Spruce Kings 35th Anniversary Show Home Feature

35 ANNIVERSARY TH

35th Anniversary

Feature 2601 Links Drive in the Aberdeen Glen Sub Division

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| SPRUCE KINGS 35th Anniversary Feature

Thank You! This special Citizen publication commemorates the 35th Anniversary of the Prince George Spruce Kings Annual Show Home Lottery.

It’s hard to believe that our 1st Home was built in 1981 with the help of our players. It was a basic 1,100 sq. ft. home valued at a modest $80,000. Our budget to ice a team that year was approximately $32,000.

Today, the home is custom built by Scheck Construction and looks as if it came from the pages of Better Homes and Gardens. The home features the latest in residential building technology and meets the stringent ENERGY STAR® for New Homes Standard. This year’s 3,260 sq ft. stunning home is valued at $554,810 and is truly built better from the ground up. Our current budget to ice the team is just over 1.5 million. Times certainly have changed!

In addition to being the lifeblood of the Spruce Kings, the Annual Show Home Lottery has generated millions of dollars for our community and benefitted hundreds of contractors and businesses involved in the residential construction industry as well as those that provide everything from lighting and security systems to furniture and appliances.

The Show Home has also changed the lives of the winners and has brought joy to the hundreds of Early Bird Winners. It is one of Prince George’s signature events and is eagerly anticipated by thousands in our community, region and province.

We would not be celebrating our 35th Show Home Anniversary if it was not for the continuing generosity of our fans and business community. Without your support, the Spruce Kings simply would not exist. Thank you and thank you to the Citizen for giving life to the history of the Show Home Lottery.

Respectfully,

Tom Bohmer President The Prince George Spruce Kings

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History of the Spruce Kings Show Home Lottery

Photo Credit: Chuck Chin

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He doesn’t even know where he got the idea.

“Let’s build a house,” came out of Grant Williams mouth when he discovered the Spruce Kings hockey players were paying for their own equipment in 1981. He was looking for a way to make some money to help offset the expense of running a hockey team in the middle of the north.

Williams played left wing with the Mohawks in the early 70s and retired in the spring of 1979.

The Spruce Kings approached Williams and another player, Grant Evans, and Mohawk coach, Don Wilkie, who were all invited to take over the running of the team and they agreed to do that.

Evans and Wilkie were both transferred out of town for work soon after that so that just left Williams.

“I’m a great idea man, I’m not good on details,” laughed Williams. “That first winter with the Spruce Kings was when we realized the players were supplying all their own equipment.”

The goal was just to sustain the team because originally it was started as a place for local kids to play between leaving the junior league and being able to play on the senior team that was here, said Williams.

Fundraising began by raffling off a Chevy Blazer with the intent of raising money to buy equipment for players, said Williams. “That went over well but the downfall of that project was the

players were selling the tickets by standing out in front of liquor stores and other businesses in the middle of winter.”

Brock Smither was the governor of the Spruce Kings at the time and owned a real estate firm.

Mike Maddigan was father of two players on the team and was a developer in town and when Williams approached them with the idea of building a house as a fundraiser they thought if was a great idea, he added.

“After tossing the idea around of building and just selling the house or even auctioning it off Joe Maddigan suggested raffling the house off to make more money,” said Williams. “That was the key to the success of it. I had not envisioned that the show home lottery would last this long.

Nor would I have envisioned that it would spawn so many other house raffles in B.C. It’s been an incredible money maker for several charities. The Spruce Kings should have taken out a patent on that idea because we were the first ones in B.C. to do this.”

The first home was built on a lot Mike Maddigan had on Hesse Crescent off Ospika Blvd.

“Certainly it was not built to the standards of houses today,” said Williams. “It was a very modest home.” It was worth $80,000 and was raffled off in 1982.

Some of the players on the team helped build the home, helping create the foundation and Continued on page 6

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Continued from page 5

framing the house. They worked with Maddigan, volunteering their time, added Williams.

The money was going to be used to offset travel expenses and pay for equipment for the players.

“No one at the Spruce Kings organization got paid at that time,” said Williams, who coached the team in 81 and 82 and then went back in 87. “We all volunteered our time as coaches, managers, and players. All the players were local. It was a Junior B league we played in for the first couple of years.”

When the Spruce Kings moved into the B.C. Hockey League, where other teams were virtually all privately funded, northern B.C. teams were referred to as the Bingo League because that’s how they fundraised for operating costs, said Williams. The Spruce Kings had designs of getting into the Western Hockey League when it was announced that Prince George would get the Multiplex, now known as CN Centre, explained Williams.

