Issuu

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P Use your 19+

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

SUPER BINGO

Virtual

WIN UP TO

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 • 6:00PM

$424,410

Jackpot Game

THURSDAY, November 26th · 6:00 PM

$10,000 CASH

www.treasurecovecasino.com

58307

00200

THURSDAY, November 12, 2026

in 47 calls or less

Please see www.treasurecovecasino.com for Terms & Conditions

First on the scene

inside

pull out section

Former firefighter describes Mackenzie bus crash that injured 20 people COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The father of a family who witnessed a bus crash on Highway 39 south of Mackenzie says his firefighter training helped him jump into action. The crash on Wednesday, Nov. 4, injured 20 people aboard the bus, including one person who was transported to hospital by air ambulance. Code Orange mass-casualty events were declared at both Mackenzie and District Hospital and University Hospital of Northern BC in Prince George. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

CORYNN ROGERS./FACEBOOK PHOTO

Rich Rogers (second from left), Corynn Rogers (right) and their two children enjoy ice cream cones together. On Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, Rich, Corynn and their son witnessed a bus crash on Highway 39 south of Mackenzie, BC that injured 20 people. Rich, a former firefighter, sprang into action to provide first aid.

DECEMBER 18 - 20 VANIER HALL Tickets at tickets.pgso.com

Proudly Sponsored by:

CORPORATE • COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE • WILLS AND ESTATES

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

NEWS

P RPI R N ICNEC E G EGOER OG RE G EC ICTIITZIEZN EN

Former firefighter calls for more mental health support CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE A day after the crash, Northern Health reported that five people involved remained in hospital. An update was not available at the time The Citizen went to press. At about 9 a.m. on Nov. 4, Rich Rogers, his wife, Corynn, and their soon-to-be 12-year-old son were heading south on Highway 39 when they saw a bus in the oncoming lane veer into theirs. “It didn’t appear to be for any particular reason, and then everything went into, like, ultra-slow motion,” Rich told reporters during a joint interview arranged by The Citizen on Friday, Nov. 6. “I started slowing down because I could … tell that something was about to happen. They continued all the way across the yellow line and then the white line until they started into the ditch. At that point, I’m assuming the driver managed to steer the vehicle back to try to get it on the road. “Unfortunately, they didn’t really slow down, and they turned sideways. At one point, I thought they were going to flip onto the highway on their side, but it seemed to just take off and shoot across the road. And unfortunately, on that side of the road, there was about a 20-foot ditch.” After hitting a tree, the bus spun around and fell into the ditch, Rich said. He asked his wife to call 911 before jumping out of their vehicle and sprinting toward the bus. The call eventually dropped, and Corynn flagged down a passing dump truck driver who helped her place another call using a satellite phone. When Rich reached the top of the hill, he saw that one person had been ejected from the bus. “I just fell back into my training from being a firefighter and first responder,” Rich said. “Without even thinking, I just went down the hill and assessed the first patient I came to. By this time, I could kind of tell that this was going to be a triage situation where we had multiple

BY HIGHWAY PATROL PHOTO

A crashed shuttle bus lies down an embankment in this photo taken by police at the scene on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

patients.” The person outside the bus appeared not to be breathing, he said. Rich moved them into a recovery position to see if they could clear their own airway. Thankfully, they coughed up some blood and started breathing again. One of the passengers then came out of the bus and asked if they could help. Rich asked them to hold the person who had been ejected still to minimize the risk of spinal injury. He also spotted a backpack lying outside the bus and grabbed it to use as a support.

