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A Prince George man and his wife who arrived at the scene of a fatal plane crash on Foothills Boulevard Thursday, Aug. 20, minutes after it made an emergency landing on the four-lane roadway described “a horrible disaster.” “There was a propeller lying in the middle of the road,” Wes Zapotichny told The Citizen. The collision, which happened at about 2 p.m. Thursday, involved the pickup and three other vehicles that had been in the northbound lanes. One person is confirmed dead in the collision. RCMP said the person was an occupant of one of the vehicles involved. Two others were taken to hospital in stable condition. The southbound plane with eight people on board, a twin-engine turboprop Beechcraft 200 Super King Air operated by Sekani Air Ltd., made contact with both vehicles as it made an emergency

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landing on a flat stretch of Foothills. It came to a stop with its fuselage intact. “We just came down upon it,” said Zapotichny. “Heading up Foothills there were a couple vehicles that were crunched, one (the red hatchback) that was really bad. The pickup truck had (an airplane part) in its windshield. The other vehicle looked like a rollover, I couldn’t tell what kind of vehicle it was. Farther down there was a yellow hatchback car with its rear end smashed up.” Zapotichny said he was surprised the plane was still on the road. “It’s amazing that when this plane hit these cars and the engine propeller went into the truck it didn’t cartwheel and go right into those power lines that go to North Nechako School,” said Zapotichny. Prince George RCMP, Emergency Health Services ambulances and Prince George Fire Rescue responded to the call. Police blocked off Foothills Boulevard from North Nechako Road to Austin Road.

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Fatal emergency landing

A Transportation Safety Board investigator visits the scene on Friday, Aug. 21 to inspect damage to the plane that made an emergency landing on Foothills Boulevard the day before. The twin-engine plane hit four vehicles upon landing, killing a local woman. See more coverage on Page 2 and Page 3.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

NEWS

Narrow escape for driver on Foothills A steel rod speared the seat of his SUV CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Plane lost engine power over city: TSB probe COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Jaime Pawliuk was making his way to Mackenzie for work when a plane did an emergency landing on Foothills Boulevard on Thursday, Aug. 20. It was a pretty ordinary day until it wasn’t. Pawliuk said he was driving his 2023 Ford Escape with several other vehicles heading north up Foothills. “All of a sudden a plane came around the top corner and I honestly didn’t see it strike the first vehicle because I was in shock — is this actually happening? Then the plane was coming straight towards me and I saw the engine on the wing and tried to avoid that at all costs so I swerved right as hard as I could,” he said. “The wing ended up just clipping the top of my vehicle and sheared the entire top off, showering me with glass and sending debris and spikes all over my car. There is a spike sitting in my back seat right now that went through the leather about six inches in and then I came to an abrupt stop and the plane kept going by.” He paused for a second. “I know the vehicle in front of me was the fatality,” he said quietly. Pawliuk described the point of impact as being very loud. “It was similar to an explosion or a gun shot going off,” he said. “Absolute metal on metal and the glass that was showering me was everything from big chunks to little slivers. There are a lot of pieces of glass still stuck in me with minor cuts on my hands and on my arms.” His neck was wrenched as well, he added. “My face and head are fine — I only found some glass in my hair,” Pawliuk said. It didn’t feel real at first, he added. “Until I went online and saw photos of a plane on Foothills,” Pawliuk said. “And then it’s real. I mean, that plane was

JAMIE PAWLIUK PHOTO

Jaime Pawliuk had the presence of mind to take photos of his vehicle after a two-prop plane collided with him on Foothills Boulevard on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026 at about 2:20 p.m. Here a metal rod is sticking out of his back seat after the crash.

coming so fast and none of us could’ve reacted. There was nowhere to go. I definitely feel lucky to be alive. I am sure I will process a lot more over the next few days.” When he got out of the vehicle after impact he walked to the back and sat down on the ground. A good Samaritan gave him some water and then he was led to an ambulance, taken to hospital, put in a room and given medication to calm him down, he added. “Then when I got my colour back they said I could go home and if I started feeling sore to come back and I will probably be going back shortly because my neck has tensed up today,” Pawliuk said.

He’s glad he was driving the vehicle he was, with its safety feature. “It did save my life,” he said. “My airbags did not deploy and I found that odd for such an impact. I thought my side-curtain air bags would have gone off but I guess without the bumper being hit where the sensors are maybe that’s why it didn’t go off. The vehicle was jarred so hard I figured it might … but I am also thinking because the wing hit the car so hard maybe the suspension had taken a lot of the kinetic energy out too. It was like getting smacked right on top of the head. I got lucky because I missed the propeller and I do believe that the vehicle in front of me was not so lucky.”

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada said the aircraft originated from Sturdee Airstrip, northwest of Williston Lake in the Peace River Regional District, at about 1:25 p.m. The aircraft lost power on one engine while en route and subsequently made an emergency landing. Federal investigators arrived in Prince George on the night of Aug. 20 and began examining the crash scene the following day, documenting the site, collecting evidence and interviewing people affected by the incident. The TSB cautioned that the information released so far is preliminary and subject to change. The Beechcraft 200 Super King Air that made an emergency landing on Foothills Boulevard in Prince George on Thursday, Aug. 20, colliding with vehicles, was previously involved in a cabin depressurization incident during a medical flight in January 2024, federal aviation records show. The aircraft, registered as C-GEDV, was descending through about 20,000 feet on Jan. 22, 2024, when its oxygen masks deployed while it was approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Kelowna. At the time, the aircraft was operated by Upper Valley Aviation and was flying a medical evacuation mission from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona to Kelowna Airport. Two crew members and three passengers were aboard. The flight crew declared an emergency and landed safely at Kelowna Airport. Following the incident, maintenance engineers found that the cabin-altitude setting on the pressurization controller had been set below the airport’s field elevation, while the rate knob was turned to its maximum setting. With files from Citizen staff

NEWS

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

GoFundMe launched for family after fatal plane collision

Alex Garneau was the mother of two CITIZEN STAFF

Alex Garneau has been identified as the person killed on the ground when a twin-engine aircraft crashed on Foothills Boulevard in Prince George on Thursday, Aug. 20. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Garneau’s husband, Jordan, and their two children, Josie and Jackson, following her death. The fundraiser describes Garneau as a devoted mother, wife, friend and hockey mom who was deeply involved in her children’s activities and community. Organizers say she was known for supporting others and making people feel welcome. The funds raised will go directly to Jordan and the children and will be

GOFUNDME PHOTO

Alex Garneau, seen in a family photo, died when a plane making an emergency landing collided with vehicles on Foothills Boulevard on Thursday, Aug. 20.

used at their discretion for immediate and long-term needs, according to the fundraiser.

As of the morning of Monday, Aug. 24, the campaign had raised $98,019 of a $100,000 goal, with 641 donations.

The campaign is being organized by Laura Creighton, with Katie Trottier as co-organizer. It can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/ Support-Garneau-Family Garneau died Thursday afternoon after a Beech King Air 200 aircraft carrying two crew members and six passengers collided with four vehicles while making an emergency landing on Foothills Boulevard. The fundraiser asks members of the community to support the Garneau family through donations, sharing the campaign, sending messages, providing meals or simply keeping the family in their thoughts. The organizers said Garneau’s death has left an enormous void for her family and described her as someone who consistently showed up for the people around her. “She was fiercely devoted to her family,” the fundraiser says, “and she will be forever missed and remembered.”

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

NEWS

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

City developing new ways to gather budget feedback COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The consultation process for the City of Prince George’s 2027 budget will include the opportunity for residents to chime in on actual budget proposals and tax impacts towards the end of this calendar year. During its final meeting of the current council’s term on Tuesday, Aug. 18, the Standing Committee of Finance and Audit heard from the city’s communications team about what’s planned for the next round of consultations. Manager of communications Claire Thwaites and community engagement co-ordinator Imogene Broberg-Hull told members that typically, consultation has consisted of two major surveys presented to residents between September and November each year. The first survey is called a community checkup and focuses on residents’ satisfaction with municipal services. The

second was a longer form survey with interactive elements done in participation with a third-party platform called Ethelo. This contract, the pair said, has expired and the city is using this opportunity to refresh the consultation process, which will now be carried out in three phases between September and January. From Tuesday, Sept. 1 to Thursday, Oct. 1, the traditional community check-up survey will be circulated online. Like last year, printed copies of the surveys will be distributed around the city at select occasions in an effort to increase participation. The results of the check-up survey will be presented to council in November, after this fall’s local elections scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17. The second phase will see another survey circulated between Friday, Nov. 27 and Monday, Dec. 21. Elements of the budget that will be presented to council will be included so that residents can

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CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Crews work to repair a water main break at the corner of Ahbau Street and Rainbow Drive on July 4, 2024. The process to develop the next city budget for public works and other expenditures will be different this year.

look over capital projects, potential service enhancements, operating expenses and their resulting property tax impacts. Broberg-Hull said that throughout budget consultations last year, both residents and members of the business community said they wanted to be able to respond to real figures and not hypotheticals. During this second phase, in-person elements, like the return of the City Hall at the Mall event where residents can speak directly with councillors and other pop-ups, are scheduled. Then, in the third and final phase of consultations in December and January in the lead-up to council’s budget talks, a final report will be presented summarizing the findings from the earlier phases. Though the city is intending to increase advertising for these consultation surveys and events, the communications team said that savings from the Ethelo contract expiring will be used to keep spending within the existing budget. Coun. Ron Polillo said he liked the phased approach and that the in-person consultation events will continue, suggesting that the city could maybe partner with some seniors organizations for distributing surveys. In response to a question about how much the Ethelo contract cost, director of finance and IT services Kris Dalio said it was somewhere between $4,000 and $5,000 per year. So far, Broberg-Hull said, the city intends to distribute surveys through the Prince George Public Library, the Elder Citizen Recreation Centre, the

South Fort George Family Resource Centre and the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society. Coun. Tim Bennett said he’d like to see more seasonally relevant budget consultations going forward, as some residents might not be thinking about park use during the winter, as one example. Coun. Trudy Klassen said she felt the presentation of actual budget numbers during consultations was a “real improvement” from prior years. She asked how the city plans on engaging with specific sectors of the community. Thwaites said that, as an example, there have been discussions about putting on a targeted engagement event with the Prince George Chamber of Commerce, though planning is still in early stages. Committee chair Coun. Cori Ramsay said she would like to see the city use the annual CityFest event for budget consultations as it’s a big draw for the public, even if it’s earlier in the year. Ramsay also asked whether the city could use its smartphone app to send notifications to users to let them know that budget surveys are available to be filled out. Thwaites said it’s something that’s been discussed. Klassen put a motion on the floor recommending that council approve the inclusion of metrics and key performance indicators with budget consultation documents for residents to look at. This motion was defeated after a 2-2 tie vote, with Klassen and Bennett voting in favour and Ramsay and Polillo voting against.

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Knocking down the Knights Inn

NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Demolition of the former Knights Inn is under way, as seen on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 25 at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Dominion Street. The motel-turned-BC-housing-facility was bought by the city for future use of the property as part of the Civic Core Plan.

Mayor’s hearing delayed until after October election COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

A thrice-delayed disciplinary hearing against Prince George Mayor Simon Yu for engineering work carried out before he was elected has been rescheduled for after this fall’s local election. The new date for the hearing is now set for a hybrid (in person and online) format in Vancouver from Dec. 14 to 18, a representative from Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia told The Citizen in a Tuesday, Aug. 18 email. In September 2024, Engineers and Geoscientists of BC issued a citation against Yu in relation to a retaining wall project he worked on at Cluculz Lake, alleging that he lacked the expertise to sign off on the paperwork.

Hearings were previously scheduled and then postponed for July 2025, December 2025 and May 2026. During the process, Yu has maintained that he had not committed any misconduct. In an Aug. 18 interview about his re-election campaign, Yu said he was not concerned that the matter wouldn’t be resolved before election day on Saturday, Oct. 17. He said if he wanted the matter to simply go away, he could pay some money and discontinue his engineering practice. “Personally, I believe I have done absolutely nothing wrong,” he said. “I cannot submit to a citation when the people who wrote the citation have never been to the site, never even looked at a picture of the site and made a judgment on a practitioner with over 40 years’ experience.”

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

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PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

New tariffs deepen crisis for BC forest industry: Parmar Ravi Parmar says aid programs are coming for Northwood workers TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Canada declared a trade war with the United States when talks between the two countries broke down last Friday, Aug. 20, and the U.S. went ahead with its plan to impose a 50 per cent tariff on $20 billion in Canadian goods annually exported to its closest neighbour. That war has been going on for two years in BC’s beleaguered softwood lumber sector, which was already facing 45 per cent tariffs and duties on exports to the United States. BC exporters have had to charge their customers that crippling rate since October 2025, when they were slapped with a 10 per cent tariff in addition to the 35 per cent in anti-dumping and countervailing duties on softwood exports. Trump’s latest tariff has now upped the ante to 50 per cent. “(Until two years ago) we never had to deal with 45 per cent tariffs or the uncertainty of a president who refers to our lumber as a national security risk and also an additional 10 percent tariff or threatens to do more because of the smoke coming in from wildfires in Canada,” said BC Forests Minister Ravi Parmar, who spoke to The Citizen on Monday, Aug. 24. “These (Section) 338 tariffs hit British Columbia particularly hard as it relates to the sector and really attacked the value-added sector, which is something we’ve been spending a lot of time and energy towards, in particular the plywood and veneer sector, doors and other types of manufacturing,” he said. “These are the very initiatives that I’ve been encouraging forestry companies to invest in. My government has spent over $100 million, just in the last couple years supporting. Our Make More in BC program has been focused on growing the value-added sector and now we have a situation where much of that value-added sector is being hit with a 50

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Forest Minister Ravi Parmar addresses the BC Natural Resources Forum at the Prince George Civic Centre on Jan. 20. Parmer discussed tariffs, closure and curtailments with The Citizen on Monday, Aug. 24.

per cent tariff.” Parmar has been having weekly conversations with value-added companies throughout the province, such as Brink Forest Products in Prince George. The hope was that a trade agreement would end the 45 per cent duties those companies have faced for two years since Trump took office for his second term. “It’s brutal. There’s not the words to describe what is a brutal situation we’re facing in British Columbia and throughout Canada,” said Parmar. “We are going to stand with those companies, we are having conversations. I met with the Plywood and Veneer Manufacturers Coalition (on Sunday) with different operators and we know many of them are considering layoffs imminently and some of them have a couple weeks left before they have to start making serious decisions. “The prime minister made a commitment to support these types of companies, the mom-and-pop shops that employ 20-50 people and others that are larger, and we are going to be working with the federal government to ensure that any dollars that come from retaliatory tariffs are invested to help support those companies.” BC ships 51 per cent of all its exports to U.S. markets, representing an economic impact of $31 billion to $35 billion annually. Just over half of that total is wood, pulp and paper, metallic minerals

and energy products. The lumber market is geared to exports to the United States and, for companies such as Brink Forest Products, which produces finger-jointed lumber, almost its entire market is south of the border. “My thoughts go out to, most importantly, their workers who are paying the price for Donald Trump’s attack on our forest sector,” said Parmar. “It’s very clear that we have a lot of work to do given the challenges Prince George itself has faced over the last number of weeks with the closure of the Northwood Pulp facility.” That, he says, is all but impossible with pulp prices on world markets at 100-year lows when adjusted for inflation and primary and value-added producers facing crippling duties and tariffs as companies streamline their operations to try to reduce costs. Demand for Canada’s high-quality pulp has also diminished as countries such as China have developed methods to turn low-quality pulp exports from other countries into higher-quality products. The pulp sector in BC was rocked by the pending closure of Northwood Pulp Mill in Prince George, announced July 14 by Canfor, which will result in 300 direct job losses. On Friday, Domtar revealed its plan to indefinitely idle operations at its pulp mill and chipping facility at Howe Sound, affecting 350

direct employees. On Aug. 10, Quesnel River Pulp announced a two-month curtailment that takes effect Sept. 4, affecting 90 workers. Parmar had planned to travel to Prince George this week to meet with industry leaders and Northwood mill employees in the city but was forced to stay in Victoria to plot a strategy to help BC businesses ride out the latest tariffs. “I look forward to getting back up to Prince George in the next couple weeks to continue those conversations and continue the work we do, but I’m not naïve to the fact the 50 per cent tariffs that Donald Trump instituted Saturday morning is going to have a further significant impact on the forest sector here in British Columbia,” said Parmar. “This is like nothing we’ve ever faced before. This is going to be tough.” Parmar said the province is working with the federal government to try to bring back the Bridging For Retirement program that was discontinued in February 2025 to help forestry workers who have lost their jobs. The program, originally set up in 2021, provided up to $75,000 in retirement funding for full-time employees aged 55 or older to encourage them to give up their positions to allow younger workers facing layoffs to fill those positions. “We’re having those very conversations right now within the provincial government and with the federal government and we’ll certainly have more to share in regards to not only Bridging For Retirement but we hope to see expanded EI (Employment Insurance) supports for workers as well that are impacted by the trade war and by market challenges we’re seeing in our pulp sector as well.” “It’s a Team BC approach, the minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, minister of Labour, minister of Jobs, all of us are working together to ensure that based on conversations our transition teams are having on the ground in Prince George and different parts of the province, we’re working to ensure the federal government can bring in supports and BC complements that with other levels of support.”