“The Spruce Kings worked hard on trying to acquire the franchise here,” said Williams. The Spruce Kings even had the money in place to do just that but the Western Hockey League was not interested in allowing any more community owned teams into the league so the Spruce Kings stayed in the BCHL.

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When the Spruce Kings got into the BCHL their expenses jumped significantly and as they were trying to be competitive in the league they were paying their coaching staff during the mid 80s in a full time capacity. There was another budget jump that occurred when they went from the Peace Cariboo league to the Rocky Mountain Hockey League that had teams from Kootenays.

“That was a pretty long road trip,” said Williams.

“In the beginning it was all volunteer work putting the Show Home Lottery together, organizing the licencing, the sale of tickets and since then it’s become far more professional,” said Williams.

NEW

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE www.sprucekingsshowhome.ca

Chances are 1 in 11,000 (total tickets for sale) to win the grand prize. BC Gaming Event License #88662 Chances are 1 in 4,000 (total tickets for sale) to win 50/50. BC Gaming Event Licence #88663

Problem Gambling Help Line 1-888-795-6111 www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca

Know your limit play within it.

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Icing The Team From a budget of $32,000 in 1981 to the current budget of $1.5 to $1.6 million, its expensive to ice the team.

Here is an example of what it costs to keep things running every year: Sticks: $30,000 Equipment: $25,000 Ice Rental: $49,000 Billets: $38,000 Bus (repairs/fuel): $50,000 Out of town accommodations: $40,000 Out of town meals: 40,000

2009 Spruce King Showhome winners Ryner LeDuke and Jennifer Cawdell in the kitchen of their new home. Citizen photo by Brent Braaten

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Spruce Kings 2017 Show Home A High Performance Build

At 2601 Links Drive there’s an extra special surprise waiting.

Although it might not be noticeably visible at first glance, the secrets this luxury home offers will give back to its lucky owner for years to come.

The new Spruce Kings Show Home Lottery has a lot going on behind the scenes.

“This year’s home is an ENERGY STAR® certified home which many will recognize as a symbol of energy efficiency,” said Cynthia Curll, program manager for new homes, conservation & energy management for BC Hydro.

What it means to be ENERGY STAR rated is that the home is about 20 per cent more energy efficient than the building code requires, said Curll.

“When we talk about a more energy efficient home it really means it’s a better built home that is more comfortable, it’s healthier and offers the opportunity for homeowners to see energy savings year after year,” said Curll.

As a home gets more energy efficient the occupants will enjoy more consistent temperatures throughout the home, without the hot and cold spots that some homes have.

ENERGY STAR homes also offer better ventilation through a fresh-air system, added Curll. The new Spruce Kings home has a heat recovery ventilator that distributes fresh air continuously throughout the home and because it has a filter in it, it reduces dust and allergens in the home providing a healthier environment.

Brent Scheck, the builder of the Spruce Kings Show Home worked with a local energy advisor 10

in order to build the home with a high standard of energy efficiency in mind beginning with the initial design earning its ENERGY STAR, certification that is third-party verified, added Curll.

“That offers peace of mind to the new home owners.”

A combination system provides both domestic hot water and space heating in this home.

Space heating uses a high velocity zoned system which allows the occupants to set different temperatures upstairs and down, she added.

Insulated concrete forms (ICF) are used from the foundation to the roof. ICF is often used in foundation walls, but less common in abovegrade walls. What this means is when ICF is used above-grade, it reduces the heat loss by about 25 per cent and reduces air leakage, both of which improve the overall comfort for the occupants, said Curll. “Throughout the home there is also ENERGY STAR rated lighting. The builder and energy advisor have worked together from early on to include in the design all of these energy efficient elements that contribute to the improved performance of the home that providing occupants with a comfortable and healthier home to live in.”

BC Hydro in partnership with the Spruce Kings and Scheck Construction have captured the build and the final performance test the energy advisor will do on video to help educate industry (builders and realtors) about how the home was built to a higher performance standard, said Curll.

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2016 Winners

Story Behind Buying The Ticket

My husband and I hadn’t bought before, and we went about two weeks before the draw to take a tour of the house. We were debating on whether to buy a ticket or not, and we were about ready to leave, and I looked at my husband and asked

if we should buy a ticket so he said “oh yeah, go ahead,” so we bought one. Then the young man selling the tickets asked if we wanted a 50/50, and I looked at my husband and he said “yeah, do it, in for a penny, out for a pound.”