Rich then went to the bus. None of the front windows were broken, he said, but the driver’s door was ajar, and one or two windows farther back had either been smashed or popped out. The airbags had deployed. Rich said he smelled something smoky, which helped him realize the vehicle was still running. He put it in park and turned it off. Another person involved in the crash was also providing first aid and told Rich that two or three people were unconscious inside the bus. When Rich returned outside, the first

ambulance had arrived. He estimated it took less than five minutes to reach the scene after the 911 call. There was only one attendant, who had begun treating the person who had been ejected. Rich offered to help using his first responder training and also provided a statement to a police officer. Shortly afterward, Mackenzie firefighters arrived and set up ropes down the hill. “It would have been almost impossible to get those people up and out of the vehicle without their help,” Rich said. Eventually, Corynn and their son continued on their way, while Rich stayed behind until Mackenzie’s fire chief gave him a ride back into town. Rich said he and his wife would do their best not to repeatedly revisit the experience with their son, while making sure he knows he can talk to them anytime about what they witnessed. The family settled in Mackenzie at the beginning of the current school year. Rich said he drives a shuttle to the Mt. Milligan copper and gold mine, and the vehicle he operates is almost identical to the one involved in the crash. He has worked one shift since the incident and said he was able to keep his emotions and stress in check. Rich said his own “dream career” as a firefighter in Prince George was cut short because of mental stress and a lack of the support he needed. “I think people need to respect the fact that when somebody says they’re hurting inside and they can’t explain it, that it should be taken a little bit more seriously,” he said. “I know my life would be a lot different right now if I was still a firefighter. I thought it was my dream career. It just about destroyed my life, and I didn’t feel that I got the support I needed. I think I got hung out to dry because people were going through a pandemic and they were scared, and I just got forgotten and treated not the way that I think I should have been. “But I have to move forward in my life, just like the people who were injured in that accident, and just do the best that I can from here for us.”

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

NEWS

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

Mayors call for better cell service after bus crash COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The mayors of Prince George and Mackenzie are calling for improvements to cell coverage in Northern BC as well as a helipad to be incorporated as part of the acute care tower expansion at the University Hospital of Northern BC in the aftermath of a bus crash on Highway 39 that injured 20 people on Wednesday, Nov. 4. A Code Orange mass-casualty event was declared at both UHNBC and the Mackenzie and District Hospital before getting rescinded later that afternoon. Five people remained in hospital a day after the event, including one person who was taken from the scene in an air ambulance. Prince George Mayor Garth Frizzell said news of the incident just south of Mackenzie “shocked and saddened” those who heard about it in a joint

media release with Mackenzie Mayor Pete Kyllo issued on Friday, Nov. 6. “It Is not my place to comment on specifics of the injuries or the details of the accident, but I want to commend the actions of the first responders including all the paramedics and RCMP,” Frizzell said. “The fast-thinking decisions and work by the team of Mackenzie healthcare first responders and those in Prince George made a difference. Our thoughts are with those injured and we wish all those impacted well in their recovery. Northern communities always look out for one another, and people always rally together in a time of need.” The mayors said that universal broadband has not been installed across the north and only 62 per cent of BC’s 15,000 kilometres of primary and secondary highways have cellular service. When the father of a family who witnessed the crash spoke with The Citizen

and other media outlets on Nov. 6, he said his wife’s initial call to 911 dropped and reconnected with the help of a satellite phone in the possession of the driver of a passing dump truck (see our story on Page 1). In the lead-up to the provincial election on Saturday, Oct. 24 provincial election, elected officials from the City of Prince George and the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George lobbied the province to include an on-site helipad as part of the UHNBC expansion. Back in September, outgoing Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma, part of the defeated NDP Government, told The Citizen that the government had determined a helipad at the hospital wasn’t feasible and was instead looking for other options. “These are things our council and fellow northern and regional municipalities will continue to advocate for,” Kyllo said in the media release. When Kyllo spoke with The Citizen

on the afternoon of Nov. 4, he said he didn’t know what had caused the incident, but that he and his council were ready to lobby for better road maintenance, 24-7 airport coverage to make sure air ambulances can land when needed and better health-care resources for the community. Both Kyllo and Frizzell were sworn in as their communities new mayors on Monday, Nov. 2. A Citizen reporter passing by the scene the afternoon after the crash saw the bus involved placed on a flatbed truck, ready to be towed from the scene. The bus had the logo of the Prince George-based company Paxton Shuttle Services on it. The company’s website has photos of a 24-seat bus with a license plate that matches the one from the scene. Paxton did not respond to a Citizen email requesting comment on the situation.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

