University wants to see 4,000 people living in a new neighbourhood near hilltop campus
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
projected a total assessed value of $1.72 billion, city annual tax revenues of $10.7 million and $16.1 million in property tax revenues for all levels of government. Beyond the taxes, the presenters argued that it would fit a need for housing near the university and along a major transit corridor, which would in turn make it easier to recruit and retain students, faculty and other profession-
New neighbourhood could be home to 4,000 people
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Collaboration, they said, has already begun with Lheidli T’enneh First Nation in developing the project. Owen said Chief Dolleen Logan has granted initial support, but that talks with the nation are continuing including some later this month.
However, all this development is contingent on the provincial government. When the province has granted the university Crown land in the past, it has placed conditions on the transfer.
A September 2008 order-in-council granting UNBC some Crown land near Shane Lake on Cranbrook Hill said it was done “only so long as the land is used by the University of Northern British Columbia for university purposes and reverts to the Crown if not so used.”
Because of that, Owen asked council to help the university advocate for the removal of this so-called “reverter clause” on 27 acres of the land trust to allow for the development of part of the land trust.
Alternatively, he said council could just ask for the province to consider non-educational uses for that land.
Owen clarified that he wasn’t asking for the university to be able to develop the land for free, but below the regular price for this kind of development.
Following the presentation, Coun. Kyle Sampson said that he was glad this issue could finally be spoken about in public after first hearing about this shortly into his first term on council in 2019.
He said he felt that the proposal represented a chance for responsible growth in this community that also helps Prince George meet its provincially mandated housing targets and provide revenue for both the city and the university.
He moved for the issue to be forwarded to the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs for further discussion and advocacy.
City manager Walter Babicz noted that council would have a part to play in future development of the site by considering Official Community Plan
and rezoning applications.
Coun. Cori Ramsay asked what potential mixed-use developments with educational aspects could be planned for the site that doesn’t require the elimination of the reverter clause.
Barreira said that consideration has been given to building housing for students with families, mature students and medical students working on practicums at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia.
However, she noted that extensive infrastructure for the site is required and educational uses might not bring in enough funds to pay for it.
She added that the housing would help create opportunities for students who are trained at UNBC but have to move to other communities to find work.
Ramsay, who is also currently serving as president of the Union of BC Municipalities, suggested that the university
approved by the Board of Governors in 2023.
Coun. Susan Scott said that as a founding staff member of UNBC, she sees this development as being a long time coming. She said she respects the slow but deliberate pace the university has taken in working on this project and collaborating with its partners.
Coun. Tim Bennett said the project would represent a step towards making the university more sustainable and further cementing it as the crown jewel of Prince George. He requested that his colleagues on the intergovernmental affairs committee consider getting larger employers in the city like School District 57 to join the advocacy efforts.
Coun. Trudy Klassen, joining the meeting virtually, said she applauded the idea but asked the presenters what they’ll do to address potential concerns over the loss of urban forests that the development would represent.
Owen said the university has deliberately slowed some of its work down to make sure that access to nature and wildlife corridors are preserved during development. Early designs have tried to account for this.
might want to reach out for letters of support from other communities that it serves.
Coun. Garth Frizzell said he felt that the proposal meets the province’s challenge for post-secondary institutions to find alternative revenue sources amidst the federally imposed decline in international students.
He said that though he serves as a sessional instructor at the university, he did not see a conflict of interest in his consideration of this file.
Coun. Ron Polillo asked how far back discussions over this land have stretched. Owen said that serious discussions have gone on since around 2019, but that it had been talked about before then as well.
Eventually, Barreira said, the university will have to submit a business case to the province for the project and letters of support would help with that process. An initial design, she said, was
He also said that not all of the university’s land would be developed and that the development would take place over 10 to 20 years.
Barreira added that both students and staff have been consulted and will continue to be a part of the process.
Mayor Simon Yu said that the project wasn’t just for UNBC but Prince George as a whole. He pointed to the downtown Wood Innovation Centre as another example of a successful collaboration between the university and the city. He encouraged the university representatives to reach out if anything else is needed from the city.
Vote summary
Motion: Council directs the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs to advocate in favour of the elimination of the reverter clause on part of the UNBC Land Trust to facilitate development.
Result: Approved unanimously.
UNBC HANDOUT IMAGE
UNBC is seeking approval to sell the area in blue, located south of the university’s campus across from its main entrance, for residential development.
Plan would see new apartments at Studio 2880 site
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
The redevelopment of the Studio 2880 site into a mixed-use apartment building is one step closer to fruition after Prince George city council approved first three readings of a rezoning bylaw at its Monday, March 23 meeting.
Administration will ask Prince George city council to grant initial approval to the rezoning of the city-owned property where Studio 2880 sits at its next meeting to eventually allow for the construction of a mixed-use apartment building.
Proposed is the rezoning of 2820-2880 15th Avenue from P3: Major Institutional to RM6: Mid-Rise Residential.
A report from city staff included in the March 23 meeting agenda said the “rezoning will facilitate a mixed-use development on the subject property currently being used for Studio 2880.”
Studio 2880 is the headquarters of the Prince George and District Community
Studio 2880, the home of the Community Arts Council, is located at 2880 15th Ave. Prince George city council approved the first three readings of a rezoning bylaw that would allow for the property to be redeveloped into a mixed-use apartment building on Monday, March 23, 2026.
Arts Council.
The more than 80-year-old building needs repair or replacement. In 2022, The Citizen reported that the buildings on the property needed $260,350 worth of renovations to keep them operational.
Administration proposed to replace the existing structures to create a 45-unit, six-storey apartment building that would include space for Studio
To accommodate the land uses for both the apartment building and Studio 2880, administration wants council to approve the rezoning of the property from P3: Major Institutional to RM6: MidRise Residential.
As well, administration is proposing to voluntarily establish a restrictive covenant that would prevent future development on the site to exceed six
storeys.
First three readings of the rezoning bylaw will be considered on March 23, with Staff recommending that final reading be withheld until that covenant is established.
Since the city considers the development to align with the Official Community Plan, a public hearing was not held on the proposal.
During the meeting, director of planning and development Deanna Wasnik said city staff are working closely with the Community Arts Council on the project.
One letter of support for the rezoning was attached to the meeting agenda.
Vote summary
Motion: Council approves first three readings for a rezoning bylaw for the property at 2820-2880 15th Ave. Final reading will be withheld pending the registration of a restrictive covenant.
Mayor cites electon as reason for ending commitee
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
Representatives from Prince George’s business community expressed disappointment at the Standing Committee on Public Safety concluding its business for the rest of the current council term on Thursday, March 17 while Mayor Simon Yu explained his decision as a matter of optics.
The week preceding the March 17 meeting, an agenda was released that included a report from Mayor Simon Yu stating his intention for the committee to wrap up its work on that date.
Before it came time for Yu to discuss the matter during the meeting, the committee heard a presentation from Prince George Chamber of Commerce executive director Neil Godbout and Downtown Prince George executive director Chrisie Berry who provided updates on some of their recent initiatives.
Towards the end of that presentation, Godbout — the former managing editor of The Citizen — said “to hear this committee is concluding is sad.”
While Godbout said he felt that he wished more progress had been made on some of the committee’s projects, he also said he felt what it was doing was important and that it should continue.
He said he had invited CrossRoads Brewing and Distillery co-owner Daryl Leiski to the meeting. He lost his business’s downtown location at 508 George St. to an early-morning fire on Sept. 5, 2025.
The last time Leiski addressed the committee, 12 days after the fire, he said he would not rebuild the restaurant under the current public safety climate in downtown Prince George.
Richard Alex Gordon Tichener pleaded guilty to arson in January 2026 in relation to the fire.
Leiski provided a copy of his comment in a letter that was hand-delivered by representatives of city council to Premier David Eby at last September’s Union of BC Municipalities conference in Victoria. At the end of that conference, the premier announced that his government would open an involuntary
care facility in Prince George to treat people with mental health and addiction challenges.
While Leiski could not attend in person, Godbout read a message on his behalf regarding the end of the committee’s activity: “It’s a real disappointment and shame that Mayor Yu doesn’t see the value in the public safety committee.”
Responding to these comments, Yu recounted an anecdote from this January’s BC Natural Resources Forum in Prince George, where an unnamed wellknown public figure supposedly told him that he was surprised the mayor was going to speak given that the next set of BC local elections was less than a year away.
He said that he was concerned that, with those elections seven months away, the committee’s work would become too politicized.
“This is too important to be hijacked by some smart ass as a political thing.”
However, Yu said that the end of the committee didn’t mean that work on public safety would end.
He said he has been privately lobbying BC Minister of State for Community Safety Terry Yung on public safety issues.
Additionally, he said he would refer discussions on the impact of displacing the encampment at Moccasin Flats, installing public art walls in vacant downtown lots, managing public washrooms and investigating the possibility of public fireplaces to future Committee of the Whole meetings.
The mayor encouraged individuals
and groups to reach out to his office to discuss any public safety concerns they have.
After the meeting, Yu told reporters that when he went over the committee’s terms of reference, it looked to him like all the objectives had been completed.
The difference between this committee and others like the Standing Committee on Finance and Audit and the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, he said, is that the latter two are legally mandated by BC’s Community Charter, while the former was created at his discretion.
Adding the requirement for a public safety committee to the Community Charter is something he said he would consider advocating for to the provincial government, as well as opening a dedicated mental health hospital, the specifics of the involuntary care facility promised for Prince George and implementing a community-based policing model.
He said he agreed with Godbout and Leiski that there’s more work to get done but reiterated his concerns over the potential politicization of the committee in an election year.
He pointed out that members of the committee may choose to run for public office come October.
When asked what he wished the committee had made more progress on, he listed establishing public washrooms and getting external resources in the downtown core and having the committee interact more with representatives from the provincial and federal governments.
At the end of the meeting, committee members were given a chance to provide some final remarks.
John Zukowski, the owner of Pacific Body Jewellery and Piercing on Fourth Avenue, said this was the second public safety-related committee he had been on and that this one was much better than the “absolute gong show” of his first go-around.
He said that in retrospect, he wished the committee had started its work closer to the beginning of this council term so that it could be more proactive than reactive.
Karm Manhas, the owner of Kaiten Mixed Martial Arts Academy, said he appreciated the committee’s support and that he was glad that through the committee, locals finally started to speak out about the harm being done to the community by drugs.
Miranda Seymour, a councillor for Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and a lawyer for the BC First Nations Justice Council, said she was glad to have the chance to bring an Indigenous perspective and voice to the table.
She said that sometimes that voice is not allowed in rooms in this community when it should be equal to others.
Coun. Brian Skakun thanked the members of the committee, staff and RCMP representatives who attended and worked at the meetings.
Coun. Trudy Klassen said that it might not feel like much, but that providing people with an avenue to communicate on the issues addressed by the committee is the start of effecting real change.
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT
RCMP officers work behind a cordon on Dominion Street during an investigation on Sunday, Nov. 2.
Chamber and DBIA ofer security camera update
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
In the first two months of the security camera pilot project operated jointly by the Prince George Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Prince George recorded 113 instances of unusual activity, the city’s Standing Committee on Public Safety heard at its final meeting on Tuesday, March 17.
Executive directors Neil Godbout from the chamber and Chrisie Berry from Downtown PG were on hand to give a brief overview of the program’s first two months in operation.
Berry said that in January and February, the cameras registered 113 incidences of unusual activity, suspicious or otherwise.
These incidents led to 35 calls from an alarm company to the RCMP and five to Prince George Fire Rescue. Some calls led to both services arriving on scene.
For the alarm company monitoring the cameras, Berry said the first step when someone is somewhere they shouldn’t be is to activate a siren played through the cameras.
If there’s no change in what’s going on, that’s when emergency services are notified. However, Prince George Fire Rescue are alerted immediately if there’s an active fire.
Initially, Berry said, the siren would go off and there would be no response from the person seen by the camera until the RCMP arrived.
Now, she said, people are more likely to leave when the siren is turned on which leads to fewer calls being made to the police.
Discussing more broadly the problems facing the downtown core, Berry said that their efforts are currently limited to being reactive rather than proactive. Because of limited funding to repair vandalism and remove graffiti, there’s an increasing visual impact on downtown buildings. The city used to fund a graffiti removal project but is not currently doing so.
Godbout, The Citizen’s former managing editor, then spoke about results from a recent survey of the chamber’s membership.
In February, members were asked how many criminal and other public disorder incidents their businesses had experienced over the past year.
Just 47 of the chamber’s 540 members responded.
More than one-third, 36.2 per cent, said they’d experienced no incidents like this. Another 29.8 per cent reported between one and five incidents.
Two respondents, 4.3 per cent of the total, said they’d experienced between 50 and 99 incidents. One respondent, 2.1 per cent of the total, said they’d experienced more than 100.
Members were also asked how much damage these incidents had cost their businesses.
The largest component, 40.4 per cent of respondents, said it hadn’t cost them anything. Another 14.9 per cent said incidents had cost them $500 or less.
Almost one-quarter of respondents, 23.4 per cent, said incidents had cost them between $1,000 to $4,999.
One respondent (2.1 per cent) said incidents cost them between $5,000 and $9,999 while four respondents (8.5 per cent) said crime had cost them more than $10,000.
Mayor Simon Yu asked director of administrative services Eric Depenau when the city’s funding for graffiti removal programming had stopped.
As this year had been a tough budget, Depenau said, this year’s budget had been passed without the $10,000 allocated in previous years.
The mayor proposed a motion asking council to consider granting $10,000 from its 2026 contingency funds to the graffiti removal program if its grant applications were unsuccessful. That motion passed unanimously.
Yu also said the low participation could mean that the survey results don’t accurately reflect the impact crime has on local businesses. $10,000
$2,000
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Hart daycare expansion closer to council approval
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
A daycare near Pinewood Elementary School is one step closer to being able to expand after a rezoning bylaw received first three readings were approved at Prince George city council on Monday, March 23.
Currently, 2460 Foot St. is zoned as RS2: Single Residential, which allows for a “community care facility, minor” land use for up to 12 persons.
Owners Pratiksha Krantikumar and Rajtantra Lilhare asked for it to be rezoned to RM1: Multiple Residential so they can operated under a “community care facility, major” land use for 12 or more people cared for at the daycare.
They also asked for a development variance permit to reduce the minimum front yard setback for the property from 4.5 metres to 0.5 metres, which will allow for two additional parking stalls to be installed.
The additional parking stalls would in turn mean that the daycare meets the minimum required under the RM1 zoning.
Included with the meeting agenda is a rationale letter from Lilhare.
It said that the daycare currently cares for infants and toddlers under the age of three and is looking to expand so it can care for three more children younger than three and five children between three and five years old.
That would leave the daycare with a total capacity for 20 kids.
The proposed expansion is primarily driven by strong demand from families currently attending the child-care centre,” Lilhare wrote.
“Many families have multiple children and have expressed a clear need for sibling care at a single, consistent location. This rezoning would allow families to drop off and pick up siblings at one site rather than travelling to multiple childcare locations across the city.”
Lilhare clarified that the property will not be used as a private residence while
operating as a daycare.
Included with the daycare’s documentation were three identical letters of support signed by residents of the same or nearby streets.
In a late submission to the agenda, Dave Bullis of Foot Street sent a letter expressing concern with the potential rezoning. He argued that the rezoning would drop the value of his single-family home and that the neighbourhood was not an appropriate place for the daycare. Other concerns included impacts on parking, traffic and real estate in the area.
City administration said in separate reports that it supports both applications.
However, it noted that should the rezoning be approved, the property owners would need to apply for a new business license and operating license from Northern Health reflecting the increased number of children in care.
While the development variance permit was initially on the March 23 council agenda, corporate officer Ethan Anderson said at the beginning of the evening that it was being postponed to a future meeting to allow for the rezoning to be considered first.
Discussing the rezoning, Coun. Cori Ramsay said she didn’t think the addition of eight more kids to the daycare would have much of an impact on the neighbourhood.
Coun. Tim Bennett asked what happens if the property is rezoned but Northern Health rejects the application for a larger license.
The city’s director of planning and development, Deanna Wasnik, said the daycare would still be able to operate under a “community care facility, minor” land use should that happen.
First three readings of the rezoning bylaw were passed unanimously.
Vote summary
Motion: Council approves first three readings of a bylaw rezoning 2460 Foot St.
Result: Approved unanimously.
Council approves limited-duraton grants for 2026
Roundtable: $5,000
• Prince George Portuguese Cultural Society: $2,200
The recipients of this year’s limited-duration and multiyear grants from the City of Prince George were approved by city council at its Monday, March 23 meeting.
At a March 3 Committee of the Whole meeting, councillors gave initial approval to 15 limited-duration operating grants for both 2026 and 2027 with a total value of $131,576 each year.
Those recipients were:
• Carefree Society: $10,000
• Everyone At The Table PG: $11,000
• Learning Differences Centre of BC: $15,404.75
• New Beginnings Men’s Shed: $8,000
• Northern Adapted Sports Association: $20,000
• Northern Women’s Centre: $8,000
• Prince George Air Improvement
• Spruce Capital Senior Citizen Recreation Society: $10,000
• Northern Bear Awareness Society: $10,000
• Eco Living Community: $4,000
• Northern FanCon Society: $10,000
• Prince George Cantata Singers: $2,271.25
• Method Dance Society: $10,000
• Spruce City Wildlife Association: $10,000
City staff noted at the March 9 meeting that despite narrowing the program’s parameters and eligibility in 2025, there were still 26 applications asking for more than $1.5 million this year.
The previous year, there were 36 organization asking for a total of $664,000.
While some organizations were deemed ineligible for funding under
The Spruce City Wildlife Association, a recipient of a limted-duration city grant, carries out channel restoration to protect salmon at Cottonwood Island Park on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.
the program, there were five eligible groups that were recommended to not receive anything by staff: Handy Circle Resources Society, Pacific Autism Family Network — Prince George Spoke, Silvertip Archers, Prince George Judo Club and 1697s Rugby Club.
Also on March 9, council discussed requests from the Prince George Native Friendship Centre, the Prince George
Council of Seniors, Theatre NorthWest and the Prince George Symphony Orchestra to have their multiyear funding grant amounts increased.
These increases were not recommended for approval. Instead, councillors present voted to recommend that council direct administration to create a report on how multiyear grant funding levels should be adjusted going forward. Most of council expressed gratitude to city staff for their work on Prince George’s grant program during the March 23 meeting.
A motion giving final approval to both of the Committee of the Whole’s recommendations was passed unanimously.
Vote summary
Motion: Council approves the recommendations for multiyear and limited-duration grants made by the Committee of the Whole on March 3, 2026.