Continued on page 14

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GIVE YOUR DRE

Located at 2601 Links Drive in the Aberdeen Glen Sub Division Show Home This 3,260 Sq.Ft. Home is Built Better From the Ground Up by Scheck Construction Valued at $554,810 12

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EAMS A CHANCE

e Hours: Monday-Friday: Noon-4:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 11am- 5:00pm (includes Fridge, Stove and Dishwasher from the Northern and Security System from ATech Security and taxes) SPRUCE KINGS 35th Anniversary Feature |

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Continued from page 11

We went on our merry way, and I kept telling my friends “I’m going to win the Spruce Kings Showhome.” The Saturday before the draw we were at a social function with the volunteer fire hall, and I said to a lady that I was going to win the home. On the Sunday I had some ladies over, and we were chatting and I said I was going to win the Showhome the next day and they all said “yeah right Kim.” They were all pretty shocked when I won it, and so was I! How has winning the house affected you and the family?

It hasn’t changed our lives that much, but I would say it’s given us the ability to have more choices, and to do some things that are nice to do like contributing to a couple of legacy funds. The most fun we’ve had so far is for my daughter’s university graduation we paid off her student loans. That’s that thing that’s given me the biggest kick so far, is being able to hand her a card, and when she opened it up her student loans were paid off. That was the biggest thrill of anything.

What else have you done with the money from selling the house?

Right now we’re just trying to decide if we’re going to buy a house, renovate a house, or renovate our own house, and I made my husband buy a new truck. Our 13 year old truck

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broke down while we were on holidays, and we had to get it fixed in Smithers so I made him go and take a look at some trucks but he said “oh, we’ll just fix it.” I made him test drive one, and that was all she wrote. We are also going to go to Mexico. We were going to go anyways, but this takes it from a three star to a four and a half star.

What has the reaction been from the community?

Absolutely nothing but positive reactions. We’ve had a lot of people say “You won my house,” but all in good fun. I couldn’t believe how many people responded on Hell Yeah Prince George congratulating us. Over 700 people liked it or said congratulations and I was really shocked and very humbled by the outpouring of the wonderful people of Prince George.

Are you going to buy a ticket this year to the Spruce Kings Showhome?

Well of course I am! I do everything in threes so maybe I’ll win another one! I’ve also already bought my tickets for the Hospice house because that’s another really important one. If a person can afford to do it, and put out the money to buy the ticket and support things in your community then you do it, and sometimes it pays off.

Otherwise I always see it as a donation to a worthy cause.

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Kings will build house Players to do work Original Citizen article from Feb 3, 1981 Citizen Staff

The Prince George Spruce Kings have already proved they’re pretty good hockey players, so now they’re going to try building a house.

In these days of rising operating costs and falling attendance, many sports teams are forced into finding alternate sources of revenue and the junior Spruce Kings are no exception.

The team leader of the Peace Cariboo Junior Hockey League hopes to begin construction of an 1,100-square-foot home within the next two weeks and have it ready to put on the market in mid-May. Spruce Kings’ governor Brock Smither says the team’s budget for this season is between $28,000 and $32,000, the lowest in the six-team league.

By comparison the team with the highest operating cost is the Fort St. John Golden Hawks, with a budget of about $63,000, says Smither.

Spruce Kings’ players will do most of the labour, while excavating, plumbing, electrical and bricklaying will be handled by contractors.

The lot, on Hesse Street, in Pinecone subdivision, was donated by Maddigan Brothers Holdings and Smither says the company will be reimbursed

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when the house is completed.

Smither expects the home to sell for somewhere in the high $70,000 range or in the low 80s.

“If we made $10,000 from this house, we’d be ecstatic,” said Smither.

“If we can get lumber, shingles and other materials at cost, it’ll go a long way to cutting our costs.”

The house will be built under Maddigan Brothers’ supervision, so will be covered under the Hudac home warranty.

“Rather than going out and selling tickets, these guys are young and have certain skills, plus they’re doing it for themselves,” said Smither.

NEW

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE www.sprucekingsshowhome.ca

Chances are 1 in 11,000 (total tickets for sale) to win the grand prize. BC Gaming Event License #88662 Chances are 1 in 4,000 (total tickets for sale) to win 50/50. BC Gaming Event Licence #88663

Problem Gambling Help Line 1-888-795-6111 www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca

| SPRUCE KINGS 35th Anniversary Feature

Know your limit play within it. 19+

Our First Show Home 35 Years Ago

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This Year’s Show Home Better Than Ever To celebrate the Spruce Kings Show Home Lottery’s 35th anniversary this year’s custombuilt Scheck Construction home, valued at $554,810, is uniquely built from the ground up.

The newly built home meets ENERGY STAR® high efficiency home standards and features Logix construction that offers a superior, more comfortable, durable and healthier home.

The family-friendly show home features four bedrooms, three bathrooms within the 3,260 sq. foot expanse and has a spacious deck, large garage and massive recreation room.

The traditional hub of the home features a state-of-the-art kitchen filled with maple and oak cabinetry, showcases a one-of-a-kind range hood and offers Cambria quartz countertops.

