THURSDAY, October 15, 2026
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To the People of Prince George, There is something I want to say directly to you. Not in a forum. Not in a sound bite. Just plainly. More than two thousand years ago, Plato warned about separating political power from knowledge, judgment and serious thought. That idea matters for Prince George today. I recently heard it said that a Mayor does not need to be an expert on everything. I agree. No Mayor can know everything. But there is an enormous difference between knowing everything and understanding enough to challenge what is put in front of you. That is how I have approached the last four years. When a recommendation comes before Council, our responsibility is not simply to accept it. We need to understand the assumptions, the financial implications, the risks, and the potential benefits. Sometimes we need to ask the second question. Sometimes we need to say: I’m not convinced. Show me more. That’s not obstruction. That’s what good governance looks like. As a professional engineer, I have spent my career working this way. I
listen to experts. I respect expertise. But I also challenge assumptions. Because when millions of dollars, and the future of our city are at stake, getting the decision right matters. Prince George has learned that lesson before. The George Street Parkade was originally estimated at $12.6 million. Its eventual cost was closer to $22.5 million. What followed included independent reviews, tighter administrative controls and a whistleblower policy. Today, the City faces hundreds of millions of dollars in potential maintenance and capital requirements across its civic buildings. Those challenges did not appear overnight. They accumulated over years of singular questions and accepting reports at face value. The Mayor has one vote. I have heard that many times over the last four years. It is true. But every member of Council has one vote. So whether someone has served four years, eight years or eighteen years, all of us should be prepared to have our records examined. What did we question? What did we support? What did we try to change? And
when something did not make sense, were we willing to speak up? I believe the same standard should apply to transparency. After the parkade controversy, the City created a whistleblower policy to allow employees to raise serious concerns confidentially. When changes to that policy came before Council this year, I opposed them. My view is simple: accountability and transparency at City Hall should become stronger with time; not weaker. Relationships matter. Communication matters. Consensus matters. But none of them can replace practical experience.
what is in front of them, and are willing to ask difficult questions - because that’s good governance. So look closely at all of our records. Look at the decisions we made. Look at the questions we asked. Look beyond the presentation, paid social media ads, and the noise. Look for knowledge. Look for judgment. Look for experience. Look for substance. Because the decisions made at City Hall belong to all of us.
The next four years will bring major decisions about infrastructure, taxation, public safety and economic development. There will be reports and recommendations telling Council what should happen next. The people sitting around that table will have to decide whether to accept them, challenge them, change them or reject them. I don’t expect you to agree with every decision I have made. But I do believe you deserve elected officials who do their homework, understand
Prince George, Together.
Simon Yu
Authorized by Financial Agent, Tao Xu 672-983-8883
VOTE SIMON YU OCTOBER 17
Authorized by Financial Agent, Tao Xu 672-983-8883
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
DAN MCLAREN
CITY COUNCILLOR
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
STRONG SUPPORT For a Stronger Prince George PROUD TO NOMINATE DAN FOR CITY COUNCIL
A GREAT CITY DOESN’T HAVE TO COST MORE.
Brian Skakun
Bruce and Hillary Green
Clarence Hofsink
Colin Kinsley
Donna Flood
Dana Young
Dr. Alber t Koe
hler
Jud y Jackson
REAL TAX RELIEF With over 30 years in banking and financial advising, Dan has helped families and businesses succeed. Now he’ll bring that expertise to City Hall, pushing for a two year property tax freeze and a spending review to cut waste, protect police and fire, with the ultimate goal of delivering meaningful, sustainable tax reductions.
Steve Wagar
Gaetano Mau ro
Jim Dimor
Harvey Smerychynski
Gord Langer
John Kason
SAFER STREETS Dan wants to establish a dedicated legal team working alongside the Prince George RCMP to assist officers with charge documentation and pursue private prosecutions where appropriate. His goal is a more proactive approach to repeat offenders, stronger support for police and safer streets for Prince George residents.
Kal Basi
Mike Davis
Bill Lang
Oliver Ray
ge
Phil Rama
Roy Spooner
Learn more at votemclaren.ca
Karena Pollard
Authorized by FInancial Agent Donna Flood
Leisa Derksen
Logan Drydale
Mike Morris
Nagina Banger
Don Gowan
Building a safer, more affordable, and more prosperous city.
l
Sikandar Grewal
Vivien Lougheed
Rob Clarke
Frank Flood
BOLD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Dan believes Prince George needs to actively pursue investment rather than wait for opportunities to arrive. He wants to transform the City’s Economic Development team into a proactive force for attracting employers, encourage more responsive city planning and bring more good-paying jobs to Prince George.
Todd Corrigal
DAN MCLAREN
CITY COUNCILLOR
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MOVING P R GEORGE FO INCE RWARD
Advance voting turnout up COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
The first two days of advance voting for the 2026 municipal election saw a nearly 40 per cent increase in turnout compared to the first two advance voting days of the 2022 campaign, according to the City of Prince George. On Wednesday, Oct. 7, 1,176 people cast ballots for Prince George’s next mayor and council and the next School District 57 board of education. That total, the release said, is the highest one-day advance voting total in the city’s history. The previous record was one vote fewer, recorded on the fourth day of advanced voting in the 2022 campaign. On Oct. 8, another 1,079 took the opportunity to vote. Combined, that’s a total of 2,225 votes cast after the first two advance voting days.
Prince George voters have one more day to go to the polls in advance before the municipal election on Oct. 17.
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
By comparison, 828 people voted on the first day of advance voting in 2022 and 665 voted on the second for
a total of 1,493. The city’s chief election officer, Ethan Anderson, called the first two advance
Authorized
by Gaye Wil
deman - Fin
ancial Agent
- finance@k
ylesampson.ca
SEE MY PLA N INSIDE TOD AY’S PAPER
voting days a success. “The election workers are all doing a fantastic job so far and we are pleased with how things have started. We’ve also had a good number of people picking up mail-in ballots too. We encourage people to come and vote early if you are able. This will mean less lineups on Oct. 17,” Anderson said. “As a reminder, voters must present two pieces of identification. One piece must establish the voter’s identity, while at least one piece must prove residency. At least one of the documents must also contain the voter’s signature.” There was another advance poll held at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre on Wednesday, Oct. 14. The final day to vote in advance is the day this paper comes out: Thursday, Oct. 15 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. General election day is Saturday, Oct. 17.
DAN VOTE MCLAREN
GET OUT AND
CITY COUNCILLOR
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
NEWS
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
UNBC, chamber interview mayoral candidates onstage One candidate has never taken part in debates or forums COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
Eight of nine candidates running for Prince George city council sat down in front of about 200 people at the University of Northern British Columbia’s Winter Garden for a series of job interviews on the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 6. Unlike earlier forums held by The Citizen, the North Central Labour Council and local Rotary Clubs where candidates were all on stage at once and answered each question in turn, the format for the event co-held with the Prince George Chamber of Commerce was decidedly different. Candidates first drew lots to decide what order they’d speak in. Then they drew lots to see which two topics that UNBC business and economic dean Ronald Camp would interview them about for about eight minutes between opening and closing statements. Elder Helen Buzas provided a welcome to the traditional territory of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation while UNBC interim president Bill Owen welcomed guests to campus. Here are some quotes from each candidate who participated in the forum presented in the order in which they spoke. Keenan Murphy was the only mayoral candidate not to attend the event. Zachariah Olson on public safety: “We have to seriously address the idea that we might have to move towards a municipal police model and if the federal government isn’t going to help us, then we’re going to have to realize that we have to solve this ourselves, even if it’s going to be harder on us.” Ernesto Caranto on improving bus service: “The federal government and the provincial government, they have money (set) aside for infrastructure, especially transit. So if I — God willing — become your mayor, I’ll ask our dad in Ottawa and our dad in Victoria
CITIZEN PHOTO BY COLIN SLARK
Candidates running to be the next mayor of Prince George salute the audience after participating in a mayoral forum co-hosted by the University of Northern British Columbia and the Prince George Chamber of Commerce at the university’s Winter Garden on the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 6.
to pour the money here in our city in Prince George because Prince George has a lot to offer.” Marc Carrier on infrastructure projects: “People say ‘let’s fix this,’ ‘let’s fix that,’ but we don’t have the money. We’re really going to have to tighten our belt to fix any building because we can’t borrow no more.” Garth Frizzell on improving public safety: “We can’t do this alone and for public safety, we’re going to have to get people connected. The mayor’s role is to bring those people together so that we can work. These aren’t simple problems, they’re very nuanced and they need everybody on board.” Kyle Sampson on community development: “Community developed is rooted, in my mind, in growing the things that make people want to call Prince George home. It’s the seniors centres that are going to provide recreational opportunities for those folks, it’s the splash park modernization that is going to make young families have those opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with their kids.” Roy Stewart on public safety: “The supportive housing in the city, 550 units, is adequate for what we require.
I don’t think we need anymore. I think that the homeless people are there because they’ve chosen to be homeless and I think if these services are moved into supportive housing, they will move into the supportive housing units.” Randy Danchuk on infrastructure: “We have to figure out ways to do things better. I see all the buses running around town all the time, half the time I see big buses with four or five people in them. I’d much rather see smaller buses and more often showing up on routes.” Simon Yu on public safety: “The police model of problem-oriented policing, that model is over across North America. We need to find a different way. We need a safe world. We need to use a better design for the city to reduce crime. Cameras work in certain areas, but more important is everybody needs to be educated to believe we can solve this problem together.” Advanced voting is available Oct. 14 and 15 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre. Municipal election day is Saturday, Oct. 17. Municipal election day is Saturday, Oct. 17 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and there
are eight locations where eligible residents of BC can go to vote in Prince George. Every Canadian citizen 18 years and older who has been living in BC for at least last six months is eligible to vote. These are the locations where you can go to vote: - Prince George Conference and Civic Centre - Shasti Kelly Road Secondary - Edgewood Elementary - DP Todd Secondary School - Blackburn Elementary - John McInnis Learning Centre - College Heights Secondary - Vanway Elementary Voters must show two pieces of identification at the polls that include your name, residential address and your signature. For more information about candidates who are on the ballot for mayor, city council and School District 57 board of education, check out the PG Votes tab at www.princegeorgecitizen. com. For more information about voter eligibility in Prince George visit https:// getinvolved.princegeorge.ca/election
NEWS
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
Trailer catches fire at RV park Prince George Fire Rescue crews battle a blaze at the Sintich RV/Mobile Home Park on Highway 97 South on Saturday, Oct. 10. When crews first arrived, they found the 30-foot travel trailer fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters quickly put out the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby homes. There was no one in the trailer when the fire started and there were no injuries to firefighters or to nearby residents. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. TERRANCE KLEINSTEUBER PHOTO
DAN MCLAREN
CITY COUNCILLOR
A GREAT CITY DOESN’T HAVE TO COST MORE. AFFORDABLE FOR FAMILIES A two-year tax freeze, smarter city spending and sustainable tax reductions for Prince George.
Learn more at votemclaren.ca
SAFER STREETS Take proactive local action to support police, address repeat offenders and improve public safety.
A STRONGER ECONOMY Proactively attract investment, create jobs and make Prince George a stronger economic hub.
Authorized by FInancial Agent Donna Flood
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NEWS
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
Mayoral candidates make their pitches to Rotary Club COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
The day before advance polling kicks off and two weeks before general election day, about three dozen Rotary Club members and guests got to hear from almost everyone running to be Prince George’s next mayor in a noon-hour forum on Tuesday, Oct. 6. Over 90 minutes, Ernesto Caranto, Marc Carrier, Randy Danchuk, Garth Frizzell, Zachariah Olson, Kyle Sampson, Roy Stewart and Simon Yu gave 90-second answers to four questions asked by moderator Gary Wilson, a political science professor at the University of Northern British Columbia. Not in attendance was Keenan Murphy, who has yet to attend any election-related events or give interviews to any local media outlets. Candidates were asked how they’d tackle downtown safety, how the city should respond to recent economic challenges, what other issues in Prince George they think should be addressed and what their leadership styles are. Here are some highlights from each candidate’s responses. Caranto, a health-care aide, used the question about economic development to criticize the city’s transit network, calling it unacceptable for a city in a G7 country and pledged to build a bullet train from Prince George to Vancouver if elected. Carrier, a plumber and business owner, said that the city’s commercial and industrial tax rates are too high to attract new businesses and said residential tax rates will lead to young people seeking to move to more affordable communities. Danchuk, a retired WorkSafe health and safety officer, said that as mayor, he would vote against any special projects that would impose a future tax burden upon both his kids and grandkids. He also said the current tax rate is onerous on residents, especially seniors. Frizzell, an incumbent councillor
CITIZEN PHOTO BY COLIN SLARK
Eight of nine mayoral candidates participate in a Rotary Club forum at the Sandman Signature Hotel on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
running for the mayor’s chair, pitched himself as a Ted Lasso-like leader with a history of building teams working towards common goals. With lots of opportunities coming from things like major federal economic projects, Frizzell said the city can’t afford to have an unproductive council. Olson, an events manager at Great White Toys, Comics and Games, said the city is making it too hard for small businesses to operate, saying it’s too difficult to apply for or renew business licenses, get permits or deal with zoning rules. Sampson, another incumbent councillor seeking to be elected mayor, said that he approaches every new venture as a chance to build relationships. He said Prince George needs a mayor and council that provides clear direction and firm leadership towards city staff, but also isn’t afraid to admit when they get something wrong. Stewart, a longtime practicing lawyer in the city, said council has delegated too much authority to administration and needs to claw back some of it so that it can provide oversight of operations on behalf of residents. He said that an unexplored problem the city is facing is a need to replace 386 kilometres of asbestos-containing concrete water pipes. Yu, the incumbent mayor running for re-election, said that he wasn’t given an opportunity to be a leader during his first term and was instead told how he should lead council. Leadership should instead be a two-way street, he said, and Prince George needs a council and mayor who understand that their job is to serve the public.
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
NEWS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
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IREN gives out 250K in grants to community groups MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
IREN, which owns and operates data centres in both Prince George and Mackenzie, has given out $500,000 to 49 HANDOUT PHOTO community projects and organizations Community leaders, members of the mayor and council and business owners in both Prince George and Mackenzie. pose for a photo at a local reception held by IREN for those receiving their annuLocally, this money has gone to the al community grants. Prince George Public Library, Ronald Portage Heritage Society: $10,000 recreation, STEM participation, as well McDonald House BC & Yukon, and the • Blackburn Community Associaas education, health, safety, seniors’ Central BC Railway & Forest Industry tion: $10,000 programs, access and inclusion, and Museum Society, just to name a few. • White Spruce City Chorus: $6,000 local economic development. IREN, in a media release, said that • Ronald McDonald House BC & Below is the list of the organizations the funds were awarded as part of its Yukon: $10,000 and projects in Prince George that annual community grants program. • College of New Caledonia: $10,000 received funding: The company celebrated the recipient • Association of Caledonia Trail• Prince George Public Library: organizations at local receptions on Oct. builders: $10,000 $10,000 6 and Oct. 8. • Prince George Council of Seniors: • UNBC Northern Undergraduate IREN said that the funds have more $10,000 Student Society: $4,000 than doubled since last year, with the • Prince George Tennis and Pickle• Scouts Canada, Camp Hughes: grants supporting locally identified ball Club: $10,000 $20,000 priorities. • Prince George Regional Art Gal• Shad Canada: $10,000 These include food security, comlery Association: $10,000 • Huble Homestead/Giscome munity services, youth programs, arts,
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Pineview Recreation Commission: $10,000 YMCA BC: $4,000 Prince George Recycling & Environmental Action Planning Society: $10,000 The Exploration Place: $10,000 Prince George CRC Community Gardens: $2,000 Community Arts Council of Prince George and District: $5,000 Prince George Urban Aboriginal Justice Society: $10,000 Pacific Autism Family Network: $10,000 NatureKids BC: $9,000 Northern BC Maker Collective Association: $10,000 Engage Sport North: $10,000 Prince George Regional Highway Rescue Society: $10,000 Theatre NorthWest: $10,000 Central BC Railway & Forest Industry Museum Society: $10,000
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PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN Islam
Buddhism
Sikh Faith Christian LDS
Daniel K. Khan
Ren Stelmaschuk
Tadbir Singh Sandhu
Christian
Baha`i
Hindu Faith
Rose Tohme
Lára Malks-Jjumba
Neeraj Muchalla
Moderator
Building Bridges
Darlene Mcintosh Chancellor UNBC
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Prince George, in collaboration with churches, temples, and multi-faith organizations, is pleased to host the 21st World Religions Conference. Building bridges in our community means fostering understanding, collaboration, and meaningful relationships among people of diverse faiths and backgrounds. This conference will explore practical strategies for strengthening community bonds and creating a more inclusive and resilient society.
