Cleaning
Hydrogen plant deal could be done soon
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
An agreement to proceed with a plan to build a $5-7 billion hydrogen plant located on the Kerry Lake East Indian Reserve, 90 kilometres north of Prince George, could be in place by Sept. 30.
Harvey Chingee, chief of the McLeod Lake Indian Band, says negotiations are continuing with Mitsubishi Power to complete the deal and he expects it will be done before that deadline.
Chingee says all the necessary infrastructure to operate the plant is in place at the site, which is about two kilometres east of Highway 97.
“It will be huge, like a big pulp mill,” said Chingee. “We’ve got the electricity,
we’ve got the water, we’ve got the highway and we’ve got the railway, and the pipelines are all there.”
The plant will use electricity to split water molecules into their basic elements – two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen – using a process called hydrolysis
The problem with hydrogen is it is the lightest element and it’s not feasible to compress the gas enough for it to be transported
The solution is to convert it to liquid ammonia, which would then be shipped in railcars to the port facility in Prince Rupert, which is gearing up with an expansion to be better equipped to handle large-scale ammonia shipments
See
page 5
City says it’s working to improve transparency
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
The City of Prince George has taken multiple steps to improve public transparency since 2021, a city spokesperson said in an email.
The city was named the winner of the 2022 Code of Silence Award for Outstanding Achievement in Government Secrecy, presented annually by the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ), the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University (CFE) and the Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) “The City responds to every media request. Every item noted in the (CAJ press release) was provided to the media either directly by communications staff or through public reports Some of the finer details of who knew what when, was released through publication of staff emails following an FOI request,” the spokesperson said in an email “A communications policy was adopted by Council in 2022. The purpose of this policy is to ensure information is provided in a timely, transparent, accurate, consistent and appropriate manner. A communications administrative procedure and a social media administrative procedure were also adopted.”
The city launched a new website in 2021 to provide greater access to information, and city council also
SUBMITTED
The
adopted a whistleblower policy to protect city staff who raise concerns about misconduct Also since 2021, the city launched a new social media strategy to engage with residents more frequently and in a timely manner City staff respond to resident questions both through the 311 phone line, 311 email, City app, social media and a Fact Check page on the city website, aimed at correcting misinformation circulating in the public sphere, the spokesperson said. The city also meets all legislated financial reporting requirements and adopted a new policy regarding writing letters of support in January.
“The City responds to all requests promptly and accurately Citizens are also able to communicate directly with their elected representatives through their email and phone numbers which are published on the City’s website,” the email said. “Questions for the City that require a great deal of staff time to research are referred to the Freedom of Information (FOI) process which the City complies with In 2022 the City responded to 90 FOI requests and so far this year there are 69 requests.”
The city implemented a series of changes in 2022, following the review of the George Street Parkade project, including: creating a new Capital Program Management Office; amending the city manager’s budget amendment authority to a maximum of $100,000 per project and reporting all amendments to council on a quarterly basis; and twice per year city staff report publicly to city council on the status of significant capital projects
Twice a year, the status of significant capital projects are reported publicly to city council, and shared on social media.
“As noted in the corporate work plan, the city is developing a communications and engagement strategy. The drafting of this strategy will start with a public survey to determine how satisfied citizens are with the current levels of communication and engagement and how it can be improved,” the spokesperson said.
City of Prince George was named the winner of the 2022 Code of Silence Award for Outstanding Achievement in Government Secrecy
City council needs to ‘step up’ on transparency
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
The City of Prince George has a problem with transparency, according to two city council members.
The city was named the winner of the 2022 Code of Silence Award for Outstanding Achievement in Government Secrecy, presented annually by the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ), the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University (CFE) and the Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE)
“The award given to us clearly indicates significant issues within our municipality and presents opportunities for improvement,” Coun Brian Skakun said in an email “If council does not step up and hold administration accountable and remain silent on important issues, it will get worse before it gets better.”
Despite ongoing concerns from the public, and “a cycle of negative news coming out regarding our processes,” city council has not created the environment
needed to change the culture of transparency at city hall, Skakun said
“I would like to see mayor and council lead the process of having an external governance audit completed. This should be council led and council managed,” he said “The public is feeling less informed on issues that matter to them With less discussion on legislative matters, to increased in-camera meetings, we are taking the decision-making process out of public view We need to do better ”
In an email, Coun. Trudy Klassen said the media has an “incredibly important role” in keeping politicians and governments accountable
“The lack of transparency that made our city hall eligible for this award means city council and administration has much work to do,” Klassen said. “Politicians and city administration work for and answer to the residents, so transparency should be the default If we are doing our work honestly, we have nothing to hide.”
Klassen said city council has the ability to make the changes needed to ensure
the city isn’t eligible for the award again.
“I know I have at least a few colleagues on council who are in favour of making the needed changes,” she said “Our city has incredible potential; we just need to fix a few things to help bring that potential to reality. I remain hopeful.”
Coun Tim Bennett said the city has had challenges with transparency but the city has taken significant steps forward
“Some of the key people involved in these decisions are no longer involved Positive steps are being taken and we recognize that it is not at the speed that is expected,” Bennett said in an email “We need to continue to learn from the past and when there may be a slip-up it is important to be accountable for that decision and take steps to prevent it from happening again.”
As a member of the city’s Standing Committee on Finance and Audit, Bennett said he’s seen the positive change in how the city is reporting progress on its capital projects, following the review of the parkade cost overruns.
Cariboo Gold Project
Invitation to Comment
July 19 to August 18, 2023 July 19 to August 18, 2023
“At a recent Finance and Audit meeting we received a series of reports that were a result of these changes. These reports showed positive progress on capital projects when looking at the budget and timelines,” he said “I recognize it is a lot of information so perhaps we need to look at how we can continue to improve how that information is communicated to the public These reports and presentations quite often happen at committee level and while these meetings are open to the public the attendance is quite low.”
The nature of the city’s decision-making process, which often sees issues like rezonings come before council multiple times before a final decision is made, is also a factor
“People are engaged for one portion of the process but are not hearing the discussions or debates happening at the other stages,” Bennett said. “There is an appetite to learn more about how decisions are made, and council should find more ways to share that in a plain and clear way.”
Osisko Development Corp. is proposing the Cariboo Gold Project, an underground gold mine near Wells, B.C.
The EAO is holding a public comment period on the draft materials to be provided to Ministers to make the decision on whether or not to allow the project to proceed.
Learn more about the project and tell us what is important to you:
July 19, 2023
Info Session (Zoom) In-Person Open House Register at: gov.bc.ca/EAOPublicComments
5:00 - 7:00pm Open house
7:00 - 8:00pm Panel discussion
Wells Community Hall 4269 Sanders Ave, Wells, B.C. 5:00 pm to 7:00pm PDT July 25, 2023
You may also submit comments by mail: Cariboo Gold Project, PO box 9426, Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, B.C. V8W 9V1
Property Use Agreements for:
Beaverly Recreational Property
Miworth Community Hall & Miworth Community Park
Nukko Hall Community Hall
The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George intends to enter into property use agreements for the use of Regional District properties as follows:
Beaverly Community Association for the Beaverly Recreational Property, legally described as Lot 16, District Lot 620, Cariboo District Plan 1210, located at 9890 South Heights Road, in Prince George, BC. (For a 3- year term)
Miworth Community Association for the Miworth Community Hall, legally described as Part of the Remainder of Block A of District Lot 2165, Cariboo District, located at 13510 Flint Road, in Prince George, BC, and Miworth Community Park, legally described as Lot B, District Lot 2165, Cariboo District Plan 19245, located at 1225 Lindsay Road, in Prince George, BC. (For a 5-year term)
Nukko Lake Recreation Commission for the Nukko Lake Community Hall, legally described as Lot B of District Lot 2497, Cariboo District Plan 6336, located at 23485 Chief Lake Road in Prince George, BC. (For a 5-year term)
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
‘Biohazards’ part of clean up
Continued from page 1
and safety programs has grown from $123,677 in 2021 to $200,204 in 2022, during a presentation to city council. Clean up and safety efforts now make up 32 per cent of Downtown Prince George’s total annual budget.