Nestled in Aberdeen Estates the property backs onto a woodland offering stunning views year round. Vaulted ceilings on the main floor enhances the open concept of the home.

Other features contributed by local businesses make this home truly unique.

McInnis Lighting has supported the Spruce Kings Show Home since its inception and regularly donates $5,000 of lighting to each home.

“I think the Spruce Kings are great ambassadors for our city,” said Paul Williams of McInnis Lighting, located at 1289 Fourth Ave. “Helping these young men in their journey through that field is, I think, very important. They contribute a lot, both to the community at this point and as time goes on. The young men on the Spruce Kings team are role models and I think that’s a very fine role they play in the community.”

“As Northern Hardware has been in the community for so long, we have always supported community organizations, especially the Spruce Kings Show Home,” said Dennis Busby, Appliance Centre manager for Northern Hardware, who coordinates furniture and accessories with the show home’s paint and floor colours. “I have personally been involved in 10 show homes and I have really enjoyed it.”

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Spruce Kings Show Home Changes Lives Original Citizen article from April 15,2016 Citizen staff

April 15, 2012 was a life-changing day for Alicia and Justin Francoeur.

On that day, they became mortgage-free homeowners when they won the Prince George Spruce Kings Show Home Lottery grand prize, a $440,000 luxury home with all the bells and whistles they could only dream of the day before.

“The house is beautiful,” said Alicia. “Before we won the house we were just renting and everything we ever talked about that we wanted in a house, it has. Obviously, we wouldn’t have been able to afford a house like this.”

Justin’s aunt, Sue Shusek, gave him the winning ticket for his 27th birthday.

At the time of the draw, Justin was working at Lakeland Mills sawmill (eight days before the mill exploded) and Alicia, who was pregnant at the time, was working in customer service for Telus. They had an 18-month old son, Emmitt, who was born with a condition which prevented his optic nerve from developing, which left him legally blind.

Living in a rented house, they struggled to keep on top of the bills and their young son required daily injections of growth hormone and regular trips to Vancouver for treatments.

They decided to move in right away to their new neighbourhood on Links Drive in the Aberdeen Glen subdivision and they are still reaping the benefits of having their own home and the extra income they save from not having to pay rent.

“It’s so nice (not to have a mortgage,” said Alicia.

“It’s amazing, I was able to quit my job and we have three kids now, so I get to stay home with them, which is huge. That’s the biggest thing that has changed for us.”

Justin now works for CN Rail as a rail car mechanic.

Emmitt is now five, Kenzie is three and now they have a baby sister, five-month-old Norie.

“This is an awesome little neighbourhood, there are quite a few younger kids our kids’ age on our street and they put that park in around the corner,” said Alicia. “The neighbours are so nice and there’s lots of places to go hiking up here.

You’re out of the way and it’s quiet but we’re still in the central part of town. The neighbourhood is nice and safe.”

One of the perks of living there is Alicia, 29, and Justin, 31, get one day per week of free golf at Aberdeen Glen Golf Course. They like to golf, but with young kids to look after, they rarely go.

“We just bought a side-by-side (quad) this year and it’s really fun, the kids love it,” said Alicia.

“We got married in 2014 and we each bought brand-new vehicles. This has helped so much 20

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with everything.”

On Monday, the Spruce Kings will hand over the keys to the lucky winner of a 2,712 square-foot show home, built by Scheck Construction, worth $495,000. Located at 2662 Links Dr., it includes five appliances and a security system with one year’s monitoring.

Justin and Alicia’s family members have been buying tickets on the show home lottery for 30 years and they are now continuing that tradition.

“We buy one every year to support the Spruce Kings,” said Alicia. “It’s only $100, and really your chances aren’t that bad for winning. It’s not like it’s one in a million, it’s one in 10,000.”

Winners of the 1986 Show Home December 30, 1986

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Winners of the 2015 Spruce Kings Show Home lottery, Cliff and Sharon Jabusch. The home on Links Drive is valued at $532,821. The Spruce Kings Show Home lottery is the longest running home lottery in the province. Citizen photo by Brent Braaten

Spruce Kings Show Home values There’s been millions of dollars infused into the local economy over the years thanks to the Spruce Kings Show Home Lottery, celebrating its 35th year.

The first home raffled off in 1982 was a modest $60,000 three-bedroom home on Hesse Crescent, off Ospika Boulevard. Those first few years the show home lottery was called the Raffle House.

As time passed values steadily increased and the name of the event better reflected the homes being put up for offer during the Spruce Kings Show Home Lottery, with the culmination of the last home won with the value of $495,000 and the current home up for offer valued at $554,810.

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