Result: Passed unanimously.
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
Proud fans can help fuel local hockey playof runs
KENNEDY GORDON
Citizen Managing Editor
Prince George has two playoff contenders — it’s time to show up with our elbows up
With the world seeming more out-ofcontrol by the day, there are still a few things Canadians can count on — and near the top of that list is hockey.
Here in Prince George, we don’t just have hockey. We have great hockey. And right now, we have something even better: two top-tier junior teams heading into the playoffs in prime position.
For those who don’t follow our local teams regularly, this is the moment to pay attention — and to show up.
The Prince George Cougars are peaking at exactly the right time. They closed out the regular season with a flawless March, going 8-0 and capping it with a hard-fought 2-1 win over the Victoria Royals on the road. That victory didn’t just extend their streak — it knocked Victoria out of playoff contention.
That’s great hockey.
Defenceman Tyrone Sobry scored his first goal with the Cougars since arriving in a January trade, while Koy Funk — acquired the same day — netted the game-winner.
In net, Alexander Levshyn (giving Ravensbergen the night off after seven consecutive wins) guarded the gate during a third period that saw Prince George heavily outshot.
This is a team that has found its
Cougars fans cheer on the team at the CN Centre on April 13, 2024. The Cats and their BCHL counterparts, the Spruce Kings, are set to start their playoff runs.
structure, its confidence and its identity.
Finishing 44-22-2-0, the Cougars secured third place in the Western Conference and now face the Spokane Chiefs in the opening round. The series begins at CN Centre — and that matters. Home ice is an advantage, but only if the building is alive.
Meanwhile, across town, the Prince George Spruce Kings have quietly authored one of the most impressive seasons in their history.
Their 5-2 win over the Coquitlam Express clinched the Coastal East Division title — the first time since 2019 that the team will hang a banner in Kopar Memorial Arena.
That 2019 season should ring a bell. It ended with the Spruce Kings winning
their only BCHL championship.
This year’s team has earned that comparison. With a 33-17-3-0 record and a dominant presence at home — 19 wins in 27 games — they’ve built a style that travels well into the playoffs: physical, disciplined and opportunistic.
After a flat performance the night before, the Spruce Kings responded Sunday with purpose. Mason Loewen set the tone early with a thunderous hit. Ryan Wachtel, Ben Vreugdenhil and Tai Ushio powered a second-period surge that put the game out of reach. The team stayed composed, taking just three minor penalties, and played to win.
They’ll open the playoffs against the Langley Rivermen with home-ice
advantage at Kopar. It’s a rink that players openly say opponents “hate” to visit due to the long northern travel, the tight ice surface, the hard boards and the energy of the crowd all tilt the ice in Prince George’s favour.
But again, that edge depends on the fans.
There’s a phrase that’s been circulating in Canada lately: “elbows up.” It’s been used to describe a national posture — a readiness to stand firm in the face of external pressure, particularly from the United States.
But let’s be clear: “elbows up” is, at its core, a hockey phrase.
It speaks to resilience. To grit. To protecting your ice.
And right now, Prince George has two teams embodying exactly that spirit.
The Cougars are surging into the playoffs with momentum and depth. The Spruce Kings are disciplined, battle-tested and playing with the confidence of a division champion. Both have legitimate reasons to believe they can make deep runs.
Opportunities like this don’t come around every year — not in one league, and certainly not with two at the same time.
So go to a game. Fill the seats at CN Centre. Pack Kopar Memorial Arena. Buy some team merchandise. Don’t miss out on the excitement. Be loud. Be proud. Be part of it.
Because playoff hockey in Prince George isn’t just something to watch. It’s something to rally around.
We acknowledge the fnancial support of the government of Canada.
Nous reconnaissons l’appui fnancier du gouvernement du Canada.
Kennedy Gordon Managing Editor
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Citzen editor a fnalist for natonal news award
CITIZEN STAFF
Prince George Citizen managing editor Kennedy Gordon is among the finalists for the 2025 National Newspaper Awards, earning a nomination in the Claude Ryan Award for Editorial Writing.
Gordon is recognized for editorials addressing city funding for seniors centres, the importance of local media and the impact of misinformation and NIMBYism in Prince George.
The nomination places the paper in competition with larger national and Quebec-based outlets in the same category.
Also nominated in that category are Stéphanie Grammond of La Presse in Montreal, cited for editorials on economic and policy issues, and Louise-Maude Rioux Soucy of Le Devoir, also in Montreal, recognized for writing on a school scandal, health-care disputes and immigration.
Gordon joined The Citizen in 2024 after 10 years as the managing editor of The Peterborough Examiner in Ontario. Before that, he was a reporter and editor at The Sudbury Star.
Several other British Columbia-based journalists and organizations received nominations in other categories.
Across all categories, 99 journalists and seven team entries from 27 publications have been named finalists.
The Globe and Mail has the highest number of nominations with 19, followed by La Presse with 13 and The Toronto Star with eight.
Other organizations with multiple nominations include The Canadian Press, The Winnipeg Free Press and Le Devoir.
Winners will be announced April 24 at a gala in Toronto.
Domestc violence, animal cruelty linked
CFUW-PRINCE GEORGE
Recognizing the link between human and animal cruelty can help victims of domestic violence.
Canadians love their pets. More than 60 per cent of Canadian homes have at least one cat or dog, and the number continues to increase. The vast majority of pet owners consider their pets part of their family.
Animals are a source of unconditional love. Strong emotional bonds develop between animals and their humans. These bonds with animals decrease our loneliness and anxiety, promote social interaction, and encourage us to exercise. They can literally be the reason we get up in the morning.
But while animals contribute so much to our quality of life, the sad reality is that they may also be victims of abuse or neglect at the hands of humans.
In fact, animal cruelty is often just the tip of the iceberg, where other issues lie beneath the surface, including child maltreatment, elder abuse and domestic violence. Therefore, animal violence is an indicator or predictor of crime and a “red flag” warning sign that other family members in the home may not be safe.
This well-documented link between animal cruelty and human cruelty is known as the Violence Link.
The Violence Link can be a significant barrier for individuals leaving domestic violence.
Victims of domestic violence may be coerced into staying by threats of violence toward their pets. The emotional attachments to pets can create a vulnerability for victims, as abusers may use these attachments to control and intimidate. Perpetrators of domestic violence may threaten, harm or kill animals to exert dominance and power over their victims and to show them what could happen to them.
At least 50 per cent of victims delay leaving out of fear for their animal’s safety.
to animals and domestic violence, something the new Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act, proposes to address.
Escaping domestic violence may well depend on the availability of programs that allow animals to escape, too. However, the vast majority of shelters do not allow women to bring their pets. In 2022/2023, under one in three (28 per cent) Canadian facilities for victims of abuse offered pet accommodations.
The good news is that “pet safekeeping programs” are being established across Canada. These include foster-based programs where volunteer caregivers provide short-term care of pets while owners are staying in domestic violence shelters or transition housing. Some communities have “petfriendly” domestic violence shelters where pets may be cared for in the victim’s room, or in a kennel at the shelter. There are animal shelters that are working with domestic violence shelters to provide temporary care for pets.
It is essential that long-term options, such as pet-inclusive affordable housing, are also available for the continued care of animals after individuals flee domestic violence. But there simply aren’t enough of these programs to meet the urgent need. The gaps are especially dire in rural and remote areas, where help is often out of reach for both people and their pets.
So, what can you do to help individuals and their animals escape domestic violence?
Talk and write to your government officials about the Violence Link and the importance of supporting and implementing pet safekeeping programs.
In fact, there is a timely landmark bill currently making its way through Parliament. You can ask your MP to support the passage of Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act.
It directly addresses the connection between violence against animals and violence against people, especially children and survivors of domestic violence. Humane Canada, the national federation of SPCAs and humane societies, has launched a campaign to help people connect to their MP and support Bill C-16 — here is the link to add your voice: https://win.newmode. net/humanecanada/billc16
You can also start the conversation. Talk about the Violence Link with your family, friends and neighbours. Many are not aware of this link. Educate youth on the signs of potential abuse. If someone abuses an animal, this is a warning sign. Get away — and report the animal abuse to the BC SPCA animal cruelty helpline: 1-855-622-7722.
We need a multi-disciplinary approach to help — police, social workers and animal welfare professionals — working together against family violence. When animals are abused, people may be at risk; when people are abused, animals may be at risk.
It is crucial to raise awareness and understanding about the Violence Link for the safekeeping of individuals and their animals experiencing domestic violence to help them escape.
So, let’s start talking about it.
CFUW-Prince George is a club member of CFUW, formerly the Canadian Federation of University Women, a leading national organization that promotes education and empowerment of women and girls.
BC SPCA PHOTO
A cat rescued from an unsafe home is seen in a file photo. There’s a link between cruelty
OPINION
Guest column: Enough talk — time for action on mental health
I appreciate the honesty of Mr. Zurowski. The thing that is destroying communities has been poorly labelled as “homelessness.” This label is misleading and contributes to the real problem of “addiction.”
“Frequent flyers” are the real problem that is destroying communities and many small businesses.
I sold my small business about 2 1/2 decades ago. “Frequent flyers” were the reason I sold out. Police gave me lip service and listened to my complaints, but the frequent flyers kept coming back.
I did not think it could get worse than what happened 2 1/2 decades ago, but it has.
The frequent flyers in the BC Legislature over the past 30 years should look in the mirror.
History over the past three decades is not pretty, no matter how much woke makeup is put on it.
waymar10@telus.net
Prince George Citizen editor nominated for National Newspaper Award
Congratulations! You have been one of the best editors The Prince George Citizen has had in years.
You keep the citizens of Prince George in the know, especially when it comes to city council/ city hall and their shenanigans.
It is very much appreciated. R. Nich
Dedicated volunteer talks about the heartbreaking reason she does what she does
Toxic drugs continue to be a real problem in our society.
This epidemic strikes people of all stripes, genders and preferences. It doesn’t care what kind of family you come from, who your friends are, or the colour of your skin.
I don’t encourage anyone to use mind-altering substances, but we all know that it is going to happen, for a wide variety of reasons.
Thus far, our dear governments, which attempt to control so much of the lawabiding population, have not tried hard enough to find a way around this issue.
We need more people like Michelle and Corinne and their cohorts advocating for change.
Thank you, Christine, and the Citizen newspaper for keeping this issue alive.
Toby Haiste
Mayor says public safety committee ending due to election proximity
This sure is a perverse rationale for shutting down the public safety committee. Closing it to avoid “politicization” is contradictory. Public safety is already a political issue, especially heading into an election.
Committees are meant to provide transparency, debate and accountability. Ending it doesn’t remove politics; it simply limits where discussion occurs and who can take part. In effect, it reduces public scrutiny at a time when voters should be hearing competing ideas. Avoiding “grandstanding” shouldn’t come at the expense of open dialogue.
This decision appears less about protecting process and more about controlling the narrative. Mayor, you have just politicized it!
Perham
Moccasin Flats camping site, City of Prince George council procedures up for nal approval
Not too sure what is going on in the minds of staff and city council on this temporary overnight camping site.
Did we not just spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on cleaning up and shutting down Moccasin Flats? Anyone with half a mind can see this is just opening up another can of worms with this site. Does anyone actually think it will become a one-night overnight camping site for the city? Good luck getting the local
downtown residents out each and every day.
I think the funding for cleanup this time should come out of the pockets of the decision-makers, not from the pockets of the taxpayers. We are not an endless source of funds for your poor decisions.
Jack Frost
James Steidle: AI’s rst mission is to suck up BC’s electricity
I agree with James about this, and that is something I don’t do on a regular basis.
I have a huge issue with AI using up our water and electrical resources for something that has no payback to our province or society. Charging an inappropriately low rate for our electricity is a form of insanity, and I do not want to see this become a reality in our city or province. Just because it exists doesn’t mean we have to sell it off to businesses that provide little value to our society, bring few jobs and don’t even pay the real cost to produce the electrical services they demand from us.
It was a mistake to allow the first AI business to be set up in Prince George, and we need to act swiftly and carefully to ensure any future ones are either turned away or charged appropriately for using up our water and electrical resources. We paid a great deal for Site C — at least charge the real costs to commercial users! We will be fleeced quickly if we don’t act now.
HJMSPG
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BC Wildfre invests in new equipment depot in city
Provincial budget includes $21M in funding for PG site
Citizen Staff
The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is preparing for the 2026 wildfire season with new investments in the province, including additional equipment, vehicles, helicopters and, most notably, the purchase of an equipment depot in Prince George.
The BC government said in a March 16 press release that the 2024 budget included $21 million in capital funding for an enhanced equipment depot in Prince George.
The depot is expected to be operational ahead of the 2026 wildfire season.
In an email, the Ministry of Forests confirmed that the land on which the pre-existing Prince George depot is situated, at 1434 Old Cariboo Highway, was purchased through the previously mentioned capital funding in the provincial budget.
The existing infrastructure at the property is planned to be used to store fire camp infrastructure and equipment such as hoses, pumps, bladders, chainsaws and more, to help prepare and equip wildfire fighters in the north.
The Ministry of Forests also noted that there may be future site improvements or buildings constructed — but
that this will not occur immediately.
The depot is expected to help deploy and maintain critical wildfire-fighting equipment across the north, Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said in the release.
“Our crews are world-class, but they need the right equipment and tools to do their job effectively,” Parmar said.
“This depot in Prince George allows for more firefighting infrastructure and equipment to be stored in Northern BC. This means northern communities now have a larger depot at home, ready to move equipment through the area more efficiently.”
Emergency services personnel in Prince George are excited at the prospect of an expanded depot in the region.
Tanya Spooner, the city’s manager of emergency programs, said in an interview with The Citizen that she believed the depot would be incredibly useful.
“I think anything that enhances the capability to respond to wildfires in the north is incredibly beneficial not only to Prince George but to Northern BC,” Spooner said. “We’re obviously incredibly pleased to have that equipment here in Prince George. It means that it will be readily on hand, hopefully, if we ever do have a wildfire in our area. It is ultimately to the benefit of everyone living here to have that equipment regularly maintained and hopefully the crews and staff to support it.”
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PRIZES FOR EVERY AGE CATAGORY
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CITIZEN PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER
The Ministry of Forests’ plan includes the expansion of this pre-existing depot located at 1434 Old Cariboo Highway.
City fre chief says expansion will beneft community
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Spooner also noted that Prince George’s status as a hub made it a logical location for the investment.
“I think that there’s some logic there in coming to Prince George and having it based out of Prince George,” she said. “We’ve got all of the things that make us a great hub city already — the easy access through large airports, through the highways — and it’s an area and a community that’s looked to for leadership in emergency response.”
She said she hoped the presence of the enhanced Prince George depot would help bring more awareness to the seriousness of forest fires in the north.
“Anything that puts focus on preparedness on the response ultimately benefits the message that we’re trying to get out as emergency management,” Spooner said.
“Reminding people that these events do occur, they do occur close to home, and that not only do we, as a province, need to be prepared and the city needs to be prepared, but individuals also need to be prepared. The more that we can showcase that happening at all levels, hopefully that message gets down to the individual.”
Prince George fire chief Bryan Burleigh also touted the benefits of expanding the depot in a separate interview.
“From a municipal fire perspective, it’s a benefit to our community to have quick resources available in the event we need them,” Burleigh said. “It’s an opportunity to support our surrounding areas, where the reality is we could be faced with a wildfire starting outside the city and coming into the city. From that perspective, it’s a great opportunity. Secondly, it’s just a great strategic move from my perspective to say that they’ve allocated resources throughout the province and are prepared and ready to go with the plan.”
In addition to the expanding Prince George depot, the BC government is focusing on improved recruitment across the province. BCWS said in the release that it has more than 600 year-round positions available and has
also received a record 2,400 firefighter applications for seasonal positions.
It is also expanding First Nations bootcamps, extending the hiring period and providing training for wild-urban interface operations to more than 1,700 fire departments. That means urban areas will be much better equipped to fight fires when they reach city limits.
Beyond recruitment and training, the BCWS is also expanding its array of equipment, vehicles and helicopters:
• $14 million has been invested to expand on-ground firefighting equipment, such as camp equipment and trucks
• 10 additional Type 2 structure-protection units have been acquired. These are trailers that contain equipment used for structure protection and wildfire defence
• Mechanical assets such as pumps, saws and safety equipment have also been purchased
In addition, BCWS has long-term
contracts in place for helicopters in 2026:
• Seven medium helicopters
• Four intermediate helicopters
• Three rappel medium helicopters
• Four heavy helicopters
• Two parattack jumpships
The BCWS fleet includes eight tanker groups with a fleet of 28 fixed across 14 bases throughout BC. There are also an additional 120 carriers with helicopters that are hired when required to respond to wildfires.
Burleigh said he thinks that the enhanced depot, combined with the newly announced equipment and training, shows that the province has recognized the potential danger of wildfires to urban areas.
“An important part from my perspective is that provincially we have now recognized that it’s a matter of when, not if, our community will be faced with some of these potential wildfire urban interface situations,” Burleigh said. “We think it’s very important to support the
province and our neighbouring communities when they have these emergencies within their municipalities. So we step up and support because we’re hoping that in the future, that reciprocation will be here to support when we need support.”
He added that his department works closely with BCWS and believes the enhanced depot shows a commitment to the area and will only improve the capabilities of both departments.
“It’s definitely a surprise and it’s reassuring to see that the resources are being committed where the risk is,” Burleigh said. “I believe it’s going to only improve our ability. Mostly we look at it from a community perspective. We work very hand in hand with BC Wildfire and when we have incidents within our community, they’re quick to respond and support us. Obviously, we most often do the initial size-up and attack, but they’re quick to support us, so having resources available in our own community only strengthens that opportunity.”
GOOGLE MAPS
This land along with the pre-existing equipment depot in Prince George at 1434 Old Cariboo Highway has been purchased by the Ministry of Forests.
Weapons ofences land man another 359 days in jail
BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A 45-year-old man was sentenced to another 359 days in jail by a Prince George Provincial Court judge on March 18 for possessing a shotgun in 2024 and removing his electronic monitoring device last fall.
Michael John Fulton was arrested March 8, 2024, at the Canadian Tire store after he had been a passenger in a stolen vehicle driven by accomplice Pride Dawson Moore.
Four days earlier, a woman called police to report her Buick Century had been stolen from her driveway.
On March 8, 2024, a Prince George RCMP officer saw the vehicle in an alleyway near Vancouver Street and police came up with a plan to arrest the occupants.