“When I started the role (in 2016) we had the Brain Injured Group working with us. They were going out three mornings a week, cleaning up litter on the curbs and the street,” Van Mook said. “Well now, in 2022, we have them going out every weekday morning and every weekday afternoon.”
`
In addition, workers from the Drug Awareness Recovery Team (DART) are out seven days a week “to clean the back alleys of debris and needles,” she said.
Downtown Prince George has had to pay for a garbage bin to be located downtown because the DART team were filling their truck with several loads each day
A cleaning company, also goes out seven days a week to clean up “biohazards,” she said
“I think you get what a biohazard is,” Van Mook told council “With summer we do find we have more to clean up.”
Notice of Construction
Mischinsinlika Bridge and Scour Rehabilitation Project
The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure gives notice, pursuant to the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, that it has submitted a “No Interference With Navigation Notice of Work” to Transport Canada for the Mischinsinlika Bridge and Scour Rehabilitation Project.
The ministry intends to replace the aging bridge deck and rehabilitate the creek channel to mitigate and reduce creek scour below the bridge The bridge is located on Highway 39, approximately five kilometres south of Mackenzie, B.C.
Construction is expected to begin in summer 2023 and be completed in fall 2024.
A detailed description of the project is available on the federal Common Project Search Site at cps canada ca under registry number 7626 Posted at Victoria, British Columbia, this 6th day of July 2023 British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
For more information, please contact Tom Kearns at 672 983-6284 or at Tom.Kearns@stantec.com
Continued from page 1
“We’re negotiating right now with CN, and we’re also negotiating an agreement with BC Hydro, because it will take a lot of power,” said Chingee.
Chingee does not anticipate opposition from other First Nations whose territory the ammonia shipments will eventually pass through.
“We’ve already got the right-of-way identified,” he said. “They’ve been hauling (petroleum) condensate to Prince Rupert since the 1960s and they’re still doing it and there hasn’t been a spill The rail is already there, that’s the beauty of it Existing infrastructure is already there
and there’s no need for consultations and all this other stuff ”
A five km rail spur line would be needed to connect to the CN line The existing BC Hydro transmission line is about two kilometres from the proposed site Water would be drawn from the nearby Crooked River
The plant would produce ‘green hydrogen’ generated from non-fossil fuel sources (electricity) as well as ‘blue hydrogen’ made using natural gas
A $2 billion straddle reprocessing plant would also be built at the site to recover and refine natural gas products to be fed into the Coastal GasLink LNG pipeline
that runs through the area. Construction of that 670-kilometre pipeline which from runs from Dawson Creek to Kitimat is expected to be complete later this year
The McLeod Lake band is working with Pacific Natural Gas to reactivate its compressor station near Summit Lake and with Pembina Pipeline Corporation to create the pipeline infrastructure needed for the project
Surveying of the plant site, 32 km north of McLeod Lake, is set to begin July 15 and Chingee says the area will be logged this winter If an agreement is reached by September he said construction would begin in May 2024, to be completed
within two years.
Plant construction will require an estimated 600 workers. A temporary work camp as well as some permanent housing will be built, Chingee said. It will ultimately create 250 permanent jobs, which will have an economic boost to the region, with Prince George as the plant’s service hub.
Because of its potential to produce zero-emission clean energy, the plant is expected to have financial backing from the provincial and federal governments On May 30, the BC government announced the renewal of an energy and minerals partnership with Japan
Shooter found not guilty of attempted murder
MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff
A man who opened fire on the Vanderhoof RCMP detachment was found not guilty of attempted murder but will face sentencing on a lesser charge of reckless discharge of a firearm.
In issuing her verdict, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Francesca Marzari also found Paul Nicholas Russell guilty of five other charges in relation to the Nov 25, 2021 incident.
On the most serious charge, Marzari said she was not satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Russell specifically intended to kill anyone, noting in part that no one could be seen through the window on the west side of the detachment that one bullet pierced and that the one on the east side was heavily mirrored
In finding him guilty of reckless discharge, the judge noted Russell has a “long history with guns” and chose a busy time on a work day when he pulled up alongside the detachment shortly after
midday and began firing off the first of at least 15 rounds from a hunting rifle
“If Mr. Russell had taken these actions at midnight on a weekend, I might have been left with some doubt in this regard. However, I am satisfied that if Mr Russell did not know with certainty that persons were present in the building on the day and at the time he took his actions, he certainly must have know there was a risk they would be there and he nevertheless chose to take those actions ”
Russell’s state of mind was a central issue In the lead up, Russell had displayed episodes of strange and delusional behaviour and had been prescribed anti-psychotic medication However, he had not been taking them regularly and 10 of the pills were found in his home when the full 30 he had been prescribed should have been used up
Russell’s odd behaviour continued during the arrest and in the aftermath, the court heard. However, Marzari found it “entirely speculative” that his mental health had “any effect or bearing” on his
ability to understand his actions.
In summarizing her findings of fact, Marzari recounted a terrifying sequence of events beginning shortly after midday when Russell, wearing a fedora and reflector sunglasses, pulled his pickup truck into the oncoming lane of Church Avenue on the west side of the detachment and opened fire, striking two marked RCMP vehicles with three rounds each From there, he moved further along Church and fired two more rounds at an exposed window. One struck the brick frame and the other broke through the window, went through a computer monitor on the office manager’s desk, a divider at the back of the office and past the doorway of the commanding officer before lodging in the fax machine in the common area. The office manager had left for lunch before the shots first rang out. The bullet narrowly missed the commanding officer, Sgt Kyle Ushock Russell then turned onto Columbia Street while staying in the oncoming lane Marzari found he fired four more rounds
then left the scene, heading toward Burrard Avenue where he turned north after stopping to let a pedestrian cross the road
Five minutes later, he was back, this time entering on the detachment’s east side where he used his pickup to ram an RCMP vehicle into an exit door and fired three shots at it. Two more shots were fired through a detachment window, this time going through the now empty traffic section The two bullets travelled over top of one of the chairs in the office and lodged in the metal shelving units above the desk, while debris from the cubicle lodged in the back wall of the next office over
Once he had left the area, RCMP began their search for Russell Local schools were locked down, an “active shooter” alert was issued and police from surrounding communities converged on the town, 100 kilometres west of Prince George. Russell was apprehended a short time later and has remained in custody since then.
Law professor defends judge’s decision
MARK NIELSEN Citizen staff
A judge’s decision to find a man who opened fire on the Vanderhoof RCMP detachment not guilty of attempted murder (see page 6) may be controversial, but appears to be soundly based on case law, according to an expert.
Robert Diab, a professor in the Faculty of Law at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, says he can understand why the verdict would raise questions.
“Terminator style, he was shooting at the police station How could he be acquitted?” Diab said
But Diab went on to noted the verdict is grounded in solid legal precedent, citing a 1984 Supreme Court of Canada decision, also involving a charge of attempted murder, in which the court ruled that not only must the Crown prove the accused carried out the act but did so with “specific intent ”
In Russell’s case, the evidence presented at trial did not establish he knew anyone was in the building and he intended to kill them
“It may be the case that he was careless as to whether or he was deliberately ignoring whether anybody was in the building, but that’s not the same thing in
the law,” Diab said. “But it is a very high standard for both murder and attempted murder and all the judge was doing was applying that long-standing rule ”
Had the incident led to a death, Diab said Russell would likely have been facing a form of manslaughter. As it stands, Russell faces at least four years in prison, although that is likely to be offset by the time he has remained in custody
The verdict did not sit well with the National Police Federation, the union that represents RCMP members.