Sunday Oct 18 • 4:30pm 1505 5th Ave
St.Michael all Angels Church
All Are Welcome
21st Anniversary Prince George
FREE ADMISSION & FREE EAST INDIAN DINNER Visit www.worldreligionsconference.ca to register
Scan for more information or to register
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
NEWS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
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BC doctors say new flu season may be starting early MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
Doctors in the Lower Mainland and Prince George are warning British Columbians that flu season may be starting a little early. “We’re starting to see influenza circulating in the province, and with the respiratory illness season officially starting, it’s an important time for people to book their appointment to get immunized,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC’s provincial health officer. Influenza cases have seen a noted increase in the Lower Mainland earlier than expected, with medical officials in Northern Health expecting to see the same in the near future, particularly with Influenza A cases. “We’re definitely starting to see cases in Prince George and in the north as well,” said Northern Health medical health officer Dr. Rakel Kling. “Maybe not as much as they’re seeing in the
Lower Mainland right now, but we know it’ll be hit soon.” Kling told The Citizen that as of now, Northern Health is unaware why the season is starting early but that every year can see a different start and end. “There could be a lot of reasons,” said Kling. “Every season is different, and we just need to do our best to respond and get ready and take all the steps that we do every season.” As always, Northern Health is urging residents in the health authority to get the jab when possible as it remains one of the best ways to protect yourself against influenza. “It’s important that people do what they can to protect themselves,” said Kling. ”We know that the flu and COVID vaccine, as well as the RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine, which will be available to certain populations, those are all going to be available shortly in the north.” According to the Ministry of Health,
notifications began for priority populations on Monday, Oct. 5 and appointments for other populations start as early as Tuesday, Oct. 13. BC has reportedly secured nearly two million doses of the 2026-27 influenza vaccine and 1.5 million doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccines. This year’s vaccine supply is based on uptake in previous seasons to minimize waste and maximize use. The cold and flu or the flu and COVID vaccine should be available starting next week and that’s a great way to protect yourself against getting sick. And it’s especially a great way to protect yourself against really serious outcomes,” said Kling. As well, Kling said frequent hand-washing, covering your nose when sneezing and other measures help prevent the spread of diseases. While many adults can easily shake off the flu, both the province and Northern Health urge those who get sick to
be careful, as many in the province can become seriously ill or even die from the flu. Below is a list of populations considered vulnerable by the province: • adults 65 and older • pregnant individuals • people living in long-term care • Indigenous people • those with chronic conditions “The elderly, the very young, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions. There’s definitely a greater chance that they can end up being hospitalized or even passing away from the flu and COVID. It’s important. That’s another reason we get vaccinated: to protect other people and to protect these vulnerable populations.” Kling added that those feeling serious symptoms should immediately seek treatment. For more information on getting vaccinated visit northernhealth.ca/ health-topics/flu.
A LIFETIME OF SERVICE. READY TO SERVE PRINCE GEORGE ON CITY COUNCIL My name is Dan Pears and I was born and raised in Prince George. For 30 years I served this community as a firefighter, I know good decisions take preparation, teamwork, honest communication and accountability. I’ll bring that approach to Council by focusing on responsible spending, public safety, infrastructure, strong local business and city services that work for residents.
Scan to learn more
V TE
DAN PEARS
Authorized by Coralie Wilkinson Financial Agent 250.981.0268
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
OPINION
Not all campaign promises are created equal
KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor
A campaign promise is a lot of things. It’s a soundbite, a social media post waiting to go viral and a chance for a candidate to stand out from the competition. It can also be a misstep that people joke about, or complain about, long after the votes are cast. We live in the 21st-century era of social media politics, where a memorable quote can travel a lot farther than a detailed platform. But campaign promises should still matter. Voters deserve to know whether candidates understand the problems they want to solve, what it is municipal government can actually do about them and how much their grand ideas might cost taxpayers. With that in mind, The Citizen took a closer look at some of the promises and proposals made during this municipal campaign including the three forums hosted by this newspaper. Some promises deserve serious discussion. Others raise questions candidates probably should’ve thought about and answered themselves, before asking voters for their support. To start, our mayoral candidates. Ernesto Caranto offered this solution to improving transit: “I’ll introduce a bullet train. If we have a train to go
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY TED CLARKE
Prince George mayoral candidate Roy Stewart addresses the audience at Vanier Hall responding to a question at an all-candidates forum on Sunday, Sept. 17.
to Vancouver in no time, three hours, boom, you’re in Vancouver, right?” Technically, yes. However, a highspeed rail connection would require billions in capital investment, provincial approval and transportation planning that goes well beyond a municipality’s transit budget. Roy Stewart had a proposal for public safety: “We should also have a curfew after 11 p.m. If you don’t have a permanent address, you have to get off the street.” This kind of policy raises some pretty serious questions about legal authority, enforcement, individual rights and where people without housing are supposed to go. A curfew might sound decisive, but being decisive isn’t the same as solving a problem. Garth Frizzell presents a different challenge. His answers tend to start
with “we should”. When discussing alternative revenue sources, his responses lack definitive commitments or executable plans. Exploring other revenue sources as a way to grow the tax base might make sense, but which ones and how? Is he considering grants, user fees, development charges, attracting new industry? With 18 years of experience on council, a lack of specifics comes across as an empty soundbite, instead of providing a thought-out plan as our future mayor. Zachariah Olson argued that Tourism Prince George should be disbanded to find savings, with hotel taxes redirected toward capital projects. Although some of the organization’s funding comes from the city’s operating budget, the vast majority comes
from hotel taxes paid by people visiting our city and staying in those same hotels. Before dismantling Tourism Prince George, voters deserve to know (and the candidate should know) what the city would actually save. What the consequences might be for ending the destination marketing done to attract people to visit our city, and how that might affect our community’s ability to attract future residents. Kyle Sampson suggested building Fire Hall No. 5 when asked about the Civic Facilities Master Plan’s recommendation for multiple millions of dollars in expansion work at Fire Hall No. 1. Building a new facility instead of maintaining and upgrading the existing one misses the fact that the existing fire hall will still need maintenance and upkeep. He also fails to address the significant increase in costs that would come with staffing a new fire hall. Simon Yu, the incumbent who is an engineer, argued that the options being explored for the Civic Core Plan to redevelop the area around the Civic Centre aren’t ambitious enough and promised that his team would present a revised proposal. It’s easy to promise a more ambitious vision. Putting an actual plan on the table, complete with costs, timelines and trade-offs, is another matter. Until then, voters are being asked to judge a promise about a proposal they CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
OPINION
CONTINUED ON PREVIOUS PAGE haven’t even seen. Council candidates, a look at their pledges. Trenten Laarz told voters that engineers should be allowed to self-approve permits for some residential projects. The idea seems to aim at reducing development delays, which is a legitimate concern for anyone trying to build housing in Prince George. But how would the city implement that idea? Which projects qualify, what professional standards apply? How would oversight be managed? Who’s accountable if something goes wrong? James Steidle proposed turning Northern Hardware into an Indigenous arts and cultural centre. The idea raises legitimate questions about cultural space and reconciliation, but the property has an assessed value approaching $2 million. If the city bought it, where would the money come from? How much would it cost to renovate the space? How much would the annual operating costs be and how would they be paid? Shawn Bortolon called for reversing recent transit fare increases while expanding service across the city. Lower fares and better service sound great, but transit is heavily subsidized, as fares already don’t come close to covering the costs to provide public transportation. Expanding service while bringing in less revenue would require more of the municipality’s tax dollars. Affordable transit is a worthwhile goal, but how would the city pay for it? Raise taxes? Cut services elsewhere? If so, which one(s)? Jesi Janjua offered a head-scratcher on urban planning when discussing the urban business and services core, also known as the city centre: “The city centre is still downtown. Realistically, though, I think (it) should be moved out.” If the city centre should move, where would it go? Who would pay for the development of this new downtown? What would happen to the businesses and buildings in the current downtown?
Any proposal to relocate it needs to explain the benefits, the costs and what it would mean for the existing downtown. Cori Ramsay proposed introducing an RCMP auxiliary program, but Superintendent Darin Rappel has already discussed this during a council meeting and questioned whether it would be a worthwhile use of resources. That doesn’t settle the question, but proponents should explain what an auxiliary program would accomplish, what it would cost and why it’d be better than other approaches to public safety. A proposal needs to work in the real world, not just sound good on the campaign trail. Ron Polillo when asked about how he would address Truth and Reconciliation pointed to the renaming of Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park (done seven years before he was first elected) and Dakelh Ti road as council’s successes. However, it was during his time as Vice-Chair of the SD57 board that the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation were upset by the boards half-backtracking on its renaming of Kelly Road Secondary School to Shas Ti-Kelly Road. Given the previous misstep, he should have more to say than pointing to the renaming of a road. Bob Radloff said the city should stop warehousing people affected by mental health and addictions problems in downtown housing. The concern about how vulnerable residents are treated is important, but there’s an obvious follow-up question: where are those people supposed to go instead? This is a provincial responsibility that the city has few options to address. Any alternative needs to identify the facilities, staffing, partnerships and funding required to support them. Otherwise, the city risks simply shuffling the visible problem somewhere else, without addressing it. Tim Bennett said during The Citizen forum that the city could pursue land swaps with SD57 for new parks and
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
during the CFIS/CFUR forum that the city could pursue land swaps with SD57 for affordable housing sites. However, as the former Chair of the School District 57 Board, Bennett should be able to provide more details. Which school properties has he identified that could be swapped with the city? Which could be sold for development? How would council make that decision? School board candidates also deserve a closer look. David Low called for school security assessments, citing concerns that teachers were being intimidated, threatened and bribed. Protecting students and staff is obviously important, and schools should take credible safety concerns seriously. But the campaign material doesn’t establish the claim that students are bribing teachers. Security reviews should be based on evidence, identified risks and clear procedures, not assumptions that could unfairly stigmatize students. The district should investigate documented concerns and explain what measures would address them. Lisa Mitchell offered another reminder that campaign comments can reveal some outdated assumptions. Asked whether School District 57 should prioritize building daycares in schools, she recalled thinking daycare was for “unwed single mothers,” based on her high school experience. That’s a pretty narrow understanding of childcare. School-based daycare can help working parents, support early childhood development and make family life easier, regardless of marital status. The question isn’t whether daycare fits an old stereotype. It’s whether it meets a present-day community need. Trustees should be looking at demand, staffing, costs and partnerships with childcare providers. These promises aren’t all in the same boat. Some raise questions about cost, others about legality, fairness, evidence or basic feasibility.
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Candidates should be allowed to think big, and unconventional ideas shouldn’t be dismissed just because they challenge the status quo. But ambition without detail is just rhetoric. If a candidate proposes improved trail systems, they should also have a plan on how it’ll be funded. Someone advocating restrictions on people living outdoors should address the legal and practical consequences. Anyone promising new facilities should lay out the costs and trade-offs. And candidates who want to cut taxes while adding services need to explain how they plan to achieve that. The same standard should apply to everyone, regardless of their political outlook or how popular their proposal might be. A good idea can fall apart through poor implementation, just as an unconventional idea can prove worthwhile when it’s backed by evidence, planning and a researched budget. Voters should ask the same questions of every candidate: What problem does this solve? Is municipal government responsible for solving it? What evidence supports the approach? How much will it cost, and what happens if it fails? Campaign promises can help voters understand a candidate’s priorities. They can also expose the distance between a catchy slogan and a credible plan. A promise should be the start of a conversation about how something can actually get done, not a substitute for that conversation. Incumbent council candidate Brian Skakun summed it up during The Citizen forum when discussing arts groups organizing to advocate for the Kopar Arena proposal. He worried that a packed council gallery could encourage politicians to make promises to the audience. That’s only a problem if councilors or candidates are promising things they can’t, or have no intention to, deliver on. General voting day is Oct. 17.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
OPINION Reduced staffing at UHNBC emergency department
First responders work at the scene of the Boardwalk Apartments fire in 2025. A recent Citizen editorial suggested ways to make emergency services more cost-effective.
waymar10@telus.net From my personal observations while in an emergency department for legitimate, nonaddiction-related health issues, I have observed nurses having real problems with people who obviously have severe drug or alcohol issues.
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHRISTINE DALGLEISH
A quick look at Prince George real estate websites shows that one listed 685 homes for sale, while another listed 836.
As a society, we have an addiction crisis that is affecting frontline nurses who have to deal with addiction issues daily.
Could the declining economy, the large number of homes for sale and job losses be some of the reasons more people are voting?
PGPGPG
Existing emergency department doctors can — and do — earn more money working locum shifts in other northern BC communities, including Vanderhoof, Quesnel and Burns Lake. This is really basic stuff. R. Nich Desperate times call for desperate measures. Eby is desperate. When I saw the report of his promise to reopen the Howe Sound Pulp mill, I couldn’t imagine what was going through his mind when he realized he had made a BIG mistake by calling this election. This promise to recruit more nurses from the U.S. is ridiculous. We graduate at least 100 nurses at UNBC alone each year, and there are many other nursing
Statistics Canada released job numbers today, and the job market is shrinking across Canada. With Canfor closing and related industries cutting back, Prince George is losing jobs. When people lose their jobs, they sometimes can no longer afford their mortgages, so they try to sell their homes.
To help our nurses, we have to stop making them babysitters for people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
Until Northern Health starts to focus on retention, this will happen forever. Northern Health simply refuses to do what it takes to respond to market conditions and retain staff. Its only solution is to incentivize locum coverage, which helps nobody.
people stay home. When things are not so good, people vote to voice their frustration.
programs in the province. There should be no shortage of nurses in this province. Perhaps Eby and his health minister should investigate why these nurses don’t want to work in a hospital setting. Could it possibly be because of the abuse they have to put up with, not just from patients but from managers as well? As for our emergency ward, anyone who can work there, whether a doctor, nurse or any other health-care worker, is a hero in my books. They should not be afraid to come to work for fear of abuse and should be treated with respect. Council orders report on cremation service improvements Bobs your uncle The city should not be responsible for covering the costs of providing services outside normal business hours.
This would mean adding more staff to an already bloated payroll, or existing staff would have to be compensated through on-call or overtime pay. If anything, a fee schedule should be drawn up for services provided during and outside business hours. I bet most people would decide that the existing hours work for them when they see the extra costs. If there is enough demand for 24/7 cultural or religious cremation services, someone in the private sector can start a new business. Election officials see 40 per cent increase in ballots cast during advance voting days waymar10@telus.net
EDITORIAL: Why the next council should triage public safety usr_173726 Citizens can call Car 60 (the non-emergency RCMP number), Outreach or CRCL (the Native Friendship Centre) for assistance with individuals. Contact the city to report needles, biohazards, litter, nuisance persons and graffiti. We can all be “the eyes.” Business Person of the Year wants to see brewery expand into new markets D Goods Big fan of PWB’s beer! It would be great to see Prince George’s breweries collaborate to bring a brewery presence back downtown, or for PWB to open a summer tasting room and patio at its prime waterfront location.
An interest in voting is generally tied to an interest in the economy.