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

OPINION

Tragedies are not the time for jokes and speculation KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

Minutes after a plane made an emergency landing on Foothills Boulevard last Thursday, crashing into vehicles, people were doing what they now do when something extraordinary happens: firing up their social media. There was some good in that immediate reaction, mostly from official sources. Drivers were warned to stay away from the area as police closed Foothills, helping keep an already chaotic scene from becoming more dangerous. The Citizen and other local news outlets were able to gather information, report developments in real time and offer the public confirmed facts as they became available. For people trying to understand what had happened, those updates mattered. But social media’s strengths are also its weaknesses. Some people saw the advisories and went to Foothills simply to gawk. Others spread rumour, gossip and speculation. A frightening, confusing event became online entertainment for some. For others it became an opportunity to play investigator from behind a keyboard. One Reddit discussion — echoed on Facebook — is particularly revealing. A few commenters were quick to make jokes about the pilot’s abilities, apparently reacting to early images and the basic details about the emergency landing.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY TED CLARKE

First responders deal with the aftermath of the emergency landing of an airplane on Foothills Boulevard on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Others quickly pointed out the obvious problem: nobody knew the full circumstances, and somebody could have been hurt. Then came the news that one person had died. At that point, some of the original jokesters apologized as other people called for respect. Some, unfortunately, doubled down. That is a useful lesson in the danger of anonymous, instant commentary. When we don’t have the facts, the responsible response isn’t to manufacture them. A joke posted in the first few minutes doesn’t become harmless just because it was made before the full extent of the

tragedy was known. There’s another side to social media, however, and Prince George is showing that just as clearly. A GoFundMe campaign organized for the family of Alex Garneau has become a powerful demonstration of what these same online networks can accomplish. Garneau, a wife and mother of two young children, was killed when the plane hit her vehicle during its emergency landing. The fundraiser for her husband, Jordan, and children, Josie and Jackson, has drawn hundreds of donations, passing its original $100,000 goal in less than 24 hours.

The community is doing what communities have always done in times of grief, only now the town square is partly digital. That compassion is far more representative of Prince George than the worst comments posted online. And while we should expect more information in the future, we should resist pretending that we already know more than we do. The Transportation Safety Board has said the information released so far is preliminary and subject to change. Its role is to establish what happened and advance transportation safety; it does not assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability. Until that investigation is complete, there’s no reason for public speculation. We know a tragedy happened. We know two young children have lost their mother. We know others were injured. We know investigators are working to establish the facts. And we know something else. In the middle of the shock, Prince George stepped up. Our police, fire and ambulance crews handled the scene expertly while providing assistance during what was a very rare, high-profile public disaster. They deserve recognition for that. Beyond the emergency crews, through online fundraising and other shows of support, ordinary residents have demonstrated that this city still knows how to care for its own. That’s the story worth sharing.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

OPINION ELI KLASNER: Where’s the plan? Imagining a better future for Prince George

improving public access, accessibility and infrastructure along the waterfront. With many existing needs for residents still unaddressed, taxpayer dollars should be focused on creating and maintaining spaces for people rather than building new amenities for dogs.

Excellent idea. I have been mulling over items to raise and include in a letter to our new mayor and council after the election, when there are four years ahead of them in which to complete ongoing work, as well as set new goals and actual methods to result in success or to shelve after seeing an idea was not accomplishing its objective. Three items from every candidate could give us quite a list of issues to work on going forward, and if they have proposed a plan, we could see change in not too long. Looking at the issues and proposed actions to effect change, rather than the familiarity of individual names, might let us elect a better group to move things forward over the next municipal government term. We have seen a propensity to study things at great cost too often in the past, and this slows progress or stops it entirely. So, Eli, I agree it’s time for a different approach. Will candidates rise to this challenge? The answer to that may help voters make choices on election day. Renoguy24 New report discusses Prince George’s downloaded costs This could be fixed with the use of one word: NO! If the other levels of government try to download costs, the city should say NO. It is not our responsibility; it is YOURS! Case in point: the outreach workers. The province funded them with a one-time grant rather than putting them on the provincial payroll, knowing full well the city would add

Swimmers and support boats arrive in Prince George during the Fraser River Challenge Expedition on Monday, Aug. 17. CITIZEN PHOTO BY TED CLARKE

them to the already bloated city payroll. The city must start billing the other levels for doing things that are not their job. For example, using the fire department for medical and drug overdose calls. Track the costs and charge the province. For all the expenses related to housing, the city has only themselves to blame. When the province comes cap in hand looking for money, the city should respond, “NOPE!” All the taxes that PG residents pay to the feds and province should be used.

Good on Aaron, you can do it. I always thought I would like to try myself, but I grew up in Penny. But I am almost 60 now. BCBenny EDITORIAL: Bird’s inland port pitch deserves government support at all levels As a born-and-raised Prince George citizen, I thoroughly support Ms. Bird’s vision for the city. Finally, someone has stepped up with a clear plan for the future. I can only hope city officials will get on board with her proposal. Jo Borealis

Instead of moaning about it, start doing your job and spend tax dollars wisely.

Fraser River swim raising awareness of need for conservation

($26 million could have covered a good portion of Aquatic Centre repairs!!!)

The Fraser River is truly an incredible river and ecosystem.

Bobs your uncle

This is insanely amazing: love it!

Prince George’s Aaron Barnard still Alone, battling elements and hunger That’s incredible! I hope he goes the distance, but even if he doesn’t, it’s an impressive feat. Very cool to see someone local on such a big show and doing so well. Zangief One of my favourite shows.

D Goods Stefanie P Residents ask for off-leash dog parks with swimming access Dog owners who want a dedicated dog park on the waterfront should organize fundraising efforts and contribute to the cost of developing it. The city should prioritize investments that benefit people first, particularly

D Goods Central Street residential development in Prince George moves forward Prince George desperately needs more affordable market housing. It is not fair that a one-bedroom apartment currently rents for more than the mortgage on my threebedroom, two-bath detached house on a double lot! There are so many seniors I know looking to downsize, and 30- and 40-year-olds still living with five other roommates because there are no affordable smaller rental units. Science Officer Stefanie This proposed development must require that all existing buildings on the site be demolished, thereby displacing all the residents. How many people will be affected, and are any arrangements or compensation being considered or discussed as part of the process? I do agree that the intersection at 22nd and Hwy. 97 is somewhat dangerous, especially for pedestrians. However, it does seem better since the changes introduced a year or two ago. If it does get approved and built, it should spruce up the neighbourhood. DBA

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

NEWS

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

More than $2.2M in tax exemptions given initial approval Local governments can offer tax breaks to organizations under certain conditions COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Recommendations for more than $2.2 million worth of permissive tax exemptions were given initial approval at a Tuesday, Aug. 18 meeting of Prince George’s Standing Committee on Finance and Audit. Local governments in BC are allowed by law to grant tax exemptions to certain organizations that they feel deliver service to residents or improve their quality of life. In Prince George, exemptions are typically offered for the length of a council’s term, with a new council having to re-authorize them. However, new applications can be made mid-term. Tax exemption recommendations made by staff are given initial approval by the finance and audit committee and then given final approval at a later city council meeting. Coming into the Aug. 18 committee meeting, city administration recommended the approval of $2,205,348 worth of exemptions — equivalent to 1.4 per cent of the city’s annual tax levy. For non-profit organizations, administration recommended the approval of five new exemptions: • The Aboriginal Housing Management Association’s complex care home at 1220 Lethbridge. St. • AiMHi Prince George Association for Community Living’s residences at 1714 Summerville Rd. and 2667 Hewlett Rd. where care is provided to people with developmental disabilities who are unable to care for themselves • Phoenix Transition’s shelter and supportive housing facility for women and children experiencing domestic violence at 1770 11th Ave. • Carrier Sekani Family Services

Society’s building at 3590 Dufferin Rd, which was formerly Our Saviour Lutheran Church Administration recommended that three other new non-profit applications be denied: • The BC SPCA’s spay, neuter and vaccine services clinic at 1909 Queensway, because the city’s tax exemption policy does not permit exemptions for non-profits that compete with for-profit businesses, • The Aboriginal Housing Society’s low-market rental apartment building for Indigenous Elders at 1811 Spruce St., because the policy allows for exemptions only for housing facilities serving people with physical, mental or psychiatric disabilities and the property has already received a revitalization tax exemption and • The Canadian Mental Health Association’s building at 1150 and 1154 Third Ave. because the building is owned by a for-profit applicant and leased by the applicant. Despite it going against the policy, committee chair Coun. Cori Ramsay asked her colleagues to add the BC SPCA’s application to the list of recommended exemptions, arguing that the work done at the clinic helps reduce the local population of feral cats. The rest of the committee voted to include it on the list, though Coun. Tim Bennett warned that he might not vote to give it final approval when the time comes. City staff also mentioned that two non-profit exemptions previously awarded would be rescinded as the properties have been sold. This includes the former home of the Carefree Society at 2832 Queensway and a building formerly owned by Emmaus Place Society at 6373 Hillcrest Pl. The building at 355 Vancouver St. owned by Tano T’enneh Enterprises — the business arm of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation — formerly had an exemption but staff said it is no longer needed as it is now exempt from taxation due to

successful addition to reserve process. While the Association Advocating for Women and Community applied for an exemption for a supportive housing facility at 1915 Third Ave., staff said it was unnecessary as it is already tax exempt. In total, non-profit organizations will receive $1,329,244 in permissive tax exemptions, with the new additions for 2027 contributing $17,347 to that total. However, these totals will be higher if council approves an exemption for the SPCA’s Queensway property. Places of public worship are also eligible for permissive tax exemptions. In 2027, the estimated value of these exemptions is $273,492. In 2026, Trinity United Church at 1448 Fifth Ave. was accidentally left off the list of exemptions and it is being put back for 2027. Also, the description of exemption for St. Michaels and All Angels Church at 1505 Fifth Ave. will be changed to reflect that the church and parking lot have been consolidated into one property instead of two separate ones. The final category for tax exemptions is for tenants of municipal buildings whose property taxes aren’t included as a consideration in their lease agreements. Three groups applied under this category for 2027, but all three were recommended for denial. For the YMCA BC daycare at 1075 Sixth Avenue and the Tsulh’cho Daycare Centre at 6776 Dagg Rd., administration recommended denial as they are non-profits competing with for-profit daycares. The same reason was listed for the denial of an application for the Prince George Farmers Market Association’s home at 1310 Third Ave. “Although the PGFMA itself is a non-profit organization, the commercial activity on the property is in competition with for-profit business and the exemption can be perceived as providing financial assistance to the vendors that use the space,” the report said. One exemption under this category

formerly held by the Prince George Amateur Radio Club will be adjusted to reflect that the lease has been taken over by the Prince George Community Radio Society. Staff noted in their report that the total amount listed for 2027 permissive tax exemptions does not include statutory exemptions provided under section 220 of BC’s Community Charter. Director of finance and IT services Kris Dalio told the committee that because of timelines, 2027’s permissive exemptions will be approved by the current council, but the next four years of exemptions will be up to the next council elected this fall. Ramsay asked whether the city had ever considered granting partial exemptions. Dalio said that at one point, the city’s exemption policy had a cap. At one point, when that cap was exceeded, council tried to give out exemptions worth 97 per cent of the original amount. “The kickback from the non-profit community was fierce, very fierce,” Dalio said. “We have not done that since we ended up writing individual cheques to every single organization for the three per cent they didn’t get, then they would cash that cheque and give it back to us to pay their taxes.” The committee then passed a motion forwarding the recommended permissive tax exemptions as well as the BC SPCA application to council for final approval, except for those connected with AiMHi and the Prince George Italian Club. Coun. Ron Polillo declared a potential conflict of interest as he is employed by AiMHi and is a member of the Italian Club. After he left the room, the committee approved those organizations’ exemptions. While council approved new rules for permissive tax exemptions at its July 7 meeting aimed at expanding and clarifying which organizations are eligible, Dalio reminded the committee that they won’t take effect until 2028.

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Mayor Simon Yu announces campaign for second term He says he kept his pledge to be open, accountable and action-oriented COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Prince George’s incumbent mayor is asking residents to return him to office for another four years so that he can continue to pursue his vision for the city. In 2022, Simon Yu ran for mayor of Prince George without previously holding public office and beat out the five other candidates vying for the job. Sitting down with The Citizen on Tuesday, Aug. 18, Yu said he ran promising to be accessible, accountable and action-oriented and believes he largely fulfilled those objectives. “I was, in my opinion, very accessible to anybody,” Yu said. “I believe I was very much accountable based on my record as a mayor and that can be verified through the public audit, the (statement of financial information).” He admitted he wished he could have made more progress during the term, but it took time to learn the workings of council, how to navigate the city’s bureaucracy and build majority support from among his colleagues. However, he said he felt the city made improvements on mental health, addictions and homelessness during the term by becoming one of the only major municipalities in BC not to have a homeless encampment and by no longer topping the list of BC’s most dangerous cities after earning that distinction back in 2022. Yu said Prince George needs to improve its data collection so it can better tackle root causes of these issues. This, he said, could maybe be accomplished by partnering with the close to 30 non-profit agencies who help vulnerable people in the city. Additionally, he said he thinks the city should look to locate services for vulnerable people outside of the downtown business district.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY COLIN SLARK

Prince George Mayor Simon Yu visits the offices of The Citizen for an interview on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026. Yu is running for a second term in this fall’s local elections.

With major economic projects being eyed for Northern BC over the next decade, Yu said his engineering and business experience makes him the right person to steward the city’s economic and industrial growth while also making sure Prince George’s natural spaces are protected. At a recent meeting of the city’s intergovernmental affairs committee, Prince George-Valemount Conservative MLA Rosalyn Bird pitched a multi-level, non-partisan project that would see Prince George’s capacity as an inland port further developed by adding an expanded trade zone, a military base and an emergency response facility. Yu said he’s interested in pursuing the idea and said that his and Coun. Trudy Klassen’s contributions to a project looking to find a new use for old BC Rail lines relinquished early from their lease by CN Rail could be an important part. To attract new residents, industry and investment, Yu said vision is needed for

people to believe in. In late 2024, Yu put forward his own vision for the redevelopment of the Civic Core District, a part of downtown including several key municipal buildings like the library, the Civic Centre and earmarked for a new ice arena, performing arts centre and a hotel. Yu’s vision went beyond that, including an IMAX theatre on top of Connaught Hill, a light rail line connecting downtown to the University of Northern BC, an expanded conference centre tied to the performing arts centre and more. He said on Aug. 18 that in retrospect, maybe his proposal maybe wasn’t ambitious enough. When asked how the city would afford to get these developments started, Yu said they would have to be done in phases and that a strong vision is needed to attract capital investments. Late last year, Yu unsuccessfully tried to get his council colleagues to change course on the nearly $40 million

in renovations to the Aquatic Centre that will take more than two years to complete, advocating in favour of more gradual work that wouldn’t be as disruptive to users. In the interview, he said a similar approach should have been taken to building envelope repairs at the CN Centre and that council should have more direct oversight over the city’s capital budget. Yu said voters should look to him rather than other candidates running for mayor because he believes in Prince George’s status as a gateway to the north and to the Asia-Pacific market, he brings diverse experience to the table and has invested tremendous personal time into making Prince George a better place. His challengers currently include lawyer Roy Stewart, Coun. Kyle Sampson, Coun. Garth Frizzell and Ernesto Caranto. Election day is Saturday, Oct. 17.

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Bruce Wayne announces run for PG city council COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

A first-time city council candidate in Prince George says he was inspired to run in this fall’s election after sitting in on meetings for the last 10 months and deciding that he could help do things a little differently. Bruce Wayne described himself in a Tuesday, Aug. 18 interview as a “budding developer” after selling his business a few years ago. While watching council meetings, Wayne said, he felt that some councillors have been coming Wayne in without fully developing the proposals they’re asking their colleagues to approve. He said he would be better at researching his ideas before meetings and speaking with other council members before public meetings to build a consensus. This wouldn’t result in decisions being made behind closed doors because councillors appear to make their final choices during public meetings, he said. On finances, Wayne said he didn’t think administration has been doing enough work to provide council with options to reduce spending and lower each year’s requested property tax increase. He said he’d also like to see financial projections provided to council between budgets previewing what the next year’s tax increase will look like. The financial information presented by city staff might be too complex for some councillors to understand and Wayne said he’d like administration to produce an abbreviated “taxpayer value sheet” consolidating key information. Regarding repairs at the CN Centre and the Aquatic Centre, Wayne said he

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didn’t think the city had done a good enough job of communicating what had gone wrong at those facilities and why spending is needed to improve them. Some city borrowing over a certain threshold, he said, should be subject to referenda, pointing to borrowing for the CN Centre repairs as an example of something that should have been on the ballot this fall. While the city does not have the power to direct the operations of RCMP services in the city, Wayne said Prince George should renegotiate its contract with the Mounties to include a line that public drug use is illegal. He likened the city’s response to addictions as being like when the U.S. military tries to send nuclear missiles at an asteroid threatening Earth in the movie Armageddon. “I think right now we’re firing all the nukes we can at a problem that’s a problem of the heart,” Wayne said. “It’s a cultural problem, it’s a family problem … we need to start to think about a different solution that is a custom-made solution for Prince George.” Some of the grant money given to non-profit agencies, he said, should instead be put towards sports programs for kids to help them overcome intergenerational trauma because many of those agencies have overlapping missions. In late June, Wayne posted a photo of a pride flag-raising event at city hall on his Facebook page. He asked “do identity politics belong in civic governance?” Not everyone in the city is represented when flags are raised on civic property and not everyone agrees with diversity, equity and inclusion, he said. During the rest of the campaign, Wayne, who wears Meta smart glasses that can record video of anyone or anything he’s facing, said he would record one-minute videos of residents talking about what they’d like to see from their next city council for what he’s calling the “Empty Chair Project.” Election day is Saturday, Oct. 17.

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Ernesto Caranto aiming for city’s top job on Oct. 17 Mayoral candidate says some members of council have been there too long TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Ernesto Caranto believes it’s time for a major shakeup on Prince George city council and says that change should start at the top. “Some of the council has been there 16 years, that’s too long,” he said. “We need new blood in the city totally and I’m the new kid in town. People are crying for change in the city and I said if you want change, vote for me. If you want to keep it the way it is, vote for them.” If elected mayor, the 66-year-old acute care nurse promises to freeze taxes for four years, saying taxpayers deserve a break from annual increases. “We put too much tax already on people, previous councils and mayors raise taxes, but I don’t see any development in our city,” he said. “As a mayor and council, you have to work together for the community. The people vote for you to do the job for them. I’m not saying they do an improper job but they’re not doing enough for the community for so many years. You’ve got to put the community first because they’re the ones paying you to do the job.” Trained as a marine engineer in his native Philippines, Caranto came to Canada in 1988 and landed in Montreal, where he worked for five years as a foreign exchange trader. His wife, Nina, is also a nurse at UHNBC, and they have three adult children. Ernesto and Nina met in Montreal and moved to Surrey in 1992. He studied to become a nurse in Vancouver and worked at Surrey Memorial Hospital. In 2017, fed up with big-city traffic, they purchased a house in Red Rock, south of Prince George, and later bought a house on Strathcona Avenue where he has lived for the past two years and can walk to work at the hospital.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY TED CLARKE

Ernesto Caranto wants to see change at the top of Prince George city council in the Oct. 17 municipal election. The 66-year-old acute care nurse is running as a candidate for mayor.