Later, during a chase, Moore veered around a spike belt, crashed and came to a stop in the middle of Highway
16 near Tyner Boulevard. Moore ran toward the Canadian Tire gas bar and was arrested at gunpoint. Fulton also fled, but was arrested in the Canadian Tire store.
Judge Charles Hutchinson agreed with the joint sentencing proposal from Crown and defence lawyers for a 30-month sentence, but Fulton qualified for a time-served credit to reduce the sentence.
Hutchinson said the most serious offence Fulton committed was the possession of a prohibited, loaded firearm without authorization.
“The fact that it was loaded and readily at hand indicates that danger and violence could have occurred to members of the community, including the RCMP, and it’s fortunate that it did not,” Hutchinson said.
Fulton also pleaded guilty to breaching his release order for failing to abide by electronic monitoring. He removed the monitor and was at large for more
than five weeks before he was arrested.
Fulton addressed the court from the prisoner’s enclosure, outlining the work
he has done in jail to take the courses offered.
He has also seen a psychologist to deal with the trauma of losing his fisherman brother in a 2019 Great Slave Lake incident.
Jason George Fulton and three others were never found. In January, a judge in Prince George declared the man presumed dead.
“There was really no closure in his loss,” Michael John Fulton said.
Hutchinson also ordered forfeiture of the shotgun, ammunition, an Airsoft pistol, bear spray and a baton. Fulton must provide a DNA sample and is not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition for 10 years.
Hutchinson acknowledged Fulton is a Northern Cree man without a criminal record, but he will not be receiving probation.
“It’ll be up to him to decide when he returns back to the community,” Hutchinson said.
Court heard the case of a man who was arrested at gunpoint after police chased a stolen vehicle.
Probaton for woman who bit emergency room nurse
BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A nurse bitten by a patient who had been committed under the Mental Health Act told a Provincial Court judge in a written impact statement that the injury led her to find another position and focus on her own well-being.
The letter was submitted for the March 16 hearing of a woman who pleaded guilty to assault.
The victim said violence against healthcare workers happens too often but must be recognized and treated seriously.
She had wanted to be an emergency room nurse since childhood, but felt guilty leaving patients and colleagues behind after the toll of abuse.
“Everyone in our community deserves to have access to safe emergency services in their time of need,” the nurse wrote.
The patient, 36, pleaded guilty to the May 24, 2023, assault at University Hospital of Northern BC.
Judge Martin Nadon agreed to the defence proposal for a conditional discharge.
The woman had no prior criminal record and will not have one if she successfully completes the 12-month probation order.
“I do want to make this comment,”
Nadon said. “I do not think that the Crown’s suggestion of 18 months is inappropriate, but I am taking into account the time of the offence and today’s date, and the efforts that have been made between that time.”
Problems began, Nadon said, when the woman was placed on a bed and kept in a hallway.
She eventually needed to be restrained and held down by several people, but reacted by biting the nurse
on the wrist. The nurse’s skin was not broken, but she suffered a bruise and a raised welt.
Nadon said the victim did a very good job of outlining the difficulties faced daily by emergency room staff and how it affects the delivery of emergency care.
“I gotta say that an assault on emergency room personnel, in this case, a nurse, is a serious matter, and unfortunately, too often, it adds burden to a system that’s already straining under the weights of many other factors,” Nadon said. “Including overcrowded emergency rooms and communities struggling with out-of-control drug use and its consequences, those consequences often find their way into emergency rooms.”
The Crown position was that a conditional discharge was not appropriate because it did not emphasize denunciation and deterrence.
Defence argued the woman had no criminal record and has continued to seek treatment without further trouble.
“(She) has not only done what she was supposed to do, but has also been proactive in looking after those things that led to this event,” Nadon said.
Nadon said the case met the test for a discharge because it is in the best interest of the offender and not contrary to the public interest.
Probaton and driving ban for man who fed while stoned
BOB MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A 28-year-old man who was stoned when he fled from Quesnel RCMP while at the wheel of an allegedly stolen vehicle last year was sentenced March 17 to time served.
Kyle Fredrick Ford pleaded guilty to the May 20, 2025, offences of impaired driving, flight from police and driving while disqualified.
Provincial Court Judge Michael Brecknell banned Ford from driving for three years and put him on probation for two years.
“I accept that his drug use impacts his criminality and that his decision making on the day of May 20 was impaired by that drug use,” Brecknell said. “But he did have an understanding of what he was doing, fleeing from the police, and he had some knowledge of what that meant.”
Police tried to stop the allegedly stolen Chevrolet Silverado that Ford was driving. But, in his attempt to evade police, Ford drove the vehicle close to a constable and eventually crashed into two police vehicles.
Police conducted drug recognition tests on Ford and concluded he was impaired.
Ford was held in custody until he was released to a recovery home. However, he has been evicted from several recovery homes due to breaking rules and regulations.
Brecknell said that Ford identifies as Metis and had a tumultuous upbringing. He dropped out of high school at age 14, but got his diploma while in jail.
Other mitigating factors include his guilty plea, relative youth, limited criminal record and history of being employed.
Brecknell said he has experience in construction and warehousing and would like to attend a welding program. But he has battled an addiction to methamphetamine and opiates.
Brecknell sentenced Ford to concurrent 344-day, time-served sentences for impaired operation and flight from police and a 60-day concurrent sentence on driving while disqualified.
Instead of a jail sentence for breaching bail, Brecknell ordered him to pay a $300 fine plus a $90 victim surcharge by April 30, 2027.
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
A nurse bitten by a patient at the University Hospital of Northern BC told court that the incident led to her finding work elsewhere.
Court overturns convicton in drug trafcking case
Man accused of dealing fentanyl, meth and coke had been sentenced to 38 months behind bars
BOB MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The BC Court of Appeal overturned the conviction of a man sent to jail for 38 months for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine in Prince George.
The March 20 decision, written by Justice Amy Francis and agreed to by justices Harvey Groberman and Paul Riley, said Marshall Luther Cade’s constitutional right to be tried within a reasonable time had been breached, so the conviction was set aside and the charges stayed.
The appeal court found that the trial
judge, BC Supreme Court Justice David Crerar, erred by allocating 22 days as defence delay, which was time spent on trial management matters.
“This delay was part of the inherent time requirements of the case. The trial judge erred in principle in concluding, alternatively, that this delay was justified by the complexity of the case,” said the appeal ruling.
“He failed to consider whether the Crown had taken reasonable steps to mitigate the delay beyond declining to sever the proceedings.”
Crerar should have found that the Crown failed in its duty to demonstrate it took reasonable efforts to mitigate the delay, Riley wrote.
Police busted a dial-a-dope operation on July 5, 2019, at an apartment near 15th and Ogilvie. Cade, 31, was charged on June 29, 2020, with John Jacob Ceal and Shawn Brian Omark Whaling, and they made their first appearance on Sept. 23, 2020.
Accused pleads guilty to Prince George and Kwadacha crimes
BOB MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A 28-year-old man was sentenced March 19 to time served and 18 months’ probation after he pleaded guilty to assault and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose in Prince George.
Anthony James Leeson also pleaded guilty in Provincial Court to breaching an undertaking to not contact a woman in Kwadacha.
Court heard that, on Oct. 22, 2025, Prince George RCMP received a call from a woman that Leeson was intoxicated and had assaulted her cousin. Leeson had become verbally aggressive and was asked to leave, but he responded by grabbing an unloaded BB gun.
He held it in a man’s face, pulled the trigger and threatened to get a real gun and shoot the man.
A pretrial conference did not take place until Dec. 8, 2021, where a Supreme Court justice set 12 days for hearings to test admissibility of evidence and seven days for trial. The trial was scheduled to run until Jan. 23 to Feb. 3, 2023, approximately a month and five days outside what is called the Jordan ceiling.
In 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada set 30 months as the presumptive ceiling for the time period between charge and end of trial.
That was in the case of Barrett Richard Jordan, a BC man accused of drug trafficking in 2008.
Whaling pleaded guilty. On June 21, 2023, Crerar found Cade and Ceal guilty. He concluded that Cade unlawfully possessed, for the purpose of trafficking, 186 grams of cocaine, 135 grams of methamphetamine and 11 grams of fentanyl.
Cade made two applications to stay proceedings, based on the Charter of
Rights and Freedoms.
The first was in October 2022, before pretrial hearings.
The second was after the trial, before sentencing. Both applications were thrown out.
Crerar found the three delay periods “were to some extent” attributable to Cade and below the Jordan ceiling. He also considered other factors, such as the schedules of lawyers for the three accused and the COVID-19 pandemic, “a discrete exceptional event.”
On March 22, 2024, Crerar sentenced Cade to 38 months in jail.
Crerar remarked that Cade denied he ever committed a crime and showed no remorse or insight. He said he would have handed him a longer sentence, but for his personal circumstances and lack of a criminal record.
Cade’s drug trafficking, Crerar said in his decision, exposed customers to “mortal risk, not to feed or finance personal drug use, but solely for profit.”
Judge David Simpkin called it a “very serious offence.”
“You’ve got prior convictions for assault causing bodily harm, possessing a weapon for dangerous purpose, for using an imitation weapon (committing an indictable offence),” Simpkin said.
After a Dec. 4, 2025, domestic dispute in Kwadacha, Leeson was released on an undertaking to not contact the other party.
But he was seen in a vehicle with the same woman on Jan. 10.
“When you’re in an undertaking, you’ve got to comply with it. You can’t just decide to ignore it,” Simpkin said.
Simpkin agreed to the joint sentencing proposal for 80 days’ jail. Leeson had served 53 days in real time, which qualified him for a full credit of 80 days under the time-and-a-half rule.
Terms of the probation include no possession of weapons or ammunition.
Police probe shootng at Moccasin Flats
RCMP officers investigates a crime scene on Monday, Marchs23. Two people were injured in a trailer parked at Moccasin Flats during a shooting that took place the night before. RCMP stated in a press release that there were reports of shots being fired in the area after 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 22. After arriving on scene, RCMP found two people in a parked fifth-wheel trailer suffering what appeared to be gunshot wounds. Both people were taken to the hospital for treatment. The incident is under investigation.
CITIZEN
Man tells court hammer atack ‘will never happen again’
He says he was defending himself
BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A 52-year-old man admitted in Prince George Provincial Court to making “a stupid mistake” by swinging a hammer to defend himself after a verbal argument turned physical.
“I didn’t intend anything to happen,” Matthew James Mcdonald said March
20. “It will never happen again.”
Mcdonald, a railway worker, pleaded guilty to threatening to use a weapon to assault or cause bodily harm. Judge Judith Doulis gave him a suspended sentence, probation for a year and short-term home confinement.
For the first 45 days, he must stay at home between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Court heard that Mcdonald had been confronted at his home by the parents of his stepson’s girlfriend on March 11, 2024. His defence lawyer, Hazem Osso, said he had been hit and pushed
continuously, but was able to retreat into his home before any serious injury.
Mcdonald called police to report the incident, but decided not to pursue charges.
When he saw the complainant approach him, yelling angrily, he feared for his safety, took a hammer and swung it.
“Adrenaline got the best of Mcdonald, and he regrets his actions and questions, and he went way too far in what he did,” Osso said.
Doulis agreed to the joint Crown
and defence sentencing proposal and accepted Mcdonald’s guilty plea and expression of remorse.
Doulis ordered him to also perform 40 hours of community work service — at least eight hours per month — and he must apologize to the victim in the manner directed by his probation officer by the end of June.
He must also not possess any weapons or ammunition defined in the Criminal Code and must not possess any hammer, except in his residence or for the purpose of employment.
Boy, 15, pleads guilty to sexually assaultng younger girl
BOB MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A 15-year-old boy pleaded guilty March 13 in Prince George Provincial Court to sexual assault and invitation to sexual touching, after admitting he coerced an eight-year-old girl to perform sex acts.
The identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Crown prosecutor Rodney Withall read an agreed statement of facts that said the boy admitted he committed the crimes on three occasions between Sept. 4, 2023 and May 7, 2025 in Prince George.
Withall said it was the “younger brother who reported to his mother” that her older son was showing inappropriate videos on a computer to the girl in the basement.
The girl also reported that he made her perform oral sex.
When confronted by a parent, he admitted that he would buy her something if she did so.
He also admitted bringing the family dog to the basement and having it lick the girl’s private parts.
Judge Charles Hutchinson ensured the boy understood the charges and agreed to the facts, before confirming
that the guilty plea meant he waived the right to a trial. The boy answered yes. Hutchinson released the boy on conditions that he have no contact with the victim, stay away from a specific address and report to a bail officer. Hutchinson also ordered a pre-sentencing report and a forensic psychiatric risk assessment for sexual violence towards children. The boy’s next date in court is May 13.
PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER
Back to court in May for pair charged in drug case
BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A St. Patrick’s Day court appearance in the case of two people charged after a lengthy Prince George RCMP drug investigation was adjourned to Cinco de Mayo.
Lawyers representing Robyn Ann Bradley, 37, and Kerridge Andrew Lowley, 50, appeared March 17 in Prince George Provincial Court, asking for more time to review evidence disclosure.
Lowley’s lawyer, Georges Rivard, said he had not yet received evidence disclosure and suggested April 7 as the next date, to which Federal Crown prosecutor Oleksandr Makhnachov agreed. An articled law student substituting for Bradley’s lawyer, Jason LeBlond, said he received disclosure on March 16 but was instructed to seek a longer adjournment.
Bradley faces 13 charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking and four trafficking charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Lowley was charged with nine counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, four for trafficking and one for possessing a prohibited or restricted firearm.
The Public Prosecution Service of Canada approved charges against the two in January. The Prince George RCMP Street Crew Unit and North District Emergency Response Team arrested them at a Lansdowne Road residence in the 3700 block on Feb. 27.
The RCMP said in a March 6 news release that they had been investigating, since December 2023, a business in the 100 block of Quebec Street and the Lansdowne Road home. Bradley is listed as the owner of Coven House, a witchcraft supply store, on Quebec Street. Neither suspect is in custody.
During court-authorized searches in April 2024, police seized drugs, black-market cigarettes, two firearms and more than $100,000 in cash. One of the suspects had 20 ounces of cocaine and 20 ounces of fentanyl when arrested.
Man pleads guilty to spitng at bank employee during dispute
BOB
MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
An unruly customer pleaded guilty March 18 to spitting at a Bank of Montreal employee in late 2024 after she declined to complete a transaction.
Daniel William Crosby, 65, appeared before Judge Charles Hutchinson in Prince George Provincial Court.
According to an agreed statement of facts, Crosby went to the bank on Dec. 21, 2024, after he could not withdraw funds using his automated teller machine card. When the employee said she was unable to fulfil his request, Crosby became upset and she asked him to leave.
He leaned forward and spat in her direction and his saliva landed on her.
While Crosby said he did not intend for his spit to land on the manager, he admitted his actions were reckless and that the act satisfied the element of intent.
Crosby also pleaded guilty to violating a term of his probation. Police arrested him on Aug. 10, 2025, for break and enter and seized a screwdriver.
A Nov. 6, 2024, order from Judge David Simpkin forbade Crosby from possessing a screwdriver outside his residence. Simpkin’s order was part of a mischief conviction sentence to a conditional discharge with one-year probation and a $1,500 restitution order.
The spitting and screwdriver case was adjourned to June 24, after Hutchinson ordered psychiatric and psychological risk assessments.
City’s newest Wendy’s locaton opens in the Hart
MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
After 37 years with two locations, Prince George’s Wendy’s franchisee has opened its third.
The new location is at 6577 Hart Highway near the Hart Shopping Centre, with the grand opening and ribbon cutting that took place on the morning of Thursday, March 19.
Attending the grand opening was Mayor Simon Yu and Prince George-Mackenzie Conservative MLA Kiel Giddens, along with the owners of Family Fast Foods Ltd., who own and operate the two other Wendy’s locations in the city.
Doug Bell, co-owner of Family Fast Foods Ltd., spoke to The Citizen about why they chose the Hart for the new location.
“We started looking for locations in Prince George back in 2023,” said Bell. “To be honest, it takes quite a long time to find the right location, to be able to negotiate with existing owners or new owners ... but we’re really grateful because we believe this is a premier location with great visibility, great access and it’s in the heart of the Hart. That’s really important for us because we wanted to be a real part of the community, not necessarily just on the outskirts or not necessarily just for highway traffic.”
He added that he is excited to bring this new location to the Hart specifically
located at 6577 Hart Highway.
and continue the franchise legacy started by his father, Pat Bell, in 1988.
“If you think about the community of Prince George, the Hart is really a subset,” said Bell. “
It’s a group of individuals who are deeply caring, who really look out for each other and believe that they’re a section of Prince George that stands apart from the rest because of how community-centric they are. It just made so much sense for us to be able to expand. Also, to open a store 37 years after our last one in Prince George and still to own the first two that we opened in 1988 and 1989 by my dad. I think it’s just a real honour to be able to continue the legacy of our ownership in the city.”
This new location will bring 49 new jobs to the area, with more than half the positions being held by students of Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary School.
Todd Lewis, operating partner at Family Fast Foods Ltd., began his career with the company as a grill operator at the Prince George’s Wendy’s located on Victoria Street and has worked with the founders of the company, Pat and Brenda Bell, for decades.
Lewis, in particular, was looking forward to seeing this location help staff in their future career by learning skills at this new location.
“I started out very young myself,” said Lewis. “Pat Bell took me under his wing and taught me how to run the business. This gives the youth the opportunity to
have a job and develop and learn the skills that are essential for them later on in life, regardless of where they end up. I mean, this is likely their first job. It won’t be their last job, but they learn discipline, they learn structure, they learn some of the systems and processes. It’s a continuation of their education. For me, that’s a real benefit.”
During his interview with local media at the opening of the new location, Lewis emphasized that during his career at Family Foods, he has seen the impact these restaurants have had on workers.
“We opened a new location in Williams Lake a couple of years ago,” said Lewis.
“I had an interesting conversation in the parking lot with one of my former employees who worked for me 18 years ago in Prince George, and then her son worked for me in Williams Lake. That’s the kind of thing when you’ve got such longevity in our company, in our franchise, just getting to help out and make sure that we can contribute back into the community.”
He added that he has heard good things from people.
“I have been here for the last week getting the restaurant set up and ready and I’m constantly having people drive by, rolling down their windows asking, ‘When are you open? When are you open?’ I’ve been hearing a lot of, well, ‘we can’t wait till you open. We’re excited to get going, and it’s great to have a nice, close spot,” he said.
City of Prince George launches new workforce survey
Citizen Staff
The City of Prince George has announced that it is launching a workforce survey on March 20, 2026.