“Ultimately, this verdict is insulting and unfathomable given the current environment of increasing police officer deaths
and workplace safety concerns they face,” president Brian Sauve said Sauve also claimed that Russell was also charged with assault with a weapon for an alleged incident the week before. Diab said that count could have been brought into consideration only if it was found to have some kind of connection to the matter at hand such as an instance where a gang had made an attempt on someone’s life on two different days.
“An acquittal on a very specific issue is not in any way a statement about the value of police lives or about the importance of the safety of police I think it’s as simple as that,” Diab said
Fixing the Home Owner Grant long overdue
Well, it’s property tax time again and with it comes chatter about the homeowner grant.
That’s the $770 grant that homeowners can claim on their property tax, or $1,045 if you are a senior It’s a massive program, costing the province an estimated $892 million for this tax year
Back in a former life I wrote my master’s thesis on this thing That was pushing 20 years ago now, but not much has changed It’s still a mess
First off, a few details The homeowner grant is first and foremost a tax break for the school tax That’s what your grant goes towards offsetting, and if there’s any left over, it can be used for your local government taxes. But mostly it’s for the school tax
Now a weird thing is it’s not a school tax It was only prior to 1990 that your school taxes directly financed your local school district You can call it that if you want, but the grant is a property tax relief policy on a provincial property tax This is an important point for questions of tax equity
In my thesis, I focused on the inherent inequality of this program And the most glaring is that it is not equally available to renters, it does not correct regional disparities based on where provincial property value is concentrated, and it is not linked up with income.
Yes, renters pay property tax It’s effectively included in the rent. And yes, the B C government introduced the BC
Renter’s Tax Credit this year, which is a refundable tax credit worth $400 you apply for on your income tax return
This is a positive step, but it’s still not equitable
For every dollar above $60,000, you lose more of your renter’s tax credit, down to $0 at $80,000.
But if you are a homeowner? Well first off, you get almost double the credit, and there is no income test You can be a
billionaire and you will still get that whole amount.
There’s a pretty simple solution and that is to simply fold the homeowner grant and the Renter’s Tax Credit into one program, available to all through your income tax return, with an income and tax burden test.
Ontario does this, and has done this for decades, with their Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
It’s based on two things- the amount of property tax you pay, and the amount of income you earn
If you are a renter, the property tax is simply calculated as a percentage of your rent.
It’s a pretty straight forward policy and would do a far better job ensuring the billion dollar homeowner grant program goes to those who need it.
James Steidle is a Prince George writer
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
MAILING ADDRESS
505 Fourth Ave. Prince George, B.C. V2L 3H2
OFFICE HOURS
8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday
GENERAL SWITCHBOARD
250-562-2441
info@pgcitizen.ca
GENERAL NEWS news@pgcitizen.ca
SPORTS INQUIRIES 250-960-2764 sports@pgcitizen.ca
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
250-562-2441
cls@pgcitizen.ca
PUBLISHER 250-960-2757
carmstrong@pgcitizen.ca
READER SALES AND SERVICES
250-562-3301
rss@pgcitizen.ca
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@pgcitizen.ca
WEBSITE FEEDBACK
digital@glaciermedia.ca
Residents clash over parking, topless sunbathing
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
A Prince George woman warned by RCMP that she could face criminal charges for sunbathing topless in her Hart neighbourhood yard is claiming she is being harassed by staff and parents of the adjacent elementary school over her complaints about motorists parking their vehicles in a no-parking zone next to her house and teens playing late-night basketball games in the school playground.
Lynn Blatta said that the police visit was prompted by a complaint about her baring her breasts, which she says she is legally allowed, based on a BC Supreme Court ruling in 2000, which gave women the right to be topless in their backyards and in public places such as parks and beaches.
The clash between Blatta and school officials and parents of Glenview Elementary flared up a week ago Thursday during sports day at the school when she asked a woman driving a pickup truck to move her idling vehicle, which was parked next to the no parking sign She said the woman refused and swore at Blatta and as she walked back to her yard a man followed her to her driveway, questioning her authority
“He called me a (more swear words) and took his hand and drew line at the end of my driveway and said I need to stay in my yard and started filming me with his camera,” said Blatta.
Bill Harkness, Blatta’s 87-year-old neighbour who lives on the opposite side of the street, watched what was happening and wanted to intervene but couldn’t because his mobility is limited as a result of knee replacement surgery.
“This guy was there for about 15 minutes, going after her,” said Harkness. “If I could have walked over there, I was going over there, but I couldn’t. I have a bad leg ” Blatta was intimidated by the man’s behaviour and took photos of his vehicle She asked the School District 57 office to try to find out his identity so she could lodge a formal complaint but says school officials offered no assistance
“When I tried to contact the school to find out who those parents were yelling at
me, so I can file a police complaint, everybody ignores me. But when my boobs come out for half an hour it’s like the end of the world,” Blatta said. “And the police are telling me that I can be charged criminally, no I can’t.”
After the police visit, Blatta phoned the Prince George RCMP detachment asking to speak to the supervisor of the shift but said she was refused that opportunity by the operator who answered her call RCMP media spokesperson Cpl. Jennifer Cooper said in a text to the Citizen Friday that a response to the incident will be delayed because the investigator of
sidewalks. Harkness says when people park on the street it creates a hazard for students attending the school. But he says the parking restriction and the school zone speed limit are rarely enforced and motorists take advantage of that.
“It’s always the same ones who park there.,” Harkness said. “I hollered at a woman three or four years ago not to park there and she came out cussing and swearing the F-word, in front of the kids and everything.
“I’ve been living here 15 years now and I think I’ve only seen a cop up here once The ticket woman only came out here once since I moved here, about four of five years ago ” Blatta has made several calls to the School District 57 office to have the school board consider having the basketball hoop moved to another part of the school property but the board has not responded.
“I talked to an administrator and what they did is phone the police on me for sunbathing in the backyard with my top off,” said Blatta.
“I’ve been doing that for months, and nobody complained about it until I filed all these complaints ”
the complaint is on days off and cannot be reached.
Blatta contacted the city’s bylaw enforcement office asking them to enforce the parking ban on the street and issue tickets to violators but said she was told it wasn’t important enough to justify sending anyone.
She emailed Mayor Simon Yu and city council asking for their help. Yu and counsellor Tim Bennett both contacted her to say they would look into the situation.
The one-block section of Cluff Road that leads to the school from the Dawson Road intersection is narrow and lacks
Blatta moved to her home on Dawson Road from the Lower Mainland in December 2021 and since then she says she’s tried to be a good neighbour, picking up garbage and broken glass and bringing kids’ belongings left in the playground back to the school. Last year, when somebody took bags of dog poop out of the garbage can and smeared it on the playground slide, she came by with gloves and soap to clean it up and the entire school staff showed their appreciation in a thank-you card.
Now she feels everybody has turned against her.
“There’s no interest from the school board in working with me, even after all the work I’ve done for them, it’s like I’m the enemy now and they’re not going to move the basketball court to the back of the school,” Blatta said.