“We came to Prince George for change,” he said. Caranto says the city needs to revamp its BC Transit bus service to better serve people who live and work in outlying areas, building terminals to connect Prince George to Blackburn, Hixon, Dunkley Lumber sawmill and Quesnel. He’d also like to make HandyDART bus rides free for seniors and people with disabilities, including patients who require multiple trips to the hospital for blood treatments. He says the additional transit costs would be subsidized by provincial tax dollars collected at the pump when

consumers fill up their vehicles with gasoline or diesel. He sees a dependable bus service that serves all areas of the city as key to attracting new residents to Prince George. “There’s no bus to the airport and what happens if it’s -30 C and you go to the airport and your flight is delayed past 1 o’clock, you’re toast,” he said. “No bus, no taxi, no hotel and you walk, by the time you reach Highway 97 you’re dead. That’s the reality.” With pulp mills closing and sawmills suffering from poor economic conditions in the forest industry, Caranto says the city should pivot away from

wood products and work to develop new industries such as greenhouse operations to produce more food locally. He also says the city needs to upgrade its sewer system to increase carrying capacity and prevent residential sewers from backing up into individual houses, which he says leaves homeowners, “especially in old neighbourhoods,” vulnerable to having to bear the cost of cleanups in the event of a plugged drain. As a health-care worker, he says the rampant illicit drug use downtown that goes hand in hand with poverty should be treated as a health issue. Northern Health is ideally suited to address the problem because it has the capacity to provide hospital staff, nursing assistance and home-support services to deal with addictions. But that will only work with involuntary care that takes street people away from negative influences, he said. Having more secure facilities to treat substance use would attract more health-care workers to the city, he said. “You cannot put them in a hotel because sooner or later the hotel gets burnt up because of their mental capacity (while using on drugs) and they don’t know what’s going on,” he said. “You can give them nice things but they don’t have the capacity to operate things at home. You cannot give that mandate to the police. Northern Health has the manpower, it’s already there, and that will attract more people to work in Northern Health.” All three levels of government, he said, should be prepared to share the costs. “Put the extra dollars there,” he said. “We need to help our brothers with addictions, it’s too much for our community. But if we put them in locked places and they get in rehab, sooner or later those people will change.” This is Caranto’s second campaign for public office. In 2022, he was one of about 80 candidates in Surrey’s school board election. Twenty-four trustees were elected, and he drew 13,500 votes and finished 30th. Election day is Oct. 17.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

Mental health issues behind assault on police: Crown BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Provincial Court judge in Prince George deemed a man fit to stand trial before he formally pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and escaping lawful custody. Peter Joseph Leonard, 44, was sentenced to 69 days time served on Aug. 10 after a joint proposal from Crown and defence lawyers. Judge Michael Brecknell heard that, on Feb. 14 in the Shoppers Food Mart in Hixon, Leonard sparked a response from the RCMP when he said he would “write a book and kill some people.” A witness stated Leonard was speaking in a vague context and did not threaten anyone. Also, Leonard told an officer that “he does not kill people.” However, Crown prosecutor Abigail Robillard said he proceeded to babble about a haunted fire hall and magic,

and claimed he had not been to Prince George since 1910. That exchange caused the officer to believe Leonard was a danger to himself and others. So he began to arrest Leonard under the Mental Health Act. Leonard resisted and took a swing at the officer, who responded by delivering three “distraction strikes” to Leonard’s face. Leonard pointed what appeared to be a knife at the officer and ran away. An 18-centimetre-long, pointed stick was later recovered and seized. The officer found Leonard walking on Highway 97, carrying what appeared to be a hammer. Upon closer inspection, it was a wooden stick wrapped in duct tape. “His mental health struggles, in the Crown submission, decrease his moral culpability for these offences and demonstrate that rehabilitation should be prioritized,” Robillard said. Brecknell accepted the proposal for

Fraser-Fort George working on regional fire dispatch agreements COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George will enter negotiations to provide 911 fire dispatch services for McLeod Lake Indian Band after getting approval from the board of directors at a Thursday, Aug. 21 meeting. Last year, McLeod Lake band administrator Jami McDonald sent a letter to the regional district saying that the Tse’khene Fire Department did not have any 911 communication services and instead relied on local communications. McDonald expressed interest in contracting those services from the regional district. A report from district staff presented at the Aug. 21 meeting said that in early discussions with McLeod Lake, it is estimated that serving the

community would increase Fraser-Fort George’s call volume by about 10 per year, which the district could absorb without needing to increase staffing. Currently, the regional district provides fire dispatch services to 100 fire/rescue agencies within its own boundaries, the Cariboo Regional District, the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, the Regional District of Central Kootenay and the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine. Staff asked for permission to begin negotiations with McLeod Lake Indian Band for a service agreement and to work out financial considerations, which the board approved unanimously. The board also approved the renewal of an agreement with a Vancouver Island company to provide backup fire dispatch services.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

RCMP found a suspect walking down Highway 97 after an incident in Hixon on Feb. 14.

18 months probation and an order to attend counselling. Leonard has a history of marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine use. He said Leonard’s criminal history is

“limited, dated and unrelated,” including fraud and failing to attend court in Saskatchewan almost 20 years ago, and uttering threats and wilfully resisting or obstructing a case officer from 2018. “Although he has some ability to find work, it is clear that he has some mental health issues that are ongoing, that he should diligently care for by following the advice of his doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists,” Brecknell said. “So that he can maintain his mental health.” Brecknell acknowledged Leonard wants to reside in a Surrey-area shelter after his release from the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Coquitlam. In April, Judge Stella Frame found Leonard unfit to stand trial and referred his case to the BC Review Board. On June 18, the board and a psychiatrist determined Leonard was fit. Leonard originally wanted to plead guilty July 13, but Judge David Simpkin said there was a process to follow and delayed the case.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

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‘Absolutely atrocious’ driver banned for three years BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A man with a 16-page criminal record was sentenced to one year of house arrest, followed by six months under curfew, during an Aug. 19 hearing in Prince George Provincial Court. Ian Benjamin Clark pleaded guilty before Judge Martin Nadon to driving last Dec. 6 while disqualified under the Criminal Code. Clark was just over a year into a threeyear driving prohibition when he was captured on a surveillance camera leaving Real Canadian Superstore, entering an older-model Chevrolet pickup and driving away. “When I look at your record, the first question that I ask myself is: how do we keep Mr. Clark from behind the wheel of a motor vehicle?” Nadon said to Clark. “Because when you’re doing that, you’re putting not only yourself at risk, but you’re putting everybody else on the road at risk — and you’re uninsured, as well.” Nadon agreed to the joint Crown and defence proposal for an 18-month conditional sentence order (CSO) and three-year driving ban. “However, I want to warn you, sir, this may look like a gift, but this is an 18-month conditional sentence,” Nadon said. “If you were to breach this order,

you run the risk of a court saying that you’ll spend the rest of the conditional sentence order in jail, on top of any other charges that might arise from that incident.” Earlier, Crown prosecutor Astitwa Thapa described Clark’s record as “absolutely atrocious.” “He knew he was prohibited from driving and he then drove the vehicle,” Thapa said. Clark’s record since 2012 includes two convictions for impaired driving, two for dangerous driving, two for flight from

police, one for driving without due care and attention and eight for driving while prohibited or suspended under the Motor Vehicle Act. “Mr. Clark’s repeated driving offences pose a significant risk to the public,” Thapa said. “The offence is serious because it is not a momentary lapse in judgment. It is a conscious decision to ignore court orders and place personal convenience above public safety.” However, he conceded that he came to the sentencing agreement with Clark’s lawyer, Hewitt Kingston,

because Clark was not arrested at the scene and the Crown’s case hinged substantially on video footage that Thapa said was “not of optimal quality.” Kingston said his 1985-born client has struggled “quite immensely” with drug and alcohol addictions and is a caretaker for his grandfather, who is living with dementia. “He advises that for just about the last three months, he’s been clean and sober,” Kingston said. “Which, in my submission, presents a benefit when someone is being placed on a CSO.”

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

A man who was banned from driving was caught on a grocery store security video driving out of the parking lot, which landed his case in Prince George court on Aug. 19.

Probation office no-show lands man right back in court BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

An absolute discharge was ordered on Aug. 11 for a man who breached a Provincial Court judge’s order by failing to show up for a meeting with a probation officer six weeks after he was sentenced to a conditional discharge. Wyatt Kinch, 20, was ordered to spend 18 months on probation beginning May 26, 2025, after pleading guilty in Prince George to break and enter with intent to commit an offence.

Crown prosecutor Astitwa Thapa told the court that the day after Kinch was sentenced, a probation officer reviewed Judge Peter McDermick’s order with Kinch, including the consequences of non-compliance, such as a return to court. “Mr. Kinch indicated that he understood the obligations of reporting,” Thapa said. Kinch had been scheduled to report in-person to Prince George Community Corrections on July 9, 2025, but he did not attend, hence the charge. Thapa asked Judge Martin Nadon “to

convince or encourage” Kinch to report to his appointments, because his probation is not over. “We don’t want this vulnerable man to get a criminal record,” Thapa said. Kinch, 20, was born in Prince Edward Island, but raised in Prince George. The Metis man was diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and has cognitive difficulties. Thapa said he is getting help to wean himself off opiate and alcohol and has housing through Prince George Supportive Housing.

Nadon said Kinch is reintegrating into society and getting the assistance he needs. “I see no point in sentencing you to further probation or a fine you can’t pay because of the struggles you’ve been having,” Nadon said. “That doesn’t ignore the fact that failing to report is an important and serious matter.” Under an absolute discharge, Kinch will face no further discipline. The conditional discharge means Kinch will have no record of the offence if he fulfils all of the judge’s orders.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

Man acquitted of smashing BC Housing office window BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A man accused of smashing a window inside the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction’s BC Housing office in Prince George was found not guilty after a Provincial Court trial. On Aug. 11, Judge Michael Brecknell tried Jeffrey Theodore Julseth, who had been charged with mischief under $5,000 after the Oct. 18, 2024 incident. Brecknell heard testimony from a Ministry front desk worker, security guard and police officer. Julseth, born in 1982, did not testify in his defence. Brecknell said it would have been “an enormous help to me” and beneficial for the Crown to have provided a floor map of the Second Avenue office. “That probably would have shortened this trial by at least 45 minutes to an hour,” Brecknell said. He agreed that the Crown proved beyond reasonable doubt that the

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

A man accused of smashing a provincial government office window was found not guilty in Prince George court.

window cost less than $5,000, the property belonged to the ministry and whoever broke the window did so wilfully, because the window was punched and kicked by someone who ran away. “That is not an accident. That is not

Crime spree ends with accused’s 14-month conditional sentence

an unintentional thing of somebody flying against the window,” Brecknell said. Brecknell also had no doubt that Julseth was in the office around the time the window was broken, talking loudly on the phone for up to an hour. But was

he the person who broke the window? Brecknell found inconsistencies among the witness identification of Julseth, including a dispute about what he wore that day. “I have to keep in mind that all three of those witnesses were just going about their business the day of,” Brecknell said. “They were not expecting to be startled by somebody breaking a window and then running away.” He agreed nobody was trying to mislead the court, but found fault with the reliability of their testimony. The ministry office worker, for instance, could only tell the court that Julseth was in the building, conducted an angry telephone conversation and left soon after the window was damaged. Despite the acquittal, Julseth was not set free. He is in custody on other matters. He is scheduled to go on trial Sept. 8 in Prince George on a charge of break and enter with intent to commit an offence on May 23, 2025.

TOYS • COMICS • GAMES

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A 14-month conditional sentence order followed by 12 months probation for a man who pleaded guilty to multiple 2026 crimes on Aug. 19 in Prince George Provincial Court. Craig Aaron Skin, born in 1986, admitted to breaking a window at the Ramada Plaza and theft over $5,000 of a commercial dump trailer belonging to NW Electrical Solutions on Jan. 10. On Feb. 25, Skin smacked his girlfriend at her residence in Burns Lake. Three days later, he assaulted a man who he believed had assaulted his grandmother. Skin was released June 16 on house arrest conditions, but a Prince George RCMP officer caught him riding a bicycle without a helmet outside curfew hours on Aug. 5.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

A man accused of several crimes admitted his guilt in Prince George court on Aug. 19.

Crown prosecutor Astitwa Thapa said Skin has a four-page-long list of convictions. Court heard that Skin has been accepted to a treatment program at Sonrise New Directions and that he is motivated to honour his late brother’s memory by getting sober.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

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Valemount sawmill nearing end of current log supply KEVIN GIBSON

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Valemount Industrial Park sawmill may be only weeks away from exhausting its remaining log supply, raising the prospect of another curtailment and further layoffs unless additional fibre can be secured. The issue is that there are no new logging contracts for the mill. During a lengthy and at times tense board discussion on July 29, members were told the mill had approximately 15 to 20 operating days of logs left. In attendance at the meeting were board chair Tom Jamin and board members Gordon Carson, Andy Hubbell, Anne Yanciw, Pete Pearson and Jeremy Mercy-Ross. The board estimated the supply to last about 18 days, or until Aug. 16 — a narrow window in which the mill is expected to complete its remaining orders and provide the board with a clearer picture of whether its lumber operation is profitable. Jamin started the meeting by objecting to approval of the agenda because of the financial statement. Jamin did not want details of the financial statement to be known to the public or media. Two board members pointed out that it had to be made public and that the media were entitled to know. The shortage has placed an immediate deadline over a broader financial debate at the Industrial Park. Board members questioned whether the sawmill can produce and sell lumber for more than it costs to manufacture, and whether lease revenue from the surrounding industrial property is effectively subsidizing mill operations. The estimated cost of running the mill is just under $600 an hour. An hourly revenue figure was not provided. The log shortage has already resulted in layoffs. The mill usually employs seven full-time employees plus the manager and bookkeeper. Five employees remain. The board heard that some former employees have since found other

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

A logging truck hauls a load in this file photo. With no new logging contracts, the Valemount Sawmill is facing possible curtailment by the end of August.

work, potentially making it difficult to rebuild the workforce for short production runs. General manager Andy Hubbell said the latest production run should give the board a clear picture because the mill is working through a specific supply of logs, and most of the logs, production costs and outgoing lumber will fall within the same period. Hubbell maintained that the mill can make money when it is operating efficiently. He said repeated equipment failures and the cost of repairing an aging mill have contributed heavily to its losses, distinguishing those expenses from the economics of actually cutting and selling lumber. Hubbell said recent improvements to the mill had increased its production rate. “It’s really picked up the pace,” he said. “Yesterday, we did almost 10,000 board feet out of, I think, 183 logs.”

Some board members remained concerned that the Industrial Park is continuing to drain cash and could eventually become unable to pay its bills. The discussion included references to holding or delaying cheques as a way of managing cash flow, as well as disagreement over whether the organization’s bank balance or its accrual-based financial statements provide the clearest picture of its position. A bankruptcy warning also surfaced during the debate. One board member argued the organization could face bankruptcy if the Valemount Community Forest demanded repayment of money owed to it. Hubbell rejected that characterization, saying the Industrial Park has a limited borrowing capacity and would have to shut down or sharply reduce mill operations if that limit were reached. Despite the disagreement over

terminology, participants acknowledged the operation is carrying significant financial risk and that its ability to pay bills has been repeatedly strained. Board members said they need to separate the performance of the sawmill from the income generated by leases at the larger Industrial Park. Although both are part of the same organization, several members argued that lease revenue can mask whether the mill itself is making or losing money. The board was told that rent from the Industrial Park is currently helping support the sawmill. Members said that arrangement was part of the mill’s original model but questioned whether it can continue indefinitely. The financial pressure is compounded by overdue lease revenue. During the meeting, the board heard that GFI, which has taken over approximately 24 acres at the park, may owe roughly $50,000 to $60,000. According to the discussion, the company recently paid $15,000 and indicated it was waiting for a larger payment before bringing its account up to date. At the same time, the park is pursuing new lease opportunities. A prospective tenant has proposed reserving approximately five acres for an initial one-year term while it studies a potential project. The board discussed negotiating an upfront payment in the range of $20,000 to $25,000, with any longer-term agreement potentially including higher rent or improvements to the park’s roads and infrastructure. Those potential revenues, however, do not resolve the sawmill’s immediate problem: it needs logs to operate. Hubbell told the board the fibre shortage has already made staffing difficult. Employees have been laid off, some former workers have found other jobs, and bringing people back for a short production run creates another challenge. He said his own time is divided among operating the mill, managing employees, taking orders and trying to move finished lumber quickly enough to bring cash into the organization. This story originally appeared in The Rocky Mountain Goat.

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

BUSINESS

PRINCE GEORGE AIRPORT AUTHORITY PHOTO

The staff at Altitude Restaurant + Lounge, which officially opened Monday, Aug. 24 at the Prince George Airport, are ready for customers.

New restaurant now open at Prince George Airport COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

A new full-service restaurant is now open at Prince George Airport. Altitude Restaurant + Lounge officially opened Monday, Aug. 24 in the airport’s main terminal before the passenger security screening checkpoint. The restaurant is operated by Noir Food Services Ltd. and marks the second phase of the company’s food and beverage operations at Prince George Airport (YXS). The Fly Away Café opened in the post-security departures lounge in May 2025. It’s in the space previously occupied by Locals by Farmhouse, which closed in November 2024. The airport hasn’t had a restaurant since. “We know how important a full-service restaurant is to the overall airport experience, and we’re incredibly pleased to see Altitude ready to welcome its first guests,” said Daphne Shelton, director of commercial development with the Prince George Airport Authority, in a press release.