The city stated in a press release that the goal of this survey is to understand the challenges and needs of local employers and employees from across the city.
The survey itself is also seeking input
from both employed and unemployed individuals. With topics ranging from workforce experiences, barriers to employment and the types of programs, services and support that can strengthen Prince George’s workforce.
“The last in-depth workforce analysis was updated in 2024, and a lot has changed in Prince George since then,” said the city’s economic development manager, Deklan Corstanje. “While we regularly monitor certain indicators,
community input will play an important role in shaping future workforce-related initiatives in Prince George. Findings from the survey will help inform workforce planning, policy development, and potential program opportunities for our division.”
To support this endeavour, the city has hired an economic development and market research consulting firm, Deloitte LLP.
This firm will work closely with the
city to assist with survey implementation and analysis and identify key insights, opportunities, and challenges affecting both employers and employees across Prince George.
Those who take part in the survey by April 5, 2026, will be entered into an optional prize draw for a $100 pre-paid Visa gift card.
To take part in the survey visit www. deloittecanada.ca1.qualtrics.com/ survey
CITIZEN PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER
Mayor Simon Yu, left, MLA Kiel Giddens and Todd Lewis, operating partner, cut the ribbon to open the new Wendy’s on Thursday, March 19. The new location is
MATTHEW HILLIER
Humane Society Thrif Store of to a successful start
MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
The Humane Society Community Thrift Store has had a busy opening week, bringing in more than 200 customers a day and almost $10,000 for pets in need in Prince George.
Located at 1445 10th Ave., the store opened its doors on Wednesday, March 18 and has seen massive community engagement since welcoming its first customers.
Funds from purchases will go towards supporting Humane Society operations in Prince George and funding programs like keeping Pets and People Together, which helps locals work on behavioural problems with pets so they don’t surrender them to shelters and supporting trap, neuter and return programs for feral cats.
The location employs 10 new staff members and is looking for
volunteers. Those interested can sign up at pghumanesociety.ca/get-involved .
The store offers a wide selection of items, including clothing, toys, furniture and more.
In addition, there is also a cat room with a total of three kittens currently up for adoption.
The cat room has already seen results with one of its residents, Macklemore, already being adopted.
Amanda Holmes, an independent consultant with Impact North Consulting, has been working with the Humane Society for the past two months on getting the space ready to open for the public.
In an interview with The Citizen, Holmes spoke on the community engagement she’s seen since the store opened three days ago.
“It’s been awesome,” said Holmes. “The outpouring of community support
has been amazing. We have had a lineup outside the door every morning since we opened. We have tons and tons of donations being dropped off to the point we may have to pause for a bit.”
Holmes was also surprised at the support from locals and said animal lovers in the area are always ready to help.
“From my experience working in the not-for-profit world, I’m always absolutely astounded by the community support in Prince George,” said Holmes.
“I think the residents of Prince George are always willing and wanting to support a cause ... Animal lovers are a completely different breed.”
She said she’s heard a lot of positive feedback from shoppers.
“I’ve heard so far that we have really good prices, that the store is big and so clean. Well laid out. They love the
Cariboo Gold
kittens, they love that,” said Holmes. “Everything’s been positive. I don’t think I’ve heard a negative yet.”
She also said she thinks this new revenue stream will go a long way to protecting and caring for animals in Prince George.
“One thing I’ve learned in my short time here is that it’s disheartening and disgusting to see human neglect in some of the animals that the Humane Society brings in,” Holmes said. “I have seen photos and met animals in our shelters, and nobody should have to see starving dogs and abused animals. It’s awful, honestly.”
The store accepts donations of clean clothing, toys, furniture, housewares, home decor and more. The society notes that it cannot accept items that they can’t clean properly or decontaminate.
The thrift store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.
Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd. proposes to change its plans for the Cariboo Gold project by shifting the power line route, moving worker accommodations and expanding the mine site footprint.
Share your thoughts
The EAO is holding a public comment period on the proposed changes to the project and is seeking public feedback to understand potential impacts speci cally related to the changes from March 17 to April 16, 2026
Online Information Session
April 2 | 11:30 am-1:00 pm PST
To register, visit the link or QR code on right
more about the proposal and tell
You may also submit comments by mail: Cariboo Gold Project, PO box 9426, Stn Prov
Regional district discusses future of FireSmart funding
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
The Union of BC Municipalities is changing how it will disburse FireSmart funding to municipalities starting this year, but the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George will still receive around $650,000, the board of directors heard at a Thursday, March 19 meeting.
Last August, the board gave district administration approval to apply for $650,000 in FireSmart funding that would help Fraser-Fort George carry out several wildfire mitigation projects.
A January media release from the UBCM said it was closing its FireSmart Community Funding and Supports intake at the end of the month because it was running out of funds.
It was planning on then reopening intake to disburse remaining funds from Feb. 2 through April 30. The release added that since 2018, the program had sent out more than $175 million to 132 First Nations and 148 local governments in BC.
UBCM president Cori Ramsay — also a regional district director for the City of Prince George — was quoted as saying in the release that she encouraged the province to renew the FireSmart program as the organization’s members believe it has made their communities safer.
On March 19, during a meeting of the district’s Public Safety and Emergency Management Committee, directors were
in FireSmart funding this year, the board heard at a meeting last week.
told that the application was successful, but funding for 2027 is no longer guaranteed.
Due to the program changes, additional funding that had previously been advertised for fuel management is also no longer available.
In a report, district staff said they were prioritizing the use of this year’s funds to hire a FireSmart coordinator, start a FireSmart resiliency collaborative, implement a mitigation program for home assessments and provide financial rebates for people who make improvements to their properties, organize community events and distribute educational materials.
Director Dannielle Alan (Robson Valley-Canoe) asked for rebates to be prioritized for her electoral area as while her residents have been working on FireSmart improvements for some time, they need financial assistance to
either purchase equipment like wood chippers or hire people to remove flammable debris.
She also suggested that it might be prudent to direct $100,000 from the funding to carry out fire fuel mitigation efforts around critical regional district facilities like community halls.
Chief administrative officer Chris Calder cautioned that doing so would likely result in one of the other FireSmart programs to be scaled back.
Kenna Jonkman, the district’s manager of community and development services, said Fraser-Fort George’s emergency preparedness team will prioritize the hiring of the coordinator, who will then head up the grant program.
She recommended seeing what the uptake for the rebate program is like this summer as it is typically oversubscribed. Then, if funds were left, they
could reassess. Jonkman also suggested applying for fuel treatment funding at regional facilities if possible under any new FireSmart programming that gets established.
Director Art Kaehn (Woodpecker-Hixon) said that it might be worthwhile for the district to take equipment like bins or wood chippers out to more rural parts of the region so residents out there don’t have to drive long distance to dump a pickup bed full of debris.
Director Joan Atkinson, the mayor of Mackenzie, noted that her municipality established a FireSmart committee in 2018 in partnership with the McLeod Lake Mackenzie Community Forest. Through that work, she said they have brought in $1.3 million for FireSmart projects in the area and established a partnership with the BC Wildfire Service to have personnel trained in and around Mackenzie.
Ramsay said it’s important for local governments to highlight the work done by FireSmart coordinators across the province to help convince the BC Government to maintain the program.
At the beginning of the meeting, Director Owen Torgerson — the mayor of Valemount — was acclaimed as the chair of the committee for 2026.
He proposed a successful motion that will see him, as committee chair, write an advocacy letter to Forests Minister Ravi Parmar calling for the province to maintain FireSmart funding.
Time served, probaton for man convicted in convenience store assault
when a bell sounded for the arrival of a customer.
A Provincial Court judge in Quesnel sentenced a man on March 6 to six months’ time served and two years of probation for assaulting and threatening a convenience store clerk three years ago.
Stephen Joseph Gatenby, 38, spent 120 days in jail prior to sentencing, for which he received 180 days credit under the time-and-a-half rule. The nightshift clerk was putting away dishes in the 7-Eleven store kitchen
When she went out to the front of the store, she saw that an impatient, angry Gatenby had left money on the counter.
He returned to the counter and started swearing at the woman. She said she would not tolerate such language, told Gatenby he could leave the store and threatened to call the RCMP.
Gatenby responded by walking around the counter in pursuit of the clerk.
“He grabbed her and shoved her down
and kicked at her while she was on the ground,” said Judge Scott Mulder. “He was yelling at her the whole time, asking (the victim) if she wanted to die.”
Gatenby seemed to suddenly come to his senses, walked to the front of the store, paid for his drinks and left.
Gatenby’s defence lawyer, Donald J. McKay, said he agreed with the Crown-proposed sentence for his client, who had been in custody since last June.
“I do understand from my conversations with Mr. Gatenby that he is remorseful for his actions. I expect he
will utter something similar to your honour,” McKay said.
Instead, Gatenby disputed the harm he caused the clerk and said the case went 160 to 175 days longer than the 18-month presumed ceiling for a Provincial Court case.
“Not sure sure why it’s being described as an incredibly vicious attack,” Gatenby said via video conference from Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre. “There was not even a bleeding nose or a black eye at the end of this attack.”
BC WILDFIRE SERVICE PHOTO
The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George will receive about $650,000
BOB MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Company to add new laydown yard of Highway 97
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
A forestry company was given a three-year temporary permit to use a property on a forest service road near the intersections of Highways 97 and 39 as a laydown yard at the Thursday, March 20 meeting of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George board of directors.
The property in question is a 25.3-hectare plot in the district’s Electoral Area G (Crooked River-Parsnip) along Finley Forest Service Road, slightly northwest of where it intersects with Highway 97 and slightly northeast of Tudyah Lake.
A report from district staff said the property had previously seen use for log storage and sorting.
Now the owner, A.M. Anderson Ventures Ltd., would like to expand use to be a full laydown yard including an office building, scale and storage of
The red circle on this maps shows the approximate area of a property for which A.R. Anderson Ventures Ltd. was granted a temporary use permit for a laydown yard by the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George board of directors on Thursday, March 19.
materials for pipelines. However, those land uses aren’t covered under the Rural 3 zoning that most of the property is subject to.
Ahead of a February public consultation meeting, Tsay Kah Dene Nation
Mackenzie mayor announces she won’t be seeking re-electon
submitted a letter to the regional district noting that it was in opposition to the company being granted a license of occupation for the property.
The Nation’s forestry coordinator, Duane Norman, said the license “should
not be granted to a company but should be held and maintained by Tsay Keh Dene.
“The land is in Tsay Keh Dene territory and therefore it is of interest for our economic development for the future of the Nation. We do not support the discission to continue with this application.”
Staff’s report said no one other than the applicant had showed up to a Feb. 17 public consultation meeting held in Mackenzie.
Area G Director Jerrilyn Kirk said she struggled in considering application after the First Nation expressed opposition.
However, given that the province had previously given permission for it to be a laydown yard and Tsay Keh Dene did not send anyone to the meeting after being invited, she had decided to support it.
The board approved the temporary use permit unanimously.
This term will be the last for Mackenzie Mayor Joan Atkinson.
During a meeting of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George’s board of directors, Atkinson told her colleagues that she will not pursue re-election to the District of Mackenzie council for any position during this fall’s slate of BC local elections.
“It’s been an interesting five full terms and part of a sixth,” Atkinson said. “I’ve been on since 2007. We all have our past-due dates and I think mine has come up. Thank you, it’s been a great time.”
Following her announcement, the other directors in the room gave Atkinson a standing ovation.
Atkinson was first elected mayor in 2018. She first joined Mackenzie council
Mackenzie Mayor Joan Atkinson told fellow members of the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George board of directors at a recent meeting that she will not be running again.
in a 2007 byelection.
Beyond local politics, Atkinson was nominated by the BC NDP to serve as the party’s candidate in Prince George-Mackenzie in 2020. She came second to former BC Liberal MLA Mike Morris.
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
What’s happening in PG
Miracle Theatre Presents The Garage Sale goes March 26 to to April 19, at ArtSpace, above Books & Co., 1685 Third Ave. Tuesday through Saturday the play goes at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. This comedy is by David King, a BC playwright, about Phil who is holding a garage sale as his first step in his Secret Plan to escape the rat race but he didn’t even tell his family about his plan to move to the desert. And if that’s not enough, Phil gets the wackiest of shoppers. And then the neighbourhood grump starts to stock his best customer. Tickets are $40 at Books & Co. or order by phone and pick up at door before the performance.
Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival World Tour goes Saturday, March 28 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Canfor Theatre, UNBC. Topics will cover a range of outdoor non-motorized outdoor pursuits and will highlight some local talent. The line up will feature Evan’s film Embers, about the wildfire in Jasper, and Still Rider, about a local woman, Chantelle Grafton, who suffered a life-altering injury while mountain biking and features some of the adaptive trails at Tabor Mountain. Funds raised will go towards local climbing route development and maintenance in the Prince George area through the Prince George Backcountry Recreation Society and Overhang. For details and tickets visit Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) Tickets, Saturday, Mar 28
Teen Art Showcase goes from April 1 to May 1 at the Bob Harkins branch of the Prince George Public Library. Awards reception is set for Saturday, May 2. Teens between 13 and 18 are welcome to display their work. All mediums are accepted and will be on display in the main stairwell from April 1 to May 1. Submissions can be dropped off at the library from Friday, March 27 and Monday, March 30.
BC Old Time Fiddlers’ Dance goes Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m. at the Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Avenue
Still Rider, a film about local woman Chantelle Grafton, who found a new way to enjoy the trails after a life-altering mountain-biking injury, is on the shcedule for the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival World Tour on Saturday, March 28 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Canfor Theatre, UNBC.
downstairs. The dance is the start of the Fiddlers’ Spring Jamboree. Live music by members of the local Fiddlers’ group and Jamboree instructors. Old-time couple dances and some called group dances. Tickets at the door are $10 for adults, children under 18 are free if they bring their parents, includes ice cream bar. Everyone is welcome.
Madbomb, Hot Boii Summer and Space Race goes Friday, March 27 at 8 p.m. doors open at 7 at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. Madbomb, Hot Boii Summer, and debut of Space Race. Madbomb offers a powerful revival of emo and post-hardcore reminiscent of the mid-2000s. Hot Boii Summer bring pop-punk hooks seeing guests two-stepping and singing along. Space Race is the metal space opera featuring all original, thematic, heavy metal journey across the stars, telling a tale of adventuring against the odds. $20 at the door.
Ravenstrail Weaving with 7sliaa goes Friday, March 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Two Rivers Gallery, 725 Civic Plaza. Ravenstail Weaving is a traditional form of gravity weaving done by the Haidas and Tlingit along the coast. This finger
weaving art form has had a comeback since the 80s when it was revitalized by many Indigenous artists to make their regalia such as Headdresses, Dancing aprons, Blankets, Wrist bands and Leggings. This class will be on a simple inclusive item, the earrings. With simple geometric patterns to choose from and a wide range of colors from traditional 100% wool sourced from around the world. Simple homemade loom will be provided for students to take home. Cost is $100. Pre-register online at www.tworiversgallery.ca/programs/ weaving-with-7sliaa
BC Old Time Fiddlers’ Concert goes Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. This concert features high-energy, foot stomping music to lift your spirits. Adam Johnson, Clint Pelletier, Anita Mamela and Hunter Grosse-Pearen will perform, with opening act by the local Old Time Fiddlers. Everyone is welcome to attend. Tickets are $30 each and $10 for those 12 and under available at Books & Co, 1685 Third Avenue or at the door or online at www.bcfiddlers. com/prince-george
BC Old Time Fiddlers’ Jamboree Weekend Workshops go Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29. Guitar instruction by Clint Pelletier and three levels of fiddle taught by Anita Mamela, Adam Johnson and Hunter GrossePearen. Registration includes small group lessons Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as Friday Night Dance, Saturday night concert ticket, snacks and lunches. A fun time to get together with other musicians to learn new techniques. Cost is $200, with Early-Bird Rate of $175 by March 21. To register visit www.bcfiddlers.com/ prince-george. For more information email pgfiddlers@gmail.com or call 250 565-1025.
Half Smoke, Joe Daniels and Puddy Waters goes Saturday, March 28 at 9 p.m. at the PG Legion 43, 101-1116 Sixth Ave. Half Smoke combines rock, funk and latin influences to make something unique and danceable. Northern BC songwriter Puddy Waters will being a newly recorded batch of special songs and Joe Daniels will deliver a performance to remember. Doors at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 in advance at www.madloon.ca/ halfsmoke
The Diva Show 2 – Even More Divas! goes Saturday, March 28 at 6 p.m. at the Prince George Golf & Curling Club, 2601 Recplace Dr. Marilyn, Britney and Gaga are back with new friends, Madonna, Sabrina and Tina, all legendary divas. Incredible impersonators, fabulous costumes and amazing live vocals are what the Legends, Live! tribute show is all about. Seating starts at 6pm show starts at 7pm. Tickets are $30 at www. eventbrite.ca/thedivashow2
Prince George Senior Activity Centre is hosting a Garage Sale that goes Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 425 Brunswick St. Books, craft supplies, housewares, chairs a ping pong table, a pool table and so much more. All proceeds go towards operations cost for the centre.
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Rock Orchestra by Candlelight goes Tuesday, March 31 at 8 p.m. at CN Centre. After entertaining 700,000 guests across the UK, USA and Europe, The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight is kicking off the first expansive tour of Canada. Prepare for a spellbinding 90-minute spectacle that infuses iconic Rock & Metal anthems with a hauntingly beautiful energy. In ethereal candlelit settings, this band of 14 classical musicians unleash effortlessly enchanting melodies alongside powerful walls of distortion. The Rock Orchestra is a rotating collective of classical musicians, featuring some of the world’s greatest instrumentalists and vocalists. For more information and tickets visit www.ticketsnorth.ca/event/ the-rock-orchestra-by-candlelight
Spring into Easter goes Friday, April 3 to Sunday April 5 at the Northern Lights Winery, 745 Pulpmill Road. Each ticketed guest gets a Passport to Fun with riddles, games, a hidden egg-treasure hunt and more on the to-do list. Complete your passport to get an Easter treat from the Wine Shop and enter your name for a chance to win some Egg-cellent prizes. Activities include paper mache Easter egg crafting station and an Easter themed selfie booth. This is a fully outdoor event rain or shine. For all the details and tickets visit www.northernlightswinery.ca/ spring-into-easter-tickets
Headbangers Ball goes Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. This is an all-ages event showcasing local talent including new band Blood to Ash and Lowr-Lich of Willow River. Headliner is from McBride, Overspray. $20 at the door.