“Not only do these people do whatever they want and violate municipal bylaws, but if you try and say anything, you’re under attack and you’re on your own. Nobody cares ”
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
Dawson Road residents Bill Harkness and Lynn Blatta have raised concerns about lack of enforcement of no-parking zone at Glenview Elementary School
City deadly for black bears
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
percent) from 2021. Prince George, however, once again topped the list
MINI SUPER BINGO
Prince George was the deadliest community in B.C. for black bears in 2022. That’s according to data obtained through a freedom of Information request and compiled by wildlife protection charity The Fur-Bearer.
They looked at information for nearly 400 communities across the province and ranked by the number of black bears killed by the BC Conservation Officer Service
Five hundred black bears were killed by the BC Conservation Officer Service in 2022, a drop of 81 (or 14
Between 2015 and 2022, Prince George recorded 263 bear deaths at the hands of conservation officers, more than double the number of government-sanctioned black bear killings in Terrace, the next closest community.
“Black bears are often killed when they begin accessing garbage and spend time in human-dense areas seeking unnatural food sources from unsecured attractants,” says Aaron Hofman, Director of Advocacy and Policy at The Fur-Bearers
“By identifying communities where bears are killed with greater
frequency, questions about systemic issues can be asked, and the killing can end.”
According to government statistics for 2022, the deadliest communities for black bears in British Columbia are:
Prince George: 32
Nelson: 21
Castlegar: 14
Okanagan Falls: 12
Revelstoke: 12
West Kelowna: 12
Nanaimo: 10
Port Alberni: 10
These eight areas account for 25 per cent of all black bears killed by conservation officers in 2022
Needle exchange hours increased
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
In response to the high rates of toxic drug poisoning, compounded by the closure of the Two Doors Down overdose prevention site on Third Avenue, Northern Health is increasing the hours of operation and its downtown Prince George Harm Reduction Clinic to improve the accessibility of services.
After piloting expanded hours for two weeks to ensure sufficient staffing levels can be maintained,
the HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (needle exchange) will now be open Monday-Saturday from 9-11:30 a.m. and from 1:15-6:30 p m
The clinic will also have nursing services available by appointment in the mornings from 9-11:30, with open hours available in the afternoon from 1:15-6:30. The needle exchange is located at 277 George St Northern Health will also operate its Mobile Harm Reduction Supplies wellness truck from 7:30-11:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday The Two Doors Down POUNDS
Project supervised consumption site and drop-in centre closed temporarily on Monday due to a lack of funding to pay staff
As of the end of May, 74 toxic drug deaths had occurred in northern B.C., 31 of which were in Prince George The city had three of the seven overdose deaths last month in the Northern Health region
Northern Health ranked as the second-worst of the five health regions, with 58 death per 100,000 people. Only Vancouver Coastal (59 death per 100,000) was worse.
Cariboo Rocks making changes
ARTHUR WILLIAMS
Citizen staff
Cariboo Rocks the North will be returning to the stage configuration used in 2018 and 2019, when the threeday outdoor rock festival returns on Aug. 11-13.
The concert stage will be located on the south side of the Prince George Gymnastics Club, facing the CN Centre. City
entertainment manager Glen Mikkelsen said the change should address two issues: reduce noise for neighbouring residents and concert goers won’t be facing directly into the setting sun.
“I would guess 100 per cent it will dampen the noise across the entire bowl.
The CN Centre will block some of the noise,” Mikkelsen said. “We did not have same number of people having issues with it (noise) in 2018 and 2019.”
In 2022, the City of Prince George received four noise complaints about Cariboo Rocks the North and eight about The Best Damn Music Festival, which used a similar stage configuration. Both events had noise permits issued by the city. The Citizen also received several letters from area residents concerned by the level of noise from the events.
Tickets are on sale now for the 19+ festival. Three-day festival passes are only
$179.50, and VIP tickets are $399, until Aug 1, when prices will go up This year’s line-up for the festival includes Teaze, Streetheart and Honeymoon Suite on Friday. Saturday features performances by Powder Blues, Nick Gilder & Sweeney Todd, Chilliwack and April Wine The festival wraps up on Sunday, with performances by Lee Aaron, Teenage Head, Sass Jordan and Kim Mitchell.
Community Art Days set for plaza this weekend
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
Two Rivers Gallery’s BMO Community Art Days are coming back this summer.
The event focuses on community growth and features free art activities, artist workshops, live music and performances, community booths, food trucks, and local artisan vendors in Canada Games Plaza in downtown Prince George.
This free, all-ages event is set to take place Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8 from 10 a m to 3 p m
BMO Community Art Days is inviting many performers, including Paul de Guzman, an artist practicing in both Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and Vancouver de Guzman is excited to share “laro na tayo - let’s play,” a project that engages the general public in a pre-colonial childhood game popular in the Philippines. The game is called “sipa” and is similar to hacky sack Those who participate in the game can enjoy about two
Circus coming to town
The Great Benjamins Circus will bring a family-friendly show to CN Centre on July 22
The circus features clowns, aerialists, acrobats, motorcycle stunt drivers and more.
Tickets start at $33 25 for adults and $27.75 for children, and go up to $44 for ringside seats Early bird tickets start at $18.75.
Ticket are available through Tickets North.
hours of play and meaningful conversation with Paul about the Filipino-Canadian experience
Play times start at 10:30 a m and 1 p m both days of the event.
The stage will also showcase talent from northern B C, including Far From Linear and Scott LaPointe. Folks can also enjoy art activities hosted by Prince George organizations, artists, and Two Rivers Gallery.
There will also be activities like table tennis and train rides on the BC Railway museums’ Cottonwood Express
Glorious Sons show set
Canadian rock band The Glorious Sons will be performing at CN Centre on Nov. 13.
The Kingston, Ont band - whose hits include Everything is Alright, S.O.S. (Sawed-Off Shotgun), Kill the Lights and Heavy – will be touring across North America starting in Pittsburgh in September and ending in St. Catherines, Ont on Feb 17
“At long last, The Glorious Sons are
making their first appearance in Prince George - and they’re bringing their special guests The Blue Notes,” the tour promotional material says
“The Glorious Sons are arguably Canada’s commanding rock band, with a huge following internationally too.”
Tickets for the all-ages show are $69 for general admission, and $59 for reserved bleacher seats through Tickets North.
Metis artist’s exhibition travelling across region
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
Prince George-based artist Erin Stagg is telling the story of the Métis throughout the region.
Her exhibition, Otipemisewak: The People Who Own Themselves, which was on display at Two Rivers Gallery in Prince George earlier this year, will travel throughout the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George from now to November, starting in the District of Mackenzie.
The exhibition is in the Mackenzie Community Arts Centre from now to July 30, before appearing at the Valemount Museum and Archive from Aug. 15 to Sept 26, and then the Valley Museum and Archives in McBride Oct. 15 to Nov. 17.
The title of Stagg’s exhibition comes from a name the Cree gifted to the Métis many years ago
Otipemisewak, which translates to “the people who own themselves,” refers to the Métis identity as not partly European and partly Indigenous, but entirely their own. This independence, resilience, and indomitable spirit was beautifully captured in Stagg’s series of acrylic paintings, which illustrates stories of the Métis people through the lens of her own family history
When asked about sharing her work with the communities of Northern B C , Stagg said: “Growing up in this area, I was never exposed to Métis stories I didn’t know what it meant to be Métis. There was a stigma to being Métis that stopped our stories from being passed down. This collection brings the stories of my family history to light and celebrates them in a loving way My hope is that other Métis people might find a sense of kinship and love for their own family stories ”
Artist Erin Stagg at Two Rivers Gallery in Prince George
Prepareforpatioseason withthesepopularpatios
Prince George is a city renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant community. When it comes to enjoying a meal in the great outdoors, Our city offers a delightful array of dining patios that capture the essence of our picturesque region
From charming cafes to upscale restaurants, the city boasts a diverse
selection of patios that cater to every taste. Imagine savoring a delectable brunch while basking in the warm rays of the sun, or relishing a romantic dinner under the starry night sky
Our city’s dining patios not only provide a wonderful dining experience. Whether you ’ re seeking a peaceful ambiance or a lively
atmosphere, there is a patio to suit every mood.