Shelton said the restaurant is intended to serve a range of customers, from passengers to people meeting arrivals, as well as airport employees and community members looking for a place to dine. Altitude’s menu has breakfast, salads, starters and entrées. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will also be available. The lounge offers beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails and other beverages. “We’re thrilled to open the doors to Altitude Restaurant + Lounge and introduce this new dining experience at YXS,” said Sascha Hillebrand, CEO and owner of Noir Food Services Ltd., in a press release. “Our team has worked hard to create a space and menu that feels welcoming, approachable and well suited to the airport environment.” Altitude Restaurant + Lounge is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. Noir Food Services was selected by the Prince George Airport Authority in 2025 following a competitive process. The company operates restaurants, bars and catering services in communities throughout BC.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

REGIONAL

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Energy efficiency ideas not going ahead Public hearing ordered for Enbridge rezoning COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The board of directors for the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George voted against pursuing most, but not all energy efficiency upgrades recommended by district staff for five of its facilities at a meeting of its Climate Action Mitigation and Adaptation Standing Committee on the morning of Thursday, Aug. 20. Surviving the process was a recommendation to pursue LED lighting improvements at the facilities in next year’s budget. Back in February, the board voted to ask administration to prepare a list of recommended energy-efficient retrofits for the Canoe Valley Recreation Centre in Valemount, the Robson Valley Recreation Centre in McBride and three Prince George facilities; the district’s head offices at 155 George St., the Exploration Place and its public safety operations building. Combined, the recommendations had a total value of more than $3 million and were proposed to be paid for mostly through money received from the federal government’s Canada Community Building Fund, formerly known as gas tax funding. Some projects would also qualify for grants to cover a portion of costs. The highest-priority projects for the five facilities included LED lighting upgrades, dual-fuel furnaces at the Canoe Valley centre and the recommissioning of climate control systems. The total estimated cost of these projects, labelled Priority 1, was $276,500 with an estimated $10,800 available in grants and incentives. Priority 2 projects included solar panel installation, the installation of cold water ice resurfacing at the two recreation centres and window upgrades at the Exploration Place. The total estimated costs for this category were $1,257,500, with an estimated $50,000 in grants and incentives available. The third category included three projects that are dependent on other

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY COLIN SLARK

A proposal to upgrade the windows at Exploration Place, one of several enviromental initiatives being considered by the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George board of directors, was voted down.

projects currently ongoing and would need to be launched soon to take advantage of a construction window. This included the right-sizing of an electric water heater and the replacement of an air-cooled chiller at 155 George Street and the installation of high-efficiency hydronic boilers at the Exploration Place. The first two of those three projects had an estimated price tag of $539,000 while the third is already included in a gas absorption heat pump project. The fourth and final category included less urgent items that staff recommended be kept in mind as existing equipment ages out of its lifespan. This included electric heaters at the recreation centres, a building automation system upgrade at the Exploration Place and more. The total combined cost of this projects for future consideration was estimated at $1,066,000. Across all categories, the estimated cost was a combined $3.139 million. Director Dannielle Alan (Robson Valley-Canoe) said while she agrees that the work is important, she didn’t think it was fair to saddle the new board of directors to be elected this fall with that much capital spending on top of other expenses, especially as provincial

climate action funding is being curtailed. Director Lara Beckett (Chilako River-Nechako) noted that Priority 2 listed cold-water ice resurfacing but the projects for future consideration listed hot water heaters for ice resurfacing. District staff said that choosing one of those projects would eliminate the other, but that cold water was more energy efficient. Staff added that the climate control project at 155 George St. would need to be deferred until existing heating, ventilation and air conditioning projects at the building are complete. Director Art Kaehn (Woodpecker-Hixon) said he agreed with not wanting to saddle the future board with committed spending but advocated in favour of approving the Priority 1 projects. After a tie vote, the motion to approve all the projects was defeated. Beckett then proposed to approve the LED projects separately as they are comparatively less expensive than some of the others and incentive funding is available. This motion was approved unanimously, adding the LED projects to the 2027 capital budget projects for consideration.

After getting a temporary use permit to allow for staff accommodation near a pipeline compressor station near McLeod Lake earlier this year, energy giant Enbridge is now seeking a permanent rezoning from the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George. That permit was granted back in March and will allow Enbridge to operate a four-bedroom dwelling for company workers at 48160 Hart Highway, just north of McLeod Lake Indian Band’s reserve lands, for up to three years. At a Thursday, Aug. 20 board meeting, district staff said the company is now looking to make the land use allowed by the permit permanent. If granted, the rezoning would allow for a site-specific amendment to allow for up to one square kilometre of floor area for staff accommodations at the site, which is not usually allowed under Industrial 3 zoning requirements. A letter attached to the meeting agenda from the Ministry of Transportation and Transit dated July 3 said that if a rezoning is approved, Enbridge will be required to apply for a controlled access highway permit. Through that process, Enbridge may be required to pay for studies or improvements to the highway and the property’s access to it. Director Jerrilyn Kirk (Crooked River-Parsnip), who represents the area in question on the board, moved for the item to be sent to a public hearing before moving forward. The board voted unanimously to authorize the hearing.

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

REGIONAL

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

Defensive equipment coming for regional bylaw officers COLIN SLARK

Citizen Staff

A debate over bylaw officers’ use of defensive tools returned to the floor at the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George’s board of directors meeting on Thursday, Aug. 20. At its meeting on Aug. 21, 2025, the board heard that regional bylaw officers were scheduled to be equipped and trained to use personal protective equipment like safety footwear, protective vests, cut-resistant gloves, pepper spray, collapsible batons, handcuffs and body cameras. This led to an argument over whether it was appropriate for bylaw officers to use defensive weapons and if it could lead to liability issues. Fast forward to the board’s Thursday, Aug. 20 meeting this year, manager of inspection services Blaine Harasimiuk presented changes to the district’s bylaw enforcement policy for directors’

approval. He said that as written, the policy restricted officers’ discretion by requiring them to react to different scenarios with the same steps in each case. The revisions, he said, include language emphasizing that the health and safety of staff comes first when making enforcement decisions. “No. 1 provides direction that the board understands there are risks associated with having bylaw services and supports bylaw enforcement officers to be issued personal protective equipment once training and certification is received to ensure the safety of bylaw officers,” Harasimiuk said. Another clause in the revised policy gives officers discretion to reduce or modify enforcement actions if they would pose a risk to their health and safety, like issuing written warnings instead of visiting a site in person. Discussing the proposed changes, Director Brian Skakun (City of Prince

Bragg Construction to design new Nukko Lake Community Hall

George) said the district has a moral and legal obligation to protect its staff, especially in rural settings where they can be vulnerable. Director Art Kaehn (Woodpecker-Hixon) asked Harasimiuk whether bylaw officers really want to engage that closely with people. “I can see the body armour, the batons, the pepper spray, but handcuffs suggest that they’re going to wrestle them to the ground or do something like that,” he said. Harasimiuk said that staff aren’t looking to have to defend themselves, but if they must, they’re going to keep at it until the other person is unable to attack them anymore. Director Dannielle Alan (Robson Valley-Canoe) said she agreed with not tying officers’ hands, but that she believed there were some missing elements that should be added like consideration of cultural heritage, a greater emphasis on training and a values

statement. Director Cori Ramsay (City of Prince George) asked whether in the case handcuffs needed to be used, it would be counted as a citizen’s arrest. If that’s the case, she said she had heard that security guards effecting citizen’s arrests had been held liable for their actions and it had even prevented them from being recruited to the RCMP as a result. Alan said she agreed, saying that the use of handcuffs changes the dynamic of a situation and carries “significant legal implications.” Kenna Jonkman, the district’s general manager of community and development services, said there is a section in Fraser-Fort George’s collective agreement with CUPE that states that the region can support employees affected by legal action spurred through their work duties. The board voted to approve the new policies.

UNTIL SEPTEMBER 7

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

A contract worth $135,700 was awarded for the design of a replacement for the Nukko Lake Community Hall at the Thursday, Aug. 20 meeting of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George’s board of directors. The hall was destroyed in a fire on Nov. 6, 2025. Back in June, the board heard that district administration and the Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia had solicited bids for a replacement and recommended that negotiations with Prince George-based Bragg Construction be approved. At the time, it was said that insurance proceeds would be used to build a hall as close as possible to the original’s specifications while meeting current BC Building Code guidelines.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER

Embers still smoke following an early morning fire at the Nukko Lake Community Hall on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025.

Any improvements would have to be paid for by the regional district. On Aug. 20, staff asked directors to approve a $135,700 contract with Bragg Construction to design the new hall based on Fraser-Fort George’s requirements and provide an estimated cost. Once this phase of work is complete, staff will return to ask for permission to proceed with construction for the provided estimate. The design contract was awarded unanimously without debate.

We acknowledge the ﬁnancial assistance of the Province of British Columbia

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

COMMUNITY

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

What’s happening in PG Sweater Weather Market goes Saturday, Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CN Centre. This is an outdoor fall market that will see about 100 vendors at the event. This event is free for visitors to attend and be sure to wear your favourite funky fall sweater. Vendors interested in participating can register at www.justsugarcookies.ca Sunflower Festival goes until Sunday, Sept. 6 at Foreman Farms, 1965 Foreman Road every Thursday to Sunday and is presented by Northern Lights Estate Winery. There are photo stations, farm animals, u-cut sunflowers with buy one get one every Friday, Bloom Café, picnic area and playground, hayrides from Thursday to Saturday, remote control car racing and every Thursday is Kids’ Day. Tickets can be purchased by cash, debit or credit on site and for more information or to purchase tickets online in advance visit www.northernlightswinery.ca/sunflower-fest Prince George Rock N’ Gem Show goes Friday, Sept. 11 to Sunday Sep. 13 at the Prince George Civic Centre presented by Can Gems Western Canada. Hours are Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a marketplace filled with crystals, minerals, fossils, gemstones, handcrafted jewelry, beads, carvings, lapidary supplies, and unique treasures brought in by vendors from across Canada. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet passionate small business owners, artisans, collectors and rockhounds who enjoy sharing the stories, history and beauty behind the pieces they carry. Entry is $3 per person, $7 per family and those five and under are free. There is a special feature UV Exclusive Event on Friday from 8 to 10 p.m. Experience the brilliance of minerals that glow under ultraviolet light. RSVP recommended by calling 587-377-5722. Walk-ins welcome. Ballfield Bash Music Festival goes Saturday, Sept. 12 at Pineview Hall, 6470 Bendixon Road. This is the first annual Ballfield Bash Music Festival. There will be five great bands performing,

HANDOUT PHOTO

Canadian rapper Evil Ebenezer is one of the headliners at Echo-Chamber 1, happening Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Sept. 19 at the House of Ancestors.

including B Side Band, North of Stoner, Burner, Off the Record and Rick Stavely. There will be food truck and vendors on site. This is a fundraiser for the Pineview Recreation Commission. For tickets visit www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ ballfield-bash-music-festivalPG Coldsnap presents Dan Mangan on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. The Prince George Folkfest Society is offering this concert as the first of three in the series and begins with two-time Juno Award-winning musician and songwriter Dan Mangan, who hasn’t performed in Prince George since 2010. For more information and tickets visit www. coldsnapfestival.tickit.ca/dan-mangan PWR/UP, Canada’s premier AC/ DC tribute concert, goes Saturday, Sept. 12 at 7:0 p.m. at the Prince George Playhouse, 2626 Recplace Drive. For more information and tickets visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/

pwrup-acdc-canadas-premier-tributeconcert-prince-george Great Northwest Fibre Fest goes Sunday, Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ramada Hotel, 444 George Street. There will be 28 different vendors geared for fibre arts from all over BC and Alberta. There will be crafting and social gathering places to relax and visit with friends, old and new. The PG Quilters Guild will have a display of their beautiful work and are available to chat about their craft. Sandwiches, snacks and cold drinks will be available for purchase. There is a free draw to win a bundle of goodies donated by the vendors. Admission is free. Northern Twisters Square Dance Club New Dancer Lessons start Monday, Sept. 14 at Trinity Church, 1448 Fifth Avenue and goes for 12 weeks. For fun, fitness and friendship sign up and bring a friend. For more information email northerntwisterspg@gmail.com or

call Loretta at 250-964-9236 or Glenda at 250-563-7743 or find them on Facebook. White Spruce City Chorus Open House goes Tuesday, Sept. 15, Sept. 22, Sept. 29 and Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Studio 2880, 2880-15th Avenue. This is an all women’s acapella group, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International. Join the group for four Tuesdays of fun, friendships, fabulous harmonies and vocal education. De-stress your life by creating beautiful music. Every voice matters. For more information call Marlie at 778-890-0158 or Pam at 250-613-2073. Homicide on the Homestead goes Saturday, Sept. 19 at Huble Homestead and registration deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 2. This is a popular murder mystery event where participants will experience an afternoon filled with intrigue, hor d’oeuvres, and prizes. Get dressed in your best roaring 20s clothes and get ready to do some sleuthing. Register before Sept. 2 to get the invitation that includes your character description and costume ideas, then get ready for an interactive afternoon with fellow guests. Space is limited and costumes are strongly recommended. Registration is open now and tickets are $60. Get yours before they’re gone at hublehomestead.ca. Echo-Chamber 1 goes Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Sept. 19 at the House of Ancestors Conference Centre and Café, 355 Vancouver St. This is a two-day event with a line up of artists to shake the walls and light up the North. Day 1 headliner: Cody Lawless, supporting acts: Infectious, The Goohams, The Carnevouus, Deep Trouble, The Verdants, Evangeline, Kristian Janzen. Day 2 headliner: Evil Ebenezer, supporting acts: Lil Godd, Petty Boy Osley, Teo Laza, Caveman Casanova, Atomik, Diego Flores, Tokyogelic, Unknown Persona, Highbryd, Turell, Tennants, 6 Cell, Bioson, Urban Indian. Cold Messiah, J Finch, $Kiir0se, Ezra C, Esobi. Tickets are $40 for early bird, general admission is $75. For all the details visit https:// linktr.ee/EchoChamber/PG CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE 46th Annual Terry Fox Run goes Sunday, Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park. Bring your friends, family, co-workers, teammates and pets to this event. Run, walk or wheel the route that starts at the Bandshell and goes through the park and along part of the route Terry ran in 1979 in the Prince George to Boston Marathon that started it all. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the course officially opens from 10 a.m. to noon. Funds raised go to cancer research. Online donations can be made at https://run. terryfox.ca/princegeorge Jimmy Carr Laughs Funny goes Monday, Sept. 21 at CN Centre at 7:30 p.m. Known worldwide for his lightning-quick wit, dark one-liners and unmistakable laugh, Jimmy Carr remains one of the most successful and best-selling comedians on the planet. A master of razor-sharp humour, he has toured over 40 countries, sold millions of tickets and continues to be one of the most streamed stand-ups of the last decade. Don’t miss Jimmy Carr coming to Prince George this fall. For more information and tickets visit www.ticketsnorth. ca/event/jimmy-carr-laughs-funny/ princegeorge Fan Halen tribute band goes Wednesday, Sept. 23 at CN Centre at 7:30 p.m. Fan Halen sets the stage for a night with Dave, Eddie, Alex and Michael with a true-to-life tribute to not only the band but the spirit of an era. It’ll feel like it’s 1984 all over again - from the look of the band, to the choreography, to the notefor-note reproduction of the greatest rock songs, to the sonic energy of the performance, nothing is overlooked. For more information and tickets visit www.ticketsnorth.ca/event/fan-halen/ princegeorge Pop Up Wedding Dress Sale goes Wednesday, Sept 23 from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Ramada Hotel Downtown, 444 George Street. The sale includes new wedding dresses and accessories, including veils, belts, tiaras, etc, for

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Drive Thru Fall Community Shred It Event returns on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the PGSS parking lot. It’s a fundraiser for Crime Stoppers.

the bride. There are more than 600 designer wedding gowns available from size 2 to 28 all priced between $300 and $1299. That’s up to 80 per cent off regular prices. Regular entry is free but there is an option to get early access VIP tickets. For all the details visit www.facebook.com/events/ weddingdresssalePG Live Pro Wrestling presented by Primetime Entertainment goes Friday, Sept. 25 and Saturday, Sept, 26 with doors at 5:45, general bell at 7 p.m. at the Prince George Civic Centre and there are two different shows. For more information and tickets visit www.ticketseller.ca/tickets/event/ live-pro-wrestlingPG The Hip Experience goes Saturday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. at CN Centre. This tribute band features frontman Derek Lathrop and the tour is called Ahead by a Century: The Hip Experience. This massive cross-country tour commemorates a decade since The Tragically Hip’s historic and emotional final concert, dedicated to preserving the legacy and “northern gothic” spirit of Canada’s most iconic rock band. Delivering a soulful, high-energy, note-for-note celebration of the music that defined a nation. For more information and tickets visit www.cncentre.ca/events-tickets/events-calendar/ahead-century/ thehipexperience

Drive Thru Fall Community Shred It Event goes Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the PGSS parking lot and is presented by the Northern BC Crime Stoppers as a fundraising event. This is an opportunity to shred personal or important documents, preventing identity theft. Donation is a minimum $10 per bag or box and is not meant for business owners. For another $5 donation enjoy a tasty Mr. Mike’s burger from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Canadian Cancer Society is looking for Wheels of Hope drivers who make a significant impact on the lives of those battling cancer. By providing crucial transportation to treatment appointments volunteers offer not only a ride but also a supportive presence. This role involves flexible scheduling, confirming travel arrangements, ensuring client safety while adhering to CCS policies. CCS will provide training as volunteers join a dedicated team of more than 1600 drivers. Commit to a minimum of half a day to one day per week and be part of a mission to support and uplift those in need. For more information contact Wheels of Hope at 1-800-939-3333 or email volunteer@cancer.ca or visit www.cancer. ca//living-with-cancer/how-we-can-help/ cancer-travel-and-accommodation-services-bc Craft & Chat at the main branch of

the Prince George Public Library goes every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the magazine corner, second floor, where fibre artists are invited to bring their latest projects to share, vent frustrations, brag about successes, get and give help and join in lively discussions. Snacks provided. This event is in partnership with Great Northwest Fibre Fest. Myeloma Support Group goes every third Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Commonwealth Financial, 575 Victoria St. Everyone is welcome who has been diagnosed, those who are caregivers, family members and friends. Wheelchair accessible parking at the back of the building. For more information call Viv Lougheed at 250-981-2618. Chronic Condition Support Group takes place the first Tuesday of every month from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Nechako Branch of the Prince George Public Library, 6547 John Hart Hwy. This is a community social group where people with any chronic condition can come together to socialize, connect and learn from each other. This is a free drop-in event. Trivia Night at Nancy O’s goes every other Wednesday at 8 p.m., 1261 Third Ave. There are three rounds per game, each round has five themed questions and five music questions. There’s something for everyone. The winning team gets a custom Nancy O’s Trivia trophy and a round of drinks, their photo on the wall that goes into the winners’ book after two weeks. Book a spot by calling ahead at 250-562-8066. Open Mic at Nancy O’s goes every other Wednesday from 8 to 11 p.m. Open mic is hosted by Danny Bell and friends. Come on down and share songs, poetry, dance, stories, and anything else you can think to do on stage. All are welcome. If you’ve got an event coming up email us at news@pgcitizen.ca to offer details including name of the event, the date, time and location, ticket price and where to get them and a little bit about what’s happening, too. LOCF

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

COMMUNITY

Career opportunities? PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

Annual Touch a Truck event lets kids see what it’s like behind the wheel

ABOVE: Six-year-old Payton and Riley Creighton, firefighter with Prince George Fire Rescue, check out the fire truck at Touch A Truck at Canada Games Plaza on Friday, Aug. 21.