Hunniford Gardens Carrot Patch goes Saturday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 pm. at 8845 Aquarius Road. This is the fourth annual kids Easter event. Festivities include face painting, a petting zoo, a visit from the Easter bunny, an Easter-themed plant craft, and an decorated photo op for families to enjoy.
COMMUNITY
Baller Food will be on site with drinks and food available to purchase. For all the details and tickets for time slots visit www.hunniford-gardens.shoplightspeed.com/carrot-patch
Cruising PG goes every Wednesday and is presented by the Carefree Society, providing accessible and inclusive transportation services in Prince George and area. Pick up typically begins at 1 p.m. Recommended rate is $20. Fridays in March sees visits to the PG Astronomical Observatory for their open house event at 7:30 p.m. This outing is a unique opportunity to explore, learn and enjoy a structured community experience. Recommended rate is $30. Book early as space is limited. To reserve a seat call 250-562-1397 or email book@carefreesociety.org
Canadian Cancer Society is looking for Wheels of Hope drivers who make a significant impact on the lives of those battling cancer. CCS will provide training as volunteers join a dedicated team of more than 1600 drivers. Commit to a minimum of half a day to one day per week and be part of a mission to support and uplift those in need. For more information contact Wheels of Hope at 1-800-939-3333 or email volunteer@cancer.ca or visit www.cancer. ca//living-with-cancer/how-we-can-help/ cancer-travel-and-accommodation-services-bc
Craft & Chat at the main branch of the Prince George Public Library goes every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the magazine corner, second floor, where fibre artists are invited to bring their latest projects to share, vent frustrations, brag about successes, get and give help and join in lively discussions. Snacks provided. This event is in partnership with Great Northwest Fibre Fest.
Myeloma Support Group goes every third Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Commonwealth Financial, 575 Victoria St. Everyone is welcome who has been diagnosed, those who are caregivers, family members and friends. Wheelchair accessible parking at the back of the building. For more information call
Viv Lougheed at 250-981-2618.
Parkinson Support Group meetings are the first Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Drive. Meetings are informal and are for sharing information about slowing down the progression of PD. There are guest speakers, special events and biweekly exercise sessions and positive social interaction. Use lower parking lot beside ball diamond to access the seniors centre.
Chronic Condition Support Group takes place the first Tuesday of every month from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Nechako Branch of the Prince George Public Library, 6547 John Hart Hwy. This is a community social group where people with any chronic condition can come together to socialize, connect and learn from each other. This is a free drop-in event.
Trivia Night at Nancy O’s goes every
other Wednesday at 8 p.m., 1261 Third Ave. There are three rounds per game, each round has five themed questions and five music questions. There’s something for everyone. The winning team gets a custom Nancy O’s Trivia trophy and a round of drinks, their photo on the wall that goes into the winners’ book after two weeks. ook a spot by calling ahead at 250-562-8066. Open Mic at Nancy O’s goes every other Wednesday from 8 to 11 p.m. Open mic is hosted by Danny Bell and friends. Come on down and share songs, poetry, dance, stories, and anything else you can think to do on stage. All are welcome.
If you’ve got an event coming up email us at news@pgcitizen.ca to offer details including name of the event, the date, time and location, ticket price and where to get them and a little bit about what’s happening, too. LOCF
RCMP Youth Academy
Young ‘recruits’ spend their March break in hands-on police training at College Heights Secondary School
TOP: RCMP Youth Academy cadets examine one of the two new armoured vehicles used by the RCMP’s Emergency Response Team.
MIDDLE: The 26 participants in the RCMP Youth Academy Troop 20 take the Police Fitness Assessment (PFA) outside the CHSS gym with Const. Darren Warn, the academy commanding officer.
BOTTOM: PG RCMP Youth Academy cadets Mark Oliinyk (left), Peyton Kreschuk and Cierra Davey watch as an RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT) sniper explains how he adjusts the scope on his rifle.
TOP: RCMP Youth Academy Troop 20 cadets, their instructors and staff dig into lunch in the Home Economics room at College Heights Secondary School. Students ate and slept at the school during the training week.
MIDDLE: RCMP Insp. Chris Riddle inspects the cadets of RCMP Youth Academy Troop 20 during graduation ceremonies at CHSS on Saturday, March 21.
BOTTOM: Cadet Russell Andam, 17, of Terrace speeds through the first of three running stages as he takes part in the Police Fitness Assessment. Twenty-six students from across Northern BC took part in the academy.
The cadets of the 2026 RCMP Youth Academy Troop 20 pose for a picture with some of the RCMP members who facilitated the program prior to their grad ceremony.
RCMP Youth Academy cadet Estefania Lara, 15, shoulders a 40mm launcher.
PHOTOS BY CHUCK NISBETT
Remote island living lands local couple in TV commercial
A Facebook casting call led Tracy and John Calogheros to the screen
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff
Tracy and John Calogheros bought Iowna Island on Francois Lake in 2016 and when they retired in 2024 they moved from Prince George to the island permanently.
Choosing their rustic lifestyle played an important role in their most recent adventure.
Scrolling on Facebook last Christmas eve, Tracy answered the casting call for those who live in remote places year-round to appear in an International Delight Canada commercial to celebrate the coffee cream company’s 40th anniversary.
Christmas Day Tracy got an email and then spoke with a casting director on Boxing Day and then the whole 12-member crew was on their island on Feb. 11 to start the two-day shoot and now the commercial’s already out.
“It was two straight days of filming for a 50-second commercial,” John laughed.
“It was hilarious,” Tracy added.
“It was really cool. I loved the shots of the lake and it’s always good to showcase this part of the world. We had a great time and it was super fun.”
There was a point in the commercial where foil confetti exploded out of a box.
“The first time it happened we didn’t know it was happening but the next five we did,” John said.
“And unfortunately, I swore the first time,” Tracy laughed.
“There’s still confetti everywhere in our front porch where we did that scene — the animals keep finding it, I keep finding it — it’s crazy. Just glad it wasn’t glitter.”
The Calogheros family includes three dogs, Ripley, Bishop and Tulip and a Maine Coon cat named Jonesy.
So let’s talk about the real star of the show.
“Our cat Jonesy, my gosh, he just decided that once all these people were here it was to worship him so he was front and centre all the way through everything and they wound up putting him in the commercial, which I think is awesome.”
Jonesy’s cameo can be seen at the end of the commercial where it looked like he thought that coffee was being prepared just for him.
Tracy said during the shoot it was interesting to see how other people reacted to their island life.
“It was just really neat to see the crew look at our lives through their lens,” Tracy said. “We see our own life all the time and we take pictures and we
George, know exactly what that means. You are fighting the wind and battling choppy water with waves so big at times there are whitecaps that threaten to swamp your boat.
The Calogheros’s Bereg Airboat played a major role in the commercial as the host used it to traverse land, ice and water to get to the island.
It looks like it would be a lot of fun to drive that thing.
“It’s more, especially on the ice,” John said.
“It’s like a crazy carpet with a heater and a motor,” Tracy said.
Making the decision to shoot the commercial was made mindfully by the island dwellers.
It was important to the couple that they were supporting a good product.
“International Delight is made in Canada and I didn’t know this but you can use it in recipes,” Tracy said.
Sweet treat recipes are shared on the coffee creamers’ website for things like Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Truffles, Strawberry Rose Tarts and Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake Bars.
Putting together a project like this took a bit of party planning and a bit of cooperation from neighbours and organizations best suited to help with visitors.
Tracy said they reached out to Northern BC Tourism and Tourism Prince George.
take videos for our channel but to see it through somebody else’s lens was really kinda neat.”
The crew was hoping for a winter scene when they got there in February, John explained.
“But the weather just wasn’t there but I am kinda glad because I think it was just two days later that it was 20 below here so it wouldn’t have been comfortable, that’s for sure,” John said.
Tracy said the crew was from Quebec and theirs was the last of four commercials they came to shoot out west.
“I don’t think they knew what they were getting into out here,” Tracy said.
John said the lake blew up and people around here who are familiar with Francois Lake, a couple hours west of Prince
“And they helped a bit with the logistics and it’s the usual, right? When someone comes to this part of the world everybody welcomes them,” Tracy said.
“One of the neighbours on shore had the whole crew parking at his place. They were in and out because there was nowhere for them to stay here so they had to stay in Vanderhoof. They were just really nice people and it was a lot of fun.”
Watch the 50-second commercial at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=20k48H6elrE
And tune in to Tracy and John’s YouTube channel to see what’s going on at Off Grid Retirement Island, www. youtube.com/@IownaIsland
INTERNATIONAL DELIGHT SCREEN IMAGE
International Delight chose Tracy and John Calogheros to star in a commercial to celebrate the coffee creamers’ 40th anniversary. The Prince George couple retired to their own island (below) in 2024.
Naturalists set to take part in City Nature Challenge
COLIN SLARK
Citizen Staff
Local nature lovers will be participating in a worldwide effort to help scientists measure biodiversity loss this April and May, the board of directors for the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George heard at its Thursday, March 19 meeting.
Barry Booth, a local registered professional biologist, told the board that local naturalists are organizing contributions to the City Nature Challenge, known as Keyoh Whuti Whuchun Lhch’ahuldeh in the Dakelh language.
He’s organizing the local efforts with Saphida Migabo, a senior lab instructor at the University of Northern British Columbia.
Originally, he said, the challenge started with two cities in California in 2016 and has since grown to include 669 cities in 63 countries.
“This is an international event that takes place at the same time around the entire world and encourages people to take photographs and record sounds of nature (with) the ultimate goal of fighting biodiversity loss and to generally immerse people in nature in their backyards,” Booth said.
“Each observation is a data point that helps scientists and researchers understand and protect nature.”
This data can help scientists determine whether species are expanding, contracting or being affected by climate change and then use that information to help make future decisions.
This will be the first time Prince George is participating. However, the area being covered locally will expand beyond the City of Prince George’s limits into Electoral Areas A, C, D and F of the regional district.
This, he said, is because a lot of this region’s biodiversity can be found in rural settings.
He showed the directors a map of 2026 participants, with green dots marking municipalities on every continent
Local naturalists will be able to provide photos of wildlife and plants as part of a new international event.
except Antarctica.
Another map of North America showed that Prince George is the northernmost participating city on the continent.
From April 24 to 27, local participants are asked to make observations and take photos and videos of local plants and wildlife.
Then, from April 28 to May 10, they’ll be asked to identify the species from their observations and upload information through an app called iNaturalist.
Results from the challenge will be announced on May 13.
Community events will be scheduled during the challenge but aren’t set to be announced until early April.
Beyond the scientific benefits, Booth said the types of activities that the challenge will promote have documented mental health benefits.
Helping with the challenge are students and faculty at UNBC, teacher candidates, staff and students with School District 57, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, the City of Prince George and Northern Health.
Booth requested that the regional district help promote the challenge through its website and social media pages and involve area directors and staff as well.
Following the presentation, board chair Lara Beckett (Chilako River-Nechako) thanked Booth and asked him to share promotional material with district staff so they can help distribute it.
Consultation on the 2027 BC Budget
Public Hearing
Prince George Week of June 15th
Online registration for the public hearing is open!
Indicate your interest in presenting by 2pm (Paci!c) on April 10, 2026. For details, scan the QR code or visit: la-bc.ca/consultations
Select Standing Committee on
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
Garage Sale actor happy to be back on a PG stage
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff
Miracle Theatre’s The Garage Sale sees several professional actors coming to Prince George to be a part of the comedy’s cast who will be presenting this long-running play from March 26 to April 19 at ArtSpace.
Miracle Theatre founders Anne Laughlin and Ted Price will present The Garage Sale from BC playwright David King, as their next fundraiser for those experiencing neurologically-based mobility challenges.
The goal is to raise $150,000 to be placed in a Prince George Community Foundation endowment fund.
The Garage Sale is a hilarious comedy that sees Phil having a garage sale to downsize for a major move to the desert as the first step in his secret plan to escape the rat race, but he didn’t bother to mention his idea to his family.
And if that’s not enough, Phil gets the wackiest shoppers and then the neighbourhood grump starts to stalk his best customer.
Lucas Myers, from Nelson, BC, will play one of those wacky shoppers named Bill, who shows up at the beginning of the garage sale and just never leaves.
Myers has come full circle with Prince George’s professional theatre gurus Price and Laughlin when they oversaw Theatre NorthWest back in the day and he was a gung-ho grad bursting out of the National Theatre School of Canada in 1998.
Myers began his professional theatre career during a production of A Christmas Carol right here in Prince George.
“It was my first professional show out of school and it was Ted who hired me,” Myers reminisced.
“It’s such a hilarious full circle. What was really funny about the audition was that it was a general audition and we were auditioning as a group at one point and then Ted said ‘does anybody want to read something’ and so me, in all of my fresh-out-of-theatre-school audacity said ‘oh, I’d like to read for the ghost of Marley.’”
Jacob Marley is Scrooge’s former business partner whose ghost wanders the Earth entwined by heavy chains and money boxes due to a lifetime of greed and selfishness. The ghost of old Marley comes to Scrooge at the beginning of the play to tell him he has a chance to redeem himself and three spirits will visit him before night’s end.
“I was all of 24 and Ted was like ‘mmmm, OK’ but because I had just come fresh from theatre school and I was firing on all cylinders I just went for it,” Myers said.
“And he cast me as the ghost of Marley and I was one of the Cratchits, I was a gentleman in the street scenes and the Ghost of Christmas Future and so he put me on drywall stilts, so I was super tall and I had these hand extensions and this big hood and I was this huge imposing figure and I would just point at stuff — it was amazing and it was a huge cast and it was a lovely group, some of them I’m still in contact with and I had this awesome experience.”
Myers has spent most of his career doing one form or another of one-man shows.
“I do this show called The Amazing and Impermeable Cromoli Brothers and it’s kind of like a modern-ish vaudeville act and I joke that I play all the instruments that you played in elementary
because that’s the experience I’ve had and it has been that way. It’s a lovely group.”
It’s been an intense rehearsal time but it’s been great, Myers added.
The Garage Sale has a cast of eight, the biggest yet of any Miracle Theatre production.
“And there’s something lovely about being a cog in the machine,” Myers said.
“What I love about this show is that the playwright is using something that everyone is familiar with — everyone’s gone to a garage sale — and there are tropes in there that everyone will get — that’s the way humour works. The character I play is Bill and he’s somebody that shows up at the beginning of the garage sale and never leaves.”
And he’s quirky, Myers added.
school,” Myers said.
During the show that Myers takes to small towns around the world, he performs 15 vignettes that include the magic of his original tunes he has created with his ukulele, glockenspiel, harmonium and melodica, which is also known as a pianica or blow-organ.
The glockenspiel is a liltingly beautiful sound maker — kind of like a two-tiered xylophone and one of my favourite instruments to listen to — and why?
“It’s because of its charm,” Myers nodded knowingly.
“I play this lovely song on the glockenspiel and it’s all about what atmosphere it creates. It is instant and memorable — it hits on a lot of things for the audience.”
Doing a one-man show while raising the kids suited his lifestyle. Now that time has passed and he’s able, Myers said coming back to an ensemble cast is a real pleasure.
“It wasn’t a hard decision — great cast, great play and a long run — I don’t get to do long runs because I would do a show on a weekend here, a weekend there, so it really feels like I can work my craft, which I haven’t done in 15 years. There’s all these reasons for me why it’s such a great opportunity and Ted is great to work with and I trust that he’s going to gather a great group of people
“Which some people could totally judge but fortunately the fella who is running the garage sale accepts wholly,” Myers said.
“Initially it’s because he’s a customer but then as things go along Phil realizes this guy is needing something — Bill is seeking acceptance and he’s a bit lost. So as an actor it’s fascinating to go through that process of being that person that’s kind of lost but trying to engage and he’s there right to the bitter end.”
You might say Myers has been training for this his whole one-man-show career because even though it’s an ensemble cast that sees lots of comings and goings he’s on stage for all if it but for three minutes.
“Usually in a multi-character show you have scenes where you’re in and out and what’s nice for me is that there are definitely periods where I am not the focus,” Myers said.
“I am actually really excited about being present on stage but not being the focus and explore what does that feel like.”
During rehearsals other actors can come and go but for Meyers it’s a full eight-hour day.
“And when the show goes up, it’s an hour and a half, and it’s great just to go on the journey,” Myers said.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHRISTINE DALGLEISH
Lucas Myers, an actor from Nelson, BC, is one of the stars of The Garage Sale presented by Miracle Theatre at ArtSpace, above Books & Co., from March 26 to April 19.
Hot of the presses
Citizen owner and publisher Cameron Stolz (second from left) holds a copy of a recent issue of the paper shortly after it came off the press at the TC Transcontinental presses in Delta, BC during a tour of the facility. With him are his son Liam, left, and TC press workers. While The Citizen is locally owned, employs local people and covers local and regional news and sports, the paper is printed in the Lower Mainland each week because there’s no facility in Prince George that can do the job.
Miracle Theatre play runs to April 19
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
One of his favoute things about taking part in the show, Myers added, is the fact that Miracle Theatre donates all the proceeds to a local cause.
“As a gigging actor, that is, one that is hired to come in and do a role, it’s particularly fulfilling if the company that is hiring you has empathy as its basic, guiding principle,” Myers said.
“From the material that they choose, to the way they approach the process and take care of the cast and staff, to the fact that they donate all of the proceeds to a cause, working with Miracle Theatre is such a gratifying experience beyond just performing in the play, as empathy is certainly something that we can use as much of as possible these days.”
Director Ted said Myers is a wellknown name in theatre circles.
“He specializes in these one-man shows that he has done year after year
and it’s so impressive that he keeps coming up with them and to have that creativity both as a writer and performer that is quite a combination and I am in awe of playwrights and how they create these terrific stories,” Price said.
“So here is a theatre artist who can not only create the material but then perform it and so successfully – he’s been all over the world with this shows. Lucas is highly regarded so we’re really pleased to have him back and he’s so committed. He’s such a positive force on the stage and this, for us, is the biggest cast we’ve had so for us to have someone in a leading role with all those attributes is terrific.”
The Garage Sale is presented by Miracle Theatre from March 26 to April 19, Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m., at ArtSpace, above Books & Co., 1685 Third Ave. Tickets are $40 at Books & Co., or order by phone and pick up at the door before the performance.
The Prince George Citzen
Order of the Eastern Star makes anniversary donaton
MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
The Nechako Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star has donated $18,123.66, the entirety of its yearly fundraising efforts, to the BC Cancer Centre for the North Patient Relief Fund.
The Order of the Eastern Star is also celebrating its 100th anniversary with this donation, marking a century of engagement in the community and donations to hospitals and charitable initiatives across Prince George.