Furthermore, the city’s commitment to sustainability is evident in many of its patios, with locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly practices being prioritized.
George’s dining patios offer an ideal combination of delectable cuisine, scenic views, and a welcoming ambiance. Indulging in a meal on one of these patios is an experience that captures the essence of the city
roof tap patio ..
Prince
You’re going to lose access to local news on Facebook and Google.
Dear readers,
Your access to local, provincial and national news is going to be revoked on Google, Facebook and Instagram.
And it’s not because of anything we’ve done.
Recently, Canada passed the Online News Act, also known as Bill C-18, which has led to a standoff between the government, Google and Meta the parent company behind Facebook and Instagram.
Both Google and Meta have said they plan to cut ties with the news industry in Canada as a result
This means Meta will block the posting and sharing of our news articles on Facebook and Instagram Google will also remove links to our sites and articles in Google News, Discover and search results. They’ll also cancel significant content licensing agreements already in place with our parent company, Glacier Media.
Undoubtedly, this will have a huge impact not solely on us but, more importantly, on people like yourself who may use these platforms to discover what’s happening in your community and to get context to events happening in your own backyard.
We’re not planning on going anywhere, but here’s how you can help:
1. Sign up for our free daily newsletter by scanning the QR code. (And encourage your family and friends to do the same )
2 Follow us on Twitter.
3. Bookmark our website as the homepage on your devices.
4. If you own/operate a local business, consider supporting local by placing ads with 100% Canadianowned media outlets, like us.
With your help, more people will be able to get their local news from a trusted source. In today’s age of misinformation, that’s more important than ever
Thank you. We appreciate you.
Sincerely,
The Prince George Citizen team
Pidherny trail damage mostly repaired
TED CLARKE Citizen staff
Mountain bike riders who discovered damaged trails at the Pidherny Recreation Site in Prince George as a result of fire mitigation work conducted by the province during the winter and early spring have tempered their initial criticisms about the project.
The trail damage left by heavy equipment used to remove as much combustible brush and dead snags as possible and thin trees clumped close to each other to prevent crowning fires was temporary and in most cases did not affect long sections of the trails
“I think some of the people who were really vocal at the time, it was overstated,” said Bret Hutchinson, the Pidherny director of the Prince George Cycling Club. “I think the outrage was more around the logging portion, but there wasn’t much damage done to the trails themselves
“There was a handful of spots that needed repairs but I would say that 99 per cent of it, there was no damage to the actual trail ”
Starting in December and continuing through February, the Pidherny Wildfire Risk Reduction Project conducted by
the Ministry of Forests focused on the lower trails at the popular recreation site, located on a large slope that borders a residential area on the north side of North Nechako Road.
Built by volunteers over the past three decades, part of the trails are on Crown land within the Fraser-Fort George regional district in an area the Prince
George Cycling Club manages. The other Pidherny section of trails is within the city boundary on land over which the club has no licence of occupation management agreement. About 20 trails were damaged, including a 100-metre section of one of them.
The ministry had planned to conduct trail repairs this summer in the second
phase of the project but Hutchinson said club members took it upon themselves to do much of that work rather than wait for contractors
“We have a limited summer here and people aren’t going to wait three months to recreate, so volunteers went out and fixed those spots so we could use the are again,” said Hutchinson.
“It comes down to them being them realistic on projects and timelines and have the contractor starting up at the beginning of May to fix those things and not planning it for later in the summer
That was the biggest issue ”
Removing trees and brush has improved sightlines
With fewer blind corners, Hutchinson said rider safety has improved because riders can see each other approaching on the trails
The Pidherny project is a test case for a new system of forest management to better protect populated areas and costly infrastructure and Hutchinson said the ministry could have done a better job communicating details about how the project would actually unfold.
He expects work to thin the forest on the upper trail section of Pidherny, expected sometime this winter, will be less controversial.
SD57 passes budget but ‘structural deficit’ looms
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
School District No. 57 (SD57)’s board of education
has passed a $199,164,132 balanced budget for the 2023/24 fiscal year but it was not without difficulty and more tough decisions are ahead.
Budget discussions at May’s meeting revealed the district was facing a $2,359,303 shortfall.
In order to balance the budget, the board proposed $1,780,261 in cost reductions, with the rest to be made up with the use of operating surplus
Within that $1.7 million in cuts, $777,020 was taken out of district administration, representing a 12 18 per cent reduction and $690,239 was taken out of instruction, 0.51 per cent of the total instruction budget
At its meeting last week, newly elected trustee Sarah Holland raised the question of what the district will do in the future if it continues to face financial challenges.
“The previous years surpluses have been drawn down
to the point there’s not a lot of wiggle room in here. When do you suggest we start looking at making some major amendments next year because of what I see as a structural deficit previously funded by surplus’ as that is not going to be available in the future?” she asked
“That is correct The district is in a structural deficit and there will need to be a concerted effort and focus earlier into the fall, I would say October to November, where I would expect district staff will provide a plan to the board on areas to review,” said acting secretary treasurer Lynda Minnabarriet.
“This has been a really difficult budget to balance,” said board chair Rachael Weber, following the meeting, which was the last one of the school year
“We would like to reassure parents and students and teachers, rightsholders and stakeholders, that our primary goal was to minimize impacts in the classroom. We remain resolutely committed to working to ensure the district is meeting the needs of students.”
She said the board does intend to do an earlier review
of next years’ budget with potentially greater reductions.
“We don’t want to touch surplus to balance budget, it’s not something that we want to do. It’s not a healthy scenario but we are proud that we that we did balance the budget and that we were able to keep it out of the classrooms,” said Weber
“Then moving forward, pulling ourselves out of that structural deficit, and really creating a space for things that arise in the future that we can use the surplus for when those things come up ”
Weber noted that it has been a challenging few years since the COVID-19 pandemic began
“I think it’s just everything. I think it’s what’s been happening over the last few years with COVID I think it’s inflation. Our budget did increase, we have $199,164,132. So, it did go up, but not enough,” said Weber
She said rightsholders and stakeholders will need to come together to push the government for more funding
The board was required to submit a balanced budget to the Minister of Education and Child Care by June 30
CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
Rider Russell Phillips stops to check out the scenery on the Shady Lane trail, one of the lower trails affected by logging to reduce fire risk at Pidherny Recreation Site
Cyclist riding to Jasper to raise epilepsy support
ARTHUR
WILLIAMS Citizen staff
Prince George cyclist Chris Winwood will be hitting the road in August to raise funds for the BC Epilepsy Society.
Winwood, who has epilepsy himself, will be riding roughly 375 km from Prince George to Jasper during the Ride for Epilepsy, Aug 19-20
“I want to show people that epilepsy doesn’t have to take what you’re passionate about away from you and that it isn’t out of reach as long as you are smart, safe, and capable of handling the situation and have good people around you to help you when you need it,” Winwood said “I want to raise money for epilepsy in the North and for the North ” Residents can support Winwood’s
cause by donating online.
Winwood is also seeking sponsors for the Ride for Epilepsy. Interested companies or agencies contact Deirdre Syms at deirdre@bcepilepsy.com or at 1-778-5330790 for more information
“I want to help create a strong, diverse, and positive community for people with epilepsy so that they can find other people who also have epilepsy and share their stories and learn from one another, find strength in one another, and support one another,” Winwood said. “I want to create a community to say the things I wasn’t told when I started my journey that the life I wanted to live was not out of reach That I could ride into better tomorrow and I plan on doing that again with this ride and all future rides going forward.”