LEFT: Three-year-old Grayson Jubinville, left, and his cousin, twoyear-old Carter Murmaster, check out an excavator.

RIGHT: So you want to join the army? Ten-year-old Emmanuel Akakem sits behind the wheel of the Rocky Mountain Rangers’ troop transport truck with his sisters, from left, Camilla, 5, Bianca, 9 and Ariyonna, 8, while Ranger Cpl. Van Pulver stands outside the truck looking in.

ABOVE: Six-year-old Jarrett Humphrey and his four-year-old brother Grady get to practice their CPR skills at the BCEHS ambulance exhibit.

The fundraiser for the Prince George Public Library featured a fire truck, heavy equipment, a miniature train and even a Zamboni TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Six-year-old Patrick Cain climbed into a City of Prince George snowplow, and was asked why he’d love to drive it someday. Turns out Patrick already has experience as a heavy-duty equipment operator. “I’ve driven a tractor with Opa (one of his grandfathers) before, and I’ve driven a real excavator with Grampa when he was building his house,” said Patrick, who visited Canada Games Plaza along with hundreds of other kids on a spectacular blue-blazer summer day for the Prince George Public Library’s Touch a Truck event on Friday, Aug. 21. “We come every year for this, starting when he was a baby because he’s got

an older sister,” said Patrick’s mom, Robijn. “He wants to drive machines when he’s big. His favourite part before he started school was watching out the window for the machines to come by and clear the road in the winter.” The annual event is geared to kids. It gives them a hands-on experience of what it’s like to operate vehicles like a snowplow, fire truck, excavator or Zamboni arena ice scraper. For some of them, it just might just plant the seed of a career opportunity. Three-year-old Grayson Jubinville got behind the controls of an excavator brought by Brandt Tractor and he and his two-year-old cousin Carter Burmaster pretended to dig up the Civic Centre parking lot. “Grayson has been talking about it for

a week, he’s been counting the sleeps,” said his mom, Ashley Burmaster. “His dad works at SMS Equipment and he goes to visit him at work sometimes. They’ve got excavators and loaders and all sorts of goods.” The Prince George Fire Rescue pumper truck is always a big hit with the kids. Payton, who turns seven on Sept. 19, was there with her mom Amberlee and three-year-old Daniella. “Kids love big vehicles,” said Amberlee. They’ve been to the Touch a Truck event before and Payton was hoping to flip the switch on the fire truck siren, but firefighter Riley Creighton said the noise is bit too much for the younger crowd and their sensitive ears.” CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE He did let Payton activate the red emergency lights, she added. “Maybe I’d like to be a firefighter, but I still have other stuff in mind,” said Payton. “I want to be a nurse and I also really like art. Maybe I’ll be an artist when I’m older.” Declan Payne, 7, and his 2 ½-year-old cousin Jett sat on the bumper of the fire truck with Declan’s dad, Evan. “You’ve got fire trucks, military (vehicles), BC Hydro trucks, you’ve got everything here, it’s a great event,” said Ringing the bell Evan Dunkley. “This is our third time of the Zamboni is always a popular coming here and dad’s first time. I took thing to do. Silas the day off just so I could come down Buse, 4, and his here with him.” two-year-old brothThe Central BC Railway and Forestry er Isak climbed on Museum brought its battery-powered board at Touch A Truck. train engine and 420 feet of track to take everybody on a three-lap ride around the parking lot and drew a perpetual line of people for the four-hour event. The BC Sheriff’s truck has a cell

CITIZEN PHOTOS BY TED CLARKE

mounted on the back used to transport prisoners. Kids and a few adults volunteered to sit in the confined quarters of that cell while sheriff Alicia (who didn’t want her last name disclosed) shut the door and locked them in with a padlock. BC Emergency Health Services had an ambulance crew showing the kids some of the equipment and lifesaving health supplies they use daily in their work. They brought a mannequin on a stretcher to teach cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Four-year-old Grady Humphries watched while his six-year-old brother Jarrett Humprey used weight chest compressions to demonstrate his CPR skills. BCEHS paramedics Cheryl Thorsen and Austin Pelton took the kids into the back of the ambulance and showed them how to put an oxygen mask on a patient and why that might be needed. “The boys are fascinated by these trucks, and I love that they get to talk to the sheriffs and the RCMP and the firemen,” said the two brothers’ grandmother, Martina Humphrey.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

Parkinson’s Support Group hosts fundraising barbecue Next up is the annual SuperWalk, coming on Sept. 12 CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

If there is one thing I know it’s that Shirley Bond, volunteer extraordinaire, can wrangle people with such grace and charm we’re all moving in the right direction before we even realize it. As I arrived at the barbecue fundraiser for Prince George’s Parkinson Support Group set up on Thursday, Aug. 20 at the Canadian Tire parking lot, I immediately joined people who were taking a photo of a group of key members of the organizing committee for the event. Before l knew it, Shirley herded us all over to a lovely seating area that looked like it was set up just for me to do the interview. (And, no, it probably wasn’t, but I will claim it as my own anyway.) Seated along with me was, of course, Selen Alpay, philanthropist and owner of Canadian Tire, who announced last year that he has Parkinson’s and according to longtime volunteer Gina Beddome, who was sitting beside me, he started the ball awareness-raising ball like never before because everyone knows Selen. Sitting with us was a volunteer with the local Parkinson Support Group, Vernon Winder, and Serena Sanghera, who is a UNBC student on a mission to get a mobility clinic here in Prince George for those in need. “This is a superb event for our Parkinson Support Group,” Gina said. “They just raise so much money and awareness. We’ve noticed when we have an information table set up at various events throughout the past year that there is increased awareness for Parkinson’s and the Support Group all because of Selen who made it public last year that he has Parkinson’s and that has made such a difference to our support group. We are still so overwhelmed.” Then, Selen said something that

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHRISTINE DALGLEISH

The Prince George Parkinson Support Group fundraiser held at Canadian Tire on Thursday, Aug. 20. Seen here is a group of organizers of the event.

floored me. “This might sound odd, but I am glad I got Parkinson’s because if I didn’t get Parkinson’s I wouldn’t have got to meet all these great people,” he said. “They mean the world to me and that helps you get through the process as well. Like this guy, Vern, who speaks so freely about everything, which I love because I am the world’s worst poker player — I play with my cards up.” The barbecue raises funds for the local support group and that’s important to Selen, he added. “It’s for operational costs for the meetings and exercise groups and we need to expand that because there are more and more people coming out and saying that they have the disease,” Selen said. “One of the most important things you can do when you have this disease is to keep moving. The more you move the longer you can stave off Parkinson’s disease progression because we all know there is no cure for it — yet — and that’s where the money goes that is raised during the Parkinson’s SuperWalk held next month – it will go toward research.” As I turned to speak with Vern, Selen

jumped in first. “Vern is our fearless leader,” Selen said. “I run the support group meetings,” Vern said, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about four years ago. “And his mother has Parkinson’s,” Gina added. “And yes, it can be hereditary.” “I am very open with the group because we all have it so I might as well just be open and speak about it,” Vern said. “That way everyone will understand what we’re going to go through and we talk about what we are going through because there are a lot of people who have it that don’t want to speak about it but when you bring it up they will say ‘oh, I have that, too’ and it just opens up the door and then people aren’t afraid to talk about it anymore in the meetings.” “And what we find really helpful is that caregivers come as well,” Selen added. “And then at a certain point we split the group up between the caregivers and those with Parkinson’s and then we can all hear a variety of great stories

then and we all know that we are not alone.” “We all have our own fears, those with Parkinson’s and those who are caretaking,” Gina added, whose husband had Parkinson’s and passed away about a year ago. “You don’t always want to express those fears in front of the one you love so you are able to do that during the breakout groups and vent and get it off your chest and get feedback and just feel better at the end of it.” “And it’s completely private,” Serena added as she looked at her mentor, Gina, with great affection. “Caregiver fatigue is a real challenge and the support group provides the opportunity not just for the person impacted but for family, their caregiver, to be part of that group, talking to one another and supporting each other,” Shirley added. “And that’s really important to us because we care about the caregivers too and I think often that’s a forgotten part of the story. The person gets the diagnosis, but it impacts their entire network of people because over time there is fatigue, there is all kinds of challenges that the person faces but so do the caregivers, so we really want to care for our caregivers.” “You always put your loved one first when you are the caregiver,” Gina added. “And on the other side, I don’t want to be a burden,” Vern said. Then it was Serena’s turn to chat with me and she had a lot to say. “I think there needs to be more youth involved because there are things we can contribute as well,” Serena said. “People always say it’s a grownup thing but we can be advocates for this cause. Everyone says it is an age-related disease but one day I’m going to be that age, too, and what if I have it? We can make an impact when we’re young — you don’t have to have it or be a caregiver to make a difference. I think we all need to have that fight in us for a good cause.” SEE ‘PROGRESS’ ON NEXT PAGE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

COMMUNITY

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

New Performing Arts Series set to begin in PG this fall CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

The Performing Arts Series has been announced for the 2026-27 season, with six theatre, dance and music shows coming to Prince George thanks to the Community Arts Council of Prince George & District and Trinity United Church. Presented at the Prince George Playhouse and Knox Performance Centre, the series reflects the council’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality professional performing arts in Northern British Columbia while fostering exciting new artistic experiences for local audiences, a recent press release stated. The Performing Arts Series features: • A Wake of Vultures: Seeing Double, Oct. 2-3, Prince George Playhouse An inventive double bill from project-based interdisciplinary performance collective A Wake of Vultures. Seeing Double is an homage to spooky late-night double features, a cerebral marathon that keeps the audience on edge through vivid surround sound and optical illusion. Seeing Double pairs Walking at Night by Myself, an immersive psychological thriller that plays with perception through surround sound and optical illusion, with K Body and Mind, a gripping multimedia sci-fi theatrical adventure exploring identity,

VITANTONIO SPINELLI PHOTO

Sophie Dow: Agrimony is part of the Performing Arts Series presented by the Community Arts Council of Prince George & District and Trinity United Church beginning this fall at the Prince George Playhouse.

technology and what it means to begin again. • Sophie Dow: Agrimony, Oct. 13, Prince George Playhouse Agrimony walks the edge between an evocative live concert and visceral contemporary dance. Four dancers in animal masks and five musicians generously weave songs by Laura Reznek into a comprehensive and heart-centred story that honours the small yellow flower, agrimonia eupatoria — in plant medicine, a catalyst for honesty, dissolving the masks society forces us to craft and unveiling a truest self. • Motus Theatre: Water Words,

Oct. 16, Knox Performance Centre Water Words (Parole d’eau) is an acclaimed puppet theatre production by Théâtre Motus and Compagnie Djarama. It explores our relationship with water by contrasting the lives of two friends — one who carries buckets from wells in Senegal and another surrounded by Canada’s ice and snow. • Aurora Piano Trio, Jan. 15, Prince George Playhouse An internationally acclaimed ensemble celebrated for expressive performances and an engaging repertoire spanning classical masterworks and

contemporary compositions. • Canefire, March 12, Knox Performance Centre Canefire is a seven-piece, hard-hitting Caribbean Latin jazz experience that blows the lid off Caribbean music stereotypes. • Company 605: lossy, March 18, Prince George Playhouse A visually striking contemporary dance work that examines memory, technology and human connection through Company 605’s distinctive movement language. “You shouldn’t have to leave Prince George to experience incredible live performance — this season brings some of the most exciting music, theatre and dance being created in Canada right to our community,” said Shelby Richardson, executive director of the Community Arts Council, in a recent press release. The Performing Arts Series will connect artists with the community through workshops, conversations and educational activities that enrich the cultural life of Prince George, she added. For more information and tickets, visit www.PrinceGeorgePlayhouse.ca and www.KnoxCentre.ca. For season subscriptions, sponsorship opportunities or additional information, contact the Community Arts Council of Prince George & District at info@studio2880.com.

Progress being made on mobility clinic for Prince George CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE “We need a new generation of leaders who walk alongside people with experience,” Shirley added. “One of the things that has the most meaning to me is this partnership right here. Serena and Gina are such a complement to one another.” “We learn so much from each other,” Gina agreed. “Gina is my biggest mentor,” Serena said. “And I have learned so much from

her. I learn something new every day and that’s because of the guidance I get from her.” “And I think of Serena as a mentor,” Selen added. Serena laughed at that. “Selen, that’s a good point,” Shirley said. “People think you always have to look to someone older for guidance but we look to Serena all the time. I think we have to be open to that kind of teaching where we learn new things — like Serena’s desire for the mobility clinic and

how she’s working on that. So I have learned too and I think that’s a beautiful part of this story because this group is intergenerational and we learn from each other — and not only that, we all really like each other.” Serena said there is progress being made on developing a mobility clinic right here in Prince George. “There is a co-funding agreement in place and Northern Health is still working on a location,” she explained. Serena said Parkinson’s BC is in partnership with Northern Health.

“And everyone has been wonderful to work with,” Serena said. As soon as there is more information to share about the mobility clinic The Citizen will be sure to write another story. Maybe even an exclusive, right, Serena? Next up is the annual BC Parkinson SuperWalk, to be held on Saturday, Sept. 12 at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park. For more information about participating in the SuperWalk visit www. support.parkinson.bc.ca/site/

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

Rocky Mountain Rangers welcome forester’s skills

Military recruitment has been trending up since the pandemic TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

As a forester working in north-central BC, Chris Quilty often ventures into bear country. In fact, he’s had five close encounters in the bush with bruins — three with black bears and two with grizzlies — and he’s hoping never to have another. But the chances are it will happen again. Quilty works for the Ministry of Forests as a licensed auditing officer, and his work often takes him to remote cutblocks where bears come with the territory. “The first time (was the worst),” said Quilty. “I’d say it was about a foot away before it decided to turn away. Moving past that it just becomes, oh, it’s happening again. It was all good for me, a lot of bluff charges, and if you just stand there and don’t blink, a lot of the times they’ll just run off to the side. Everyone in the field has at least one bear story and some are worse than others.” Quilty became familiar with the use of firearms as an animal deterrent through his work as a forestry technician and continues to develop his interest in firing guns at targets as a second lieutenant and infantry officer with the Rocky Mountain Rangers’ Bravo Company army reserve regiment. Quilty, a 30-year-old native of Quesnel, has family members who served in the military who had good things to say about the armed forces, and that’s what drove him to join the Rocky Mountain Rangers. “It’s surprising what connections you can find between the military and different civilian options,” said Quilty. “A lot of the things I’ve learned (with the Rangers) have helped me in my civilian career. “I would say my career in forestry was an amazing stepping stone into the infantry regiment here. The things they do in the bush I was already familiar

ERIC DEPENAU PHOTO

Rocky Mountain Rangers Bravo Company soldiers participate in a field training drill near Prince George.

with, such as using navigation tools to walk through the bush, and just being used to uncomfortable conditions. I worked as a (forestry) crew lead, responsible for five or 10 individuals, setting up daily tasks of what we need for different outings ranging from one week to 14 days, usually out in the middle of nowhere living in tents. It was an easy shift.” As a lieutenant in his third year with the Rangers, Quilty has taken on leadership tasks as a platoon commander and is involved in planning for members’ weekly training exercises. “It’s giving opportunities for me to have continued professional development, throwing in new tasks and giving more junior leadership roles to test the waters and really provide a good environment to work,” said Quilty. The Rangers are based at Meadows Armoury, near Moore’s Meadow Park, in the former Meadow Elementary School at 687 Dornbierer Cres. The reservists spend part of their day exploring career opportunities or conducting research on Bravo Company, whose history dates to 1908. The armoury has a gym and the Newell House mess hall for social gatherings

and provides overnight sleeping quarters for soldiers awaiting deployments. National recruiting numbers in the military have trended up since the pandemic years, from 2,011 in 2020-21 to 4,334 in 2023-24 and 6,710 in 202425. In April, the Canadian government announced it recruited 7,310 new members to the regular forces in the 2025-26 fiscal year — a 30-year high that far exceeded its target of 6,957 new recruits. Seventeen per cent were women, and 1,400 of the newly enrolled members were permanent residents. Increased salaries and pensions and better educational benefits have helped make military careers more attractive. Canada bumped base pay significantly last year, rolling out a 20 per cent increase for entry-level privates, a 13 per cent increase for other non-commissioned members and mid-ranking officers, and gave senior officers an eight per cent raise. “We’re in some of our strongest years of recruiting since being stood back up (with the revival of B Company in 2012),” said Rocky Mountain Rangers commanding officer Maj. Eric Depenau, now in his 13th year with B Company. “The armed forces provides some

really great career opportunities ranging from part-time to full-time, both local and abroad, and folks are increasingly recognizing the pension and education training opportunities and the ability to serve their country.” The Canadian military takes on male and female recruits for basic training as young as 16, with parental consent, and accepts new members as old as 57. B Company has seven full-time employees and there are about 65 part-time reservists. “We ran a successful basic training from January to April of this year and we’re looking to run another coming up in January and it’s very well-subscribed,” said Depenau. “Recruiting is as strong as it’s ever been. We have 20 awaiting training at this point.” All Bravo Company members who join as part-time reservists are guaranteed summer employment for five years. That caters to full-time students to fill in the gaps between their school semesters. Four of the 10 full-time summer employment (FTSE) members in Prince George are enrolled in post-secondary programs. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

COMMUNITY

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Reservists are ready for duty, including emergency aid CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE FTSEs complete building materials management tasks, service and maintain equipment and the regiment’s vehicle fleet, and engage in war games on the simulated shooting range. To build fitness and endurance, they go for five-kilometre ruck marches each morning around the neighbourhood of the armoury or on the hilly Moore’s Meadow trails, wearing 30- to 50-pound packs to simulate the weight of packs typically used by soldiers during their field operations. “Moore’s Meadow is great for rucks and just running to get used to unstable terrain and exposure to bugs, especially early in the morning, and thankfully bears like to leave us alone,” said Quilty. Each Ranger awaiting basic training has passed a full screening process, which includes physical testing, interviews and reliability assessments. B Company can provide full-time soldiers

ERIC DEPENAU PHOTO

Rocky Mountain Rangers soldiers take part in a field training operation.

a basic training program that takes a month to complete, and it’s a threemonth program for part-timers. If a request from the federal or provincial government for deployment is made, some of the Rangers are available for emergency responses and disaster relief through Operation Lentus in the

event of domestic wildfires, floods or extreme weather events. Class C members are deployed overseas. Rocky Mountain Rangers members qualify for enrolment in career courses conducted at bases across the country that help them climb the ranks in the military.