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PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
NEWS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
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Bird says urgency has increased as snap election called
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
The incumbent MLA running for re-election in Prince George-Valemount says she remains concerned about the same issues she campaigned on two years ago, but the urgency surrounding them has grown. Speaking with The Citizen at the campaign office she shares with Prince George-Mackenzie Conservative candidate Kiel Giddens at 900 Brunswick St. on Friday, Oct. 9, Prince George-Valemount Conservative candidate Rosalyn Bird said she has always had a close relationship with Giddens and is excited about the party’s new leader, Lorne Doerkson. Since the 2024 election, the cost of living, taxes, red tape and economic development have remained key issues, Bird said. However, after nearly two years in the Legislature and conversations with the communities she represents, she has heard that people
are struggling and believes the province needs a different path forward. One of Doerkson’s key campaign promises so far is that a government under his leadership would not introduce any new taxes. Despite the large deficits in recent years, Bird said she believes there are cost savings to be found and that now is not the time to add to people’s dayto-day expenses amid rising grocery and gas prices. Before the election, Bird was working to find common ground among all levels of government to advance an inland port project in Prince George. Her vision included establishing a foreign trade zone, expanding airport traffic, creating a military logistics base and developing an emergency operations hub. Although the election has put that work on hold, Bird said she does not intend to abandon the project. She added that the recent announcement by Ontario-based construction company Dancor that it will build a
logistics facility and industrial condominium on Boundary Road is a step in the right direction. To generate more economic development in Bird BC, Bird said, people and companies need to know their investments are secure. The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) is part of the issue, she said, along with regulations and red tape that make it difficult for projects to get off the ground. On public safety, she said that while her party has made a couple of announcements about increasing policing and expanding addiction recovery options, she would also like to see Prince George draw on its talented population and non-profit organizations to find community-based solutions and better co-ordinate
resources. “I don’t think it’s realistic, quite frankly, to always depend on the provincial government to fix everything,” she said. Prince George-Valemount extends east to the Alberta border and includes the Robson Valley. Bird said she believes the province has not done enough to promote tourism in the valley, both in its communities and in the backcountry. In the Dunster area, a significant amount of farmland has been purchased by American billionaires. Bird said she is concerned about the loss of agricultural land, some of which is no longer being used for farming, and the resulting barriers for younger farmers trying to enter the industry. Other issues Bird is focusing on during the campaign include highway infrastructure, rural internet and cellular connectivity, Provincial election day is Saturday, Oct. 24.
Terri Young wants to see a stronger and greener North
MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
Terri Young, the BC Green Party candidate for Prince George-Mackenzie, hopes to see a Prince George that supports jobs, protects the environment and invests in the future. Young is the founder of Paxar Technologies Corp., a national software distribution company she ran for 30 years before retiring in 2018. She is also an avid community volunteer and former educator. She said her background in business and education makes her well-suited to building interpersonal and political connections. Young currently lives on Vancouver Island, on a hobby farm in Cowichan Bay. However, if elected, she hopes to use her proximity to the legislature to leverage connections on behalf of Prince George residents. “Prince George was the Mecca when
I lived up in the North … I hate to be a parachute candidate,” Young said. “But I’m very close to the legislature. I would represent this riding to the very best of my Young abilities. I’m quite capable and fit and can do many things … I call myself a policy worker. I’m an avid reader of documentation, and I know the ins and outs of what you have to do if you’re running for election.” She also sees a talented labour pool in Prince George and wants local workers to generate more value for the community rather than for the corporations behind major projects. “Unions need to be defended, and workers need to be properly paid,” Young said. “There are big projects up
there, and the work needs to be done by local people. The money needs to stay in the riding, and I’m really adamant that these issues need to be pushed through.” When it comes to major projects, Young expressed disappointment with the focus on LNG and said she believes clean energy is a more appropriate investment. “The party is extremely supportive of green forms of energy and, as a party, we’re really disappointed that Eby has focused on LNG, building pipelines and then another pipeline, fracking and all related projects,” Young said. On forestry, Young said she has seen a downturn in the local industry and wants to focus on long-term sustainability and adding more value to both logging operations and the communities that depend on the industry. “I think that if there is logging, the value-added processing of those logs
needs to happen in the community where they’re harvested,” Young said. “If they’re good logs for lumber, they should be turned into lumber in the region. If they’re good pulp logs, then there should be a pulp mill in the region. And if they’re not good for anything, why are you cutting them down?” Young also expressed frustration with the NDP’s decision to call an early election, saying she believes it is significantly affecting local municipal elections. “There are people running in the municipal election who would have been fabulous candidates for this election, and I’m not just talking about Greens,” Young said. “It’s tremendously unfortunate, just from that perspective alone.” Another of Young’s goals is to improve health care in the region, as she has observed declines in staffing and accessibility across the province. Election day is Saturday, Oct. 24.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
NEWS
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
Campaigning Giddens outlines goals for North MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
Incumbent Conservative MLA Kiel Giddens, who represents Prince George-Mackenzie, is seeking re-election and hopes to advocate for jobs, health care and safety in the North if re-elected. Giddens has represented the Prince George-Mackenzie riding since winning it in 2024. He previously served as president of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce and sits on several boards, including the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation. He has also served as a representative on the Premier’s LNG Labour Working Giddens Group, the College of New Caledonia President’s Industry Council and the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako Strategic Workforce Opportunities Team. In an interview with The Citizen, Giddens said health-care access remains a concern in the North and that, if re-elected, he wants to advocate for better access for his constituents. “Health-care access, especially in the North, is a real problem. Whether it’s Mackenzie Hospital or Fort St. James, those emergency rooms are closed too often. Even here at UHNBC this past weekend, they had limited coverage. That’s a huge problem. Access to the health-care system is something British Columbians expect, and here in the North, we already have a harder time accessing services,” Giddens said. He also wants to see more support for the 300 workers expected to lose their jobs when the Northwood pulp mill shuts down. “The Northwood workers still have got really nothing from this government. The federal government has come to
the table with some support, but the province has delivered absolutely nothing. I think it’s time we stepped up to the plate to support those workers,” Giddens said. Downtown safety is another priority for Giddens, who said NDP policies have created a crisis in downtown Prince George. “We need to make some serious changes,” Giddens said. “Part of that is re-establishing safe streets. We’re going to hire 1,000 police officers, Crown prosecutors and judges to make sure we can actually clean up and support our justice system. We also have to end safe supply and the enabling policies the NDP has introduced, which I think have contributed to the worst overdose crisis. I’ve been loud and clear that we need involuntary care and compassionate services for people suffering from addiction. We just don’t have that right now.” Beyond safety, health care and job creation, Giddens wants Prince George to become a supply and service hub for critical mining projects in the region. “These minerals are right in our backyard here in northern BC, and I believe Prince George should be the supply and service hub for mining, LNG, forestry and agriculture,” Giddens said. “We need to remind people that Prince George is the northern capital. We need those projects to be successful, and we need to make sure Prince George and our region are welcoming those opportunities.” Giddens also said more advocacy for the North is needed to make change a reality and that his party can bring about change in Victoria. “I think here in the North we have fewer MLAs, so we have to be a little bit louder. We have to be smarter about how we advocate for ourselves up here. That’s why you see a lot of joint advocacy with the City of Prince George, for example, and Lheidli T’enneh. I would look to continue that work to make sure our message is heard, and I have a role in the legislature to do that,” Giddens said.
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
NEWS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
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NEWS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
Court hears driver’s apology for rear-ender crash BOB MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A Provincial Court judge in Prince George fined a man $2,000, ordered him to pay a $300 victim surcharge and banned him from driving for 18 months after he caused a crash on the Hart Highway last year. On Oct. 7, Darin Ervin Dreher, 56, pleaded guilty to impaired driving causing bodily harm due to the Aug. 11, 2025 incident. RCMP received a report from BC Emergency Health Services at 12:28 p.m. that day about a two-vehicle collision on the Hart Highway at Monterey Road. One person was injured and the vehicles were blocking traffic. Dashcam footage from a passerby showed Dreher’s vehicle, a Toyota Tundra, rear-ended the victim, whose vehicle was stopped at a red light. The woman suffered whiplash. The airbag deployed in the Toyota Tundra,
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
Criminal proceedings in Prince George are carried out at the city’s downtown courthouse.
but Dreher was not injured. He showed signs of impairment, but denied consuming liquor or drugs that day.
1685 3rd Ave. Prince George, BC
250-563-6637 www.booksandcompany.ca
Officers asked him unsuccessfully to exit the vehicle and eventually helped him to exit. After failing a roadside breathalyzer
House arrest for man guilty of assault at 15th Ave. gas station The guilty man also can’t go near the business or the home of the victim BOB MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Just hold on! Just one more week and the world will return to normal
test, he was taken to the RCMP detachment where a test found his blood alcohol level of 0.26 per cent was more than three times the legal driving limit of 0.08 per cent. In court, the heavy equipment operator apologized to the victim for her injury and his family for the shame he brought on them. Dreher said he has completed a recovery program and continues to see a counsellor. “I am truly sorry,” Dreher told Judge Cassandra Malfair. “I take full responsibility. Looking back, I realize my actions were totally inappropriate and careless.” Malfair agreed to the joint Crown and defence proposal and gave Dreher until the end of January 2027 to pay the fine. “I accept that he shows insight into his offending, that he has expressed remorse,” Malfair said. “He is otherwise of good character, with no driving or criminal history, and is otherwise engaged in pro-social activities.”
A man was sentenced to three months of home confinement followed by a year on probation after he pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon. Lorne James Ouelette was scheduled to go on trial before Judge Charles Hutchinson on Oct. 5, but opted to make the plea in Prince George Provincial Court. Court heard that, on July 25, 2025, a worker at the Canco Gas and One Stop Convenience on 15th Avenue approached Ouelette, accusing him of
breaking a window. An argument ensued and Ouelette struck the man with a blunt object in the head and arm. Hutchinson said Ouelette, born in 1986, has a lengthy, but dated, criminal record, with his last crime committed more than six years ago. He is now living in supportive housing in Burns Lake and has an Indigenous background, which Hutchinson was required to consider in crafting the sentence. Conditions include no possession of weapons or intoxicants and Ouelette must remain inside his house around the clock, except for conducting personal errands on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ouelette must not go within 50 metres of where the victim lives and must not go within 50 metres of the Canco location where he committed the crime.
NEWS
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
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FBI court filing details Tumbler Ridge shooting probe BOB MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
According to a recent FBI court filing, James Cody Bryant, a 30-year-old living in Bellingham, Washington, helped Tumbler Ridge shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar for several months to plan the mass shooting. Bryant was arrested on Tuesday, Oct. 6 on charges of conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country in connection with the Tumbler Ridge Shooting that occurred on Feb. 10 and took the lives of eight people and injured 25 others. Officers from a division of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement interviewed Bryant in Bellingham, Wash., just two days after the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting, according to documents from a U.S. federal court in Seattle. The Oct. 2 filing, by FBI Special Agent Joseph Rico, said Bryant admitted on
Feb. 12 to Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents that he was the person behind a Discord account called “meldtritch,” had been communicating with shooter Van Rootselaar for several months and had viewed the attempted Twitch livestream of the attack. According to evidence gathered by Rico, Bryant and Van Rootselaar met online three years ago. Bryant told officers that Van Rootselaar was obsessed with mass shootings and watched recordings of mass-shooting livestreams to learn from them. “During the first year, they had sporadic contact until Van Rootselaar was ‘institutionalized’ after being deemed a danger to herself,” Rico wrote. They sparked a long-distance friendship. Bryant even agreed to buy a pair of shoes that cost $150 for Van Rootselaar as a birthday gift and Van Rootselaar asked for more money to buy stickers to decorate the firearms that would be used during the attack.
Bryant allegedly agreed to Van Rootselaar’s request to record a livestream of the murders and post it on the Internet for public viewing. They began testing livestream quality on Aug. 30, 2025 and Bryant provided tactical advice to carry out the murders, including locations and weapons. On Jan. 4, just over a month before the mass-shooting, Rico said Bryant helped Van Rootselaar with a test livestream and confirmed it worked. He also sent $14.33 by PayPal to help buy a lighter to affix to an explosive that Van Rootselaar planned to detonate during the killing. “On or about February 10, moments before J.V.R. began carrying out the murders, Bryant accessed J.V.R.’s livestream for the purpose of recording and broadcasting it. J.V.R. told Bryant, ‘I’m going now. Fr (for real). Live. I shot them. (Expletive).’ Bryant confirmed that Bryant was ‘watching now’ and shortly thereafter told J.V.R. that the
Gunshot complaint leads RCMP to carelessly stored rifle The incident led to a Fraser Lake arrest and a discharge with probation BOB MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A Fraser Lake man is on probation for six months after pleading guilty in Prince George Provincial Court on Oct. 6 to careless storage of a firearm and ammunition. Judge Charles Hutchinson sentenced Kaylyn Christopher Ketlo to a conditional discharge, ordered him to pay a $100 victim surcharge by next April and perform 10 hours of community work service by March. Court heard that, on April 10, 2025 at 12:12 a.m., Fraser Lake RCMP received a
call about a gunshot heard coming from a residence near the Nadleh Store. An officer familiar with residents of the subject house, due to prior calls, attended and spoke with Ketlo, who consented to the officer entering the residence for a safety check. Inside the main bedroom, the officer noticed a bolt-action rifle that was unsecured without a trigger lock. Attached to it was ammunition, wrapped around the stock of the rifle. The officer seized the firearm for safety concerns, but observed it did not feel warm. Charges were recommended for improper storage and unauthorized possession. The latter charge was stayed after the guilty plea to the former. Ketlo’s probation also includes an order to possess no weapons defined by the Criminal Code.
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stream went down.” According to Rico, the livestream lasted for 20 seconds before it was disconnected and there was only one account viewing the livestream. “The livestream showed Van Rootselaar sitting in a vehicle with a rifle and another long gun in her lap,” said Rico. Rico’s filing also summarized how the incident unfolded, beginning with Van Rootselaar parking the family’s vehicle in the school parking lot and then failing to enter through a locked door. Van Rootselaar then began shooting students and faculty members, killing or incapacitating several people before lighting an explosive device, which detonated and left blast marks, and attempting to gain access to other parts of the school, but was deterred by locked doors. When police entered the building, Van Rootselaar shot at the officers and then retreated into an empty room, where she shot and killed herself.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
NEWS
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
Bomb threat forces evacuation of secondary school COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
Students and staff from D.P. Todd Secondary School were evacuated on Wednesday, Oct. 7 due to an investigation into a bomb threat, the Prince George RCMP said in a media release. Students eventually returned to class the next morning. Few details were provided, with police stating that “this investigation is still in the beginning stages with many details yet to be determined.” Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, the BC RCMP’s spokesperson for Northern BC, said the Mounties take all threats like this to public safety seriously. “We are asking that the public stays out of the area so that first responders can conduct their work safely,” Cooper said the evacuation. Reached by phone around 2:20 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 at the scene, Supt.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER
Prince George RCMP officers work outside D.P. Todd Secondary School on Wednesday, Oct. 7 after the school received a bomb threat. Students were evacuated as police investigated.
Jameel Aziz said that students were initially taken to Heritage Elementary after being evacuated.
“All of our staff and students are accounted for and the RCMP are here conducting their investigation,” Aziz said, also confirming that no one has been hurt. “We’re just letting the RCMP do their work and trying to help co-ordinate kids and get them all home safely.” Aziz said that the school had already been scheduled for early dismissal that day and school buses were called for early pickup. A Citizen reporter who arrived at the school around 2:20 p.m. Wednesday said there were seven RCMP vehicles and a Prince George Fire Rescue truck
maintaining a perimeter around the school. Parents were seen picking up their children from Heritage Elementary. In a Facebook post, SD57 officials outlined that support for students affected will be made available. “We know an incident like this can be unsettling. School and district support will be available tomorrow for students who need it. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the school directly. Thank you to our students, families and staff for your patience and understanding,” the post reads. With files from Matthew Hillier
CITIZEN PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER
Authorized by Nicole Fraser, fraser4pg@gmail.com
A police cruiser sits in front of D.P. Todd Secondary School on Wednesday, Oct. 7 after a bomb threat was called in to the school.