The group raised these funds through a gala fundraiser, raffles, volunteering and other special events held over the past year. They also gathered funds from volunteer ushering at Cougars games, as volunteer ushers are given stipends for their services.
Robert Olson, executive medical director at BC Cancer — Prince George, spoke to The Citizen during the cheque presentation on March 20 about what benefits this donation can bring to the Patient Relief Fund.
“It’ll help dozens, if not more, patients,” said Olson. “We are very careful about how we do it, but we make sure that the people who are the most in need get it. It opens the door for people to get life-saving treatment that they might forgo because they didn’t want to leave their community or because they couldn’t afford it.”
He added what the Patient Relief Fund provides to those in the North who are struggling with cancer treatment and the intense financial burdens it can often bring.
“It’s often for people who are travelling from outside of Prince George, although sometimes we also use it for people who are in town,” said Olson. “There are unexpected expenses that aren’t covered by their benefits or other things. It just takes a big financial toll because some people are still working and they don’t have extra benefits for it. Or they sometimes have extra medication expenses that aren’t covered, but usually it’s more about travel and accommodation when the systems we set up aren’t
available.”
Joanna Cole, chair of the Order of the Eastern Star’s 100th birthday committee, spoke to The Citizen at the presentation about the organization’s history with cancer donations and treatment during its 100 years of service.
“This was our 100th anniversary,” said Cole.
“Eastern Star has always been part of cancer patients’ journey in BC. We started our cancer dressing program in the 1950s, where Eastern Star members would make dressings for cancer patients and donate them. When the Cancer Centre for the North opened here in Prince George, the Eastern Star chapter locally seeded the initial patient relief fund with about $15,000. Every year, we have worked to add money to that fund because we know how important it is for cancer patients in the North to have access to funding for those non-medical expenses that come up in the course of treatment.”
Members of the Order of the Eastern Star have been fundraising and making donations to health care in the Prince
George area since the 1930s. Their first donations included funds and furniture for the local hospital. Since the 1950s, the order has been providing funding and cancer dressing programs to those in need.
In addition to the order’s extensive experience with health-care donations over its 100 years, Cole also spoke about her personal experiences with the impacts cancer can have on an individual.
“My mother passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016,” said Cole. “It was a really difficult journey for us. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers. It’s hard to treat, and the outcomes are not good. My mom was treated for cancer at the BC Cancer Centre in Prince George and unfortunately didn’t win the fight. Cancer treatment and cancer funding have been a passion of mine for the last 10 years, and that made it an easy thing for me to recommend to the rest of our committee that this be our focus.”
She added that the order wants to help make the difficult process of treatment in a rural area easier.
“If your funds are stretched because you’ve travelled from one of the small rural communities supported by Northern Health to Prince George,” said Cole. “Those expenses are there, and you’re missing work and your family is missing work to support you. Everything becomes expensive — travel, accommodation, groceries, specialty diets, any of those things that aren’t covered. Our Northern patients and community members must be supported, and this was such an opportunity to make a difference in a way that is sometimes overlooked.”
The Order of the Eastern Star defines itself as a Masonic organization. Cole said that despite Masonic fraternities inviting speculation, they are there to serve Prince George.
“Service is our main cause, and the Masons, as much as there are all kinds of rumours and speculation, are also a wonderful organization that is there to serve the community and support community ventures and charities. There’s a lot of mystery, but it’s not really that mysterious.”
CITIZEN PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER
Dr. Robert Olson (left), Fya Garbutt, Joanna Cole and Dianne Graham celebrate a donation by the Order of the Eastern Star to the BC Cancer Centre for the North on Friday, March 20.
Throwback Thursday: Week of March 26
March 27, 1972: There were many ways to interpret the Prince George Public Library, Colleen Vandal, 3, found as she browed through some of the 150 entries to the library’s art contest. The competition had youngsters from Prince George elementary schools offer their perception of the library through art. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY RICK HULL
March 26, 1999: Forward Mike Stutzel, left, and defenceman Brad Fast were the big winners at the Prince George Spruce Kings annual awards banquet at the Cariboo Restaurant. Stutzel was top scorer and MVP, leading the team with 41 goals and 91 points. Team captain Fast was named best defenceman, fan favourite and most dedicated. It was their last year with the team for both players. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY BRENT BRAATEN
March 26, 1987: Rick Hansen wheels through a snowstorm as his Man in Motion tour made its way to Prince George. Hansen began his day 25 kilometres east of the city and made it to PG at around noon, where a public rally was held at the Coliseum. Hansen crossed the country to raise funds for spinal cord research. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY BROCK GABLE
March 26, 2016: Olivia Thompson, 2, had her face painted by Mandy Paavola of MF Makeup Artistry during an Easter Family Fun Day at Play Grounds Café. Easter fell on March 27 that year; this year it’s on April 5. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY
JAMES DOYLE
New hospital budget will fund UHNBC capital projects
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
The Fraser-Fort George Regional Hospital District board of directors approved a 2026 annual operating budget at its Thursday, March 19 meeting that will see it collect almost $24 million in taxes to help pay for capital projects at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia.
Hospital districts occupy the same boundaries as regional districts across the province and share the same board of directors.
Typically, hospital districts levy taxes to pay for 40 per cent of capital projects carried out by health authorities at hospitals within their boundaries.
However, in November 2024, the Fraser-Fort George board voted to reduce its contributions to 21.63 per cent of the cost of eligible projects.
In 2026, requested funding by Northern Health increased from around $23.4 million in 2025 to $23,978,965 — a 2.45 per cent increase.
Because of both market and non-market growth to the assessed value of properties within the hospital district, the anticipated tax rate for 2026 is estimated to drop from the $73.06 per $100,000 of assessed value in 2025 to $71.99 per $100,000 this year.
The average household will pay about $3.50 more in the hospital district portion of their 2026 property taxes as a result.
While around $24 million in taxes will be collected, the regional hospital district will actually provide Northern Health with $36,322,240 in funding in 2026.
Making up the difference is $10,545,405 in transfers from the district’s capital reserve fund, $2,187,730 in investment income and $40,000 in grants provided in lieu of taxes.
A report from district staff said that around $9.6 million was put into the capital reserve fund late last year to pay for anticipated 2026 expenses as well as previously approved funding for early works relating to the construction of the new acute care tower at UHNBC.
As of Dec. 31, 2025, there was around $87.3 million in the district’s capital reserve fund.
The 2026 operating budget includes a total of $16,888,000 in spending on early works at UHNBC.
In 2024, $4.4 million was spent on the project. In 2025, spending was at $20 million. Total spending on the project by the hospital board is now projected to be $36,322,240.
That’s a decrease of around $28,000 from the original estimate.
Further breaking down the funding being provided to Northern Health by the district, $1.136 million is for a minor equipment grant, $100,000 is for building integrity projects, $7.5 million
funding requests by Northern Health. In September 2025, the board agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding with five other northern hospital district boards to jointly lobby the province to reform the district funding model.
Chief administrative officer Chris Calder told the board that the district and its partners are looking to meet with the Ministry of Health to discuss some of these issues in the next couple of months.
Director Cori Ramsay (City of Prince George), the current president of the Union of BC Municipalities, said that organization is looking to have similar conversations and it might be a good idea to include the UBCM on future correspondence to make sure they’re all on the same page.
After approving the overall budget bylaw, the board approved expenditure bylaws for contributions to several capital projects being carried out by Northern Health this year at UHNBC.
These included:
• $458,000 to upgrade an elevator with obsolete parts,
• $2.344 million ($1.748 million in 2026 and $586,000 in 2027) for phase 2B renovations at the hospital’s hematology lab,
• $537,200 for ventilation upgrades at the histology lab,
• $1,157,200 to buy a new CT scanner and
is for major projects and equipment and $10,698,240 is based on financial commitments from prior years.
Regional hospital districts are required to pass their budget bylaws by March 31 each year.
Discussing the proposed budget, Director Brian Skakun (City of Prince George) brought up previous discussions held by the board on talking with the provincial government about more strictly defining what a capital project is.
At previous board meetings, some directors expressed annoyance that items like software to run specialized equipment or various computer systems were being put forward as capital
• $2,077,600 ($1.4 million in 2026 and $677,600 in 2027) to upgrade electrical rooms one and six.
Director Joan Atkinson (District of Mackenzie) said the requests seemed to be for “very critical things” as they are responses to people getting trapped in elevators and exposed to formaldehyde. Skakun brought up the electrical rooms upgrade and Northern Health’s report that they pose safety and operational risks in their current condition. He said the health authority might want to adjust its procedures before equipment like that degrades to that extent going forward.
All the expenditure bylaws were approved unanimously.
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
The Regional District of Fraser Fort George hospital board’s 2026 operating budget will see it collect $24 million in taxes to help pay for capital projects at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia.
Local Sports Spruce Kings claim Coast East Division crown
TED CLARKE Citizen Staff
For the first time since 2019, the Prince George Spruce Kings have a BC Hockey League banner occasion to celebrate.
Their 5-2 win over the Coquitlam Express on Sunday afternoon locked up the Coastal East Division crown in front of a Kopar Memorial Arena crowd of 1,508.
The Spruce Kings will open the playoffs April 3 against the fourth-place Langley Rivermen, playing in a rink where they won 19 of 27 home games. As division champions, they have the chance to open the first two playoff rounds at Kopar.
“It’s huge,” said Spruce Kings captain Isaac Holt. “Obviously we’re a lot further for these other teams to travel to, about eight hours north, so that obviously plays a big part in it, and then our ice is a bit shorter and our boards are hard as rocks and that’s definitely something we can use to our advantage. We’re really stressing getting our bumps and hits.”
“It’s a great accomplishment for the team, kind of the first step to where we want to be in the postseason, but we just have to keep pushing hard throughout the rest of the regular season and head into the playoffs on a high note with confidence,” said the 20-year-old defenceman.
With two games left, the Spruce Kings (33-17-3-0) have an expectation when they come to the rink — chances are they’re going to win — and Holt says it’s their refusal to take a night off that’s turned them into a first-place team.
After losing 3-0 Saturday to the Express, the Spruce Kings wanted to set a physical tone, and Mason Loewen did that early in the game when he flattened an Express puck-carrier in the Coquitlam end with a crunching hit before Sunday’s game was five minutes old. As physical as they were, the Kings
were not overaggressive and took just three minor penalties. They’ve been one of the least-penalized teams all season.
Second-period goals from Ryan Wachtel, Ben Vreugdenhil and Tai Ushio gave the Kings a two-goal lead and they never looked back.
Wachtel gave the Spruce Kings their first lead of the weekend, putting them ahead 2-1 just 28 seconds into the second period. Wachtel’s linemate, Ben Vreugdenhil, gained the puck behind the net and fed it into the slot for a quick snapper Wachtel buried for his 23rd goal.
Coquitlam got that one back 5:36 into the period, a seeing-eye point shot from Cooper Wilson with traffic in front of goalie Ryder Green.
The Spruce Kings’ power play, which went 0-for-7 on Saturday, finally connected to give them a 3-2 lead just shy of the seven-minute mark of the second. Vreugdenhil let go a low wrister from the blueline that found its way behind goalie Ryan Parker for what was the game-winner. Marcus Lougheed and
Ozbej Rep drew the assists. For Rep, a Slovenian defenceman, it was his team-leading 45th helper.
The Kings took advantage after the Express were caught on an extended shift after icing the puck twice, and Ushio was rewarded with his 30th goal after a faceoff win. Lougheed went to his forehand on the draw to push the puck behind the defence and put a perfect pass through the blue paint to Ushio for an easy tap-in and a 4-2 lead at the midway mark of the period.
“We know we’re a team that can score and we know keeping the puck out of the net is even more important, so we try to focus on that, but definitely when the offence is clicking for us that’s huge for us,” said Lougheed.
The Kings put it out of reach 5:48 into the third period, cashing in a shift of strong forechecking from the forward trio of Dominic Szczygiel, Mathias Laplante and Spencer Masters. Szczygiel forced a turnover deep in Coquitlam territory and got the puck to Laplante,
who nailed the goalpost from close range, and Masters was there to sweep in the rebound.
Lougheed says his team loves playing for Prince George hockey fans and can’t wait to experience that playoff buzz they’re sure to generate.
“We know how important home ice is to us, we love the Kopar and we know other teams hate it so finishing first in the division was a huge goal for us, and I’m so proud of the guys every day putting the work in,” said Lougheed.
“Teams really hate coming up here — it’s a long drive. We’re used to the drive and most teams aren’t, and we feel it’s an advantage for us. Our crowds are amazing, they’ve been supportive all year, so it was huge for us to clinch the first seed so we have home advantage for the first two.”
Just as they did in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Kopar, the Express struck first.
‘PLAYOFFS’ ON NEXT PAGE
CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT
Spruce Kings right winger Ryan Wachtel (right) starts to celebrate after firing the puck past Express goalie Ryan Parker to put the Kings ahead 2-1 at Kopar Memorial Arena Sunday, March 22.
Team White triumphs in Spruce Kings’ alumni clash
TED CLARKE Citizen Staff
Stew Malgunas won the bet with sonin-law Jordan Low, but it was narrow decision.
Malgunas, a former Kings defenceman and coach of the White team in the Spruce Kings alumni game Saturday afternoon, wagered 20 bucks his guys would beat the boys in blue, one of whom was defenceman Low, the guy who married his daughter Jayden. It was looking like White was on the way to a lopsided victory by the midway mark of the game.
Kings captain Sam Muchalla the former Kings captain, and Tyson Witala got White going with two goals on goalie Matt Lizotte before the game was two minutes old.
Jake LeBrun got Blue on board when he made it a 2-1 game just past the five-minute mark of the second period, and Team White responded with unanswered goals from Frank Crosina, Brandon Manning, and Tyson Hall and
that put them ahead 5-1 heading into the second intermission.
Although they were outscored 3-1 in that middle frame, Team Blue was showing plenty of signs of life and outshot White by a 16-10 margin. They picked up where they left off in the third period and were rewarded
with goals from Casey Hogue, Lee J. Leslie and LeBrun to make it a onegoal game with still 10 minutes to play.
Blue had their chances for the equalizer, outshooting White 12-8 in the third period, but with Damien Ketlo supplying lights-out goaltending that’s as close as it got.
Muchalla and Manning, who both serve as assistant coaches for the BCHL Spruce Kings, each collected a goal and two assists.
The game was played in front of a crowd of about 500 at Kopar Memorial Arena.
Playofs kick of April 3 afer fnal two regular-season games
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Coquitlam winger Cole Bishop redirected Mitch Kneidel’s long shot from the left point, and it found the net low behind Ryder Green. Bishop’s 21st of the season came 15:39 into the game.
Defenceman Dracen Campbell, selected as the Spruce Kings’ top rookie in 2025-26, tied it up a couple of minutes later. Campbell saw teammates Mason Loewen and Carter Hesselgrave screening Parker and let go a shot that found a seam over Parker’s shoulder for his fifth goal and 13th point in 49 games.
Campbell, an 18-year-old from Wallaceburg, Ont., has been a pleasant surprise in his first BCHL season and, while paired with Evan Bellamy, had an exceptional game as the first star Sunday.
“He’s unreal, he’s a purebred stud and he’s been good since the start of the year,” said Holt. “You would have
thought that guy’s been playing junior hockey for five years. He’s got so much poise and confidence, and he’s got an edge to him not many guys have. He’s an absolute complete player and a wonderful teammate.”
The Spruce Kings outshot the Express 28-24.
In their 30-year BCHL history, the Spruce Kings have won their division just twice, in 2018 and 2019. Both of those years they made it to the league final, and in 2019 they won their only league championship. Now they’ll have to make room for another banner to hang from the Kopar rafters.
“When you start at the beginning of the year, the goal is to make the playoffs, but if you can win your division that’s the ultimate goal because it gives you home-ice advantage the first two rounds for sure in the playoffs,” said Kings general manager Mike Hawes.
“The benchmark in my eyes is 30
wins, and we’re at 32 now with the possibility of 34, so credit to the staff and the players, they’ve done a hell of a job in the regular season. We utilize home ice every game we play in this rink — it’s a hard place for any team to come in and play, so I think that gets amplified in the playoffs. A team is going to have to come in here and beat us a number of times to win a round, and that’s a difficult thing to do.”
Spruce Kings head coach Brad Tesink took over the team in November 2024 and got them into the playoffs, which established the tone and helped raise expectations that this year’s team was capable of winning a division title.
“When our management and our scouting staff put together this group at the start of summer, we felt we had what it takes to push in our division and obviously bringing in some leadership qualities like Tai Ushio and Marcus Lougheed to add to our group, we
brought a veteran presence in to be able to challenge,” said Tesink.
“Obviously those guys have done a great job in there. Guys have stepped up at different times, and we have some fine-tuning to do, lots of work still to be done, but this is a nice first step for this group.”
LOOSE PUCKS: The Spruce Kings finish off the regular season Friday in Langley and Sunday afternoon in Surrey. Prince George will host the first two games of the opening-round series against the Rivermen on Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4. Express centre Luke Phoh drew a one-game suspension for targeting Ushio’s head with a cross-check late in the game. Phoh took exception to a hit between Ushio and Georgios Stavrianeas that resulted in a major kneeing penalty assessed to Ushio. The league reviewed the play and ruled there was no supplementary discipline warranted on Ushio.
Spruce Kings White goalie Damien Ketlo kicks a shot from Spruce Kings Blue Jake LeBrun during the 2026 Spruce Kings Alumni Game at Kopar Memorial Arena Saturday, March 21.
Coach Yu selected for BC high school basketball award
TED CLARKE Citizen Staff
The College Heights Cougars finished off their senior boys basketball season on March 7 in Langley with a 74-64 win over the Sir Charles Tupper Tigers to claim ninth place at the 16-team triple-A provincial tournament.
Singled out as the most inspirational team in the tournament, the Cougars were waiting in the gym when head coach Jordan Yu recognized a few members of the BC High School Basketball Association he knew standing around the court.
They had something special in store for the 10-year coach. Yu was this year’s choice for the Ken Wright Memorial Coaching Award as the BC high school coach of the year.
Wright, who died in 1996, played a key role in the development of the association and provincial tournament and award has been handed out annually since 2005.
“I was kind of shocked, it was just a feel-good moment, knowing I’m stepping away from senior ball for a couple years,” said Yu.
“The award demonstrates success at the high school level with your programs and I guess it was over the last 10 years, six years at Duchess Park and four years at College Heights, just always having a team in the triple-A’s always kind of in the running. It was just icing on the cake for a decade of living my passion for coaching at the high school level ”
Yu and assistants Dan Connolly and Wade Louckes coached this year’s team. The Cougars won the Prince George City League championship and North Central zone title then went 3-1 at the provincial tournament. Seeded 12th, the only loss for Duchess Park came in the first round, a 75-54 loss to the fifth-ranked Argyle Pipers of North Vancouver.