NEWS

P RPI R N ICNEC E G EGOER OG RE G EC ICTIITZIEZN EN

How the Mackenzie shuttle bus crash crisis unfolded CITIZEN STAFF

The crash that injured 20 people on Highway 39 south of Mackenzie on Wednesday, Nov. 4 involving a bus contracted by IREN, an Australian company that runs data centres in both Prince George and Mackenzie. Code Orange mass-casualty events were declared at both the Mackenzie and District Hospital and the University Hospital of Northern BC in Prince George before getting lifted at 3:30 p.m. in Mackenzie and 5:45 p.m. at UHNBC. The highway connecting Mackenzie to Highway 97 was closed for several hours Wednesday, Nov. 4, after a shuttle bus carrying about 20 people crashed on Highway 39, roughly four kilometres south of the community. BC RCMP received a call at 9:10 a.m. about a single-vehicle collision. Officers arriving at the scene found a northbound white shuttle bus in a ditch, with the driver and passengers suffering injuries ranging from minor to serious. Multiple ground and air ambulances responded, and the highway was closed in both directions. A detour was later established through the Causeway and Mill Road. “This was a chaotic scene, and police will need time to sort out many of the details,” said Sgt. Michael McLaughlin of BC Highway Patrol in a press release. “We need to speak with anyone who has dash camera video of the bus, or any witnesses who saw what was happening prior to the crash.” BC Emergency Health Services dispatched six ground ambulances, six air ambulances, two paramedic supervisors, two area managers and a clinical operations director. One patient was airlifted to hospital in serious condition. Six others were taken by ground ambulance to hospital before being transferred by air to another facility. Two of those patients were in serious condition and four were in serious but stable condition. Another 13 patients in stable condition were transported by bus to hospital, accompanied by advanced care paramedics. Paramedics and supervisory staff also

CITIZEN PHOTO BY COLIN SLARK

Emergency crews prepare to tow a damaged shuttle bus after pulling it back onto Highway 39 after a crash on Wednesday, Nov. 4 south of Mackenzie. At right, a sign outside Mackenzie’s hospital indicates its Code Orange status on the day of the crash.

helped hospital personnel with patient triage. Both Mackenzie and District Hospital and University Hospital of Northern BC in Prince George declared Code Orange mass-casualty events. Northern Health asked residents to avoid both emergency departments except for life-threatening emergencies while staff responded to the influx of patients. “We do not have details to share at this time about the number of patients involved, or their conditions; our thoughts are with those who’ve been impacted,” Northern Health stated in a Nov. 4 press release. The health authority advised people needing non-urgent care to contact their primary care provider, the Prince George Urgent and Primary Care Centre, the Northern Health Virtual Primary and Community Care Clinic or HealthLink BC at 811. Patients with scheduled non-urgent procedures were to be contacted if their appointments needed to be rescheduled. Mackenzie Secondary also confirmed the crash did not involve one of its school buses, although one was dispatched to the scene “to provide support and assistance.” The artificial intelligence company IREN later confirmed the bus had been chartered by one of its contractors.

“Our immediate concern is for everyone on board and their families, and we are supporting the response however we can,” an IREN spokesperson said in a press release. “We are in close contact with the contractor, emergency responders and the RCMP as they work to establish what happened. The safety of site personnel and community members remains our top priority, both on and off site.” At the Mackenzie Chamber of Commerce, executive director Tracy Medley said residents were checking on one another amid considerable speculation on social media. “We were just checking on everybody, because that’s what this town does,” Medley said. She added that IREN was a major presence and supporter of the community and expressed concern for everyone involved. “As a community, we’re going to stand together,” she said. The crash also prompted calls for improvements to northern infrastructure and emergency services from newly sworn-in Mackenzie Mayor Pete Kyllo. Kyllo had taken office on Monday, Nov. 2, after winning the Oct. 17 election to succeed former mayor Joan Atkinson. He said his council would look at

ways to lobby the provincial government to help prevent similar situations and improve emergency response capabilities. “Lobby the government for better road maintenance — and I don’t know what the specifics are — but we could ask for help or we could make sure that we have our airport open 24 hours a day for air ambulance or lobby the government to keep our emergency room open, hospital open and more access to doctors,” Kyllo said. “Other than that, at the moment there isn’t much that I can tell you … I wish the best for the people involved, too.” The cause of the crash remained under investigation, and no arrests had been made. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage can contact BC Highway Patrol in Prince George at 250-649-4004 and quote file No. 2026-956. With files from Colin Slark in Mackenzie.