Rent up 16.7% in past five years, census data shows
ARTHUR WILLIAMS Citizen staff
Between 2016 and 2021, the average monthly rent and utilities in Prince George rose from $928 per month to $1,083 per month, according to data released by the Canadian Rental Housing Index.
The index used data gathered during the 2016 and 2021 national census. Rents in Prince George rose 16.7 per cent between 2016 and 2021, while across B C the
average cost of rent rose by 30 per cent. The average monthly rent and utilities in B C was $1,492 in 2021 While rents were up, the percentage of renting households spending 30 per cent or more of their income on rent and utilities dropped between 2016 and 2021. In 2021, 29 per cent of Prince George renters spent more than 30 per cent of their income on rent and utilities and nine per cent spent more than 50 per cent of their income. That’s down from 2016, when 40 per cent of renters spent 30 per cent of their income on housing,
and 17 per cent spent more than 50 per cent.
Rising incomes among renting households could be responsible for the change. In 2016, the average household income of renters was $52,638 (median value $42,051), while in 2021 the average household income of renters had risen to $68,200 (median value $56,800)
The percentage of Prince George renting households living in over-crowded conditions rose from six per cent in 2016 to eight per cent in 2021. Across B.C. an average of 11 per cent of rental households are over-crowded
SPCA gets funding for new $3-million facility
HANNA PETERSEN Citizen staff
Prince George is one of four communities getting a combined $12 million to help build BC SPCA shelter replacements along with Vancouver, Duncan, and Fort St. John.
The province is providing the funding and said the facilities in the selected communities are either closed or outdated, and are neither designed nor equipped to provide modern care for animals
Prince George specifically will receive $3 million to develop a new facility that will also provide regional services for the Cariboo and northern B.C. It is estimated the four facilities will offer care to thousands of companion pets per year in B.C., ranging from cats and dogs, to birds, rabbits and rodents
The North Cariboo SPCA has been looking to move from its current location at Lansdowne Road since 2016 to a proposed site west of the Exhibition Grounds on 18th Avenue and Foothills Boulevard.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations signed a 30-year lease on 1.18 hectares of Crown land for the facility
The original plan was to build a 10,000-square foot community animal and education centre, a 3,000-square foot barn for horses next to a paddock that will be used for daily exercise, and a 26-stall parking lot
In 2017, the project also received $1.5-million in funding from the provincial government
The city owns the SPCA’s current facility on Lansdowne Road, which has been criticized for its out-of-theway location.
“Our new Prince George facility will become an
important regional hub It will be our primary regional emergency response centre and a transfer hub for moving animals in our care to get veterinary treatment and specialized behaviour rehabilitation when not locally available,” said Colby O’Flynn, senior manager, North Cariboo Animal Care Services, BC SPCA.
“We greatly appreciate this significant support from the province for these four communities where our aging facilities are making the care and protection of vulnerable animals increasingly difficult,” said Marcie Moriarty, chief of protection and outreach services, BC SPCA.
“Our day-to-day animal care and protection services are primarily funded by generous individual donors across B C , so having the province step forward to help with these extraordinary costs will make a tremendous difference ”
HANDOUT PHOTO BY TAYLOR MCELDERRY
Prince George cyclist Chris Winwood will be riding from Prince George to Jasper to raise money for the BC Epilepsy Society during the Ride for Epilepsy in August
Healthy North
New Northern Health CEO
After an extensive international recruitment process, Northern Health’s Board of Directors has selected Ciro Panessa as the next President & CEO of Northern Health (NH). Ciro will be starting in the role on September 5, 2023.
“After a thorough selection process, I’m thrilled to welcome Ciro Panessa as the next president and CEO of Northern Health,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “Ciro brings a wealth of experience that will greatly benefit people in the North, and I look forward to working together to continue to improve the health-care services that people rely on. I would also like to thank Cathy Ulrich for her many years of exceptional dedicated service to the people of Northern B.C. and wish her well during her retirement.”
For more information and reactions regarding this announcement, visit the NH Stories site: stories.northernhealth.ca/news/northernhealth-board-selects-new-president-ceo
SPEAK Survey
Good news, it’s not too late for you to have your say!
If you’re over 18 and living in BC, we want to hear from you! Tell us about your physical, mental, social, and economic well-being and help us gather valuable information to improve the health of our communities.
Complete the BC SPEAK survey and you could be a winner!
Northern BC residents who take the BC SPEAK survey will be entered for the chance to win one of three iPads and one of 150 grocery cards.
You have until July 31 to have your say! www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseasesconditions/covid-19/covid-19-survey
New See a Pharmacist program
BC residents can now book an appointment to see a pharmacist through a new provincial online booking system, making it even easier and more convenient to access the health care they need.
The new online booking system is similar to the Get Vaccinated system where people booked appointments to get their COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations. Through the new online booking system, people can search for available appointment times at nearby pharmacies based on their minor ailment or contraceptive needs. Appointments can continue to be made by calling or visiting a pharmacy. Walk-in service without an appointment is also available at some pharmacies
For more information see stories.northernhealth.ca/news/provincialbooking-system-appointments-pharmacistsgoing-live
ARIES
You’ll go on a spontaneous adventure to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You’ll go shopping and spoi yourself. You could win some money or discover a forgotten bill in your pocket.
TAURUS
Take the time to rest before setting off on a new adventure. You need to let go and let life guide you; it’ll carry you where you need to go. Your artistic side will shine through, nspiring you to create a masterpiece
GEMINI
You’ll be in a serious mood. While on vacation, you’ll fee pressured to keep in touch with work or make big plans nstead of having fun and living in the moment. Someone close to you may need your help.
HOROSCOPES ZLES
CANCER
Summer is flying by! There are already less than 10 weekends before fall. You must stay organized to enjoy everything you have planned. Your close friends will include you in outings so you can make unforgettable memories and enjoy the good times.
LEO
You don’t have enough time for all the ideas running through your head. You’ll spontaneously plan a trip to leave immediately and another one for later this year You’ll start dreaming up some important personal and professiona projects.
VIRGO
Even if you’re not on vacation, you’ll allow yourself to indulge a little At the very least, you’ll make time to relax and echarge in nature. Enjoy your holiday instead of about work to help you rediscover the joy in life.
LIBRA
Your emotions may overwhelm you this week. In your love life, you’ll notice immediately if the other person isn’t sincere about their feelings. Your physical health is closely linked to your emotional state; find a balance to ease your mind.
SCORPIO
Work won’t slow down, even in the middle of summer You’ll have the wherewithal to discover new opportunities, sign lucrative contracts or establish new partnerships. However, be sure to make time for love and family
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
Your heart is full of passion. You’ll have a strong desire to attract attention if you’re single or change things up in your current relationship. Home is the perfect place to rest and recharge your batteries.
AQUARIUS
You won’t be able to stop looking at work emails and getting tasks done even when you’ve promised yourself you’d rest and completely unplug during your vacation. You won’t be able to switch off your phone.
PISCES
Even if you’re planning a relaxing holiday, you may choose a destination that won’t allow you to slow down. You’ll have the opportunity to fully express your thoughts and feelings during long talks in the evenings.