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
BUSINESS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
New fixed base operator takes over at PG Airport MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
The Prince George Airport Authority (PGAA) is announcing that Executive Flight Centre (EFC) is now the fixed base operator (FBO) at Prince George Airport (YXS). EFC is a Canadian aviation services provider offering fixed base operations, ground handling and other aviation support services through its network of locations. Following its expansion to Prince George, EFC’s network now spans across much of British Columbia. “Prince George is a natural addition to our network and an important aviation hub for northern British Columbia,” said Ryan Albizzati, chief executive officer of Executive Flight Centre. “We recognize the region’s importance in supporting resource development, industrial projects and business travel. Our focus is on providing safe,
reliable aviation services, supporting local employment and building strong relationships with our customers and the airport community.” The aviation provider will now be assuming operations over the BID Air Facility at YXS, the current Prince George team will now continue under EFC. EFC will now be providing passenger and crew services, ground handling, aircraft servicing, hangar facilities and cargo handling at YXS. This includes operations that will serve charter and regional operators and corporate and private aviation, along with government and military flights. “We’re looking forward to this partnership and building on the relationships and local expertise that are already an important part of our airport community,” said Daphne Shelton, the airport authority’s director of commercial development.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Representatives from Executive Flight Centre and the Prince George Airport Authority at YXS. From left: Ashley Bamford, manager of contracts and tenant relations at the Prince George Airport Authority; Daphne Shelton, director of commercial development at the Prince George Airport Authority; Niki Loreth, base manager at Executive Flight Centre; Ryan Albizzati, chief executive officer of Executive Flight Centre; Camron Mahoney, operations supervisor at Executive Flight Centre and James Craig, director of operations at the Prince George Airport Authority.
James Steidle
Report crime, Downtown PG urges MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
Downtown Prince George is now encouraging local business owners to further participate in the justice system, report crime and, where appropriate, press charges. In a media release, the non-profit downtown advocacy group said that this push for local businesses is part of the organization’s continued advocacy work to support downtown businesses affected by crime. “Reporting crime and participating in the justice process can make a difference,” said Chrisie Berry, executive director of Downtown PG. “We know that businesses can become frustrated when they experience repeated property crime, graffiti, vandalism, broken windows, theft, and other offences. It can sometimes feel like reporting an incident won’t make a difference. But it can.” Downtown PG shared that a recent
case that involved a member of the non-profit highlighted the importance of accurate and consistent reporting. The member pressed charges against a person after they sprayed graffiti on the member’s business. The offence resulted in a mischief charge, and the individual was found guilty. Ahead of this person’s sentencing, the owner contacted Downtown PG and requested a community impact statement. Berry prepared the statement that emphasized that this case was just one of many and that the downtown frequently faces these property-related crimes, theft and other forms of criminal activity. The statement also highlighted the broader impact that these incidents have on the downtown core and the businesses, staff, customers and commuters that frequent downtown. After she presented the statement in court, the individual in question received a 10-month sentence.
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PRINCE GEORGE CITY COUNCIL Accountability at City Hall Community Forest for Prince George Food Security Smart Growth New Resources for our Hub City
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
REGIONAL
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
Kolida drops out of McBride mayoral race KEVIN GIBSON
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
McBride voters will choose among three candidates for mayor after Joe Kolida withdrew from the race. Kolida remains a candidate for director of Electoral Area H, according to Elections BC’s candidate list. Kolida said he withdrew from the mayoral race after deciding where he could be most effective. “I greatly appreciate the people who encouraged me to run for mayor. Ultimately, I chose Area H because I believe it gives me the best opportunity to contribute, build partnerships and advocate for practical projects that will benefit the Robson Valley as a whole,” he told The Rocky Mountain Goat. Incumbent Mayor Gene Runtz now faces Erik Antypov and Cody Yetter in the race for McBride mayor. Runtz, first elected mayor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, said his experience as a businessman and retired registered professional forester helps him advocate for McBride with senior levels of government and industry. He has lived in the McBride area for 42 years, outside the village limits. In written comments to The Goat, Runtz said the village has secured $8.5 million in grants since 2022, about 85 per cent of which has gone toward infrastructure. He credited council and staff with dividing some projects into smaller contracts that local businesses could bid on. Runtz said he wants another term to continue work on housing and growth plans. He also pointed to airport improvements, including fuelling facilities and lighting, as projects he believes have increased village revenue. Antypov has released a five-step platform centred on housing and jobs, followed by industry and tourism. In the written plan, he says McBride needs 42 new housing units within five years and 100 over 20 years, citing a 2024 housing
needs assessment. He proposes making housing a council priority and pursuing grants and partnerships to advance stalled projects. “My focus is housing first, then industry, then tourism, all built on partnerships and real numbers,” Antypov writes in his platform. He points to a proposed 32-unit development at Horseshoe Lake that he says would require $18 million to complete. His plan calls for stronger advocacy with provincial and federal governments and suggests exploring joint housing applications with nearby communities such as Valemount. He says securing housing would help McBride attract workers and support its aging population. Antypov also proposes working with forestry and agriculture businesses, advocating for more local processing of forest products and seeking partnerships with VIA Rail and bus operators to encourage visitors to spend more time in McBride. He calls for a review of zoning rules affecting small businesses and says the community needs a broader tax base. The platform does not provide a full cost estimate for his proposals and acknowledges that the housing work alone would require millions of dollars in grant funding. Yetter said he is running because McBride is where he is raising his family, operating his business and investing his time. He wants his children to see a future in the community and have the option to stay, work and raise families of their own. “I think McBride has a lot of potential, but we need people willing to make decisions and move things forward,” he said. Yetter described himself as a business owner and tradesperson rather than a politician. He said running a business and volunteering with community organizations have given him experience managing budgets and projects, solving problems and working with people who disagree.
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
REGIONAL
Wife of Quesnel mayor appeals court ruling Pat Morton’s defamation lawsuit against the Union of BC Indian Chiefs was thrown out BOB MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The wife of Quesnel mayor Ron Paull is appealing a BC Supreme Court judge’s ruling to throw out her defamation lawsuit against the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC). On April 30, Justice Jasmin Ahmad ruled that the public interest in preserving UBCIC’s right to express its views outweighed whatever harm Pat Morton may have incurred. The UBCIC had objected to former Mount Royal University professor Frances Widdowson speaking at a Quesnel city Morton council meeting in 2024. Widdowson contributed to a book called Grave Error: How the Media Misled Us (and the Truth About Residential Schools). Morton purchased copies and distributed them to several people in what the UBCIC called “blatant disregard for the impact this would have on residential school survivors and their families.” In the Sept. 14 factum — filed the week before Ahmad ordered Morton to pay legal costs to the UBCIC — Morton asks the appeal court to set aside Ahmad’s ruling and let her lawsuit proceed in BC Supreme Court. “The judge was entitled to recognize the strong public interest in discussion of residential schools, reconciliation, and the book,” wrote Morton, who is self-represented. “The error, in my submission, was in treating the protection afforded to that public discussion as extending to the
specific factual allegations made about me without adequately separating the two.” Morton said she did not seek to prevent UBCIC from expressing views about residential schools or the Grave Error book. Instead, she sought a judge’s ruling that statements made about her were defamatory. “In my submission, dismissing that claim at the (Protection of Public Participation Act) stage resulted from errors in the treatment of those statements and their relationship to the protected public-interest expression,” Morton wrote. Morton had claimed she suffered harm to her reputation, emotional distress and losses to her business due to statements about her at an April 2, 2024 city council meeting. She sought special damages for loss of professional standing and community trust. Ahmad decided that it was fair for the UBCIC to publicly criticize Morton for distributing the book. Its application was not about her right to distribute the book or her right to comment on its contents. The Grave Error book at the centre of the dispute questions the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the widely reported 2021 claim that the remains of 215 children were found at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. The Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation later clarified that ground-penetrating radar detected 200 “anomalies.” More than five years later, the site has not been excavated. In the September ruling on costs, Ahmad said it was disingenuous for Morton to assert that she was not participating in public debate. Morton made her opinion known by posting on Facebook, distributing the book and commenting at a city council meeting in the context of a nationwide debate over residential school history prompted by the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
STRONG SUPPORT For a Stronger Prince George Hugh Nicholson From 2008 until 2011 I had the honour to be Publisher of the Prince George Citizen. Unlike most publishers, I felt that we had an obligation to our subscribers and readers to use the power of the press to make Prince George a safer, cleaner place for people to live, work and play. The Citizen championed a number of causes including cleaning up our downtown, pressuring the city and RCMP to address the growing crime, addiction and homeless situation with downtown foot patrols, buying and tearing down the old PG Hotel, working with Baldy Hughes Treatment Centre, writing stories on air quality, holding Initiatives PG to account, bringing promotions back to the downtown like WinterFest, etc. During that time one of our biggest supporters was Dan McLaren. Whether it was donating his time, talents and money as a Director on the BIA, or supporting Northern BC’s First Gang Crime Summit, opening the Unattached Patients clinic, or bringing the Rocky Mountain Rangers back to PG, Dan was always there to work on behalf of Prince George. A man with Dan’s business expertise and talents could work anywhere, and he would be welcomed, Vancouver, Toronto, New York. Instead, he chose to make his home in Prince George. If you want real change in PG vote for a man who isn’t doing it for the money or the publicity, and who has invested his own money in building and creating jobs in PG. I strongly urge you to cast your vote for Dan McLaren on October 17th.
GET OUT & VOTE
OCTOBER 17
DAN MCLAREN CITY COUNCILLOR
Authorized by FInancial Agent Donna Flood
votemclaren.ca
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COMMUNITY
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
What’s happening in PG Prince George Ghostly Walks go Oct. 16, 17, 23, 24 and 30 at 7 and 8:30 p.m. for an hour-long walk and a Halloween Special that is 90-minutes long that begins Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. Tour guide and host, Ian Gibbs, is the author of five books of ghostly tales and has led Ghostly Walks for more than fifteen years. Ian will weave ghost stories and historical facts together to bring the city’s haunted past to life. Discover the spooky secrets and hidden history of Prince George. Get ready to explore the eerie and the unexplained in BC’s Northern Capital. The tour goes ahead no matter the weather so come prepared. For more information and tickets visit www.pgghostlywalks.com/book-online Primetime Goes Big Time goes Friday, October 16 at 6 p.m. at the CN Centre. Professional wrestling returns to the CN Centre. Wrestling fans of all ages and eras will take in the excitement and energy all night long with what’s sure to be an action-packed match card. Choose a seat on the floor and get closer to the action or choose a general admission seat and sit where you want in the stands. Wrestlers will be on hand selling their merchandise and meeting fans during the show. For more information and tickets visit www.ticketsnorth.ca/event/ primetime-goes-big-time Acoustic Lounge goes Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. at ArtSpace above Books & Co. 1685 Third Ave. This event features Rogers & Jago, Ben Brown & Grace Hoksbergen. Enjoy a relaxed night of original songs, familiar favourites, and stripped-back performances. Come out for great music, good company and a chance to support local artists. Tickets in advance are $15 at Books & Co. or call to purchase at 250-563-6637 or $20 at the door, cash only. Alexandrite Mountain Fantasy Book Ball goes Saturday, Oct. 17 from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the House of
LEGENDS LIVE PHOTO
Kat Fullerton is Almost Marilyn as Legends Live! presents Legends of the Fall on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. at OM Pizza Bar Café. The event also features tributes to Elton John, Elvis and more. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.ca/o/legendsofthefall
Ancestors Conference Centre and Café, 355 Vancouver St. Join your fellow dark Fae and magic folk for a night writhing in romance, luck and a bit of peril. This year’s fantasy book ball invites you and your brethren for a chance to become the main character in an immersive original story telling. Come dressed as your favourite morally gray character— or as the version of yourself that belongs in its own pitch-black tale. This is a banquet dinner featuring
entertainment and a shadow market, silent auction, swag bags, including a dark & moody portrait, book art booth, interactive fantasy-themed classes and activities. This is a 19+ event. For more information and tickets visit www.showpass.com/alexandrite-mountain-fantasy-book-ball Craft Fair, Bake Sale, Book Sale, Yarn Sale goes Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elder Citizens’ Recreation Association, 1692 Tenth Ave. So basically it’s an
everything sale and the association is accepting vendors who would like to claim a table for $25 each. For more information call 250-561-9381. Improv Shmimprov goes Saturday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. Let the spooky chill you to your funny bone during an night of improv comedy. There are new games as live theatre on stage is presented based on audience suggestions. There will be snacks and drinky drinks on sale. Tickets are $20 each at www.shmimprovimprov.ca/tickets The B-Side Band Dance goes Saturday, Oct. 17 with doors open at 7 p.m. and music starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Brunswick Activity Centre, 425 Brunswick St. Dance to country and western music, classic rock & roll, polkas and waltzes. There will be good music and lots of fun. Everyone 19+ is welcome to attend. Cash bar, door prizes and a 50/50 draw. $20 cash at the door. Legends Live! Presents Legends of the Fall that goes Sunday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. at OM Pizza Bar Café, 1970 Ospika Blvd S. Come for an evening of fabulous costumes, incredible impersonations and amazing live vocals with tributes to iconic stars like Marilyn Monroe, Elton John, Elvis and more. After getting your ticket call OM at 250-562-9888 to reserve a table. For tickets visit www. eventbrite.ca/o/legendsofthefall 21st World Religions Conference Prince George goes Sunday, Oct. 18 at 4:30 p.m. at St. Michael’s All Angels Church, 1505 Fifth Avenue. The theme for the conference is Building Bridges. Several speakers will be sharing their knowledge of religions followed by a traditional East Indian dinner. This is a free event. For more information and to register visit www.worldreligionsconference.ca/ princegeorge CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
COMMUNITY
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
CONTINUED ON PREVIOUS PAGE Teen Naloxone Training goes Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Prince George Public Library downtown branch. Join the harm reduction staff from Northern Health and members of Moms Stop the Harm and learn how to use Naloxone. Gain a life-saving skill and take home a free kit. Please note that the discussion may include sensitive subjects like substance use, drug poisoning and death. Funeral Pre-planning Session goes Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Elder Citizens Recreation Centre, 1692 Tenth Ave., and is hosted by Dignity Memorial. Topics for discussion include four simple steps to take to plan ahead thinking about your final arrangements, funeral services and options, legal and practical considerations and an open question and answer period. To register call 250-564-4431 or email James.Johnston@dignitymemorial.com. October Junk Journal Night goes Friday, Oct. 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Spruce Capital Seniors, 3701 Rainbow Dr. Presented by Love Starts Today, the theme will be Halloween. Anyone who dresses up or brings an item to display will get a free ticket for the night’s draw. Magazines, ink and stamps, paper punches and pens, pencils, markers and adhesives available for everyone to use. Workshop costs $25 for adults and fee for children ages 6-18 is their age +$2. Children five and under are free to enjoy the evening with their parent or guardian. Prices include a seat, a Junk Journal Page, and your choice of a premade themed bag to
assist you with your journal. For more information and to reserve your spot email lovestartstoday@gmail.com Discovery Day at UNBC goes Friday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Prince George Campus. Whether you’re planning your post-secondary future, considering a career change, or just curious about campus life, Discovery Day is the perfect opportunity to experience UNBC firsthand. There will be guided campus tours, interactive learning activities, faculty meet-and-greets, Indigenous spaces, student services and information available on more than 70 degree programs. There will be prizes, snacks, music, and more. Free admission and free parking. Christ Our Saviour Church Craft Fair goes Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy some early Christmas shopping. Have a bite to eat and shop the many vendors on site. Halloween Spooktacular goes Saturday, Oct. 24 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Beaverly Community Park, 9875 S. Heights Road. Come walk through the spooky trail where you may find some of our haunting volunteers lurking about. Kids can visit the treat table to receive a candy bag. Play games and enjoy a free hot chocolate by the fire. Don’t forget to dress up. Fireworks will begin at 7:30 p.m. DP Todd Craft Fair goes Saturday, Oct. 24 and Sunday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at DP Todd Secondary School, 4444 Hill Avenue. There are more than 100 vendors featuring their homemade local
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
goods for sale. Get started on holiday shopping early. Huble Homestead’s Halloween Spooktacular goes on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 3 to 8 p.m. All ages can enjoy crafts and activities, magic shows, the haunted maze, graveyard, hot drinks and snacks in the General Store. Family admission is just $10, and the brave at heart can tour the House of Horrors for $4 per tour. Tour tickets on sale in advance online starting Oct. 14 and a limited number will be available at the door. Huble Homestead Historic Site, located 40km north of Prince George, just off Highway 97 on Mitchell Road. For more information and tickets visit www.hublehomestead.ca Backyard Ultra Lite goes Sunday, Oct. 25 at 9 a.m. at the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, 8141 Otway Road. This is a fundraiser for the club’s race teams and sees athletes take on two classes recreation in solo and relay teams and Almost an Ultra – last runner standing competition. For more information and to register visit https://zone4.ca/register. asp?id=41936&lan=1&cartlevel=1 Creepy Choir Drop In goes Thursday, Oct. 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre,1448 Fifth Ave. Have you ever wanted to just sing with Nove Voce for fun? Are you tempted to sing along in concerts? Do you love harmony and part singing? Do you want to improve your music reading and singing skills? Join us for a night of Halloween classics, costumes not mandatory but encouraged. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.com/o/ nove-voce-choral-society Craft & Chat at the main branch of the
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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. 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. 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
MOVING PRINCE GEORGE
FORWARD
P R I N C E G EO R G E M U N I C I PA L E L EC T I O N
A City Unlocking Opportunity
A City That’s Safe
A City People Choose
A City That Works For You
kylesampson.ca Authorized by Gaye Wildeman Financial Agent - finance@kylesampson.ca
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PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
P R I N C E G EO R G E M U N I C I PA L E L EC T I O N
MOVING PRINCE GEORGE
FORWARD.
