she settled into Parkside Care Home, of which she had nothing but praise and goodthingstosay.
Terry was predeceased by her children Marc Beaulieu and Jeanette Beaulieu and her step-son DaveRoy Terry is survived by her children: Cyril Beaulieu, Morris Beaulieu, Florent Beaulieu & Lise Beaulieu; her step-children: Gary Roy, Carol-Ann Jeffreys, Rod Roy, & Tim Roy; numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren; and 2 of her remaining siblings: Denis and Laurette
A Celebration of Life to honour Terry will be held on Thursday, June 15, 2023, 1:30 - 4:30 pm at Hart Pioneer Centre, 6986 Hart Hwy Prince George,BC Allfamilyandfriendsarewelcome
Terry enjoyed a life full of family, friends, music, love and light
Rest peacefully Mom
“Len”
LeonardLeslie Milligan
March18,1938May16,2023
The strongest link in our family chain was broken with the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Len. Left with cherished memories are the love of his life, wife Gail of 59 years, his sons Mark and Darren (Sherry), grandchildren Chantal, Dylan (Rachelle), and Kurtis, great-granddaughter Luna, brothers Jim and Marshall (Pat), numerous nieces,nephews,extendedfamilyandfriends
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023, to begin at 10:30 am at the Pineview Hall,6470BendixonRoad.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to all the home care support,paramedicsandHospiceHouse
Obituaries
Obituaries
Obituaries
RONALDRAYMOND DYCK
Ronald passed away on May 13, 2023 at the age of 71 years. He is survived by his brother Murray (Charlene) and sisters; Esther, Mary (Randy), Chris, Doris (Daryl), Gail (Dave) and Rosanne Ronald will be remembered by numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives He was predeceased by his mother and father and brothers DaleandGarry
Funeral Services for Ronald will be held on Thursday May 25th at 1:00 pm at Assman’s funeralChapel Interment will follow in Prince George Memorial ParkCemetery
GeorgeGordon Philibert
BornMay9,1942. PassedMay16,2023.
George was a dedicated loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather Born to Anna and Victor Philibert in Vancouver, BC in 1942. After leaving home, he started work on a cattle ranch southwest of Calgary until he enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces. He served in the Canadian Black Watch Battalion, where he traveled to Europe with the Army and spent 3 years moving up to the rank of Lance Corporal After returning home to Calgary Alberta, he met and married his true love, wife Janet, in 1965. He found his career calling as a heavy-duty mechanic, welder, and fabricator, working most of his career in the BC interior in the forestry industry until retiring to enjoy life at the cabin on the lake, with family and friends always welcomed to stay and visit He passed peacefully on Tuesday May 16th at Prince George Hospice, surrounded by family Survived by loving Wife Janet, Daughter Shonda (Jeff), Son Shane (Patti), Granddaughter Amanda, Grandsons Jordan (Lindsay), Dylan and Kash (Elizabeth), and Great Granddaughter Brooklyn. The family would like to thank Dr Hillhouse, everyone at the Cancer Clinic, Home Support, PG Hospice, and friends for all their support In lieu of flowers, donations to Prince George Hospice in memory of GeorgePhilibert,wouldbegreatlyappreciated.
BUYING ALL SILVER! WANTED 9999 BULLION, BARS, COINS, ROUNDS, ALL SILVER COINS, PRE 1968 COINS, ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, FRANKLIN MINT SETS, OLD STERLING
Garage Sales
ESTATE GARAGE SALE Great collection of NEW & USED garden tools, table & chairs, hand tools, Xmas, electrical & plumbing, skil saw, ladder. May 27, 10am4pm. Rain or Shine. 4445 Enns Road
Mills/Equipment
RARE COINS, COLLECTOR COINS, OLYMPIC COINS, OLD PAPER MONEY, PRE 1968 COINS, ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, US MINT COLLECTIONS +. WANTED CANADA, USA & WORLD
Sheds/Outbuildings
OLD JEWELRY, COINS, OLD MONEY, COIN COLLECTIONS, 9999 BARS & COINS, ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, COIN SETS, WORLD $$$ COLLECTIONS ++ TODD 25O 864 3521
KATHLEEN ROCHELEAU
2x49 4
LAND ACT: NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A DISPOSITION OF CROWN LAND
PGC002639
Take notice that Kathleen Rocheleau, from Mcleod Lake, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Omineca Region, for a Crown Grant for Rural Residential purposes situated on Provincial Crown land located in the vicinity of Mcleod Lake, described as Lot 1 & 2, District Lot 5713, Cariboo District, Plan 28586. The Lands File for this application is 7405200. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Susan Spears, Authorizations Specialist, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Omineca Region at 5thFloor 499 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L1R5, or Susan.Spears@gov.bc.ca
Comments will be received by Ministry of Forests, Lands, Omineca Region up to enter date. Ministry of Forests, Lands, Omineca Region may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp for more information. Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions. A hard copy MAP showing the location and extent of the application area may be acquired by calling the Authorizations Specialist named above at 250-561-3479.
KatherineDorothyOlsen
JohnProctor
ToddBuck
KathaleenLacey
AaronSutherland 2010Dodge
HollyLambert
RussellDaleMcDermid
Canadian Forest Products Ltd. and affiliated companies
IN THE MATTER OF THE BANKRUPTCY OF WADE JAMES BRADBURY
NOTICE is hereby given that Wade James Bradbury filed an Assignment in Bankruptcy on May 12, 2023, and that John S. Beverley & Associates Inc. was appointed as Trustee. The first meeting of creditors will be held on the 2nd day of June 2023 at the hour of 9 o’clock in the morning, at the office of the Trustee, 1240 5th in the city of Prince George, in the Province of British Columbia Avenue or via MS Teams Video Conference.