Completion of career courses qualifies them for deployments and full-time employment. The courses are free for members, who are paid while conducting each one. In recent months, Rangers have travelled to New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and BC for their course training. “I owe a great deal of who I am to the military and to the opportunities in training that have been provided,” said Depenau, director of administrative services for the City of Prince George, who just completed a company commander course in Gagetown, N.B. “I’ve had the pleasure of visiting a number of countries and had the opportunity to work in the Middle East and had the chance to meet the Royal Family and His Majesty King Charles and his sons. Folks can serve here in Prince George and find themselves around the world in unique and interesting work that’s very rewarding. I’d recommend this to anybody.”

Record-setting Rangers ready to run for military charity TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

For the past two years, no other Canadian Armed Forces unit raised more money for the Canada Army Run than the Rocky Mountain Rangers of Prince George. In 2024 the Rangers set a national record when they raised $14,000 and in 2025 they upped their total to $20,000, setting the bar for the rest of the country. All money raised goes to support two charities — Soldier On and Support Our Troops — to support ill and injured military veterans and their families. Now several months into the 2026 campaign that wraps up the end of September, the Rangers are in second place with $6,332 raised as of Aug. 19. The Calgary Highlanders are setting the pace with $13,468 collected. “We’ve been first place in Canada the last two years and have raised the most money this event has ever seen and so

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Seventeen members of the Rocky Mountain Rangers Bravo Company army reserve plan to run and raise money for military charities.

we’re looking to defend our title and for the third straight year be the top fundraising team in the country,” said Maj. Eric Depenau, the officer commanding Rocky Mountain Rangers B Company. ‘We’re battling with Calgary. We beat them last time, they were second.” Soldier On focuses on veteran military members who have permanent or chronic disabilities and helps try to regain active healthy and independent lifestyle. The peer-based program,

which has helped more than 10,000 members, challenges funding recipients to develop new skills and achieve goals. Support Our Troops provides financial assistance the Canadian Armed Forces community to support recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration of members who have suffered physical or mental illness or injury and helps them deal with the stress of military life. It provides grants and low-interest loans to veterans struggling to pay bills and to

address their medical needs. The charity also supports families and pays for kids camps, special needs assistance and funds national academic scholarships educational. It also provides community development grants for organizations that support military veterans. This year’s actual run happens in Ottawa on Sunday, Sept. 20, while a virtual run for the rest of the country will take place from Sept. 4-25. Registrants can choose to run five kilometres, 10 km or half-marathon (21.1 km). Depenau plans to run in Ottawa on Sept. 20 and will run the 5K and half-marathon routes for 26 km total. Sixteen other Rocky Mountain Rangers are entered in the event. Some will run in Ottawa, some in Prince George and at least one will be running while on vacation in Germany. To donate visit raceroster.com/ events/2026/110811/canada-army-run2026-course-de-larmee-du-canada-2026/ teams

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

All these upgrades make it feel like a brand-new house CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Seniors housing navigator Jenine Bortolon at the Prince George Council of Seniors loves her job, and when she sees a way to help a senior in need, she jumps right in. That’s what happened when Marie Hallam was volunteering at the Council of Seniors one day last year and overheard people talking about the latest and greatest Seniors Emergency Fund created by Ted Price and Anne Laughlin, who produce professional theatre productions through their Miracle Theatre. Funds are raised through ticket sales to the shows and donations, which added up to more than $200,000. The money was then set up in a trust at the Community Foundation as an endowment fund, where the principal stays the same and the interest is available to help seniors in need. When Marie talked to Bortolon about her need for a new roof on her Willow River house, she was provided with a sum to go toward it, but it wasn’t enough. Marie, 77, and her husband, Rick, 79, are not that computer-savvy, so when Bortolon suggested Marie start a GoFundMe, Bortolon helped her set it up. “I was always the one giving back, volunteering in the community, helping others any way I could and I still deliver The Citizen to all my neighbours every week because a lot of them are seniors who can’t get into town as often as I can,” Marie explained. “I couldn’t even imagine asking people to help me — especially strangers — and especially to give me money for my home improvements,” Marie said. “But Rick got sick years ago and wasn’t able to work or continue with maintenance and renovations on our house and it fell into a state. It wasn’t good.” The Hallams bought the house for $1,800 in 1968. “I didn’t feel comfortable about the GoFundMe at first but then Jenine said, ‘What have you got to lose? There might be people out there that could help

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHRISTINE DALGLEISH

This is the side of Marie and Rick Hallam’s home, which has had a major upgrade thanks to the community’s generosity, for which they are so grateful.

you.’” So Marie swallowed her pride and agreed to do the GoFundMe. Bortolon then encouraged her to write a letter to send to certain companies in town, and one landed on the desk of Cameron Stolz, owner of The Prince George Citizen. He gave the letter to managing editor Kennedy Gordon, who passed it along to me. When I first reached out to Marie, she thought I was calling to say The Citizen would donate to the cause. I explained that we could do something even better: tell people about her and how Rick got sick and, due to circumstances beyond their control, their house fell into disrepair. We would tell our readers about the GoFundMe set up to help them and see what happened. And, jeepers, did things happen quickly. Thousands of dollars were raised through the GoFundMe, and two roofing companies reached out to offer to help. I passed along all the information provided by the roofers to Marie, and after talking to each owner of the two roofing companies, Marie gratefully accepted Ridgeline’s offer of a new, free roof. It was an emotional time for Marie as she was filled with gratitude for the community that jumped in to help. Marie soon redirected her efforts because the whole house needed some tender loving care. New windows and insulation, plywood that clad the exterior of the home and siding were also on the list of things that needed to be replaced.

Over time, and thanks to the GoFundMe, some government grants and some deep discounts provided by other companies, the Hallam house is a shining example of a community with a big heart making dreams come true. There is a solid roof over new insulation, plywood and siding, new windows and even a new front door. “It’s like a whole new house,” Marie said. “And now we’re just working on doing some improvements like new flooring in the living room and new laminate countertops in the kitchen.” Marie reflected on how she feels about those who helped. “My heart is full of gratitude and love for Jon and Noah and the crew at Ridgeline Roofing,” Marie said. “Their kindness and care were outstanding.” With Bortolon’s help again, the Hallams were able to access grants for the windows, and Richard of Lipstick Property Solutions stepped up with a great deal. “He gave me a really good deal on the windows and did the whole thing — he did all the measurements and applied for the grant and then installed all the windows — it was just a real blessing,” Marie said. “And the GoFundMe and what we got from the Seniors Emergency Fund helped me pay for what the grant didn’t.” Then Nova Windows Ltd. came in and measured the bay window and replaced the glass in it instead of replacing the entire thing. “And they again gave us a good deal,”

Marie said. And then came the siding. “It was a struggle,” Marie said. The men from W.R. Ventures worked through the winter and did a bunch of extras. They did so much more than just put the siding on the house, she added. “And I want to thank you, Christine and The Citizen, for what you have done because I was struggling with the GoFundMe and when you put our story in the paper it was like someone had opened a door and people were coming and they donated so much money,” Marie said. “I feel so blessed. I’d like to thank our daughter, Debby Boutilier of Blue Rose Mobile Foot Care and Esthetics, who donated and Danny O’Brien from O’Brien Training, Carrie and Tony, John and Cheryl and the BC government,” Marie said. “Because we are so low income, the government grant covered the cost for all the insulation and all the contractors said they had never heard of anybody getting 100 per cent coverage before.” Marie said she would especially like to thank the people in her Willow River community. “A lot of them came to our door and offered us money and have commented on our home because it changed from night to day and it is so beautiful and it’s warm,” Marie said. “I could not believe the difference. We are not cold in the winter anymore. And to think we have been struggling with all this for over 20 years.” It used to keep her up at night, she admitted. Marie said she has been continually overwhelmed by the generosity shown to her and Rick by the community. “Every time I look at my home I am filled with relief and gratitude,” Marie said. “I wake up every morning with a light heart and a big smile on my face, knowing I can live here for the rest of my life,” Marie said. “That’s the goal for Rick and me. We’ve always loved our home and now that it’s fixed we love it even more.”

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Throwback Thursday: Week of August 27

L.O.C.F.

Aug. 27, 1975: The front page of The Citizen featured Matthew Jordan, 4, and Jason Fleury, 6, taking a look at some of the school supplies they would be using when classes resumed in September. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY LEN TENISCI

Aug. 27, 1985: With summer almost over, Carol Pigeau took advantage of a warm, windless evening and a tow rope at West Lake to, as The Citizen put it, ‘create an image we’ll remember when we’re shovelling snow.’ CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVE MILNE

Aug. 28, 1995: Summerfest ’95 was the focus of a full page of photos in the paper, with this one featuring radio-controlled car racing. The event saw George Street closed and thousands of people downtown. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVE MILNE

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Aug. 26, 2005: Seven sibling puppies and their owners gathered for an obedience training session in this photo. The litter was born to labs Gus and Lucy, being held by Cathy Cameron, fourth from left, at Thymeridge Labradors. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVE MILNE

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PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

HEALTH

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

BC’s only Indigenous pediatrician focuses on the North CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

BC’s first and only, for now, Indigenous pediatrician is taking her practice into the community to reduce barriers by bringing clinics into local schools and meeting patients where they are — going for a walk with them, sitting at a picnic table or chatting with parents at a local gas station. Dr. Carmen Tait is an emergency medicine specialist and general pediatrician at BC Children’s Hospital who has expanded her work with Nation-specific outreach programs as the Indigenous Health Program lead for the Social Pediatrics Program. Guided by culturally sensitive practices, Tait is helping shape new approaches to social pediatrics and Indigenous child health. I always like to hear about how things come about, so I asked Tait how she came to be where she is now in her career. “I was born and raised in Vancouver on Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Territory,” Tait said. “My mother, Isabelle Jackson, and my dad, James Tait, both were raised up north in Hazelton and Port Ed and Prince Rupert, where most of my family still is, and then as my mom was the first one in our family to go to post-secondary education, they moved down here so she could go to UBC and that’s where she started our family with my dad. “We were raised in a very close-knit family and my family tried to get us back to our territory as much as we could,” Tait said. “My mom going through school when I was a young child was definitely such a good model for me and had such a huge impact on my view of education and hard work and my path going forward. So I always talk about one of my core memories of childhood being waking up in the middle of the night, going to find my parents and it would be the wee hours of the morning and I would see my mom studying at the table with a pile of textbooks and a bowl of cereal and that was when she was in law school so I always just knew that

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Dr. Carmen Tait, BC’s first and only (for now) Indigenous pediatrician, is the lead for the Social Pediatrics Program at BC Children’s Hospital. She goes into Northern communities to bring her services to Indigenous families.

I was going to university. I was always very much into school and academics and my grandmother, the late Frances Jackson, used to say always be looking around, helping, working hard, what can you do, never be staying still for too long. So that really strong work ethic and attitude toward learning and education being so valuable was something that was really instilled in me and I was raised in the culture as well,” Tait said. Tait attended feasts and ceremonies when they went back to their family’s territory as often as they could, which was very important to them, she added. The Indigenous Health Program, which got off the ground in November 2025, has the goal of offering pediatric services to Indigenous peoples, communities, families and youth with very low

barriers, Tait said. “Taking place in settings where people are comfortable and honouring Indigenous knowledges and really braiding those together,” Tait said. “Right now we have several outreach sites in the urban setting in and around BC Children’s Hospital and those include on-reserve clinics on Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Territory. We are always at the Urban Indigenous Primary Care Clinics as well. And then a big part of the program and the mission is to increase access to pediatric specialty knowledge to Northern BC as well,” Tait said. Tait operates on a distinct philosophy: she only goes where she is invited, and each outreach program is Nation-specific.

Here is how she works, as outlined in a recent press release: • Visiting regions such as the Carrier Sekani territories, Nisga’a Nation, Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en territories, Tait and her residents reduce barriers by bringing clinics directly into familiar environments, such as local schools. She has even met with patients while going for a walk, sitting at a picnic table or running into parents at the local gas station. • Tait integrates traditional medicines where people are interested, representing the full spectrum of Western medicine and traditional Indigenous practices, and provides mentorship and training opportunities within the traditional territories. The outreach program emphasizes trust, relationship-building and long-term partnership with host Nations. • Tait’s work focuses on upholding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and responding to Truth and Reconciliation calls to action. The program she leads integrates Western pediatric medicine with Indigenous knowledge systems, traditional medicine and ceremony, reflecting a “two-eyed seeing” approach that values both perspectives equally. Core elements include culturally grounded pediatric care, family services, elder-supported programming and other initiatives such as Indigenous healing gardens and medicine-based educational spaces. Tait said she hopes to see the Indigenous Health Program within the Social Pediatrics Program grow in BC and beyond. “We will go to anyone who thinks our services will be useful to the children and youth in their communities and we go from there and we try our best to provide that,” Tait said. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

HEALTH

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Doctor is helping shape new approaches to health care CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE “Through medical training and even my upbringing as well it was so clear to me that there was a huge need and really a gap in health-care services particularly when it comes to access to specialists and when people are able to stay in their communities they just have this comfort level that is not going to exist anywhere else because they are close to their families, close to the places they are so familiar with and it’s obviously physically much more accessible and much more affordable to get to their appointment and they don’t have to be separated from their other children and that makes it much easier, too, to talk about health care within the broader context of their lives,” Tait said. Tait added she thinks it’s important to go into the community for social pediatrics and the broader program. “Because where you live, the school, the education, the other support people who are involved in your life and access to food is all such an important part of your overall health and I think being in community and building those connections with other community organizations that can support those things is such an important part of pediatrics outreach work,” Tait said. And doing that outreach work has taught Tait a great deal, she added. “From that I continue to learn that we can do and practise medicine in a completely different way that is much more helpful for families,” Tait said. “I remember on my most recent trip we had a full clinic day planned and on that morning they had organized a ceremony to bless the canoes and the new vehicles that the community was going to be using and the entire community came together, including the families. So no one was available to come to clinic and I think in a former version of myself just coming out of training I think that would have been difficult to be flexible with but working in community you just learn to roll with the punches and adapt. To actually be able to attend that ceremony was so valuable for myself and the resident doctor I was with that

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Dr. Carmen Tait’s career has taken her all over BC as part of her outreach work.

day because we really got to see that this is the priority for the community and when this happens and the elders are coming to teach and speak the language we all show up and we all support each other and that’s really much more important to our overall health than maybe attending an appointment on this particular day,” Tait said. That event didn’t stop her from being able to help people, either, she added. “I saw parents at the ceremony, I got to touch base with them, exchange numbers and I saw people at the gas station and I figured out all they needed me to do is send this school this email and that’s what’s going to be the most impactful and helpful to them and so it doesn’t stop us from being able to do the supportive work that families are needing,” Tait explained. As BC Children’s Hospital Foundation raises funds to grow the Social Pediatrics Program, Tait’s work offers a powerful example of how expanded resources could support culturally grounded care in more Indigenous communities across the province, the press release added. “Funding would really help us with

what the program really needs and that is to embed Indigenous wisdom,” Tait said. “It’s so important to me that we continue to work directly with elders and the knowledge keepers and we embed this into the infrastructure of the program and ensure that our patients, families and their health-care providers always have access to this wealth of knowledge and that guidance. Further to that I’ll say along the theme of we can practise medicine in a different way and that one of the things that is really important to me is that we really embrace the land and territory that we work on and that we live on that gives us so many gifts. A part of the funding would be so helpful in just being able to develop the Indigenous healing garden and the outdoor space that can be used for meetings and appointments with patients. We don’t need to be in clinical settings. We can be in places that are very nourishing and regulating and help us to appreciate our natural surroundings and so that is one thing that funding could really help us with and just building up that Indigenous medicine pharmacy and being able to

expand the repertoire of the hundreds of traditional medicines that are both Indigenous to British Columbia and naturalized that have been brought by the hundreds of First Nations that surround us,” Tait said. Tait said she is grateful to be able to do the work she does. “There are other Indigenous pediatricians who are soon to join me and I’m so motivated by the next generation of Indigenous health-care providers — the next generation of health-care professionals who are my patients right now — and it’s a huge motivator to help support their health and their well-being, their education, so that they can fill these spaces that I have the privilege of being in right now,” Tait said. This support would enable a leader like Tait to have more protected time and resources to grow her program and research, mentor more emerging Indigenous pediatricians and widen the scope of families and communities reached across the province. For more information and to donate to the cause, visit https:// www.bcchildrens.ca/clinics-services/ social-pediatrics

HEALTH

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

Celebrating the 2026 Preceptor Award recipient Post-secondary students from across BC nominate people twice a year

have a ripple effect throughout the organization. “I try my best to make them feel comfortable,” she said. “Learning about them not only in the lab but their outside interests. It is such an awesome feeling when the students’ light bulbs turn on! My goal is to help them gain confidence, competence and hopefully become great medical laboratory technologists. Maybe they will become future preceptors because of their experience with me.” The student who nominated MacIsaac shared the following sentiments: “I could really see and feel how passionate she is about teaching students. I remember while I was her preceptee, I muttered to myself, ‘Oh my, she deserves an award for being such a good preceptor!’ “Her years of experience working in the lab definitely shine through in the way she teaches. She always made sure I understood everything and was always open to answering questions I had. “I felt very comfortable and supported under her guidance. I never felt afraid of making mistakes because she was always there to help me learn from them in a caring and encouraging way. That supportive environment helped me learn so much and gain confidence in my skills. If ever I would be a student again, I would want to be under her preceptorship.”