A CITY UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITY
Implement and expand Fast Track PG to speed up permitting, cut red tape, and make it easier to invest and do business in Prince George. Establish a Mayor’s Economic Advisory Table to identify barriers and help drive economic growth. Actively champion Prince George, strengthen relationships with industry and governments, and pursue major investment opportunities to ensure our city is ready to compete and grow.
A CITY THAT’S SAFE
Work with Council and the RCMP to establish clear annual policing priorities with public reporting, focused on repeat offenders, property crime, and public disorder. Transition to a proactive Community Safety Officer model, strengthen enforcement and accountability, and establish clear community standards. Advocate for federal bail reform and greater provincial investment in treatment, recovery, and mental health services.
A CITY PEOPLE CHOOSE
Prioritize renewal of existing parks, playgrounds, trails, and recreation facilities, while advancing new amenities, including a destination splash park. Make it easier to host festivals, events, patios, and activities that bring our public spaces to life. Accelerate housing approvals and expand options for families, young people, and seniors. Establish a Mayor’s Seniors Advisory Table to help shape decisions on housing, accessibility, transportation, and recreation.
A CITY THAT WORKS FOR YOU
Launch a Mayor’s Community Listening Tour, bringing Council directly into neighbourhoods with regular engagement and public follow up. Establish a Major Capital Project Steering Committee for projects over $15 million, expand the FastTrack PG approach to improve City services, and modernize budgeting, financial oversight, and public reporting. Focus on controlling costs, growing our tax base, and delivering better value for taxpayers.
These priorities are backed by more than ideas. They’re supported by a clear plan, eight years of experience on Council, a track record of moving important projects forward, and the ability to navigate government, build relationships, make decisions, and deliver results.
Learn More. Get involved.
kylesampson.ca
/SampKyle
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
A MESSAGE FROM KYLE Dear Residents of Prince George, I write to you today to ask for your support to become the next Mayor of Prince George. Serving you as a City Councillor for two terms has been a true honour. Throughout my life, l’ve worked to support local businesses and community organizations, to volunteer, to bring forward ideas and solutions, and to make a positive difference in the community I’m proud to call home Public service has taught me a great deal about leadership. Listening before making decisions, bringing people together, having the courage to make tough choices, and following through on them all matter. So does understanding how government works, building relationships, and finding common ground to move things forward. One of the realities of public office is that every decision, every vote, every success, and every mistake happens in public. Over the past eight years, there have been moments I would approach differently, knowing what I know today. That’s part of leadership. Experience only has value if you’re willing to learn from it. Eight years on Council have given me a much deeper understanding of governance, advocacy, and what it takes to get things done. Combined with my professional experience, those years have made me a better leader, and I’m still learning every day. As Mayor, I will bring experience, energy, integrity, and a strong voice for Prince George. I have high expectations of myself and those I work with. I will listen, make decisions, work to build consensus, and never stop advocating for our community. Our community isn’t perfect, but Prince George isn’t broken. We have real challenges to address and tremendous opportunities ahead of us. I believe we have everything we need to build an even better Prince George, and I’m prepared to work hard to help make that happen. If you want to learn more about my platform and priorities, please visit: www.KyleSampson.ca Serving our community has been a privilege. Now I’m asking for the opportunity to serve you in a new way. On October 17, I would be honoured to earn your vote and your support. I’m confident the best days for Prince George are still ahead of us! – Kyle Sampson Candidate for Mayor City of Prince George
Building Confidence.
Unlocking Opportunity.
@SampsonKyle Authorized by Gaye Wildeman - Financial Agent - finance@kylesampson.ca
Delivering Results.
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COMMUNITY
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
Ghostly Walks offers glimpses of PG’s spookier spots The hour-long walks are hosted by the author of the Most Haunted books CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff
Ghostly Walks in downtown Prince George are back in time for Halloween. These hour-long walks are led by Ian Gibbs, Canadian author of several ‘most haunted’ books, including Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary and his latest “Canada’s Most Haunted: Ghostly Tales and Paranormal Encounters Across the Great White North.” People taking the tour will discover the spooky secrets and hidden history of Prince George. After Gibbs is done with this latest three-book deal with publisher Touchwood Editions, he said 2027
CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHRISTINE DALGLEISH
Ian Gibbs, author of several Most Haunted books, is the tour guide of Ghostly Walks that take a look at some of the most spooky places in downtown Prince George just in time for Halloween.
will be a redevelopment year for his Ghostly Walks, so this year will be the last opportunity to hear this series of ghost stories about
the hauntings in downtown Prince George. “This market is totally different than say Victoria where there is a constant influx of tourists taking the tours,” Gibbs said. “Here it’s people who are interested in it, they come, they’ve done it and now I’ve got to give them something new. People in PG could not have been kinder to me. It’s been amazing and all sold out on the walks last October. I love the people of Prince George. So yeah, gonna take a break, retool and come back in 2028.” The Ghostly Walks take about 60 minutes, except for the one on Halloween that will be 90-minutes long and the route is about one kilometre long. “We do move rather quickly and we’re kid friendly depending on your kid,” Gibbs said. “We’ve had quite a lot of inquiries about bringing children along and I have seen five- and six-yearolds have a great time and be really into it and seen 12-year-olds hate it – so it’s for you to decide – I don’t swear and nothing gets too gross and you know your kid best. So we go for the walk and people will leave with a better understanding of Prince George history
and the darker side of it.” Because there is not a lot of information written about the history of Prince George about 90 per cent of the information Gibbs has gathered is from people simply sharing their stories with him. And there are some doozies but I won’t share as that’s best told on the spooky tour. But here is a teaser. There is an antiques store in downtown Prince George that the owner says has a ghost. “The ghost makes noises and sometimes she’ll close a door – she’s sticking around to keep an eye on things,” Gibbs said about what he learned chatting with the owner recently. “And if you go into any of those places, you’re going to feel something. There are ghosts everywhere in this town.” Prince George Ghostly Walks go Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10, 16,17, 23 and 24 and Oct. 30 at 7 and 8:30 p.m. for an hour-long walk and a Halloween Special that is 90-minutes long that begins Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. The tour goes ahead no matter the weather, so be prepared. For more information and tickets visit www. pgghostlywalks.com/book-online
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
COMMUNITY
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
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Gala fundraiser seeking support for special needs clients
Therapeutic Riding Association hosts event CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff
Through the joy of horseback riding, the Prince George Therapeutic Riding Association has spent the past 34 years providing people of all abilities with opportunities to build confidence while learning new skills. Each week, dedicated volunteers witness the difference therapeutic riding makes as clients leave with a sense of accomplishment. The non-profit organization relies heavily on donations to keep lessons affordable so as many families as possible can experience the physical, emotional and social benefits of therapeutic riding. Its biggest fundraising event, the Halloween Gala, is coming up Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Columbus Community Centre.
The evening will feature a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings, silent and live auctions, games, a photo booth, a 50/50 draw and prizes for the best costume. Popular band YXS will provide the music for dancing throughout the night. “This is probably our 12th annual event,” said Barb Warkentine, the association’s founder and president. “People are encouraged to dress up, but if you don’t, that’s fine, too. Come as you are. This is our first Halloween-themed gala. Usually, we have a riding theme, but we thought we would change it up. As we always do, we’ll have a slideshow of the program, and some of the students will speak about what they get from therapeutic riding,” Warkentine said. For an added touch, Carol Gass will serve as master of ceremonies, lead the live auction and guide guests through the evening,
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
Brett Warkentine is seen here during one of his many Prince George Therapeutic Riding Association sessions way back in 2016. Brett still participates now and his mother, Barb, a founding member of the association, is part of the organizing committee for a major fundraising gala with a Halloween theme on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Columbus Community Hall.
Warkentine added. “It’s going to be a great time,” she said. Warkentine’s son Brett, who has special needs, inspired her to establish the Prince George Therapeutic
Riding Association. When Brett turned six, his physiotherapy support ended, but Warkentine knew he would benefit from continued exercise. Unable to find a suitable program for him, she started the therapeutic riding group in 1992 and never looked back. The organization has grown over the years, and demand for its services continues to increase. The program comes with significant costs, including maintaining five horses, each requiring about $5,500 annually for veterinary care, chiropractic services, boarding, food, farrier services, tack and other essentials. Specialized equipment is also needed for clients, including saddles, wheelchair lifts and sensory equipment. The association is committed to continually investing in modifications to its grounds so riders of all abilities can participate safely, Warkentine explained.
Al Gorithm covers everything. Except your community. Al Gorithm decides what you see online based on your clicks, likes and shares. His job is to keep you scrolling. But would you trust him to tell you what’s happening in your community? Local journalists ask tough questions, investigate issues, attend council meetings and hold decision-makers accountable. They give you verified facts you can rely on. Trust the people who report on your community. Celebrate local journalism. nationalnewspaperweek.ca
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PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
VOTE IN THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION The 2026 Provincial General Election is on Saturday, October 24, 2026. WHO CAN VOTE
WAYS TO VOTE
You can vote in the 2026 Provincial General Election if you are: • a Canadian citizen, • 18 or older on October 24, 2026, and • a resident of British Columbia since April 23, 2026.
VOTER REGISTRATION Register now to save time when you vote. You can register or update your information at elections.bc.ca/register or by calling 1-800-661-8683. You can also register when you go to vote. Remember to bring ID that shows your name and home address when you vote. See elections.bc.ca/id for a list of acceptable ID.
Vote at a district electoral office Voting at district electoral offices is available now during office hours until 4 p.m. (Pacific time) on Final Voting Day. Advance Voting You can vote in advance from Friday, October 16 to Wednesday, October 21. Advance voting places will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (local time).
Vote by mail You can ask for a vote-by-mail package by: • Visiting elections.bc.ca/votebymail • Calling Elections BC at 1-800-661-8683 Your vote-by-mail package will be mailed to you. Request a vote-by-mail package as soon as possible to make sure you can receive and return it on time. For information about other voting options, visit elections.bc.ca.
Voters can vote at any advance voting location. Visit wheretovote.elections.bc.ca to find advance voting places and the dates they are open.
WORK IN THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION
Final Voting Day Final Voting Day is Saturday, October 24. Voting places will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Pacific time). Voters have an assigned voting location on Final Voting Day.
Election jobs are available across the province. Visit elections.bc.ca/jobs for more information.
WHERE AND WHEN TO VOTE Voting Places for Prince George-Mackenzie Advance Voting Places (open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time on the dates listed)
Open Dates Fri, Oct 16
Sat, Oct 17
Sun, Oct 18
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Hart Pioneer Centre, 6986 John Hart Hwy, Prince George, BC Mackenzie Legion, 357 Skeena Dr, Mackenzie, BC Zion Lutheran Church, 180 S Tabor Blvd, Prince George, BC
@ElectionsBC
Mon, Oct 19
Tue, Oct 20
Wed, Oct 21
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
VOTE IN THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION Voting Places for Prince George-Mackenzie Final Voting Places (open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time on Saturday, October 24, 2026)
District Electoral Office
AiMHi, 950 Kerry St, Prince George, BC
Glenview Elem School, 7310 Cluff Rd, Prince George, BC
Ness Lake Comm Hall, 9770 Lakeside Dr, Reid Lake, BC
Bear Lake Rec Assn, 1918-461 Hart Lake Rd, Bear Lake, BC
Heather Park Elem School, 7151 Heather Park Rd, Prince George, BC
Nukko Lake Elem School, 23955 Chief Lake Rd, Nukko Lake, BC
Prince George-Mackenzie 201 Victoria St Prince George, BC (250) 649-2880
Beaverly Elem School, 9777 Western Rd, Prince George, BC
Heritage Elem School, 257 Anderson St, Prince George, BC
Salmon Valley Comm Hall, 17735 Trout Rd, Salmon Valley, BC
Edgewood Elem School, 4440 Craig Dr, Prince George, BC
Mackenzie Rec Centre, 400 Skeena Dr, Mackenzie, BC
Summit Lake Comm Hall, 1280 Adams Rd, Summit Lake, BC
Hours of Operation (local time) Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advance voting days 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Candidates for Prince George-Mackenzie Candidate’s Name
Affiliation
Kiel Giddens
Conservative Party
Ian McMahon
BC NDP
Teri Young
BC Green Party
For candidate financial agent and official agent information, visit elections.bc.ca/candidates.
Voting Places for Prince George-North Cariboo Advance Voting Places (open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time on the dates listed) Best Western Plus Prince George, 3387 16 Hwy W, Prince George, BC
Open Dates Fri, Oct 16
Sat, Oct 17
Sun, Oct 18
Mon, Oct 19
Tue, Oct 20
Wed, Oct 21
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Big Lake Comm Hall, 4056 Lakeview Rd, Big Lake, BC McLeese Lake Comm Hall, 6178 Forglen Rd, McLeese Lake, BC Miocene Comm Centre, 3511 Horsefly Rd, Miocene, BC St. John the Divine Anglican Church, 465 Kinchant St, Quesnel, BC
@ElectionsBC
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
VOTE IN THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION Voting Places for Prince George-North Cariboo District Electoral Office
Final Voting Places (open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time on Saturday, October 24, 2026) Barlow Creek Comm Hall, 3801 Trembley Rd, Quesnel, BC
Horsefly Elem-Jr Sec School, 3045 Boswell St, Horsefly, BC
Quesnel Arts & Rec Centre, 500 North Star Rd, Quesnel, BC
Big Lake Comm Hall, 4056 Lakeview Rd, Big Lake, BC
Kersley Comm Meeting Room, 4829 Edwards Rd, Kersley, BC
Southridge Elem School, 7300 Southridge Ave, Prince George, BC
Bouchie Lake Comm Hall, 1975 Centennial Rd, Bouchie Lake, BC
Lakeview Elem School, 1525 Beryl St, Quesnel, BC
St. John the Divine Anglican Church, 465 Kinchant St, Quesnel, BC
Buckhorn Volunteer Fire Dept, 5645 Buckhorn Lake Rd, Buckhorn, BC
Likely Comm Hall, 6281 Rosette Lake Rd, Likely, BC
Correlieu Sec School, 850 Anderson Dr, Quesnel, BC
McLeese Lake Comm Hall, 6178 Forglen Rd, McLeese Lake, BC
The Banquet Hall at Bon Voyage Restaurant, 4366 16 Hwy W, Prince George, BC
Dragon Lake Elem School, 2671 Quesnel-Hydraulic Rd, Quesnel, BC
Miocene Comm Centre, 3511 Horsefly Rd, Miocene, BC
Echen Deni Keyoh Hall, 202 Anderson Dr, Quesnel, BC
Nazko Valley Comm Centre, 9560 Nazko Rd, Nazko, BC
Hixon Elem School, 378 Lockyer Rd, Hixon, BC
Parkland Elem School, 5016 Bjornson Rd, Ten Mile Lake, BC
Prince George-North Cariboo 3-155 Malcolm Dr Quesnel, BC (250) 649-2887 Hours of Operation (local time) Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advance voting days 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Vanway Elem School, 4509 16 Hwy W, Prince George, BC Wells Comm Hall, 4269 Sanders Ave, Wells, BC École Red Bluff Lhtako Elem School, 1533 Maple Dr, Quesnel, BC
Candidates for Prince George-North Cariboo Candidate’s Name
Affiliation
Denice Bardua
BC NDP
Sheldon Clare
Conservative Party
Randy Thompson
BC Green Party
For candidate financial agent and official agent information, visit elections.bc.ca/candidates.