Dated at Prince George, BC this 18th day of May 2023.
IN THE MATTER OF THE BANKRUPTCY OF TIMOTHY ALEXANDER BRADBURY
NOTICE is hereby given that Timothy Alexander Bradbury filed an Assignment in Bankruptcy on May 12, 2023, and that John S. Beverley & Associates Inc was appointed as Trustee The first meeting of creditors will be held on the 2nd day of June 2023 at the hour of 10:30 o’clock in the morning, at the office of the Trustee, 1240 5th Avenue, in the city of Prince George, in the Province of British Columbia or via MS Teams Video Conference
Dated at Prince George, BC this 18th day of May 2023.
Date: May 4, 2023
Re: Opportunity for Coniferous Whole Log Purchases
Canadian Forest Products Ltd (Canfor) are seeking the purchase of log fibre volume for their Interior Manufacturing facilities.
Canfor utilizes high quality Cut-to-Length (CTL) coniferous timber for producing dimensional lumber as well low quality coniferous timber for chip production used in pulp and paper production.
Canfor is offering competitive market prices for coniferous fibre from the Prince George and surrounding areas.
Please direct your inquiries to Les Szerencsi, Senior Log Purchaser (250-613-8687, Les.Szerencsi@canfor.com) or Jeremy Srochenski, Residual Fibre Superintendent (778-582-6157, Jeremy.Srochenski@canfor.com).
Sincerely,
Les Szerencsi
Jeremy Srochenski Senior Log Purchaser Residual Fibre Superintendent
• Use a keyword. Start your ad with the item for sale, service offered or the job title.
• Be descriptive. Give customers a reason to respond.Advertisers have found that the more information you provide, the better the response.
• Limit abbreviations Use only standard abbreviations to avoid confusion and misinterpretations.
• Include price. Always include price of the item for sale.
• How to respond. Always include a phone number (with area code) and/or street and email address.
If you’re planning on selling your home, it’s wise to consider making a few strategic upgrades.Afresh coat of paint is a great place to start, but if you have the budget, certain renovations can raise the value of your property and accelerate its sale Wondering which projects to tackle? Consider the following
AN EXTRA BATHROOM
Putting in an extra bathroom isn’t cheap, but you’ll make a profit in the long run You don’t want to eat up too much usable space, but if you have a rarely used closet or perhaps a room under the stairs, then go ahead and put in that call to your contractor. Existing bathrooms can also be updated for a decent return
THE KITCHEN
If you can only update one room in your house, make it the kitchen Modern cabinetry, granite countertops, recessed cabinet lighting and new appliances will add real value to your home as much as seven per cent, in fact
AN INCOME SUITE
Nothing entices buyers quite like the possibility of offsetting mortgage costs with rental income Whether it’s in your basement or another part of your home, an income suite is guaranteed to increase the value of your property
Should you buy a summer cottage?
Wondering whether or not investing in a cottage makes sense? While the memories you create may be priceless, any vacation property you purchase comes at a cost financial and otherwise.
THE PRICE TAG
The average price for a vacation home in Canada ranges between $200,000 and $625,500, depending on the location. Yearly costs associated with a second mortgage presuming you have a primary residence that isn’t already paid off can easily come to $10,000 at the lower end of the spectrum. You’ll also need to factor in the costs for mortgage insurance, property taxes, utilities and maintenance.
THE UPKEEP
Like your primary residence, your cottage will require ongoing care. The lawn will need to be mowed and the driveway, plowed. There are floors to be washed, windows to be
cleaned and gardens to be weeded. In short, prepare yourself (and the kids!) for a cottage experience that involves more than a few chores.
THE LIFESTYLE
Cottaging is a lifestyle; especially if you want to ensure the money you invest holds up to the amount of use you get out of it. Weekends, holidays and maybe even full summers will be spent up at the cottage. Is this something that will suit you and your family, now and in the years to come?
When deciding whether or not to buy a cottage, carefully consider the pros and cons. If it works for you, great but for everyone else, renting is a hassle-free option that can be just as charming.
Four tips to sell your condo quickly
If you’ve outgrown your condo, it’s time to think about putting it on the market. But selling a condo is a bit different than selling a house. For one thing, condos tend to sell faster, which may require you to move on short notice if a good offer comes in. Employ these four strategies to make sure things roll along smoothly.
1.
A COMPETITIVE PRICE
You need to understand the market to know what price range is reasonable for your unit. Look at listings to determine asking prices for nearby condos similar to your own, and price yours in the same ballpark. You can go slightly lower to bolster interest from buyers.
2.
HIGHLIGHT YOUR ASSETS
Condo living is largely about the lifestyle, which is convenient and hassle-free in comparison to owning a house. Your current building
undoubtedly has its own unique features to emphasize. These may include a gym, a swimming pool, a garage, a great view or a unique location. Also underline benefits provided by the neighbourhood itself, such as proximity to shopping or public transportation.
3. DECLUTTER
Store, donate and throw out as much as possible to increase visual space. Halve what’s in your closets to make them appear bigger Keep surfaces clear and clutter-free, and pack away all personal mementos like photographs and knickknacks. Clean everything from top to bottom and fix or replace anything that’s damaged. Costly renovations, however, should be avoided unless recommended by a real estate professional.
4. OFFER
INCENTIVES
To crack a tough market, you can offer
incentives like covering closing costs or paying condo fees in advance for a set time frame. Doing so can enhance the appeal of your particular