FURQANA KHAN Northern Health

The Student Practice Education team is proud to celebrate Ann Marie MacIsaac, Northern Health’s newest recipient of the Preceptor Award. The award recognizes exceptional staff members across the organization who have been nominated by students from various post-secondary partners for providing quality patient care while also prioritizing valuable preceptorship experiences for the next generation of health-care workers. Twice a year, students from programs at Stenberg College, College of New Caledonia, University of Northern British Columbia, University of British Columbia and other institutions nominate preceptors who made a meaningful difference in their practicum experiences. Preceptors are teachers, instructors or tutors with medical-field experience who guide students as they develop their skills at colleges and universities. This round, 44 preceptors were nominated for their lasting impacts on students’ clinical placements.

A lifetime of teaching and learning MacIsaac graduated from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton with a diploma in medical laboratory technology. While in school, she completed a practicum at what was then Prince George Regional Hospital, and a position at Bulkley Valley District Hospital got her career started at Northern Health, where she has been working for more than 22 years. In that time, MacIsaac has taken her role as a medical lab technologist and preceptor very seriously. What she loves about her role is how technology in the lab evolves, which

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO

Ann Marie MacIsaac, medical lab technologist and winner of the 2026 Preceptor Award, and her cat Oscar, ready for their close-up.

means the technologist must evolve as well. Technology aside, she finds the patient interactions highly rewarding. “It is very satisfying to complete the story, from collecting the patient’s blood, analyzing and reporting the results to the doctors, treatment and recovery,” she said.

Why precepting matters MacIsaac has always enjoyed teaching and mentorship. When discussing the experiences of lab students, she shared how rewarding it is to see how excited they get when

looking through a microscope for the first time. “Each student I have trained has left a little piece of them with me,” she said. Her manager, Scott Martin, remarked, “She wants to ensure they are given every tool possible to succeed and provide them with as much knowledge as she can. Ann Marie will always go that extra mile for any student to help them wherever she can.” From her perspective, MacIsaac acknowledged that giving back to her profession is a very rewarding experience. In addition, she understands how the impact of preceptors can

What keeps her going When she is not working in the lab, MacIsaac likes to read, garden, hike, camp and exercise. She also spends her time volunteering on several community committees. Her dedication to teaching is shown through her connection to the local high school, where she also volunteers. MacIsaac has an orange cat named Oscar, two sons and a husband whom she adores. She said she is grateful to have found an exceptionally rewarding career in medical laboratory sciences. Northern Health congratulated her for this achievement and gave her a huge thank-you for her hard work.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Local Sports

Spruce Kings ready to lace up their skates again TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

The Prince George Spruce Kings hit the ice Friday, Sept. 4, at Kopar Memorial Arena for the start of the team’s 31st training camp as a member of the BC Hockey League. Thirty-five players have been invited to camp, and about a third of them were on the team that went 18 games and three rounds deep into the BCHL playoffs last spring. “We’ve got 10 or 12 of those guys back rom the playoff run and that’s valuable experience gained,” said Kings general manager Mike Hawes, back for his 20th season with the team and 13th as GM. “So we’re looking forward to what they’re going to bring and how they will help the new recruiting class adjust to the league. “We obviously ran out of gas in the third round and came up against a very good Nanaimo team but the experience of winning two seven-game series was a great learning experience and the players will use that to their advantage this year.” The biggest holes to fill are on defence, where captain Isaac Holt, Evan Bellamy, Trent LeDrew and Ojbej Rep, voted the BCHL’s top defenceman last season, have all moved on to college hockey. Nick Bianchi and Dracen Campbell are the returning blueline mainstays. “Our defence core was a real big key for us last year and to lose those four 20-year-olds that’s huge,” said Hawes. “But Nick Bianchi and Dracen Campbell are going to be elite-level defencemen in our league this year and Noah Smith is coming back with us as well. He was with us at the tail end of the season and the playoffs.” The Kings have recruited two 19-yearold European defencemen, Christian Achim of Germany and Norwegian Anders-Fryn Roen. Max Reed, 18, was

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Spruce Kings goalie Ryder Green stops the shot of Langley Rivermen forward Darius Bachler on his blocker in Game 1 of their first-round BCHL playoff series at Kopar Memorial Arena Friday, April 3.

the captain of Rink Academy Kelowna last year in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, while Nolan Blankenstein, 18, is a big-bodied blueliner from Shawnigan Lake of the CSSHL who carries a reputation as a point producer. Goalie Ryder Green, the 19-year-old hometown hero who played 29 regular-season and six playoff games in his second BCHL season, will have the inside track on the starting netminder’s job. Cody Arnold, 20, was limited to just two games with the Spruce Kings after joining them from the Surrey Eagles but won both in solid fashion. The Kings are also auditioning 17-year-old Asher Netherton, looking to make the jump from Rink Academy Kelowna as the youngest player on the Spruce Kings. “We’re looking for real big things from Ryder this year,” said Hawes. “He knows expectations are high and I know he’s

going to meet that challenge.” Up front, the Kings will be hardpressed to replace the scoring punch of Tai Ushio and Marcus Lougheed and the in-your-face toughness and finishing ability of Carter Hesselgrave, all of whom have graduated. They’ve also lost promising 18-year-old winger River Arnason to the Kamloops Blazers. Centre Ben Vreugdenhil, Cooper Faughnan, Ryan Wachtel, Michael Denney, Dominic Szcyzgiel and Jackson Froysland, who is expected to be fully recovered from ACL surgery in November, head up the returning forward group. The Kings have added Noah Franzina of Switzerland, and he’s expected to fill a top-six forward role. Twenty-yearold Max Mahony was a prolific scorer playing centre for St. Michael’s of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. Winger Ethan Stewart got plenty

of seasoning last year as an assistant captain of the Dauphin Kings of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and was picked for Team Canada West and the World Junior A Challenge last year. Adam Crosby and Marco Wolf, who were both around for the Kings for the playoffs, are slotted in as regulars this time around. Daniel Podvalov, 18, played for Little Caesars U18s in Detroit and is poised to become the first Kazakhstan-born Spruce King. Rhett Tupello, 18, is also making the move up to junior A from Rink Academy Kelowna. Like Froysland, the Kings will likely have to wait until November for forward Charles Hawthornthwaite to recover from knee surgery. He played in 2025-26 for the Quebec Junior Hockey League’s Valleyfield Braves. Centre Spencer Masters and right winger Mathis Laplante are back in the BCHL but not with Prince George. They were the future considerations in the deal with Surrey that brought winger Lucas Busch to Prince George at the deadline for the playoff run last season. “I like to have nine top-six forwards and we’ve achieved that through our returning players and our recruiting this year,” said Hawes. “We are looking to add another veteran defenceman between now and the regular season and I’m happy there but the new players will have to come in and show they’re capable of getting the job done.” Brad Tesink is returning for his fourth season in Prince George and second full season as head coach, with Brad Tobin as associate coach and Brandon Manning as an assistant. The Spruce Kings’ camp runs through Sept. 6. The Kings play their first exhibition game Tuesday, Sept. 8, in Coquitlam. They also host Chilliwack Sept. 11-12. They open the season on the road Sept. 18-19 in Powell River and open at home Sept. 25 against West Kelowna.

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

At the finish line Fans watch as No 31 Street Stock of Rob Verkaik slides sideways across the finish line to win a dash race at PGARA Speedway Saturday, August 21, 2026 as part of a night featuring Big Rigs, Wingless Sprint Cars and Street Stocks. The 2026 racing season wraps up with the always-popular Hit to Pass on Sept. 5 and 6 and the Championship Finale on Sept. 12. CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

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ZD Pickering heavy horses win big in Indianapolis TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

It was another big weekend for ZD Pickering Farms of Prince George. Their stable of magnificent Percheron heavy horses won two classes at the Indiana State Fair Draft Horse Show in Indianapolis. Owned by Zane and Diane Pickering, the all-black high-steppers wowed the judges and claimed the Combined (Percheron/Clydesdale) Six Horse Hitch and Combined Eight Horse Hitch North American Classic titles. They also placed third in the Open Six Horse Hitch class on Saturday, Aug. 15. Tim Sparrow of Shipshewana, Ind., was the teamster who held the reins of the Prince George teams in the arena. Not all horse shows offer a Big Eight class and the Pickering finally reeled in the title in their third attempt with an eight-horse hitch this year, following up on a second-place finish in Wilmington, Ohio and a third-place result in Shipshewana. “Indiana State Fair is a rather large fair and showing in the Midwest and they had an eight-horse hitch this year,”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Teamster Tim Sparrow drives the Big Eight Hitch team of Percherons owned by ZD Pickering Family Farms of Prince George at the Indiana Fall Fair in Indianapolis on Sunday, Aug. 16. They won the North American combined Percheron/ Cydesdale class and also claimed the combined Six Horse Hitch title.

said Zane Pickering. “We won the class against the others that we lost to in the past, so that was a really good showing. The Pickerings weren’t able to attend the show, 2,277 kilometres away in Indianapolis, but watched their horses perform through the magic of livestreaming. The horses are boarded in Cromwell, Ind., about a five-hour haul from the Indiana capital.

“The horses were well in sync together and were very lively and strong, with excellent conformation,” said Zane. “There was a full house and the crowd excited them and they did their thing. They’re a proud bunch and when they see the gate they get excited. They couldn’t stand still after they were awarded their victory ribbon and they just want to go in the victory lap.” The Pickering teams were in Des

Moines, Iowa this week for the Iowa State Fair with three days of Percheron competition. They also plan to attend the North American Classic Championships in Shipshewana. The fall fair circuit will bring them back to Canada for the Triple Crown Draft Classic in London, Ont., Oct. 20-Nov. 1, and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Nov. 6-15.

PG Kodiaks improve to 2-3 on the road in Kamloops TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

The Kamloops Broncos tripled their season point production, but it wasn’t enough to derail the Prince George Kodiaks on Saturday in Kamloops. The Kodiaks scored 16 unanswered points in the third quarter to break open a 17-17 halftime deadlock and beat the Broncos 36-23. The win improved the Kodiaks’ BC Football Conference record to 2-3. The Broncos remained winless at 0-5. Kodiaks quarterback Toby Plett went 16-for-28, passing for three touchdowns and 213 yards in his fifth career BCFC start. He gave up just one interception. After allowing 17 points in the second

half to give up their lead, the Kodiaks got their offence in gear again in the third quarter. Ben Fehr got them in good field position with a 32-yard catch, and Plett hooked up with his favourite target, Andrew Brown, in the end zone for the go-ahead points. Maxim Murphy, who was 4-for-4 on converts, booted a 23-yard field goal for a 27-17 lead, and Kodiaks receiver Levi Nugent added to the total with a 33-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter. The Kodiaks scored on their opening drive of the game, a 25-yard strike from Plett to Brown, who had three catches for 40 yards and two touchdowns. Brown ranks third in the league with 397 receiving yards.

Prince George running back Gavin Hallvorson had his best game of the season, rushing for 80 yards on eight carries, including a short touchdown run in the opening quarter. Fehr hauled in four passes for 47 yards, and Jakob Wong had one catch for Prince George that went for 48 yards. The Broncos were led offensively by running back Mackenzie Ellis, who had 98 rushing yards on 13 carries for one touchdown. Broncos backup quarterback Jan Djoumessi took the plunge from one yard out to score a touchdown in the second half, and Lloyd Heggen scored the other major for Kamloops on an 18-yard play in the fourth quarter. Heggen had an apparent

75-yard touchdown run in the third quarter called back on a penalty. Kodiaks defensive back Sawyer Sonsteby contributed three solo tackles, one interception and one quarterback sack. Murphy, Keiandre Williams and Dillon Piddocke also picked off passes thrown by Broncos quarterback JR Howdle. The Kodiaks beat the Broncos 65-6 for their other victory this season on Aug. 1 at Masich Place Stadium. The teams will meet again Sept. 26 in Prince George. Prince George faces a much more formidable opponent this Saturday, Aug. 29, in Langley. They’ll take on the 5-0 Langley Rams, who made the trek to Prince George on Aug. 1 and walloped the Kodiaks 75-0.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

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PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Life Events Susan Elizabeth Hatfield McCook e tember

Janet Lynn Corrigan

May 17, 1951 - August 9, 2026 Janet Lynn Corrigan (Harmider) passed away peacefully. She was predeceased by her parents, Bernie and Nora Harmider, and her brother, Robert Snodgrass. Janet is survived by her loving husband, Kenneth orri an her children, ar im son, ernadette Thompson (Jarvis), and Kaine Corrigan (Marce); and grandchildren, Keidis, Taya, and Eowyn. She leaves behind four siblings and a large extended family. She will be remembered for her love of travellin , nature, and ar s c talent. Janet requested no formal service to be held.

Au ust

usan . at eld c oo assed a ay on Au ust , , at the niversity os ital of orthern ri sh olumbia in rince eor e. A emorial Wa e ill be held in her honour at on aturday, Au ust , , in the all at t. ichael and All An els An lican hurch, rince eor e. amily and friends are invited to ather, share memories, and celebrate usan s life.

Debra Work

1956 - 2024 We miss you a little too much, a little too often and a little bit more everyday. Loved forever and dearly missed by Dave, Leah & Alan.

John Walter Randahl

August 29, 1944 - August 13, 2026 It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of John Randahl, on Aug the 13th, 2026. He passed away peacefully.

ohn loved the outdoors, es ecially shin and hun n . e loved s endin me ith his ids. e or ed hard all his life and ave his children a ha y upbringing. We will always remember him, his door as al ays o en to nei hborhood ids that came around as we grew up. You will be missed Dad, and now your with John John again, rest in peace, n lieu of o ers, Alice re uested donate to the SPCA, as they loved their pets throughout the years.

Chester “Checker” Arp

July 12, 1962 – June 23, 2026 It is with deep sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Checker Arp on June 23, 2026, at the age of 63. Checker was predeceased by his loving parents, Bill and Irma Arp, and his brother, Jim Arp.

In Loving Memory

Born Aug 29, 1944, he leaves behind his common law wife, Alice Nieson. His children Darrel Randahl (Brenda), Les Randahl (Cecilia) and Penny Randahl. is randchildren, Levi, ris na, eith, ic , essica, Samantha, Sheldon, Sydney and Veronica. His great rand ids yrus, ichie, arlee and y er.

In Loving Memory

Carol Ann Roberts (Bittner) April 10, 1956 - August 16, 2026 It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Carol. She is survived by her husband, Greg, married for 53 years, daughter Tanya, son Trevor (Brandi), grandchildren Logan and Shane, brother Brian (Michelle), sister Karen, nieces and nephews, and fur babies Ivy, Cleo, and Pebbles. Predeceased by parents Wilbert and Marie, sister Donna. arol s osi vity and ind heart ill be remembered by many. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. A celebra on of life ill be held at reen La e, , at a later date.

He will be lovingly remembered by his sisters, Donna (Todd) Currie and Bev Arp; his brothers, Howard (Judy) Arp and Trever (Steph) Arp; as well as his many nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends. For many years, Checker was an integral part of the family business Papason Trucking. It is here that he was blessed to be working along side his brothers; notably drivin ruc . is dedica on and stron or ethic ere reatly valued throu h the enera ons. no n as a true social butter y, hec er never met a stran er. lessed ith the ift of ab, he could stri e u a conversa on ith anyone and leave them smilin . His warm personality, quick wit, and friendly nature made him a joy to be around. Checker loved bowling and playing bingo in his hey day. He was very passionate about photography and as most de nitely an avid anuc s fan hec er as blessed to have traveled on t o memorable vaca ons the rst as his s ecial love for cotland endurin it s rich history and culture, secondly a trip across Canada on VIA Rail. Above all else, the children in his family brought him the greatest happiness. He cherished every moment spent with them and they in turn, adored their funloving Uncle Checker. His laughter, stories, and kind heart will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Forever loved, forever missed. A elebra on of Life ill be held on unday, Au ust , 2026 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at Pineview Community Hall – 6470 Bendixon Road, Prince George B.C.

LIFE EVENTS

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

Colin A. Blair

September 24, 1936 - August 12, 2026 Colin’s life was shaped by deep devotion to family and a lifelong commitment to helping others. Born in Giffnock, Scotland, he was the eldest of six and carried early lessons of hard work and service throughout his life. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Isobel, their children Fiona, Ken, and Dave, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Family was Colin’s greatest joy. He cherished time spent camping, canoeing, travelling, and sharing adventures with those he loved, always offering encouragement, wisdom, and support. A dedicated volunteer, Colin devoted decades to Scouting, mentoring young people and helping them develop confidence and character. He also served his community through volunteering, service to the church, visiting hospital patients, and years of involvement with senior centres and the YMCA He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, practical wisdom, and steady generosity, remembered as a devoted husband, father, and community volunteer.

Phyllis Louise Bailey

April 6, 1945 - July 23, 2026

Ginette Louise Patenaude June 3, 1967 - August 18, 2026

Ginette Louise Patenaude, 59, of Prince George, BC passed away in hospice surrounded by her family on August 18, 2026. She was born in Port Alberni, BC to her parents, Denise and Harvey and moved to Prince George, BC at the age of 33. It’s here, she met her partner Dale and worked at Fortis BC. She loved spending time with her family and enjoying ice cold beverages on her deck. She is survived by her husband, Dale; her brothers, Ron (Anne) and Randy (Angie); her daughter, Lyndsey (Cliff) and her many grandchildren.