Voting Places for Prince George-Valemount Advance Voting Places (open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time on the dates listed) Elder Citizens Rec Centre, 1692 10th Ave, Prince George, BC Elks Hall, 172 Holdway St, McBride, BC Valemount Elem School, 1445 7th Ave, Valemount, BC Westwood Elem School, 2633 Vanier Dr, Prince George, BC
@ElectionsBC
Open Dates Fri, Oct 16
Sat, Oct 17
Sun, Oct 18
Mon, Oct 19
Tue, Oct 20
Wed, Oct 21
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
VOTE IN THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION Voting Places for Prince George-Valemount District Electoral Office
Final Voting Places (open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time on Saturday, October 24, 2026) Avola School House, 6366 Avola Village Rd, Avola, BC
First Baptist Church, 483 Gillett St, Prince George, BC
Sinclair Mills Comm Hall, 37832 Upper Fraser Rd, Sinclair Mills, BC
Blackburn Elem School, 2222 Blackburn Rd S, Prince George, BC
Harwin Elem School, 1193 Harper St, Prince George, BC
Trinity United Church, 3555 5th Ave, Prince George, BC
Blue River Elem School, 5917 3rd Ave, Blue River, BC
John McInnis Centre, 3400 Westwood Dr, Prince George, BC
Valemount Comm Hall, 101 Gorse St, Valemount, BC
Dome Creek Rec Centre, 13741 Dome Creek Rd, Dome Creek, BC
Nusdeh Yoh Elem School, 2579 Victoria St, Prince George, BC
Westwood Elem School, 2633 Vanier Dr, Prince George, BC
Dunster Comm Hall, 7085 Read Rd, Dunster, BC
Pineview Elem School, 8515 Old Cariboo Hwy, Prince George, BC
Willow River Comm Hall, 55 Willow St, Willow River, BC
Elks Hall, 172 Holdway St, McBride, BC
Pinewood Elem School, 4140 Campbell Ave, Prince George, BC
École College Heights Elem School, 5410 Cowart Rd, Prince George, BC
Ferndale Tabor Volunteer Fire Dept, 16315 Giscome Rd, Ferndale, BC
Prince George Civic Centre, 808 Canada Games Way, Prince George, BC
Prince George-Valemount 210-1515 2nd Ave Prince George, BC (250) 565-4379 Hours of Operation (local time) Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advance voting days 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Candidates for Prince George-Valemount Candidate’s Name
Affiliation
Rosalyn Bird
Conservative Party
Carol Bourque
BC NDP
Jodie Capling
BC Green Party
Mitchell Lukoni
OneBC
For candidate financial agent and official agent information, visit elections.bc.ca/candidates.
@ElectionsBC
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
COMMUNITY
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
Local window artist just wants to bring the happy Morgan Adams creates joyful spaces CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff
That’s what I see and feel when I look at those swirling leaves happily drifting along on their own imagined current just above all the pumpkins, mushrooms, hedgehogs and sunflowers on the expansive window art at the Queen of Harts restaurant in Hart Centre Mall. Morgan Adams is the artist. I know because as soon as I saw the display I started the recon required to find her. OK, so I just looked her up on Facebook and found Art by Morgan. Using the word ‘recon’ sounded so much more intriguing, though, didn’t it? Adams started doing window
CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHRISTINE DALGLEISH
Morgan Adams is seen here with her window mural art at The Queen of Harts restaurant at the Hart Centre Mall. This is her 48th window art work display she’s done since she started in 2024.
displays in 2024 when she asked her business-owner husband Dylan if she could do a window mural at his Bubble Blasters Touchless Car
Wash on 15th Avenue. “I was begging him to let me just bring some happiness to the window and finally I just said ‘I’m doing it!’ and went out and bought a bunch of paint and I did it.” Her Halloween-themed art was just the start and then it was the oil change place right beside the carwash who asked for a Christmas display. “And then it was people just saying ‘can we get our windows done?’” Adams laughed. “And I was like ‘Oh, OK!’” Since then she’s done 48 window murals all over town. “This is my dream job,” Adams smiled. Her creativity started when she was in Grade 8 and cake decorating was the artistic avenue she and her family took and continue to do. “I don’t like the baking part of it but I like decorating them,” Adams said about her cake making. She didn’t take art in school because she didn’t like the teacher so it was a learn-by-doing exploration for her, she said. Now it’s all about the bigger canvas and mural art for Adams. “So these big areas are what I love because it’s somewhere I can just
create,” Adams said as we lingered outside of the Queen of Harts restaurant looking at her work. “And when it’s small little windows I have a hard time,” she said smooshing up her shoulders like she was about to squeeze into a narrow space. The holiday season will quickly be upon us and before it gets too cold people will be wanting their windows done. Last year Adams said she was overwhelmed with requests but in the end she figured it all out. “And I could tell people ‘yes, of course, I will bring joy to your windows,’” Adams said. Since she did the take over of Bubble Busters windows she said husband Dylan has been blown away by her success. Her two little ones are pretty excited about it too and her daughter often asks to visit some of her favourites around town. Road trip! Adams loves what she does but there’s something else in the back of her mind that she would still like to do. “I would love to do a big mural on the side of a building one day,” Adams said. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
COMMUNITY
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
33
Work can be seen at locations across Prince George
MORGAN ADAMS PHOTO
This is one of the first window displays Morgan Adams created for a Great Canadian Oil Change location in 2024.
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE She’s been looking around at all the latest artwork in Prince George and hopes one day she will be among the lucky few who have a mural on the side of a building. In the news lately is a most impactful downtown mural at 611 Brunswick Street, done by Raven-Tacuara, an artists’ collective from Northern BC. It’s on the site of a 45-unit, low-barrier Indigenous housing complex developed by Carrier Sekani Family Services in partnership with BC Housing and Indigenous Services Canada. Adams is First Nations but was not raised in her traditional culture. “My mom passed away when I was six years old, so I never got to really dig into that side of my family,” Adams said. “So my grandpa passed away last year and when I went to the hospital to visit him, there were other family members there I hadn’t seen in years and then I went to his celebration of life and I connected with more family there who were very welcoming.” They stayed connected and late
last year Adams made her first drum, including preparing the hide. That set her on a mission to delve deeper into her heritage and will keep that connection going. Adams recently did some artwork for Carrier Sekani Family Services where she was able to paint the images of animals that symbolize the clans like the frog, bear, caribou, grouse and beaver while also drawing images of other animals in nature like the fox, moose and dragonflies to spruce up the space that provides programming for those in need in the community. “That was my very first mural,” Adams said. “And I would love to do more.” In the meantime there are other artistic endeavours on her radar closer to home. “I’ve been eyeballing my room,” Adams said with a mischievous look in her eye. “And I just did a bathroom down in our basement and painted yellow flowers to keep it happy down there.” For more information about Adams and her artwork visit Art by Morgan Facebook page.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
Throwback Thursday: Week of October 15
October 14, 1966: City public works staff prepared for Second Avenue’s conversion into one way traffic. Here they’re seen removing barriers for parking between Brunswick and Dominion Streets. Citizen File Photo.
October 15, 1984: Mayor Elmer Mercier, left, received a $150,000 cheque from The Pas Lumber president Don Gould. The Winton family, the major shareholders of The Pas, had been looking to invest in Prince George. The development of trails along the Fraser and Nechako Rivers was that project. Citizen File Photo Dave Milne.
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October 18, 1976: How did that get there? Even the RCMP officer seemed puzzled about the upside-down car near Second Avenue and Carney Street. The single vehicle incident resulted in no injuries. Citizen File Photo by Len Tenisci.
October 17, 2006: An iconic site in Prince George, the CN Railway Bridge cast its shadow against an unusually-low Fraser River. It was almost possible to walk the half-mile from one riverbank to the other. By Oct. 17, Prince George had recorded only 3.7mm of rain – normal precipitation for all October was 59mm. Citizen File Photo Brent Braaten.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
Local Sports
Broncos goalie Conway ruins Cougars’ long weekend TED CLARKE Citizen Staff
Knowing the Swift Current Broncos had a Thanksgiving feast awaiting them 15 hours down the highway in Saskatchewan, Cam Conway took it upon himself to get to the dinner trough a day ahead of everybody else. The 19-year-old netminder from Andover, Minn., gobbled up almost all the holiday offerings the Prince George Cougars were serving, making 30 saves in regulation and overtime and two more in the shootout to earn a 3-2 shootout victory Sunday afternoon at CN Centre. Showing the rust of an unusually long nine-day break in their WHL schedule, the Cougars slept through the first period and found themselves trailing the Broncos 2-0 after 20 minutes. To the delight of the 3,559 fans in attendance, the Cougars were much better organized for the rest of the game and easily could have wrapped up their third win of the season if not for Conway. Acquired by the Broncos in an off-season trade from the Wenatchee Wild, Conway came up with a fistful of showstopping saves and was the best player on the ice, especially during large stretches of the third period, when the Cougars had their road-weary opponents under siege. The five-minute overtime session settled nothing. After Cougars forward Tre Peck and Broncos forward Stepan Farushev traded goals in the shootout, Ty Meunier ended it with a bar-down shot that beat Cougars goalie Peyton Shore. “I’m very satisfied with the result. I thought they took it to us in the second and third,” said Broncos head coach and general manager Travis Crickard, whose team won three of six games in BC. “It was probably indicative of the end of the road trip. We struggled with our puck play, and I don’t think they
CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT
Cougars Lee Shurgot fires a shot past Broncos forward Parker Rondeau and defenseman Yuri Vlasenko at CN Centre on Sunday, Oct. 11.
played all week, so they were pretty fresh. “Conway was the main reason we were able to find two points in that game. There have been some games on this trip when we really struggled with exiting our zone and turning pucks over, and he’s been there to keep things calm for us. He’s been very special to our team.” Oliver Torkki and Brandon Rudolph scored the first-period goals for Swift Current. For the Cougars, Aiden Foster collected his fifth goal in three games just 10 seconds into the second period, while defenceman Dermot Johnston scored the first goal of his WHL career with a high wrist shot over Conway’s glove at the midway mark of the third period. “We’ve had so much time off, and even though you practise, it’s hard to duplicate the game. In the first period, you could see it — we got really sluggish, and then we got better as the game went on,” said Cougars head coach and general manager Mark Lamb. “It was a hard-fought game, and we
just stuck with it and got better. We gave ourselves a chance to win, and that’s what it’s all about.” The Broncos were playing their sixth game in 10 days at the end of their BC Division tour and were coming off a 4-1 loss Saturday in Kamloops. The Cougars hadn’t played since beating Brandon 3-1 in Prince George on Oct. 2. Trailing 2-0 on the first shift of the second period, the Cougars got on the board when Foster found a wide-open net to bury the rebound after Conway kicked out Jett Lajoie’s initial shot. Just four minutes later, Foster made a boneheaded decision and was banished from the game for a scary hit from behind that sent Broncos defenceman Jace McFaul crashing into the end boards. McFaul was skating hard to reach the puck deep in the Swift Current zone and was close to the wall when Foster used his stick to nudge him in the back, knocking him off balance and sending him face-first into the boards. McFaul had to be helped off the ice but returned to the game in the third period, a huge relief for everyone in
the building, including his parents, who were visiting from Edmonton. Foster was assessed a five-minute checking-from-behind penalty and a game misconduct and will likely be suspended. The Cougars had a great shorthanded chance a minute into the major penalty when Conway got caught behind the net trying to corral a loose puck. Townes Kozicky dug it out and fed Riley Ashe, who hesitated for a couple of seconds to get a better crack at the open net. Conway, however, managed to get a piece of the shot with his arm and deflect it away. The Cougars had an even better chance near the end of the penalty, but Conway came up huge again to preserve the lead. Kayden Lemire stripped the puck and broke into Broncos territory before dishing to Ashe, who dragged the puck wide and lifted a backhand shot toward the open cage. Conway reached back and got the blade of his stick in the way to knock it aside. SEE ‘COUGARS’ ON NEXT PAGE
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
SPORTS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
37
Trail Smoke Eaters douse Spruce Kings at showcase Prince George Spruce Kings captain Mason Loewen focuses on the puck in front of the Trail Smoke Eaters’ net during BCHL action on Sunday, Oct. 11 at the BCHL Showcase in Nisku, Alta. The Trail Smoke Eaters did damage early in the first and the third periods in a 4-3 victory over the Spruce Kings on Sunday night in Nisku, Alta. Marek Schlenker made 22 saves to notch the win in goal for Trail. Prince George dropped to 5-2-0-0. The Smoke Eaters evened their records at 4-4-0-0. The Spruce Kings wrapped up the showcase with a 4-1 loss to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (53-1-0), on Monday Oct. 12. TARGET PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Trae Wilkie came close to scoring later in the period, beating goalie Peyton Shore with his shot, but Cougars defenceman Corbin Vaughan was there to make the save at the goal line. Conway’s goaltending heroics continued in the third period. Seven minutes in, the Swift Current goalie stuck out his leg to deny Peck on a two-on-one. Seconds before Johnston’s goal, Cougars defenceman Phoenix Cahill came oh-soclose to scoring his first WHL goal when he rattled the post with a wrist shot from the point after a faceoff win. Peck created a turnover in the corner that led to Johnston’s first career goal in his 58th regular-season game. The 18-year-old is from Olds, Alta. “It’s been a long time coming. I’ve had a lot of chances, and to see one go in is definitely good. It was good to put the team back into it,” said Johnston. “It’s been tough to create offence. You want to think defence-first, and your first thought might not be jumping into
the rush and things like that. I think you gain confidence as you play, and that’s what helps me. “We battled back in the second and third, but we need to be ready right from the start every time. We just have to practise hard over the next week and get back into the flow of things, and it should be different there.” The third period ended with Conway kicking out a shot that went straight to Dmitri Yakutsenak in the deep slot. The Russian winger unleashed a buzzer-beater from point-blank range, but Conway knocked it away with his blocker. Outshot 10-3 and limited to just one scoring chance in the first period, the Cougars held a 29-16 edge in shots for the rest of the game and finished with a 32-26 advantage. The visitors scored their first goal on a deflection in front. Torkki went to the net and got his stick blade on defenceman Colton Alain’s point shot. The Broncos doubled their lead just shy of the 15-minute mark. Rudolph
picked up the puck in the Prince George zone and traversed the blue line, using his Cougars checker as a partial screen before spinning off a low wrist shot that got through four bodies standing in front of Shore. The Broncos put another deflected shot past Shore late in the period, but referee Josh Albinati immediately waved it off, ruling that it had gone in off Torkki’s high stick. The officials had no way to confirm the call because of a malfunction in the video replay system. The cameras were working, but the switching device that controls them had been damaged by water leaking in during Thursday’s torrential rainstorm. Video replay judge Colin Schmidt, working his first WHL game in that capacity, tried to make the necessary repairs before the game began but couldn’t get the system working. “They had to call it off on the ice, but it was probably worth a review,” said Crickard. “Nonetheless, scoring the first goal in the game is always big, and
thankfully Cal was able to hold us in there.” The game marked the Cougars debut of 20-year-old defenceman Kolten Bridgeman, acquired Thursday from the Regina Pats in a trade. He arrived in Prince George on Saturday night and played on the right side alongside Arsenii Anisimov, finishing with one shot on goal and an even plus-minus rating. The six-foot-five, 216-pound Regina native now has 179 games of WHL experience, and Johnston is confident he’ll be a great addition on the right side. “He’s a really solid player, and getting a player like that definitely helps,” said Johnston. “Last year, we had way more lefties than righties, so we switched back and forth, and now we have an even number.” The Cougars won’t play again until Saturday, when they travel to Kelowna to face the Rockets. Then things get busy in a hurry, as they play four games in five nights, hosting doubleheaders against Vancouver and Tri-City.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
SPORTS
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
Timberwolves men complete perfect weekend road trip Women’s side, though, comes up short KRRISH NARENDRA UNBC Athletics
The UNBC Timberwolves men’s soccer team capped off a perfect two-win weekend road trip Saturday in Kamloops with a thrilling 1-0 victory over the host TRU WolfPack. Midfielder Hagon Kim was the hero of the evening, burying a spectacular rainbow free kick and putting forth a solid defensive effort to earn Mr. Mikes Player of the Game honours. Kim’s long-range bomb came in the 89th minute from the left sideline near midfield and the kick sailed in over the outstretched arms of TRU goalie Toran Rutherford the second goal of the season for the Korean import. The Timberwolves (2-4-6) came out of the gate flying, immediately forcing a turnover to establish the pace and take control. Mehdi Bounaaja coming off a dominant two-goal performance the night before tested the TRU defense early. He fired a shot that was blocked in the fourth minute before immediately following up with a strike that forced a save from Rutherford. The match quickly turned physical. After a pair of early UNBC yellow cards, TRU was awarded a penalty kick in the 13th minute. However, the Timberwolves caught a massive break when Amir Ghasemi pulled his shot wide, keeping the game scoreless. UNBC went back on the attack near the half-hour mark, with Luke Graham ripping a shot just wide and Kaiden Young forcing another save from Rutherford in the 35th minute. At the other end of the pitch, UNBC goalkeeper Callum Cuthbert came up huge just before halftime, leaping to deny a dangerous shot on target from Kaelin Nguyen. The grinding, back-and-forth battle continued into the second half. Cuthbert stayed sharp, turning aside another attempt by Nguyen in the 49th
SYDNEY NEILSON-ANDERSON PHOTO
UNBC fifth-year defender Pipeijn van der Ende watches the proceedings on the field on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 in Kamloops, where the Timberwolves defeated the TRU WolfPack 1-0.