Yu’s 10-year-run as a high school coach started in 2016 when he was asked by longtime Condors coach Al Errickson to take over as coach of the Duchess Park junior A boys team and
they went on to win the junior provincial championship that season. The following year he coached the Condors senior boys to the Prince George City League and North Central zone triple-A titles and captured the 2018 triple-A boys provincial championship.
With Yu at the helm, the Condors also won provincial silver (2020) and bronze (2019) and might have had another BC banner to hang in the Duchess Park gym if not for the lost pandemic season of 2020-21.
“It would have been 10 straight years at provincials if it hasn’t been for COVID that year, we were going in ranked No. 1 after we made the finals the previous year but we didn’t get that year, unfortunately,” said Yu.
“I’ve been blessed with so many good players and parents that support their kids playing basketball and training with us and my coaching staff has always
with the senior team.
Yu is hoping Emmett and his younger son Mason, 10, will have the chance to play together on the senior team when Emmett reaches Grade 12 and Mason is in his Grade 10 year.
Northern Bounce has about 80 kids involved in its boys and girls elementary program and another 150 players are enroled in the 14-team elite team program from April to the end of July, culminating in the provincial club tournament at Langley Events Centre. There’s also breakfast club sessions that start in the fall to get players ready for high school season in December.
Jordan Yu’s coaching history
• 2016-17 Duchess Park junior A boys: North Central zone Championship runner up, junior provincial champions
• 2017-18 Duchess Park senior boys: City champions, AAA zone champion, provincial champions
• 2018-19 Duchess Park senior boy: City Champions, AAA zone champion, provincial bronze medallists
• 2019-2020 Duchess senior boys: City Champions, AAA zone champion, provincial silver medallists
been amazing as well.”
Yu had a stellar high school career as a point guard at Duchess Park and went on to play two seasons at Capilano College before he moved on for a three-season stint as a starter with the UBC Thunderbirds. He returned to Capilano as an assistant coach and also served as an assistant at UBC before he moved back to Prince George.
Yu manages the Roll-A-Dome and oversees the Northern Bounce Basketball Academy club program he founded in 2017. He’ll be returning to Duchess Park next season to coach his son Emmett in Grade 8 with the junior boys, either the A or B team.
“We have a transition plan with Reid Roberts, who will be coaching his son Sawyer for the next two years and I’ll be moving into that senior position after Sawyer graduates,” said Yu, who will also serve as an assistant next season
• 2020-2021 Duchess Park senior boys: Pre-season AAA provincially ranked No. 1 – season cancelled by pandemic
• 2021-2022 Duchess Park senior boys: City Championship, AAA zone champion, fourth in provincial championship
• 2022-2023 College Heights senior boys: City Championship, AAA zone champion, eighth in provincial championship
• 2023-2024 College Heights senior boys: Zone Championship, 12th in provincial championship
• 2024-2025 College Heights senior boys: City Championship runner up, AAA zone champion, 12th in provincial championship
• 2025-2026 College Heights senior boys: City Championship, AAA zone championship, ninth in provincial championship
ROB VAN ADRICHEM PHOTO
College Heights Cougars head coach Jordan Yu speaks to his players during a timeout in their game on March 6 against the Sir Thomas More Collegiate Knights at BC senior boys triple-A provincial basketball championship in Langley.
Cougars heading into playofs with eight wins in a row
TED CLARKE Citizen Staff
Just one year ago, the Spokane Chiefs revved up their playoff machine and went on a run that didn’t stop until they ran into the Medicine Hat Tigers in a five-game Western Hockey League final.
The Chiefs went four rounds deep into the playoffs, an accomplishment never achieved by the Prince George Cougars in their 31-year history leading into this season. Cougar fans need not be reminded of the agony of losing to the Portland Winterhawks in Game 7 of that first-round series last year.
Will this year bring a Cougars playoff breakthrough that keeps them playing games well into mid-May? That remains to be seen. First, they have to find a way to smother the playoff hopes of the Chiefs, their opponents in a best-ofseven Western Conference quarterfinal series that starts Friday at CN Centre. There’s not a lot that separates the teams. The Cougars (44-22-2-0) finished third in the conference, posting eight more wins than the sixth-place Chiefs (36-30-2-0). Prince George did win all four games in the season series, but three of those games were decided by one goal.
The Cats have home-ice advantage, but based on the season it doesn’t matter where they play. They won 22 games at CN Centre and 22 in opposing rinks. The Chiefs also split it down the middle. Their 18-15-1 home record exactly matched what they did on the road.
Spokane lost its major firepower from last season, with the likes of Berkly Catton, Andrew Cristall, Shea Van Olm, Brayden Crampton and Saige Weinstein all having moved on. With so many holes to fill, this year’s team struggled to find its identity. GM Matt Bardsley addressed some of their needs and they got a bit older with the trade acquisitions of Tyus Sparks, Logan Warmold, Dominic Petr and Marek Howell, all of whom brought leadership and scoring depth. They lack the elite pedigree Cristall brought as a scoring champion and they don’t have a couple of players pushing for 50 goals, but six Chiefs
Prince George Cougars goalie Alexander Levshyn stops a shot from Victoria Royals forward Caleb Matthews during their game in Victoria on Saturday, March 21.
regulars put up 20 goals or more.
“We were kind of forced into playoff mode early with the type of year that we had and I thought we responded quite well from the last week of January into February and then obviously to finish the season to get us to where we are now,” said Chiefs head coach Brad Lauer.
“The mindset is to come up there and try to put our best foot forward and try to get a split coming out of there and get back home and be ready for our home games,” he said.
As an assistant coach with Canada’s world junior team, Lauer saw a lot of Joshua Ravensbergen and Carson Carels in the weeks leading up to Christmas, watching them play and practise, and he knows the challenge the Cougars pose for the Chiefs.
“PG has had a number of good years and they have a team that we’re going to have our hands full, but I like the matchup and look forward to the challenge,” Lauer said. “Obviously, you’ve got Carels and Ravensbergen and their topnine forwards, they’re an extremely deep team and they play a very organized game. They’re very connected as a group and Mark’s done a good job with them.”
Prince George native Chase Harrington, listed as the 32nd North American skater in NHL Central Scouting midseason rankings, finished third in Chiefs scoring (28-29-57). Harrington
forms a dangerous line with Petr and former Vancouver Giant Sparks, ranked 63rd by NHL scouting.
“He’s done well, he’s had a very good year for us and obviously he’s a big part of our team,” said Lauer, referring to Harrington. “He brings the energy and physicality to our group with the way he plays, not running out of control but being heavy when he needs to be heavy on his forecheck and offensively he’s done a good job putting up some numbers and scoring some goals.”
Warmold, a former Hurricane, finished with 22 goals and he plays the left side on the first line with Toronto Maple Leafs pick Owen Martin (28 goals) and Coco Armstrong (25 goals).
Sam Oremba (23-18-41) brings considerable firepower and plenty of playoff experience. Rhett Sather (11-29-40) and St. Louis Blues prospect Will McIsaac (8-26-34) provide offensive spark from the blue line. Leafs draft pick Nathan Mayes, Owen Schoettler and Howell are also formidable defenders.
Spokane went 5-4-1 in its last 10 games, not quite as hot as the Cougars, who put together a 9-1 regular-season finish.
“You want to be feeling good going into playoffs and that’s where we’re at,” said Cougars head coach and general manager Mark Lamb. “When you have seasons like we’ve had, you get 40-plus
wins, you have a type of team that finds ways to win, you just don’t win the same way all the time.”
Lamb said in September he thought this year’s team was stronger overall, positionally, than any of his previous Cougar teams and they’ve pretty much lived up to that prognosis, which bodes well for an extended playoff run.
“We have a lot of depth in different positions and when you do have some injuries or things that go bad, you have guys that go in and do the job, and we do have a lot of youth throughout our lineup,” said Lamb.
The Cougars also have a six-pack of 20-goal scorers and two of them, Terik Parascak and Kooper Gizowski, finished in the top 21 in points. Four Cougars had 70 points or more, including Parascak (33-46-79), Brock Souch (28-45-73), Carson Carels (20-53-73) and Gizowski (34-40-72). Russian import forward Dmitri Yakutsenak (25-25-50) and Jett Lajoie (21-11-30) also joined the 20-goal club.
Souch’s rights were acquired from Regina for a fifth-round pick and Gizowski was picked up on waivers from Lethbridge.
After joining the Cougars, they blossomed into scoring threats, continuing Lamb’s track record for finding value in the off-season.
VICTORIA ROYALS PHOTO
Head coach says team is ready physically and mentally
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Gizowski reached the third round of the playoffs last year with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and his season ended with a four-game loss to Medicine Hat in the Eastern Conference final.
The 20-year-old winger likes the fact the Cougars are hot going into the playoffs and that everybody is locked into the same mindset, putting aside individual goals to do what it takes to win.
“It’s just simple hockey, we’re not worried about the selfish stuff, no matter how many goals we score, we just know if we play our game they’re not going to get as many chances as we do, and it’s just capitalizing on the opportunities we do get,” said Gizowski.
“We have a bunch of guys who played a lot of playoff games and (Dawson) Seitz, who has won a championship before and knows how it works and how much of a grind it takes. We have that depth in our lineup and that will
push us throughout the rest of the playoffs. We have a full lineup where anyone can score, first to fourth line, and all of our defencemen can score. (The Chiefs) are going to come out flying, but as long as we stick to our game I like our chances.”
The Cougars also have in their forward group Tampa Bay Lightning draft pick Aiden Foster, Lee Shurgot, Kayden Lemire and Seitz, who won a WHL championship playing for Lauer on the 2022 champion Edmonton Oil Kings. Koy Funk joined the team in a deadline-day trade from Calgary and has found chemistry forming a tenacious checking line with Riley Ashe and Townes Kozicky.
On defence, Artemii Anisimov put up seven goals and 41 points in a breakout season and captain Bauer Dumanski also provided scoring punch with nine goals and 39 points, along with dozens of shot blocks in his final WHL season. Collectively, the Cougars finished with
245 goals in a 68-game season (sixth in the league), while Spokane totalled 223 (16th). In the goals-against department, the Cougars allowed 188 (third), while the Chiefs gave up 209 (seventh fewest).
“They’re a good team, they didn’t have the start they wanted, but when we played them here (March 3-4) they were on a roll, probably the hottest team in the league when they came in here,” said Lamb. “We beat them both games, but they weren’t easy.
“Mentally and physically, we’re probably in a better spot (than last year). The depth of our team, you feel good about that, but it doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Our special teams have been good, but playoffs are always a different animal. If something’s not working, there has to be a part of your game that is working to get the edge. We have chemistry throughout the group and our character is high — it’s a good feeling.”
Prediction: Cougars in six
Quarterfinal schedule
• Prince George Cougars vs. Spokane Chiefs
• Friday, March 27, 7 p.m. PT — Game 1: Spokane at Prince George
• Saturday, March 28, 6 p.m. PT — Game 2: Spokane at Prince George
• Monday, March 27, 7 p.m. PT — Game 3: Prince George at Spokane
• Wednesday, April 1, 6:05 p.m. PT — Game 4: Prince George at Spokane
• Thursday, April 2, 6:05 p.m. PT — Game 5: Prince George at Spokane*
• Sunday, April 5, 6 p.m. PT — Game 6: Spokane at Prince George
• Monday, April 6, 7 p.m. PT* — Game 7: Spokane at Prince George*
* if necessary
Mackenzie weight room named afer powerlifer, coach
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff
It’s official.
The District of Mackenzie’s recreation centre weight room has been named in honour of Pierce Northcott, powerlifting world champion, and his Canadian record-holding coach, Bryce Surgenor.
It will forever be known as the Northcott Surgenor Weight Room.
Northcott, 17, is an athlete from Mackenzie who deadlifted 205 kg (451 lbs.) during the Special Olympics BC Summer Games held in Prince George from July 10 to 12, 2025, which is an unofficial Special Olympics world record for 16- to 17-year-old males.
The dedication ceremony in the weight room took place on March 11, where about 50 people gathered to celebrate the occasion and the wallmounted plaque was unveiled.
“I’m happy they put us both up there,” Northcott said about the honour.
“We’ve both lived here all our lives, so it’s a good thing.”
Northcott came to Prince George in May 2025, ahead of the Special Olympics BC Summer Games, to practise with his Region 8 teammates, and that’s when he was introduced to local media.
Northcott presented himself as a determined young man whose focus on his powerlifting goals was unwavering.
“My parents never raised no quitter,” Northcott said during a recent interview.
“And I’m getting stronger.”
His short-term goal was to deadlift 500 lbs., and he has achieved that since his BC Summer Games competition, but he’s not done.
“I will deadlift 600 pounds and after that I don’t know what I’m going to do,” Northcott said. “For squats I’m aiming for 405 pounds.”
Northcott said lifting so heavy has changed his training routine.
“I have to take more rest days now and ease off the heavy lifts,” Northcott said.
Northcott’s coach, Surgenor, said it was awesome to be included in the
naming of the weight room.
“Obviously it’s more for Pierce’s achievement,” Surgenor said.
“I’m just proud to be his coach, really. The event was nice. We did a little ribbon cutting and we took a lot of pictures. Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Kiel Giddens said a few words in the Legislature — I just saw the clip — and he thanked me for my volunteer work in the community and I got a certificate for that. Pierce got a certificate as well for his achievement.”
Surgenor said Pierce has become more confident throughout his years of powerlifting.
“I think you can attribute that to the fact that powerlifting is not really a team sport,” Surgenor said.
“The achievement you make in it is entirely from your own work — you can never say ‘oh, he did this or he did that to help me,’ it’s just you. It’s a very objective sport. It’s pretty hard to compare two games of soccer, but you can compare a 300-pound lift to a 305-pound lift. We all know 305 is better, right? It’s just you, so that achievement is all yours and that’s great for anybody’s confidence.”
Coun. Jesse Wright, who was Northcott’s Grade 6 teacher, was the master of ceremonies during the weight room dedication event.
“I was super proud to MC the official
District of Mackenzie recreation centre weight room naming ceremony in honour of Pierce Northcott’s world-record deadlift at last year’s Special Olympics British Columbia competition in Prince George,” Wright shared in a social media post.
“The room is now called the Northcott Surgenor Weight Room after Pierce and his trainer Bryce Surgenor, and a plaque signifying the event will be in the weight room for future generations to be inspired by. I have known Pierce for years, having been his Grade 6 teacher back when I taught at Morfee Elementary School, and am beyond proud to see all he has accomplished and become.”
Northcott’s mother, Margie, said for her there was a standout moment during the event.
“The highlight was when Pierce’s peer-tutoring Grade 7 gym class showed up and surprised him,” Margie said. “They got pictures with him. They really think a lot of Pierce.”
As part of Northcott’s secondary school education, he gets credit for helping with the Grade 7 gym class, and the bond he has with the students is clear, Margie added.
Margie said throughout this journey of championship powerlifting, her son has gained so much confidence.
“Before this he would say he couldn’t
do something, and his attitude now is ‘I’m going to try it and if it doesn’t work out it’s OK.’ He’s not scared to try new things anymore and he really tries hard. It’s changed him a lot and I’m so proud of him.”
Coun. Andy Barnes, who first brought forward the idea of naming the weight room in Northcott’s honour, gave a speech on behalf of mayor and council, while Mayor Atkinson cut the ribbon at the entrance of the room to kick off the ceremony.
A representative from MLA Kiel Giddens’s office was on hand to offer congratulations, letters and certificates of recognition on his behalf, as he was working in Victoria at the time.
On the District of Mackenzie’s website, there is an acknowledgement:
“Renaming the weight room after Pierce and Bryce is a way for the community to recognize their dedication, hard work and positive influence on local athletes. Their commitment to strength, inclusion and supporting others reflects the values we’re proud to celebrate at the Mackenzie Recreation Centre.”
Northcott, whose focus is graduating high school right now, always leaves us with some words of wisdom.
“Never give up on your goals and never quit,” Northcott said.
“Always follow your dreams.”
RAE SURGENOR PHOTO
Powerlifting champion Pierce Northcott, left, and his Canadian record-holding coach, Bryce Surgenor, stand by the plaque declaring the Mackenzie Rec Centre weight room named for them to honour their achievements during a celebration on Wednesday, March 11.
Life Events
Elizabeth Dahne Gorst
October 23, 1990 - March 28, 2023
Yes, Bibbits, we will remember you. Love, Mom
Thank you for the gravesite visitors and fowers
orn to er with his na tee e ar h
urrounded y fa i y era d arris took his na tee shot and headed o to eet his aying artners t was a ea efu ose to a ong fu ife ived with hu our grit and a dee ove for the eo e around hi
The fa i y e tends hear e t thanks to everyone who has su orted us rea hed out and shared their on ern during this e of hange our kindness has eant ore than you know
n ieu of fowers or ards dona ons ay e ade to hriner s hi dren s os ita s a ause ose to the fa i y s heart
Calvin Washington
Reminding friends and family as we look forward to e e ra ng the ife of ad ra a a The o er
The ash on aturday ri th at at the a ada a a eorge t rin e eorge
Alan George Phillips
August 17, 1953 - March 20, 2026
He was born August 17th, 1953 in Smithers to Bob and Irene Phillips. He grew up in Telkwa before oving to rin e eorge to a end the College of New Caledonia where he studied Geography, and then went on to get his Master’s degree at the University of Victoria.
Alan was a proud father, and in 1995 he married Terry Phillips, and they shared 30 wonderful years together. Alan is survived by his wife Terry, and his family Colin, Crystal, Richard and Stephanie as well as grandchildren Nicholas, Olivia, Daniel and Steven.
Alan spent much of his career working for the Ministry of Environment before moving to the Ministry of Labour. He enjoyed lifelong friendships he developed with coworkers and classmates. utside of work he oved to sh ride his otor y e woodwork and watch his grandchildren play.
Alan was deeply loved by his family and he will be sorely missed.
In Memory of
Beverly Smith
February 2, 1945 - March 31, 2021
“Here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud, And the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide... I carry your heart, I carry it in my heart.”