Even if you’re off work, you’ll keep in touch by taking your laptop outside. You could also cut your vacation short because of a problem at work. You’ll be extremely invested in your job, much to the delight of your boss.
classifieds
REMEMBRANCES
InLovingmemoryof AlexanderFrederickHogh
June201986-July82021
2yearssinceyouleft Timestandsstill Tearsflow Heartsbreak Memoriesliveon Loveneverdies
RememberedandLovedForever Mum,Dad,Chris,Luke,Andy,Julia andElizabethNorman
InLovingMemory
ArneMay JeanMay
Nov3,1923-Jul3,2020 Jul3,1933-Mar7,2002
Imissyourfaces,Imissyoursmiles IwishIcouldseeyouonceinawhile. Imissyourlaughs;Imissyourlove Ihopeyouarewatchingwithpridefromabove Imisssomuchnothavingyouhere, guidingmeinlifeandhavingyounear Imissyou,Mom;Imissyou,Dad, Foreverinmyheartwiththememorieswehad. Sadlymissed&lovinglyrememberedAlways.
Reid, David W.
January 20, 1940 - May 7, 2023
In loving memory of David William Brian Reid, who passed away peacefully on May 7, 2023, at the age of 83, in Penticton, BC. Dave is survived by his son Bill Reid; daughter Linda (Rob) Varley; grandchildren Kara (Dan) Geary and Kyle (Kylie) Varley; and great-granddaughter Ella-Marie. Dave spent most of his life in Prince George, BC (Salmon Valley) and the last 15 years in Keremeos, BC. Rest in peace, Dad - until we meet again. xoxo
Lawrence Edward Wasmuth
Nov7,1933June2,2023
Lawrence Wasmuth of Hanna, Alberta, formerly of Prince George, BC., passed away on June 2, 2023, at theageof89.
Lawrence is survived by his wife Faye, son Doug (Shelly), daughter Deb, adopted son Tim (Elaine), grandsons Michael, Tyler (Destinee) and a great granddaughter - expected in October He is also survived by Faye’s children, Warren, Shelley, Keenan,Bruceandtheirfamilies.
A Celebration of Lawrences’ life will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, 1:00 p.m at the Hanna SeniorsCircle
Perfitt, Beverly E.
April 10, 1958 - June 19, 2023
Beverly Elizabeth Perfitt, 65, passed away on June 19, 2023, in Prince George. She was born on April 10, 1958, to William and Edith Happy in New Westminister.
Beverly was the most loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and is survived by her husband John; son Craig; daughter Coralie (Chad); and grandchildren Aidan, Madison, Mason, Violet, Riley and Carson. Many will remember her always having an open home for friends who became family.
Please join Beverly’s family and friends as they join together to celebrate her amazing life on July 8, 2023, from 10am - 4pm at their home on 7235 Lambertus Rd.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Rotary Hospice House, which helped Beverly and her family in the last week of her life, or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Dornbierer, Harold August
November 2, 1931 - June 8, 2023
Stu and Les sadly announce the passing of their father, Harold Dornbierer, on June 8, 2023. A true pioneer of Prince George, Harold is predeceased by his wife Betty and daughter Lynn Logan. He is survived by his two sons, Stu (Barb) and Les (Ursula), in addition to eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored. He is also survived by his brother Mike (Peggy) and sister-in-law Diane Dornbierer. Harold spent 35 years in the Fire Service and 20 years as Fire Chief of Prince George, succeeding his father, August. His brother Mike also spent a term as Fire Chief in Prince George. The "Chief" was a prominent figure throughout his career in the community and was deeply committed to serving the citizens of Prince George. Harold and Betty loved camping at Fraser Lake and travelling to Yuma for several winters before retiring in their community of Desert Cove in Vernon. They returned to Prince George 12 years ago to be closer to their daughter Lynn and family, who provided them with loving care. Harold maintained his strong independence, living in his home until his passing and will now join his beloved Betty.
A memorial will be announced in the future.
Amy“Anne” (neeHarris)St.Laurent
Feb24,1946-Jun28,2023
Anne was born Feb 24, 1946 in Slave Lake, Alberta Her family moved to Prince George, whereshespentmostofheryears
Anne is predeceased by both of her parents, Bill and Edna Harris and her siblings Doreen BuchholzandRobert(Bob)Harris
Anne is survived by her children Colleen (John), Yvonne, Stephen (Teresa), her grandchildren Amy (Jeremy), Carol-anne, Ashley (Brandyn) and onegreatgranddaughterAuroraGracieAnne
Thank you to Dr H Smith and her team Special thanks to Michelle for holding her hand as she passed. To some amazing people in Jubilee that made mom’s life better, Timothy, Arvee, Nadine andmanyothers ThereisnoserviceattherequestofAnne
May you rest in peace mom.
VANDAL, Andrew
February 8, 1973 - June 10, 2023
It is with profound sorrow we announce the sudden passing of Andrew Paul Vandal at the UNHBC Hospital on June 10 after suffering an aneurysm at home.
Born at Lions Gate Hospital, Andy was an extraordinarily happy, creative, and gifted child. He also lived with dyslexia and other learning difficulties that made school extremely challenging. After losing his father and stable home at age 16, he was vulnerable to predation, and at 19, began a lifetime of involvement in the revolving door of the criminal justice system, complicated by the addiction he developed to cope with the trauma and medical neglect he experienced while in prison. Despite this, he was a dedicated and empathetic outreach worker and saved dozens of lives.
As well as his father, Ron, Andy was predeceased by his brother Jason. He leaves behind his mother, Clara; sister Lisa; fiancee Juls; sons, Lyle and Logan and their mother, Kirsten; and many relatives and friends Andrew met on his journey through a sometimes chaotic but also joyfilled, optimistic life.
A celebration of life will be held at Omineca Arts Centre, located at 369 Victoria St in Prince George, at 11am on Saturday, July 1st.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests support be shown for Dyslexia BC and Bullying Canada.
HennieCook (neeVisserman)
June9,1941-June25,2023
We are heartbroken to share that Hennie passed away on the evening of June 25th, surrounded by the love of her family, after a short illness in the University Hospital of NorthernBritishColumbia
Our lively and warm-hearted Hennie was a beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandma, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to many. Hennie was pre-deceased by her parents Willem and Christine Visserman, and her brother Taede Visserman. She leaves to mourn her husband of 62 years Gerald, daughter Jacqueline (Randy), sons Roger (Emily) and Neil (Tara), her grandchildren Sebastian, Jordan, Mikaila, Samuel, and Benjamin, and her sisters Christine Eide and Eva Boyd. She also leaves extended family in Canada, the US, and Holland, plus manyfriends
Hennie was born in Veenedaal, Holland, and immigrated to Canada with her family when she was 10 years old. The family settled first in Telkwa, BC, and in 1953 bought a dairy farm near Hazelton, BC She met Gerald when they both worked in the Hudson’s Bay Company store in Hazelton - she was 15 and he was 18. They married in 1960. Gerald’s job took them many different places in BC, and they eventually lived in Terrace, BC for the last several years of their working lives Throughout their lives they made many good long-time friends. They also enjoyed travelling, particularly to Mexico in the winter, but also made trips to Holland, France, Greece, the southern US, and last year wenttoEngland,Ireland,Scotland,Wales,theGrandCanyon,andVegas
After retirement, Hennie and Gerald moved from Terrace to Sinclair Mills She enjoyed renovating their home, looking after her yard, talking to the wildlife, and best of all, growing her vegetable garden. The garden bounty was so great that she would bring the produce to Prince George to sell She met up with two other vendors and they were the original ones to start the Prince George Farmer’s Market in front of the court house After 12 years in Sinclair Mills,HennieandGeraldmovedintoPrinceGeorge
Hennie was always up to the volunteer task. She was President of the Sinclair Mills Community Association for a number of years, volunteered 5 years for the Canadian Cancer Society, she was the Treasurer for the National Association of Federal Retirees for a number of years, and at the time of her passingwasPresidentoftheNorthCentralSeniorsAssociation.