minute. The Timberwolves answered back as Adam Korduner fired a shot on target that was saved, and Young narrowly missed high on a great look. Defensively, Kim was an absolute force, repeatedly clearing the ball out of the penalty area and shutting down TRU’s attacking lanes to ensure the WolfPack couldn’t capitalize on a second-half corner kick. As the clock ticked down, the Timberwolves began to tilt the field. Pipeijn van der Ende tested Rutherford in the 79th minute, and the UNBC pressure started to overwhelm the TRU defense. Luis Hirsch locked down the UNBC penalty box to stifle any TRU counter-attacks, giving the Timberwolves the freedom to unleash a relentless offensive wave in the final 10 minutes. After a flurry of chances including blocked shots and near-misses from Charlie Beauvais, Kim, van der Ende and Young, the Timberwolves finally broke the deadlock in dramatic fashion. TRU (6-5-0) pushed frantically for an equalizer through three minutes of stoppage time, but the UNBC backline
slammed the door shut to secure the clean sheet and their second victory. The TWolves started the weekend with a 4-0 win over the UNBC-Okanagan Heat Friday in Kelowna.
Women’s team
Earlier Saturday in the women’s game in Kamloops, Macyn Jolly scored the only goal of the game on a penalty kick in the 84th minute to give the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack a 1-0 victory. The win improved the WolfPack’s record to 6-1-3 and solidified their grip on second place in the Pacific Division. The Timberwolves (0-10-0) remain last in the division. The TWolves outshot TRU 6-5. Floor Urshem made five saves to earn the shutout. Johanna Rathkke took the loss in goal for UNBC. Third-year midfielder Aimee Glasser set the tone for the TWolves with relentless attacking energy, rattling the woodwork and generating prime opportunities all match to earn Mr. Mikes Player of the Game honours.
The contest opened at a high tempo, with both teams pressing aggressively in the midfield to establish territory. TRU tested the Timberwolves early, but Rathke was dialed in from the outset, turning aside a strike from Hannah Dhillon in the sixth minute. UNBC quickly counter-punched as Glasser tested Ursem with a solid strike on target in the 21st minute, followed moments later by a shot from Maresha Manulak that sailed just high. Defensively, the Timberwolves backline was disciplined and compact. Sicily Ramunno stepped up to make a vital block on an Allison Hill attempt in the 26th minute, while Rathke shut down three more TRU chances before the break denying Dhillon on back-to-back bids and making a clutch save on Makenna Ford in the 45th minute keeping the game scoreless. The Timberwolves came out with even greater attacking ambition in the second half. Kambria Mellum tested Ursem with a sharp strike in the 55th minute, and Rathke answered on the other end by denying Berea Woldeyes to keep the clean sheet intact. Around the hour mark, UNBC seized total control of the momentum. Glasser and Grace Barrett relentlessly drove play forward, sparking an offensive surge that saw Laney Stewart fire an attempt just over the bar. The pressure culminated in the 66th minute with the Timberwolves best sequence of the afternoon. After Manulak earned a corner, Glasser unleashed a venomous strike that beat the keeper but rattled agonizingly off the post. Ramunno pounced on the rebound and forced a desperate save from Ursem, before Manulak got another shot away that was miraculously stopped by the TRU keeper. After Jolly’s penalty-shot goal the Timberwolves threw numbers forward in the final minutes seeking an equalizer, but were unable to beat Ursem before the final whistle blew. Both UNBC teams return to the pitch on Friday, Oct. 16, traveling to Vancouver Island to face the Victoria Vikes. The women play at 5 p.m. and the men’s game follows at 7:15 p.m.
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
SPORTS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
39
ZD Pickering earns reserve champion title in Kansas City Local horses had teamster Tim Sparrow of Indiana at the reins TED CLARKE Citizen Staff
ZD Pickering Family Farms of Prince George and their magnificent Percheron athletes continued to impress on the world stage. They finished second overall at the 2026 North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series World Finals in Kansas City, Mo. The three-day event wrapped up Tuesday, Oct. 5. With teamster Tim Sparrow of Indiana working the reins, the Prince George team earned first-place marks on Day 1, was third on Day 2 and was second on the third day to claim the Reserve Champion title. “This is as good as it gets, it’s at the top, probably one of the tougher world shows,” said team owner Zane Pickering. “We’re quite pleased to compete and be judged to be in the top three. That’s right where we want to be. “It was pretty exciting, it was anybody’s win, the top three hitches. We showed three nights in a row and they were scored by three different judges.” In draft horse competitions, the teams walk and trot in an arena pulling a wagon and are judged on their physical structure and their movements and how they respond to the commands of the teamster, who is also judged. Pickering’s team finished second out of 35 teams at the World Percheron Congress six-horse hitch event July 13 in St. Paul. Minn. As they did in Kansas City, Kevin and Ian Wilson Farms Grain of Vankleek Hill, Ont., claimed the sixhorse hitch overall title at that Minnesota show. “It was a Canadian team from Ontario that won and we’ve got to do some homework to get those guys next year,” said Pickering. Johny, the left wheeler in Pickering’s six-horse hitch, placed 11th out of 15 in the cart class.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
The team of Percherons owned by ZD Pickering Farms of Prince George finished second at the North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series World Finals in Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 5.
“He showed really good and was a crowd favourite,” said Pickering. Diane Pickering, Zane’s wife from Prince George, placed 12th in the classic cart class, driving Maverick. Fifteen-year-old Ryland Sparrow of Cromwell, Ind., also part of the Pickering team, placed sixth in the junior cart class, while his 10-year-old sister Brynn ended up 15th in the junior youth cart event. Meanwhile, at the 2026 SuperPULL heavy horse pulling last week in Wisconsin, Pickering horses Tonto and Butch stole the show, winning the super heavyweight division Oct. 3 in Manitowoc, Wisc., Bill and Lenny of Pickering Family Farms placed second in the lightweight division. The Pickering horses will cross the border into Ontario for their next two shows. They’ll be in London for the Triple Crown Draft Classic, Oct. 30-Nov. 1 and then will head to Toronto for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Nov. 6-15. “We like to catch all the Canadian shows we can because we’re Canadian,” said Zane Pickering.
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PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
ACROSS 1 Havana’s land 5 High tennis shot 8 Pitt of “Moneyball” 12 Spoken 13 Shock partner 14 Shakespearean villain 15 Military groups 17 Bar fight souvenir
18 Order by classes 19 Vehement protest 21 High school subj. 22 Poi base 23 Likely 26 Small battery 28 Cowboy in “Toy Story” 31 Indy winner A.J. 33 Away from SSW
35 Peevish fit 36 Seized vehicles 38 Business mag 40 Punker Vicious 41 Shacks 43 Cyclades isle 45 1912 Olympic legend 47 Relatives of loons 51 Mine, to Marcel 52 Spoofs
54 Dresses in 55 Org. with a style manual 56 Squad 57 Celeb’s aide 58 Tummy muscles 59 Young fellows
DOWN 1 Club in a Manilow song 2 Web addresses 3 Sheepish remarks 4 Choir members 5 From Vientiane 6 Personal 7 Make drunk
8 Casual eateries 9 Masked mammals 10 Lab gel 11 “Finding Nemo” fish 16 Killer whale 20 Motor City labor org. 23 Ghana’s cont. 24 “The Bells” writer 25 Violent storms
27 Blackbird 29 Nero’s 502 30 Since Jan. 1 32 Sightseer 34 Bafflers 37 NASCAR advertiser 39 Business abbr. 42 1965 march site 44 Capital of South
Korea 45 “I did it!” 46 Med. plan options 48 -- fide (genuine) 49 Oklahoma city 50 Bygone jets 53 Cleric’s tunic
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
Life Events Ellen ‘Bernice’ Resch
Celebration of Life
November 7, 1929 - September 29, 2026 It is with the heaviest hearts and profound sadness we announce the passing of Ellen ‘Bernice’ Resch at the age of 96 after a brief and chaotic illness she is now at peace.
A celebration of life for Travis Betke at The Elder Citizen Recreation building, 1692 10th Ave., Prince George on Saturday Nov 21, 2026 from 6pm-9pm
Dianne Humphreys
January 1943 - September 2026 Dianne passed away peacefully on September 28 in Langley BC. The family will be hosting a memorial tea 1:00-4:00 pm on October 18, 2026 at the Bon Voyage Inn. Prince George. Full obituary, care of Hendersons Funeral Home.
Hazel Florence McKnight (née Baird) June 30, 1936 - October 2, 2026
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Hazel Florence McKnight (Baird) Born in New Osgoode, Saskatchewan Passed in Prince George, British Columbia Hazel will be forever remembered by her children: Alice (Dwain) Bargy, Sid (Lorraine), George (Janine), Bob (Bernie), Elly-May (Gary) Cummins, Brian (Laura), daughter-in-law Dianne, 20 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild; extended family: Jackie (Babe); special friends: Gerry (Sue); sisters: Irene, Donna (Allen); sister-in-law: Jean; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family takes comfort in knowing that Hazel has been met with open arms by her husband of 64 years, Edwin, her son Ken, and her grandson Justin. Nanny will be lovingly remembered for her warm smile, quick wit, generous heart, and cozy, hand-knit slippers. Whether she was waitressing at Bednesti, cheering on chuckwagons and chariots at the racetrack, or dancing to the sounds of fiddles at a bluegrass jamboree; she lived a full and beautiful life during her ninety years. She held her family and friends close, leant a helping hand wherever she could, and brought a smile to the faces of anyone that was lucky enough to know her. Hazel was a special person to so many, and her loss will be felt by countless hearts throughout the community.
Honouring
those who have touched our lives email: frontdesk@pgcitizen.ca or call 250.562.2441
Brent Douglas Goerz
February 12, 1968 - October 6, 2026 It is with immense sorrow that we announce the passing of Brent Douglas Goerz, who died unexpectedly but peacefully on October 6, 2026. Born February 12, 1968 in Calgary, AB, Brent spent the majority of his childhood on a farm in Snowflake, MB where he was raised in the Mennonite faith. He attended Providence Theological College, then earned a BSW from the University of Manitoba, and later his MSW from UNBC. Around 1990, he moved to Prince George to start his social work career. Over the many years he worked at MCFD, Northern Health, and in private practice, Brent was known for his ceaseless drive to make lasting positive change, empathy, adventure, and an incomparable talent to connect on a personal level with everyone he met along the way. Brent is survived by his adoring wife, Allison McDonnell, his loving parents, Harry and Dolores, and his siblings, Byron and Deb (Avi). He leaves behind his children: Noah, Jakob (Micayla), River (Amy), his cherished chosen son and daughter, Jackson and Erika, as well as his precious dog, Pumpkin. He is predeceased by his beloved eldest son, Baxter. He will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Elijah, Eloise, and August; nephews, Harry, David, Spencer, and Preston; nieces, Savannah and Kinley; and innumerable aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and colleagues. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 17th at 1:30PM at Westwood Community Church, 2658 Ospika Boulevard South, Prince George, BC. A livestream will be made available as well. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to New Beginnings Men Shed, Omineca Arts Council, AWAC, and any First Responders charity of choice.
Born in 1929 in Killarney Manitoba, the eldest daughter of Gordon Anderson and Helen Beattie she spent the first eleven years of her life in Manitoba on the family farm before moving to Vancouver with her mother father and younger sister Marian. She would tell the story of moving in the dead of winter from rural Manitoba to a very large and very rainy Vancouver, this was both exciting and very confusing for a prairie girl. She married and had her six children, the pride and joy of her life. The family moved from Vancouver to Prince George and finally settled in Kamloops in 1970. In 1972 they moved into their house on Nicola street and she later bought it in 1974 where she remained until her passing. She was beloved by so many throughout the years and those who walked through her door regularly; family, friends, and friends of family always felt welcomed in her home knowing they could stay as long as they wanted to or needed to, she never turned anyone away. My grandma is so loved and will be so missed. If you knew her, you knew she was the absolute best. She is survived by her beloved sister Marian. Her children Lynda, Brian, Gayle, Jim and Joanne. Her grandchildren Susan, Brittney, Nicole, Lorne, Ronnie, Jamie, Shayne and Jamie. Her great-grandchildren James, Gabby, Sam, Max, Ollie, Sophia, Mason, Chloe, Tanner, Callie, Tristan and her three great-great grandchildren as well as her dog Mitzi. She is pre-deceased by her mother Helen (1996) father Gordon (1969) and son Billy (1968) as well as her many dogs and cats throughout the years. Anyone who knew my grandma knew how warm, tough and funny she was. She deeply cared about her family and was always a safe and welcome place to land. She was a life long baker, lover of cookbooks, lover of flowers, shopping (a sale loved to see her coming) reading and gossip. Everyone would always comment on how spry, sharp and witty she was for being such an advanced age. We’re so grateful we had so many years with her. At her request there will be no service and in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Northern Hope Dog Rescue Society in her name as she was a life long animal lover. We learned after her passing that she would carry with her newspaper clippings, notes and obituaries from over the years that she would look at frequently, we hope this would make her proud. Sunrise on the day she was born and sunset on the day she passed
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
Classifieds
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
BUSINESS DIRECTORY BUYING
TREE SERVICE
CASH FOR GOLD & SILVER Coins, jewelry, nuggets, bullion sterling, etc. Also buying entire COIN COLLECTIONS Todd 250-864-3521
BBC TREE WORX Bucket Truck, hedging and tree removal. For FREE estimates call or text Brian 250.649.8447
Between
SCAN TO SHOP
and
Alternatively, in-person review and comments can be scheduled and completed at Date: regular 21/Aug/2026 the following location during office hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM): 1960 Robertson Road, Prince George, BC, V2N1X6 Comments may also be submitted by mail to the above address or submitted via phone or email at: 1-250-564-0383; etorres@srg.ca
Plaintiff
Cecil John Andruchow, David Henry Knight Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
Defendants Third Party
In the proceeding, the plaintiff claims the following relief against you: damages for injuries sustained in a injury on November 13, 2020. You must attend at the Prestige Boardroom at the Prestige Treasure Cove Resort at 2005 Hwy 97 S, Prince George, BC on November 20, 2026 at 10:00am. Failure to attend may result in judgment being held against you or can otherwise be harmful to your position at trial. [2]2] You may obtain, from the Vancouver Registry, at[800 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC
Sekani Forest Products
Fax number address for service (if any): https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects#publicNotices Email address for service (if any):
Corey Velichka
No. M222225 Vancouver Registry
To: The defendant, Cecil John Andruchow TAKE NOTICE THAT on 13/Aug/2024 an order was made for service on you of an Appointment to Examine for Discovery (“EFD Appt”) issued from the Vancouver Registry of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in proceeding number M222225 by way of this advertisement. Your EFD Appt sets out that your Examination for Discovery will proceed on November 20, 2026 at 10:00am at the Prestige Boardroom at the Prestige Treasure Cove Resort in Prince George (hosted by All North Reporting, phone: #250-552-1612) located at 2005 Hwy 97 S Prince George, BC.