It is with deep sadness, and immense love, that we announce the passing of Phyllis Louise “Louise” Bailey on July 23, 2026, in Vanderhoof, BC. Born on April 6, 1945, in Williams Lake, BC, Louise lived her life with quiet grace, endless love, and a heart that always put others rst. She was the steady presence everyone could count on—the heart of her family and had a remarkable gi for making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and deeply loved. Beautiful inside and out, she carried herself with effortless class and elegance, but it was her kindness, warmth, and sense of humour that people remembered most. Louise married the love of her life, Jerry Bailey, on June 29, 1963, beginning sixty years of partnership, laughter, and unwavering devotion. ogether they built a beautiful life centered on family, hard work, and love. Family was everything to Louise. She was a devoted wife, sister, mother, and grandmother whose unconditional love, uiet strength, and caring heart made everyone around her feel special. Being a grandmother was one of her greatest joys. She treasured every moment with her ve grandchildren, from keeping up with three energetic grandsons to later welcoming two granddaughters who brought even more love and laughter into her life. Her granddaughter Lily affectionately named her Hello as a toddler, and the nickname lovingly stuck, becoming one of the family’s most treasured memories. Louise was the heart of every family gathering, the hostess who made everyone feel at home and the one who made Christmas magical. She shared an especially close bond with her sisters, and together

they lled countless days with laughter, love, and unwavering support. She also had a wicked sense of humour. Louise loved to laugh, tease, and make people smile, and she will always be remembered for the legendary family food ghts she helped inspire. Cluculz Lake was her happy place, and her heart was always there. It was where family gathered, laughter lled the days, and memories were made. othing brought her greater joy than having the people she loved most together, watching her children and grandchildren make memories of their own. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Jerry; her children, Butch, Jeffery ( risty), and Leah; her cherished grandchildren, Austin, Jesse, Ja , Lily, and lla; and her siblings, Linda, Sandra, Janice, Beverlee, and en. She was predeceased by her brother, Richard.

Her celebration of life details will be announced soon.

Honouring those who have

touched our lives

Louise leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, kindness, generosity, laughter, and grace. She taught those around her that life’s greatest gi s are found in opening your home, sharing your time, and loving without hesitation. Her family will miss her beyond words, but they will carry her with them always—in every family gathering, every Christmas celebration, every sunrise over Cluculz Lake, every shared laugh, and every “Hello” that brings her memory rushing back with love. She was deeply loved, and she loved deeply. hat is the legacy she leaves behind. A private celebration of life will be held.

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LEGAL NOTICE BigSteelBox Corporation located at 5495 Hartway Dr, Prince George, BC, claims a PPSA Lien against Malbeuf, Eli of Prince George, BC, for arrears of container rent amounting to 2,123.36, plus any additional costs of storage that accrue. If not paid in full, the contents of the storage container filled with what we believe to be furniture, boxes, and other miscellaneous items, will be sold via online auction, on Ibid4Storage.com on August 31, 2026.

FOR SALE

Call 250.562.2441 to place your Classified Ad

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FOR SALE

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Booking deadline: Friday noon Approval deadline: Monday at noon

frontdesk@pgcitizen.ca 250.562.2441 SEEKING Gagandeep Kaur or anyone knowing of her whereabouts please contact, Heather Pritchard at 1-888-937-7731 or 905-937-7731 ext. 3445 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. COURT BAILIFF SALE NORTH CENTRAL BAILIFFS LTD. e al aili s a

The Court Bailiff offers FOR SALE BY TENDER the interest of the Judgment Debtors, in the following goods (including but not limited to selling the business as a going concern/turnkey): PLACER CLAIM#305762 PLACER CLAIM#364789 PLACER CLAIM#1037947 PLACER CLAIM#1065911 PLACER CLAIM#1067014 To View contact North Central Bailiffs Ltd. 250 - 491-1033. Sale is subject to cancellation or adjournment without notice. Sealed bids will be accepted on the claims until AUGUST 21ST, 2026. Goods to be sold as is where is. Bidder takes responsibility to ensure they are satisfied with the description of unit/goods being sold. North Central Bailiffs Ltd. is not responsible for determining the correct description. Terms of sale: Immediate full payment upon successful bid, plus sales tax. Please be aware to bid on Placer claims you must have a “Free Miners Certificate#” and be able to produce this number before acceptance of funds. Claims may be subject to being partially on Provincial Park land, it is up to the buyer to research placer claim location and rules of the Mineral Tenure Act or take direction by The Mineral Titles Branch of B.C. North Central Bailiffs Ltd. is not responsible for any fees after transfer. Warning — This property is offered for mining purposes only and ownership of the title to it does not include ownership of the surface rights or the right to use the surface for residential or recreational purposes. e al aili s a North Central Bailiffs Ltd. Court Bailiff Jenny Melnychuk

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

* On Sept. 7, 1776, the American • On Sept. craft 7, 1776, the American submersible Turtle submersible Turtle attempted to attempted tocraft attach a time bomb attachhull a time to the hull of Britto the of bomb British Admiral ish Admiral Richard Howe’s Eagle, flagship, Richard Howe’s flagship, Eagle,York in New York Harbor, marking in New Harbor, marking the the first use of a submarine in warfare. first use of a submarine in warfare. • OnSept. Sept.8,8,1664, 1664, Dutch Dutch Gover* On nor Peter Stuyvesant surrendered New Amsterdam, the capital of New Netherland, to an English naval squadron under Colonel Richard Nicolls. Stuyvesant hoped to resist the English but wasn’t a popular ruler, and his (March 21 to April 19) As tensions ease subjects refused support. on the home front,their you can onceNew again Amsterdam’s name wasworkplace. changed toEarly focus on changes in the New York honorworked of the out. DukeStability of difficulties areinsoon York,as who organized itsare capture. returns adjustments made. • On Sept. 9, 1939, moviegoers at the TAURUS (April in 20Riverside, to May 20) A new Fox Theater California, romance tests to the Bovine’s were treated anunattached unexpected screenpatience to the limit. But Venus ing of Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone still with rules Taurean expect to thethe Wind,” shownheart, by theso theater manfindager yourself trying hardwhile to make this as a second feature producrelationship work. er David O. Selznick observed their reactions from the back of the theater. GEMINI (Maywas 21released to Junea20) a The movie few It’s months good time to consider home-related later. purchases. But shop around carefully for • On price, Sept. 10, 1960, Hurricane Donthe best whether it’s a new house na struck theor Florida Keys as afor Categofor the family a new hose the ry 4 storm. The devastating hurricane garden. ultimately killed more than 350 people along its full path, including more than 150 in Puerto Rico and the mainland United States, and the name “Donna” was later retired. • On Sept. 11, 1971, teen idol Donny Osmond earned his first solo No. 1 hit with “Go Away Little Girl.” For years afterward, the singer admitted he would “apologize for my career, for all of the cheesy music I was a part of,” but eventually came to terms with it and said to himself that the music “was great for what it was, people loved it, it was incredibly successful — why should I feel bad?” • On Sept. 12, 1952, residents of Flatwoods, West Virginia, while investigating a possible UFO crash, encountered a creature they described as 10 feet tall with glowing eyes and claw-like hands. Skeptics, however, dismissed their “monster” as likely an owl. • On Sept. 13, 2007, the United Nations adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which defined the rights of Indigenous peoples to their respective ways of life and prohibited discrimination against

Governor Peter Stuyvesant surrendered New Amsterdam, the capital of New Netherland, to an English naval squadron under Colonel Richard Nicolls. Stuyvesant hoped to resist the English but wasn’t a popular ruler, and his subjects refused their support. New Amsterdam’s name was changed to New York in honor of the Duke of York, who organized its capture. * On Sept. 9, 1939, moviegoers at the Fox Theater in Riverside, California, were treated to an

unexpected screening of Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone with the Wind,” shown by the theater manager as a second feature while producer David O. Selznick observed their reactions from the back of the theater. The movie was released a few months later. * On Sept. 10, 1960, Hurricane Donna struck the Florida Keys as a Category 4 storm. The devastating hurricane ultimately killed more than 350 people along its full path, including more than 150 in Puerto Rico and the mainland United

States, and the name “Donna” was later retired. * On Sept. 11, 1971, teen idol Donny Osmond earned his first solo No. 1 hit with “Go Away Little Girl.” For years afterward, the singer admitted he would “apologize for my career, for all of the cheesy music I was a part of,” but eventually came to terms with it and said to himself that the music “was great for what it was, people loved it, it was incredibly successful -- why should I feel bad?”

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A contentious family member seems intent on creating problems. Best advice: Avoid stepping in until you know more about the origins of this domestic disagreement.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You should soon be hearing some positive feedback on a recent business move. Meanwhile, an old family problem recurs, but this time, you’ll know how to handle it better.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Your merrier aspect continues to dominate and attract folks who rarely see this side of you. Some serious new romancing could develop out of all this cheeriness.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) A recent job-related move proves to be far more successful than you could’ve imagined. Look for continued beneficial fallout. Even your critics have something nice to say!

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Some surprising statements shed light on the problem that caused a once-warm relationship to cool off. Use this newly won knowledge to help turn things around.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) You’re always concerned about the well-being of others. It’s time that you put some of this concern into your own health situation, especially where it involves nutrition.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Ease up and stop driving yourself to finish a certain project on a deadline that’s no longer realistic. Your superiors will be open to requests for an extension. Ask for it.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Your spiritual side is especially strong at this time. Let yourself be guided by it into deeper contemplation of aspects about yourself that you’d like to understand better.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Just when you thought your life had finally stabilized, along comes another change that needs to be addressed. Someone you trust can help you deal with it successfully.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Homes & Living

Creating a physically safe home for children and grandchildren Home is where children should feel free to play, explore, learn and grow. But a home that is perfectly safe for adults can contain dozens of hazards for babies, toddlers and young children. For parents and grandparents, creating a physically safe home isn’t about eliminating every possible risk. It is about identifying common dangers, making sensible changes and creating an environment where children can explore with a reasonable degree of freedom. Whether children live in the home full-time or grandchildren visit occasionally, start with a safety assessment. Walk through each room at a child’s eye level. Look for sharp corners, accessible electrical outlets, loose cords, small objects, unstable furniture and

anything a child could climb, pull down or put in their mouth. This simple exercise can reveal hazards that are easy for adults to overlook.

Make the Kitchen Safer The kitchen contains some of the most serious household hazards. Knives, hot surfaces, boiling water, glassware and cleaning products should all be kept away from young children. Store sharp utensils in secure drawers or locations children cannot reach. Use the back burners when possible and turn pot handles toward the rear of the stove. Keep hot drinks and dishes away from counter edges and table corners. Cleaning products, dishwasher detergent pods and other chemicals should be stored in

locked cupboards or well beyond a child’s reach. The same applies to medications, vitamins and supplements. Child-resistant packaging is not childproof, so secure storage remains important.

and use appropriate window guards where necessary. If your home has a balcony or elevated deck, make sure railings are secure and that openings cannot allow a small child to slip through.

Prevent Falls Falls are a major source of injuries among young children. Keep stairs clear of toys, shoes and other objects. Safety gates can be useful for babies and toddlers, particularly at the top and bottom of stairs. Secure loose rugs or remove them if they present a tripping hazard. Make sure handrails are firmly attached and stair lighting is adequate. Windows deserve special attention. Keep furniture away from windows so children cannot climb onto it,

Secure Furniture and Electronics Children naturally want to climb, and furniture can become dangerous when they do. Tall dressers, bookcases, shelving units and televisions can tip over if they are pulled or climbed on. Anchor heavy furniture and televisions to the wall using appropriate hardware. Avoid placing toys or other attractive objects on top of furniture where children might try to climb to reach them. Keep electrical cords organized and out of pathways. Window blind continued on next page

your dream door starts here ENERGY REALTY

NEW TOWNHOUSE LISTING One of the nicest units in Ospika Estates — complete with central air conditioning! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhouse was fully updated just 4 years ago.

All Weather Windows, exterior entry, patio and garden doors. CALL FOR YOUR CUSTOM QUOTE Installation services available.

CUSTOM KITCHEN

#309 - 2550 S OSPIKA BLVD MLS# R3151976

OFFERED AT ONLY

$359,900

CONTACT ME TODAY!

DON GOWAN A division of Home Building Centre

250-562-0365 www.centraldoorandwindow.ca

778.349.4026

OR STOP IN AT 1552 S. LYON ST.

don.gowan@century21.ca

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

continued on next page

cords and other dangling cords can also pose serious hazards and should be kept out of children’s reach. Pay Attention to Bathrooms Never leave a young child unattended around water. Bathtubs, buckets, toilets and even small amounts of standing water can create a drowning risk. Use non-slip mats where appropriate and keep the bathroom floor dry. Store medications, razors, cosmetics and cleaning products in secure locations. Electrical appliances such as hair dryers and curling irons should be kept away from sinks, bathtubs and other sources of water. Teach older children about the dangers of combining electricity and water. Create a Safe Sleeping Environment Sleeping arrangements should change as children grow. Babies require particular attention to safe sleep practices.

They should sleep on a firm, flat surface in an appropriate crib, bassinet or play yard, without loose pillows, blankets, toys or other objects that could create a suffocation hazard. Older children’s bedrooms should also be checked regularly. Make sure bunk beds, ladders, guardrails and other furniture are secure. Keep small objects away from toddlers who may still put things in their mouths. Don’t Forget Fire and Carbon Monoxide Safety Every home with children should have working smoke alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas. Test them regularly and replace batteries according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Carbon monoxide detectors should also be installed in appropriate locations, particularly near sleeping areas and fuel-burning appliances. Keep a fire extinguisher readily accessible and make sure adults know how to use it. Older children

Property & Strata Management

should know basic fire safety rules, including how to get outside and where to meet the family after evacuating. Protect Against Poisoning and Choking Young children are naturally curious, and almost anything within reach may end up in their mouths. Keep coins, batteries, small toys, magnets and other small objects away from toddlers. Button batteries deserve particular caution because swallowing one can cause severe internal injuries. Keep them secured and dispose of used batteries properly. Never transfer household chemicals into food or drink containers. Original containers provide important labeling and safety information.

and other potentially dangerous materials locked away. Inspect playground equipment regularly for loose hardware, damaged surfaces or other hazards. If you have a swimming pool, hot tub or pond, use appropriate barriers and never rely solely on supervision to prevent accidents.

Remember Outdoor Safety A physically safe home includes the yard, garage, workshop and other outdoor areas. Keep tools, lawn equipment, fuels, chemicals

Aspire Realty

Melanie Lupul

1625 – 4th Ave Prince George • 9-5 Monday to Friday Call to obtain an application and book and appointment to view. 250-596-8150 ext.4 rlpaspirepropertymanagement.ca or email rlpaspirerentals@gmail.com for more info

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MLS# R3145052

908 - 1501 QEENSWAY ST $144,500

106-3777 MASSEY DR., $179,900

#206-2217 REGENTS CRES., $209,900

MLS# R3149605

MLS# R3136908

MLS# R3125085

2944 MEYER RD. $324,900 MLS# R3120837

2697 ABBOTT CRES., $455,900 MLS# R3116319

1684 10TH AVE., $649,900 MLS# R3131228

5089 HEADLAND HGTS $869,900

D SOL T GUS U A IN 2328-2330 OAK ST., $389,900

MLS# R3116858

7788 THOMPSON DR. $535,000 MLS# R3123294

7491 SOUTHRIDGE AVE $669,000 MLS# R3128318

5101 HEADLAND HGTS $889,900

Amit Luthra Realtor® 250-981-9090

Grace Purdey Realtor® 250-612-2238

MLS# R3146654

D SOL UST G U IN A

Linda Stacey Property Manager 250-562-6228

Joy Paul Realtor® 778-681-8474

MLS# R3147042

FOR SALE

8487 PETER RD. $269,900

2066 ROSS CRES., $260,000

MLS# R3137994

MLS# R3156720

38 RESIDENTIAL LOTS STARTING AT $250,000 $200,000

DIN N E P 905 LA SALLE AVE. $399,900

288 S NICHOLSON ST., $399,900

1753 KENWOOD ST., $419,000

MLS# R3132235

MLS# R3155158

MLS# R3146147

5559 HEYER RD., $599,900

5836 TRENT DR. $609,900

MLS# R3141274

IN D L SO LY JU 343-345 QUINN ST., $669,900

MLS# R3157274

7756 N. NECHAKO RD. $899,900

MLS# R3138631

1716 SHADY VALLEY RD., $599,900 MLS# R3149547

PRE-REGISTER AT www.TynerRidgeEstates.ca

SOLD SOLD

MLS# R3126409

D SOL LY IN JU 7825 BEAVER RD. $1,099,990

7614 ST. ANDREW CRT,. $824,900 MLS# R3121976

SOLD

SOLD SOLD

SOLD

SOLD SOLD SOLD

2870 GREENFOREST CRES. $680,000

SOLD SOLD

SOLD

D SOL UST G U IN A

Zaviery Dodd Realtor® 250-649-8097

SOLD

MLS# R3151740

*No extra costs, No upfront fees - Full Service MLS Listing at just 1.95% of sale price if Buyer unrepresented OR represented by Listing Realtor Subject to Minimum of $6,495 OR 2.95% if buyer represented by another Realtor subject to minimum of $7,495.

SOLD

MLS# R3153619

Matt Petkau Realtor® 250-617-8179

SOLD

Mike Hurrell Realtor® P.R.E.C. Managing Broker 250-981-3100 10 yrs MLS Sales Award Winner 2007, 2009-2022

out .95% FULL SERVICE MLS LISTING* Check full listing SERVICE information FREE FULL AT A at MARKET FAIR PRICE MaxSave.ca EVALUATION

SOLD

250-562-6228

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

SOLD

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

SOLD

LOTS START AT $230,000 WITH VIEW AND GREENBELT LOTS AVAILABLE.. AVAILABLE. LOTS FOR SALE 2746 PINE ST., $45,000 - MLS $3140749 LOT 2 COLUMBIA RD - 4.15 AC $379,900 - MLS R3152769 LOT 28 5314 HEADLANDS HTS., $339,900 - MLS R3119081

13800 BIG FIR RD., $1,399,900

Lot 6, WESTERN PROPERTIES $219,900 - MLS R2837586 Lot 9, WESTERN PROPERTIES $219,900 - MLSR2837613