-E. E. Cummings
Missing you always, arry ris hannon Trinity and fa i ies
Frank
e te er e ruary
Frank Krizay, 71, passed away on February 6, 2026, in owser ri sh o u ia e was orn in aten a as ovenia and grew u in t atharines ntario n his re re ent rank se ed in owser where he en oyed the uieter a e of oasta ife
rank had a ove for the outdoors and the water o e of his ha iest o ents were s ent shing whether uiet y ake shing fro his s a a u inu oat or dee sea shing in the war waters of e i o e a so had a ove for trave es e ia y tri s to e i o where he en oyed the sunshine ea hes and re a ed way of ife ove a rank wi e re e ered y his fa i y e eaves ehind his hi dren nge rankie essi a i ho as and hristo her who wi arry forward his e ory and the any o ents they shared together
e wi e dee y issed and fond y re e ered y those who knew and oved hi
frontdesk@pgcitizen.ca or call
e e ra on of ife wi e he d at a future date f desired a dona on ou d e ade in s na e to the eart and troke ounda on or a charity of your choice.
Krizay
Gerald Henry Harris
Dorothy “Dot” Prat
May 17, 1944 - March 6, 2026
Dorothy “Dot” Prat passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2026, following a courageous batle with cancer. Even in her most difcult moments, Dot reminded her family that she lived the best life.
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, on May 17, 1944, Dot moved to Prince George as a young girl with her mother, Clara. It was there that a friend introduced her to Bernie Prat. The two were married on October 8, 1966, beginning a journey defned by fun, friendship, and a growing family. Afer 49 years of marriage, Bernie predeceased her on February 27, 2016.
Dot worked at several Prince George businesses, including the Prince George Citzen and a local law frm. She spent the fnal years of her career in payroll at Prince George Regional Hospital, now known as UHNBC, where she formed meaningful friendships. Dot was a proud mother to Sandy (Anthony) Winger, Russ (Nicki) Prat, and Laurie (Blake) McIntosh. She was a loving grandmother to Danica (Amran), Brady, Jake (Hanna), and Konnor; step grandmother to Mackenzie (Jordan) and Haley (Kelly); and step great grandmother to Lydia and Marceline. She is also survived by beloved in laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and her faithful dog, Kami.
She was predeceased by her husband, Bernie Prat; her mother, Clara Folden; her stepfather, Tubby Folden; and her father, Andrew McCorrister.
Dot was a familiar face at the bowling alley and curling rink. She enjoyed a good hand of cards and the excitement of the casino, especially when shared with family and friends. Her family takes comfort knowing she is reunited with her sweetheart, Bernie. Mom, we will miss you so much.
The family extends heartelt thanks to Dr. Israt and the Prince George Hospice Society for their compassionate care and support.
A viewing will be held Friday, March 27, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Assman’s Funeral Chapel.
A Celebraton of Life will take place Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club.
In lieu of fowers, donatons to the Prince George Hospice Society would be greatly appreciated.
Leona Lindstrom (née Mattenley)
April 6, 19 9 February 19, 2026
In memory of Leona Lindstrom (nee Matenley) who passed away February 19, 2026
Born in Surrey BC untl she moved to Prince George to work at Eaton’s where she met her future husband at his relatves house where she was boarding. She loved gardening, fower arranging and fresh caught trout.
She will be missed by her husband of 6 years, Donald Lindstrom. Daughters icky (Lyle) Wiltzen and Kathy Ellis. Grandson Jamie (Kathleen) Wiltzen, granddaughter Jessica Wiltzen and grandsons Jackson Thomas Wiltzen, brother George (Joy) Matenley, sister in law Dee Matenley and many nieces nephews.
Predeceased by her father and mother Earl Alice Matenley, brother Bill (William) Matenley, son in law Wayne Ellis and father and mother in law Ralph Margaret Lindstrom.
AT PEACE
James Albert Prazma
May 21, 1925 - December 26, 2025
Jim passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025. Predeceased by parents Frank and Rose, two brothers and two sisters.
Survived by two brothers, nieces and nephews.
Jim farmed in Sask, and moved to Prince George in 19 . He worked at La Pas on River Rd. untl his retrement. Jim lived at Gateway Assisted Living, and was involved in many actvites. He celebrated his 100th birthday at Gateway surrounded by family, friends and residents. In Jim’s own words ”Ya I Know”. The family would like to thank everyone who supported him.
those who have touched our
Wilma Janet Carson (née Horn), born January 23, 1941, passed peacefully the morning of March 1, 2026 with her three children by her side.
Wilma’s early years were spent in the home of her parents, William and Marion in Motherwell, Scotland. At age 11, she met Murray, the man with whom she would spend her life. Wilma completed her full six years at Dalziel High School before moving on to the College of Commerce in Glasgow.
Wilma and Murray were married on October 31st, 1960 in Bellingham, Washington. Murray’s career with the Royal Bank took them across the country but retrement brought them to the Sunshine Coast with Wilma becoming actve in the arts and culture scene, and volunteering at the local thrif store. In 201 , Wilma and Murray completed their fnal move together back to Prince George.
Wilma is survived by her husband of 65 years, Murray; children Fiona, Wilma (Cam), and Ian (Cora); grandchildren Jennifer (Bryce), Heather, and Colin (Kailey); and great-grandchildren, Cynthia, Ashlyn, Theo and Luca.
The family would like to extend our thanks to Drs. Chang and Enos, and the sta at the Prince George Hospice.
No service to follow at Wilma’s re uest. In lieu of fowers, please consider a donaton in Wilma’s name to the Prince George Hospice Society.
Wilma Janet Carson (née Horn)
Classifeds
LEGAL NOTICE
To anyone related to DOW, CLARA LILY about the trailer MHR#035649, Serial#8298, 1973, HOMCO, AMBASSADOR, located at #76 - 5130 North Nechako Rd, Prince George, B.C., Mirae Investment Ltd. ,the owner of Caledonia MH Park, 251-3381 Cambie St., Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 4R3 (604-248-7505), will dispose of the abovementoned trailer unless the person being notfed takes possession of the property and establishes a right of possession of it within 30 days from the date the notce is served on that person.
Has an employment opportunity for a
DEVELOPMENTAL CONSULTANT
Houston, Telkwa and Smithers Full time Temporary Position Compensation: $38.50 – $46.85
Start date: April 13th, 2026 to May 31st, 2027
For full job description visit https://nwcdc.ca/news/#careers or to apply email Kerri Bassett, Executive Director at hr@nwcdc.ca
Notce to Remove Private Land from Woodlot Licence W0271
Please be advised that K. Mitchell is proposing to remove 42.5 hectares of private land from Woodlot Licence W0271 located west of Cinema, B.C. n uiries comments to this proposal must be submi ed to Cariboo Forest Consultants Ltd., 841 Elm St., Quesnel, BC, V2J 7J8, n lenn oymer . . . by pril 0 . nly wri en in uiries received by the above date will be responded to.
nformaton about this proposal can be obtained by contactng lenn oymer . . . at 0 3 .
Notice to Creditors
Estate in British Columbia Canada
Notice to creditors and others in the Estate of Robert William Harvey late of Prince George, British Columbia, Canada, who passed away on September 8th 2025 are hereby noti ed to send particulars of their claims to the undersigned on or before April 25, 2026 after which date the Estate will be distributed among the parties entitled to it, having regard only to the claims of which the undersigned has notice.
Claims should be sent to:
3761 Paquette Ave, Thornhill, BC, V8G 3S6 Dated this day March 26, 2026
ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 Monday, May 11, 2026
4:30pm to 6:30pm
Central BC Railway & Forestry Museum 850 River Road, Prince George. Please join us for the presentaton of the 2025 Annual Report and Operatonal Review. This meetng will also include a Community Consultaton Commitee meetng.
• On Nov. 11, 1831, Nat Turner, an American slave and educated minister who believed that he’d been chosen by God to lead his people into freedom, was hanged in Jerusalem, Virginia, for leading a revolt with 75 followers through Southampton County, killing about 60 white people.
*On April 6, 1930, James Dewar needed a good way to occupy the Continental Baking Company’s shortcake-baking machinery while strawberries were out of season. Fortunately for generations of snackers to come, he tried shooting a cream filling into one of the shortcakes, and the iconic Twinkie (the name was inspired by a billboard ad for Twinkle
• On Nov. 12, 1969, investigative journalist Seymour Hersh revealed the extent of the U.S. Army’s charges against 1st Lt. William L. Calley at My Lai, Vietnam, in a cable picked up by more than 30 newspapers, saying that “The Army says he [Calley] deliberately murdered at least 109 Vietnamese civilians during a searchand-destroy mission in March 1968, in a Viet Cong stronghold known as ‘Pinkville.’”
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You are self-reliant and rarely ask anyone for help. But this tme, you might want someone you trust to be there for you while you deal with a difcult mater. Cheer up! Things will improve soon.
Toe Shoes) was born.
* On April 7, 1940, Tuskegee Institute founder Booker T. Washington became the first African American to be honored with a postage stamp bearing his likeness. It would be almost another 40 years before an African American woman -- human rights activist Harriet Tubman -- would receive the same recognition.
* On April 8, 1993, astronaut Ellen Ochoa became the first Hispanic woman in space when the shuttle Discovery lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center. Later she also served as Director of the Johnson Space Center, the first Hispanic director and the
second woman to hold that position, from 2013 to 2018.
* On April 9, 1945, Berlin University lecturer, Lutheran pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was hanged at Flossenburg concentration camp in Germany, just days prior to its liberation by American soldiers. His final words were, “This is the end -- for me, the beginning of life.”
* On April 10, 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was founded in New York City by philanthropist and diplomat Henry Bergh. By the time of his death in 1888, 37 of the 38 states in the Union had passed animal
anti-cruelty laws.
* On April 12, 1954, Bill Haley and His Comets recorded “(We’re Gonna) Rock Around The Clock,” which they’d been performing live for months, during the final 40 minutes of a three-hour recording session in New York City that had actually been set up for a song called “Thirteen Women (and Only One Man in Town).” After the tune was chosen to play over the opening credits of the film “Blackboard Jungle,” it became a pop sensation, selling a million copies in one month in 1955.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)
• On Nov. 13, 1979, Philadelphia 76ers center Darryl Dawkins leaped over Kansas City Kings forward Bill Robinzine for a memorable slam dunk that shattered the fiberglass backboard. His equally memorable comment on the move, which was not his last and the sound of which spectators likened to a bomb going off: “It wasn’t really a safe thing to do, but it was a Darryl Dawkins thing to do.”
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) What seemed to be a difcult goal to reach is now -- or soon will be -- all yours. Congratulatons! Meanwhile, an unexpected travel opportunity holds an intriguing new prospect.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your patence begins to pay of. Look for the frst sign that your goals are in plain sight. Then take tme out from all your hard work for some fun with someone special.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) A chilly recepton to your presentaton shouldn’t cause you to abandon your ideas. Instead, tweak up the weaker parts and then, once again, show them what you have.
Some co-workers might try to talk you out of acceptng a promoton, but you need to follow your own instncts. And if you believe you’re right for the job, then take the chance.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Some changes are in order as you come to realize that you need to sort out several areas in your life. Your remarkable insight helps you make the right decisions.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Resist the tendency to close yourself of from unpleasant situatons. Instead, open up to how things are so that you can help change them to what they could be.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) An unspoken problem could be driving a deep wedge between you and a special person. Some honest talking ‘twixt the two of you can start the healing process.
• On Nov. 14, 1882, outlaw Frank “Buckskin” Leslie shot and killed Billy “The Kid” Claiborne, who had publicly challenged him, in Tombstone, Arizona.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) There could be some lingering efects from a recent setback. But it’s all for the best (as you’re now beginning to appreciate). Use the lessons that you’ve learned to start over.
• On Nov. 15, 1984, Baby Fae, a month old infant who received the world’s first baboon heart transplant, died at California’s Loma Linda University 20 days after the operation. Three other people had received animal heart transplants, but none survived longer than a few days.
• On Nov. 16, 2001, British author J.K. Rowling’s most famous and beloved creation, the bespectacled boy wizard Harry Potter (played by Daniel Radcliffe in his first major role), made his silver-screen debut in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” which went on to become one of the highestgrossing movies in history.
• On Nov. 17, 1903, the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party split into two factions: the majority Bolsheviks and minority Mensheviks. The Bolsheviks went on to become the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
Hiding your feelings might make you feel safer against rejecton. But this could be the tme when you’ll need to speak up or risk losing out on an important event in your life.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) It’s tme to act on your own behalf and separate yourself from people whose selfsh needs threaten your personal and/or professional survival.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You might feel like you’ve been going around in ever-widening circles when trying to deal with recent workplace problems. Cheer up! A successful end is fnally in sight.
Homes & Living
The infuental snowpack
Snowpack in the mountains of northern British Columbia plays a crucial role in shaping both the region’s water table and its climate. Often described as a “natural reservoir,” mountain snow accumulates over the winter and gradually melts in spring and summer, releasing water into rivers, soils, and groundwater systems. This process is especially important in northern B.C., where many watersheds depend heavily on snowmelt rather than rainfall. The relationship between snowpack, groundwater (the water table), and climate is deeply interconnected. Changes in one part of this system can ripple across ecosystems, water supplies, and even weather patterns.
Snowpack as a Natural Water Storage System
During winter, precipitation in northern British Columbia often falls as snow rather than rain due to cold temperatures. This snow accumulates in mountain regions, forming a snowpack that stores water for months. Scientists measure this stored water using “snow water equivalent,” which represents how much liquid water the snow contains. Instead of immediately running off into rivers, snowpack delays the release of water until temperatures rise. In spring and early summer, melting snow feeds rivers and streams in what is known as the seasonal “freshet.” This delayed release is critical because it ensures water availability during warmer months
when rainfall may be limited. Without this natural storage system, northern B.C. would experience more extreme seasonal swings—too much water in winter and not enough in summer.
Influence on the Water Table
The water table, which represents the level of groundwater stored beneath the surface, is strongly influenced by how and when snow melts. When snowpack melts slowly, water has time to infiltrate the soil and recharge groundwater aquifers. This process helps maintain stable water tables throughout the year. In contrast, reduced snowpack or rapid melting can disrupt this balance. If snow melts too quickly—often due to warmer spring temperatures— much of the water runs off into rivers
before it can seep into the ground. This leads to lower groundwater recharge and declining water tables later in the summer.
Research shows that snowpack size and duration are directly linked to groundwater recharge, meaning smaller or shorter-lasting snowpacks reduce the amount of water entering underground systems. In northern B.C., where communities, ecosystems, and industries rely on consistent water supplies, this can have serious consequences.
Additionally, earlier snowmelt can shift the timing of peak river flows. Warmer spring conditions are already causing earlier freshets in B.C., which means less water is available later in the summer when demand is highest.
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Effects on Regional Climate
Snowpack also plays a significant role in regulating climate, both locally and regionally. One of the most important mechanisms is albedo— the ability of a surface to reflect sunlight. Snow-covered landscapes reflect a large portion of incoming solar radiation, helping to keep temperatures cooler.
When snowpack decreases, darker land surfaces are exposed earlier in the year. These surfaces absorb more heat, leading to warming. This creates a feedback loop: warmer temperatures reduce snowpack, and reduced snowpack leads to further warming.
Scientific studies have shown that changes in snow cover can significantly influence regional climate patterns by altering the Earth’s energy balance. In northern B.C., this can contribute to longer and warmer summers, as well as shifts in seasonal weather patterns.
Impacts on Ecosystems and Wildfire Risk
The timing and amount of snowmelt
also affect ecosystems across northern British Columbia. Gradual snowmelt keeps soils moist well into the growing season, supporting forests, wetlands, and wildlife. When snowpack is low or melts early, soils dry out sooner, stressing vegetation and increasing vulnerability to drought.
This drying effect is closely linked to wildfire risk. With less moisture in soils and vegetation during summer, forests become more flammable. Combined with warmer temperatures, reduced snowpack can contribute to more frequent and intense wildfire seasons.
Climate Change and Snowpack Trends
Climate change is already altering snowpack patterns across British Columbia. Long-term data show declines in snow depth and snow water content in several regions of the province, largely due to rising winter temperatures. Warmer conditions mean more precipitation falls as rain instead of snow, especially at lower and mid elevations.
In northern B.C., trends are more variable, but the overall trajectory points toward earlier snowmelt and shorter snow seasons. These changes threaten to disrupt the natural timing of water availability, with cascading effects on groundwater, rivers, and ecosystems.
The mountain snowpack of northern British Columbia is far more than just a seasonal feature—it is a critical component of the region’s hydrological and climate systems. By storing water in winter and releasing it gradually in warmer months, snowpack sustains rivers, recharges groundwater, and stabilizes the water table.
At the same time, snowpack helps regulate temperature through its reflective properties, influencing regional climate patterns. As climate change continues to alter snowfall, melt timing, and temperature, the delicate balance between snowpack, water supply, and climate is increasingly at risk.
Understanding and monitoring snowpack is therefore essential for
managing water resources, predicting climate impacts, and protecting ecosystems in northern British Columbia.
A DIY checklist for your spring reset
(NC) For many of us, the end of a long winter, and the arrival of spring, is the perfect time for a reset. But with so many fixes competing for attention, it’s hard to know where to begin. This guide breaks the work into manageable steps and larger projects you can spread throughout the year, helping you make consistent progress. Here are two places to start: For your home:
• Fix cracks in driveways, walkways and patios.
• Paint or stain trim, fences and decks if they look worn.
• Repair any damage on the outside of your home.
• Seal cracks or leaks in your foundation, basement or crawlspace.
• Clean and fix window and door screens.
• Make sure your air conditioner works properly, and check your filter is functioning as well by
cleaning or replacing it.
• Remove lint from the dryer vent and the vent leading outside the home.
• Check your washing machine and dishwasher hoses and clean the filters.
• Think about replacing your hot water tank if it’s over 10 years old.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change the batteries.
• Check fire extinguishers to make sure they work and are easy to reach.
Issues like leaks or appliance failures can still happen, even in well-maintained homes. Companies like Belairdirect provide resources to help you understand your next steps and feel supported.
For your car:
• If you haven’t already, it’s time to swap out those winter tires for all season or summer tires.
Property & Strata Management
• Check your tire pressure regularly. Your tire pressure can fluctuate along with the temperature, which impacts your vehicle’s handling and fuel efficiency.
• Be sure to clean your car inside and out, check it for any residual salt or grime that could cause corrosion.
• Check that your windshield wipers work properly and are in good condition, and top up your washer fluid.
• Bring your car to the garage for seasonal checkups, and don’t forget to add an oil change if you’re overdue.
• For peace of mind, stock your car with the basics – an emergency kit, backup snacks, water and warm blankets. Take it step by step, start with a couple of quick wins, plan the larger projects when time allows, and come back to the list as you go. Soon, your home and car will