SHOP PRINCE GEORGE
Public Notice: Forest Operations Map Review and Invitation for Comment. In accordance with the Forest Range and Practices Act, Sekani Forest Products and Spectrum Resource Group invites the public to review its Forest Operations Maps (FOM ID: 3527) in the Mackenzie Natural Resource District. The FOM describes areas proposed for Cutting Permit and Road Permit development within the next three years starting on November 15th, 2026, and ending on November 14th, 2029. We welcome your comments and feedback during the review period starting Thiscomments advertisement is placed by the2026. plaintiff October 15th, 2026. Please, submit your by November 14th, whose address for service is: The map is accessible for review and comment submission online at:
frontdesk@pgcitizen.ca 250.562.2441
In the Supreme Court of British Columbia
and
GROW YOUR BUSINESS
SUPPORT LOCAL
43
LEGAL NOTICE
Call 250.562.2441 to book your space now.
RENOVATIONS
Booking deadline: Friday noon Approval deadline: Monday at noon
[2]
or from the Prince George Registry at 250 George Street, Prince George, BC a copy of the order providing for service by this advertisement.
This advertisement is placed by the plaintiff This advertisement is placed by the plaintiff whose address for service is: is: whose address for service Slater Vecchio LLP Fax address for service (if any): FaxPO number address forCentre service (if any): Boxnumber 10445 Pacific North Email address for service (if any): Email address forDunsmuir service (ifStreet any): 18th Floor 777 Vancouver, BC V7Y 1K4 Service by fax is not accepted Date: 21/Aug/2026 21/Aug/2026 service@slatervecchio.com Date:
Signature of filing party lawyer for filing party For: James A. Richards Slater Vecchio LLP Barristers and Solicitors PO Box 10445 Pacific Centre North
Slater Vecchio LLPLLP Slater Vecchio PO PO BoxBox 10445 Pacific Centre North 10445 Pacific Centre North 18th Floor 777777 Dunsmuir Street 18th Floor Dunsmuir Street Vancouver, Vancouver, BC BC V7YV7Y 1K41K4 Service by fax is not accepted Service by fax is not accepted service@slatervecchio.com service@slatervecchio.com
Signature Signature of of filing party filing party lawyer filing party lawyer forfor filing party James A. Richards For:For: James A. Richards Slater Vecchio Slater Vecchio LLPLLP Barristers and Solicitors Barristers and Solicitors PO Box 10445 Pacific Centre North PO Box 10445 Pacific Centre North 18th Floor 777 Dunsmuir Street 18th Floor 777 Dunsmuir Street Vancouver, BC V7Y 1K4 Vancouver, BC V7Y 1K4 Telephone: (604) 682-5111
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
* On Oct. 26, 1774, the First Continental Congress a • On Sept. 7, 1776, sent the American petition to England’s King George submersible craft Turtle attempted to III informing that if not the attach a timehim bomb to the hull for of Britoppressive forced upon the ish Admiralacts Richard Howe’s flagship, colonies byNew theYork British Parliament, Eagle, in Harbor, marking thethe American would be first use ofpeople a submarine in warfare. standing behind British rule. • On Sept. 8, 1664, Dutch 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 ARIES (March 21 totheir April 19) Your subjects refused support. New moodier side might emerge this week. Amsterdam’s name was changed to But the dark period should pass in time New York in honor of the Duke of for the party-loving Lamb to go on a York, who organized its capture. happy gambol with some very special • Onthis Sept. 9, 1939, moviegoers at the people weekend! Fox Theater in Riverside, California, were treated unexpected TAURUS (Aprilto20anto May 20) screenYet again, youing show your skill at being ablewith to of Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone indulge in your loveby ofthe thetheater arts this the Wind,” shown manweek still taking ofproducpractical agerwhile as a second featurecare while matters, including someobserved still-unfinished er David O. Selznick their business matters. reactions from the back of the theater. The movie was released a few months GEMINI later. (May 21 to June 20) A potential change might appear to be what you’ve On Sept.for. 10, 1960, Donbeen•looking In anyHurricane event, consider nathe struck the Florida Keys as as athe Categoboth negative as well positive ry 4 storm.before The devastating hurricane possibilities making any sort of ultimately killed more than 350 people decision. 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
* On Oct. 27, 1975, Bruce Springsteen became the first rock musician to appear on the covers of both TIME and Newsweek magazine in a single week. This feat, which was usually limited to presidents or other world leaders, fueled the energy behind his third album, “Born to Run,” and helped make him a household name. * On Oct. 28, 1834, a group of European settlers led by the governor of Western Australia attacked a Bindjareb Noongar camp, killing somewhere between 11 and 80 people.
P R I N C E G E O R G E C I T I Z E N 286 286 ORCHESTRA SOCIETY PRINCE GEORGE SYMPHONY NOTICE of ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
at the COAST PRINCE GEORGE HOTEL, 2025/26 770 Brunswick Street, Prince George, BC 2025/26 AGENDA includes • Presentation of Audited 2025/26 Financial Statements 67 • Election of 2026/27Board Members 67
5 5
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Relationships continue to dominate your aspect this week on a mostly positive level, with just a few problem areas to smooth over. Also, try to be flexible about travel plans.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A suggestion about a policy change could create heated reactions. Keep your mind open and resist joining in with naysayers, unless they can show a real basis for their position.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Your efforts involving a pesky problem should soon show positive signs of being resolved. This will allow you to shift some of your focus in another direction.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) You love being on center stage, and while you absolutely purr at the sound of all the praise, be careful not to take on too many commitments at the expense of time spent with loved ones.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) While potential career changes warrant your interest, don’t ignore your current job responsibilities. A personal relationship can also benefit from more of your attention.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) While you enjoy well-deserved praise for getting a difficult job done, there’s no time to relax. A new challenge looms. Expect more support from a once-strong critic.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) You might feel that you need to get involved in a matter concerning a friend or relative. But while the issues appear to be cut and dried, they might not be. Get more facts before you act.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Don’t guess at what the facts might be if you hope to make the best decision possible. The wise course is to ask direct questions and act on the answers that you get.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You might still have some explaining to do about your decision, but support grows as you continue to make your case. You might also want to start making plans for the upcoming holidays.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
Homes & Living
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Safety As cooler weather approaches and homes are sealed up for winter, testing your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors becomes especially important. These small devices play a vital role in home safety, providing early warnings that can save lives. Regular testing ensures they’re ready to alert you in an emergency. Why Testing Matters Smoke and CO detectors are your first line of defense against two of the most dangerous household hazards—fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Smoke can spread quickly, and CO, often called the “silent killer,” is colorless and odorless. A working detector can give you crucial seconds
to escape or call for help. How to Test Your Devices Most detectors have a test button. Press and hold it for a few seconds until you hear a loud alarm. If the sound is weak or nonexistent, replace the batteries immediately. It’s best to test detectors once a month and change batteries at least twice a year, often when adjusting clocks. For hardwired systems, still test regularly to ensure the backup battery is functioning. When to Replace Detectors Even with proper maintenance, detectors don’t last forever. Smoke alarms should typically be replaced every 10 years, while carbon monoxide
detectors have a lifespan of about 5 to 7 years. Check the manufacturer’s date and guidelines printed on the back of each unit. Placement and Upgrades Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including hallways and bedrooms, and place CO detectors near sleeping areas and fuel-burning appliances. Consider upgrading to combination smoke and CO units or interconnected systems that trigger all alarms when one detects danger. Testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors takes only minutes but provides peace of mind all year long. A quick check today could save lives tomorrow.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
Get out & enjoy Local Craft Fairs this Fall & Winter
As the holiday season approaches, local craft fairs become lively hubs of creativity, community, and festive spirit. These events showcase the talent of local artisans and offer shoppers a chance to find oneof-a-kind gifts while supporting small businesses. Attending a holiday craft fair is more than just a shopping trip—it’s an experience that celebrates local culture and the joy of handmade craftsmanship. A Celebration of Creativity Local craft fairs bring together artists, crafters, and makers from the community to display their work. From hand-knit scarves and pottery to homemade candles, jewelry, and woodwork, the variety is endless. Each piece tells a story and reflects the unique style and skill of its creator. Unlike massproduced products, handcrafted items carry a personal touch, making them perfect for meaningful
holiday gifts. Supporting Local Artisans Shopping at craft fairs directly supports local talent and keeps money circulating within the community. Every purchase helps an artisan continue doing what they love—creating beautiful, highquality items. Many vendors use locally sourced materials, which also reduces the environmental footprint of your holiday shopping. Choosing handmade gifts shows thoughtfulness while promoting sustainability and community connection. A Festive Experience Beyond the shopping, holiday craft fairs capture the warmth and excitement of the season. Twinkling lights, cheerful music, and the scent of baked goods or hot cider often fill the air. Families can enjoy browsing together, meeting artisans, and discovering new holiday
traditions. Some fairs include live demonstrations, workshops, or local entertainment, making them enjoyable for all ages. Finding Local Events Craft fairs pop up throughout November and December in community centers, schools, and downtown venues. Check local event listings, social media, or community boards to find ones near you. Arriving early often gives you the best selection, but even late in the day you can find hidden treasures. Visiting a local craft fair this holiday season is a wonderful way to embrace the spirit of giving while celebrating creativity and community. You’ll leave with more than just gifts—you’ll carry home the joy of supporting local artisans and the warmth of a truly festive experience.
Finding Homes for Families
Bob Quinlan
Your Real Estate Needs are my Priority!
250-565-8444 Q5658444@gmail.com www.bobquinlan.ca
1957 Ross Cres. 2.5 city lots—8360 sq.� downtown MLS# R3151950 & # C8080938 $249,000
The ONLY important property … Is the one that belongs to YOU
Karen Thompson 250-981-2008
250-612-8326
We’re Always Looking for Listings! 2755 Gunn Road $319,900 MLS # R3151825
1800 Tyner blvd $19,900,000 MLS # R3167996
NEW PRICE
19103 Norman Lake Road FOR...$250,000… SALE 4929 Shamrock 99 acres Ready to develop MLS #R3140125 $859,000
Aggie Thompson
RE/MAX Core Realty
independently owned & operated northernbcproperty.com
Lakeshore beach w/dock, 3 bdrm Cabin, Garage MLS # R3135724
Your all year retreat is ready
911 Ewert St. $499,000
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D L O S 7656 Lemoyne Pl $499,000
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
DAN MCLAREN
CITY COUNCILLOR
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
STRONG SUPPORT For a Stronger Prince George PROUD TO NOMINATE DAN FOR CITY COUNCIL
A GREAT CITY DOESN’T HAVE TO COST MORE.
Brian Skakun
Bruce and Hillary Green
Clarence Hofsink
Colin Kinsley
Donna Flood
Dana Young
Dr. Alber t Koe
hler
Jud y Jackson
REAL TAX RELIEF With over 30 years in banking and financial advising, Dan has helped families and businesses succeed. Now he’ll bring that expertise to City Hall, pushing for a two year property tax freeze and a spending review to cut waste, protect police and fire, with the ultimate goal of delivering meaningful, sustainable tax reductions.
Steve Wagar
Gaetano Mau ro
Jim Dimor
Harvey Smerychynski
Gord Langer
John Kason
SAFER STREETS Dan wants to establish a dedicated legal team working alongside the Prince George RCMP to assist officers with charge documentation and pursue private prosecutions where appropriate. His goal is a more proactive approach to repeat offenders, stronger support for police and safer streets for Prince George residents.
Kal Basi
Mike Davis
Bill Lang
Oliver Ray
ge
Phil Rama
Roy Spooner
Learn more at votemclaren.ca
Karena Pollard
Authorized by FInancial Agent Donna Flood
Leisa Derksen
Logan Drydale
Mike Morris
Nagina Banger
Don Gowan
Building a safer, more affordable, and more prosperous city.
l
Sikandar Grewal
Vivien Lougheed
Rob Clarke
Frank Flood
BOLD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Dan believes Prince George needs to actively pursue investment rather than wait for opportunities to arrive. He wants to transform the City’s Economic Development team into a proactive force for attracting employers, encourage more responsive city planning and bring more good-paying jobs to Prince George.
Todd Corrigal
DAN MCLAREN
CITY COUNCILLOR
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PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
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paid advertisement
To the People of Prince George, There is something I want to say directly to you. Not in a forum. Not in a sound bite. Just plainly. More than two thousand years ago, Plato warned about separating political power from knowledge, judgment and serious thought. That idea matters for Prince George today. I recently heard it said that a Mayor does not need to be an expert on everything. I agree. No Mayor can know everything. But there is an enormous difference between knowing everything and understanding enough to challenge what is put in front of you. That is how I have approached the last four years. When a recommendation comes before Council, our responsibility is not simply to accept it. We need to understand the assumptions, the financial implications, the risks, and the potential benefits. Sometimes we need to ask the second question. Sometimes we need to say: I’m not convinced. Show me more. That’s not obstruction. That’s what good governance looks like. As a professional engineer, I have spent my career working this way. I
listen to experts. I respect expertise. But I also challenge assumptions. Because when millions of dollars, and the future of our city are at stake, getting the decision right matters. Prince George has learned that lesson before. The George Street Parkade was originally estimated at $12.6 million. Its eventual cost was closer to $22.5 million. What followed included independent reviews, tighter administrative controls and a whistleblower policy. Today, the City faces hundreds of millions of dollars in potential maintenance and capital requirements across its civic buildings. Those challenges did not appear overnight. They accumulated over years of singular questions and accepting reports at face value. The Mayor has one vote. I have heard that many times over the last four years. It is true. But every member of Council has one vote. So whether someone has served four years, eight years or eighteen years, all of us should be prepared to have our records examined. What did we question? What did we support? What did we try to change? And
when something did not make sense, were we willing to speak up? I believe the same standard should apply to transparency. After the parkade controversy, the City created a whistleblower policy to allow employees to raise serious concerns confidentially. When changes to that policy came before Council this year, I opposed them. My view is simple: accountability and transparency at City Hall should become stronger with time; not weaker. Relationships matter. Communication matters. Consensus matters. But none of them can replace practical experience.
what is in front of them, and are willing to ask difficult questions - because that’s good governance. So look closely at all of our records. Look at the decisions we made. Look at the questions we asked. Look beyond the presentation, paid social media ads, and the noise. Look for knowledge. Look for judgment. Look for experience. Look for substance. Because the decisions made at City Hall belong to all of us.
The next four years will bring major decisions about infrastructure, taxation, public safety and economic development. There will be reports and recommendations telling Council what should happen next. The people sitting around that table will have to decide whether to accept them, challenge them, change them or reject them. I don’t expect you to agree with every decision I have made. But I do believe you deserve elected officials who do their homework, understand
Prince George, Together.
Simon Yu
Authorized by Financial Agent, Tao Xu 672-983-8883
VOTE SIMON YU OCTOBER 17
Authorized by Financial Agent, Tao Xu 672-983-8883