Of all her life activities, she cherished time with her family the most Morning coffee with Gerald watching the news and chatting about world events together, Sunday dinners with her local family, Sunday morning phone calls with her kids afar, and regular visits and texting with her grandchildren were the joy of her life She was our family matriarch and her presence in our lives willbedearlymissed.
Interment will be held at a later date at the New Hazelton Cemetery overlooking the beautiful Rocher de Boule Mountain. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the UHNBC Spirit of the North Community Health Care Foundationinhermemory(spiritofthenorth.ca)
AgnesNaegelin
February18,1932-June27,2023
We are saddened to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother, Agnes Naegelin, at age 91, after a lengthy journey withcancer
Agnes was born in Winterthur, Switzerland to Anna and Hans Peter She grew up in Dickbuch, Switzerland on the family dairy farm, with her older brother and three younger sisters She had fond memories of her childhood and remembers that it was like the wholevillagewasherfamily
She met Hans, her husband, at a Swiss agricultural research farm where they both worked. They married in 1957 and moved to Prince George, where they resided for a year, then moved to Quesnel. Together, they raised three daughters -- Mary Anne, Rita and Christine before eventually returning to live in Prince George Agnes was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother, who loved to garden and cook. Her family always looked forward to her homemade jam and traditional Swiss baking. She had an amazing singingvoiceandenjoyedherchurchfriendsandactivities
In later years, she loved traveling to many places around the world with Hans, as they explored Mexico, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, to mention a few AndsheespeciallyenjoyedhermanyvisitsbacktoSwitzerland.
She is lovingly remembered and survived by her husband Hans, her brother-in-law Roland (Maria) in Switzerland, her three daughters -- Mary Anne Munk (Jim), Rita Meisner, and Christine Kohlhauser (Terry), five grandchildren -- Derek (Bridget), Shelby (Adam), Bethany (Erik), Devin (Danielle), Jacob, andtwogreatgrandchildren--MiraandEaston,allofwhosevisitssheenjoyedverymuch.
Agnes was predeceased by her parents, her brother and three sisters and their spouses, all in Switzerland.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the healthcare teams that helped and supportedherthroughoutherillness.
There will be no service by request In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Prince George HospiceSocietyortheRedCross
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
MERCHANDISE EMPLOYMENT
Do you need an additional work surface or more storage space in your kitchen? Installing an island is a great solution.
On top of simplifying food prep, it can also serve as a gathering place for family and friends. Here are five ways to make your island functional and beautiful
1. CONSIDER BUILT-INS
Depending on how you use your kitchen, you can add a built-in herb station, compost bin, microwave oven, sink, hotplate or even a small pantry.
2. ADD SHELVES
Place your favourite cookbooks on the shelves so they’re always within reach. You could also use the shelf space to display a few practical and decorative items.
3. DON’T FORGET TRIM
Depending on your style, wood or metal trim, for example, can give your kitchen a warm, rustic, chic or industrial look.
4. PLAY WITH CONTRAST
In addition to matching your island to the rest of your kitchen, consider adding a contrasting element, whether it’s a countertop in a different material or cabinets painted in a contrasting colour.
5. INCLUDE ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
Outlets are handy for using small appliances during food prep or for charging electronic devices
If you can’t find an existing island with all the features you like, contact a professional to create a custom design.
ESTIMATES
Expert tips for creating a workshop space in your garage
Have you always dreamt of building a workshop dedicated to your practical or creative projects? If you have an unused area in your garage, turn it into a DIY space
tinker in every season? Add insulation and contact an expert to install a heating or cooling system
DON’T
OVERLOOK SAFETY
MAKE A PLAN
Create a plan that includes the dimensions of each item you own or plan to build to give you an idea of how to organize the space. Maximize your storage space by incorporating cabinets under the workbench or adding shelves and hooks. Draw up some plans to explore different layout options.
FOCUS ON PRACTICALITY
Power tools pose a hazard, especially to young children. Make sure they’re stored in a locked cabinet or placed high enough to limit access
Make the most of your workspace by installing lockable castors under your worktable This will allow you to move it to the middle of the garage when your vehicle isn’t parked inside and reposition it near the wall when your project is finished
THINK ABOUT COMFORT
Personalize your space by adding a radio or Bluetooth speaker to listen to some tunes while you work. Want to
How to choose the right ceiling fan
The ceiling fan is a simple and economical solution for cooling a room in the summertime, circulating the air in winter, and possibly even providing lighting Here are a few tips to help you choose the most suitable model for your space.
BLADES
The greater the angle of incline, the more powerful the device’s motor will be. The diameter of the fan blades also impacts its efficiency Consequently, the length of fan blades must correspond to the size of the room It’s less important how many blades there are on the fan; it’s more important that their size be compatible with the space in your room
DOWNROD
Ensure the distance between the fan and the floor is about seven or eight feet If your ceiling is more than nine-feet high, you must choose a fan with a longer downrod so you can set the blades to an appropriate height from the floor
ACTIVATION
You can choose from several control options to adjust the fan’s speed For example, if you choose a wall switch, you must install an
electrical connection However, you can also find models that come with a remote control or manual chain that hangs from the device.
STYLE
This decision depends entirely on your taste However, make sure the fan you choose matches other elements and materials in the room, like the metal on the door handles and light fixtures. Keep in mind that lacquered blades are easy to clean, which you’ll appreciate if you’re installing the fan in the kitchen.
LIGHTING
You can also integrate your lighting directly into your fan and replace the bulbs as needed If you choose this option, make your selection according to the types of bulbs you prefer.
Which lock should you choose for your front door?
Investing in a high-quality lock ensures the safety of your home’s occupants and protects your property from burglars. That’s why, when choosing a lock, it’s important to know about the different options available to you
• Smart locks can be controlled with your smartphone and don’t require a key They also allow you to remotely monitor the comings and goings in your home You can create and change codes as needed to enable individual people to enter on a limited basis
• Knob locks work with a key and can be activated with the simple press of a button or lever switch They’re easy to activate, so you can lock your door from the inside before leaving Moreover, you can combine your knob lock with a deadbolt to optimize your home’s security.
• Deadbolt locks are solid and efficient They engage from outside with a key and from inside by turning a knob. You can only secure a deadbolt lock with a key, which prevents you from accidentally locking yourself out.
• Keypad locks allow you to unlock your door with a numeric code. You can create customized codes for each user. If everyone in your household uses the same code, make sure to change it regularly to prevent wear and tear on the keys.
If you need professional advice, speak with a locksmith in your area.
In addition to providing the comfort you need for a good night’s sleep, your bed frame helps prolong the life of your mattress and box spring Here are three things to consider when buying a new bed frame.
1. TYPE
Standard wood and metal bed frames require the addition of a box spring to support your mattress However, some models let you place your mattress directly on the frame If you want to avoid buying a box spring, choose a frame with a slat system or a platform-type base
2.
HEIGHT
You can choose the height of your bed base according to your preferences and needs. If it’s not adjustable, be sure to consider the dimensions of your mattress to get a good idea of how high your bed will be If you don’t check beforehand, you may need to adjust the legs of the bed to achieve a suitable height If you need more storage space, opt for
Bed frames: a buying guide
an elevated base or a bed frame with built-in compartments.
3. STYLE
Whether you opt for wood, metal or a quilted fabric finish, select a shade to match the other elements in your room A trendy headboard can also add some character to your bedroom.
Visit your local furniture stores to seek out the perfect bed frame for you.