NEWS

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

Employee injuries being probed by WorkSafe BC Bus carried about 20 data centre workers when it went off Highway 39 last Wednesday ISAAC PHAN NAY

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Worker’s Compensation Board of BC says it’s looking into the bus crash that injured about 20 data centre workers just south of Mackenzie, B.C. A spokesperson for WorkSafeBC said in an email the board has opened an investigation into what caused a shuttle bus to end up in a ditch Wednesday, Nov. 4. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this terrible incident,” the spokesperson said. “We have now opened an investigation file and are working with law enforcement partners to establish an understanding of the factors related to this incident.” The bus was chartered by a contractor for IREN, a data centre and AI

cloud infrastructure company based in Sydney, Australia. Details about what happened are still largely unknown. In a press release Wednesday, police said they were called at about 9:10 a.m. about a bus that had gone off the road just south of Mackenzie, on Highway 39. Police said when they arrived, they found a white shuttle bus in a ditch by the highway. About 20 people had been hurt, with injuries ranging from minor to serious. Police briefly shut down the highway and first responders used six ground and six air ambulances to get people to hospital. Brian Twaites, BC Emergency Health Services’ public information officer, said paramedics attended to a total 20 people.

Twaites said three had serious injuries, and four more had serious injuries but were in “stable” condition. Thirteen more were taken to hospital. The highway re-opened later that afternoon, according to DriveBC. Police say they don’t yet know how the crash happened. They added they haven’t ruled out anything. “This was a chaotic scene, and police will need time to sort out many of the details,” said BC Highway Patrol Sgt. Michael McLaughlin in the press release. “We need to speak with anyone who has dash camera video of the bus, or any witnesses who saw what was happening prior to the crash.” The shuttle was carrying people working at a data centre near Mackenzie. A spokesperson for the data centre company, IREN, confirmed a contractor had chartered the bus. “Our immediate concern is for everyone on board and their families, and we

are supporting the response however we can,” the spokesperson said in an email. “The safety of site personnel and community members remains our top priority, both on and off site.” On Thursday, Nov. 5, police declined to share more information about the health of the injured workers. “If the scale of the investigation changes, such as if victims die, we will issue an update when appropriate,” Sgt. McLaughlin said in an email. Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said in a statement posted to X that he has reached out to premier-designate Lorne Doerkson, to express sympathy, and will remain in contact as the situation develops. “Our thoughts go out to everyone affected, especially those injured and their families and loved ones,” MacKinnon said. This story originally appeared in The Tyee

Community Feedback At Artemis Gold, we are committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of our employees, the environment, and the communities in which we work. We welcome feedback and use it to improve how we operate. Complete our online feedback form artemisgoldinc.com/communityfeedback Email feedback-bw@artemisgoldinc.com Call toll-free 1 (888) 724-0106

artemisgoldinc.com

Submit our online feedback form in person, via mail, or email Blackwater Mine Attention: Manager of Community and Regional Business Relations 101 – 139 1st Street East, P.O. Box 440 Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

NEWS

P RPI R N ICNEC E G EGOER OG RE G EC ICTIITZIEZN EN

Severe winds knock out electricity for thousands CITIZEN STAFF

Some BC Hydro customers in Prince George and the surrounding area remained without electricity Sunday, Nov. 8, as BC Hydro warned that extensive damage from a powerful windstorm could leave some residents in the dark for several more days. The utility described restoration efforts in the Central Interior as the most difficult anywhere in the province, citing widespread damage to electrical infrastructure and challenges accessing affected areas. As of early Monday morning, 6,635 customers in the City of Prince George remained without power, while 7,249 customers across the Central Interior were still affected. In a media release, BC Hydro said initial damage assessments had identified approximately 200 spans of downed wire, along with numerous broken poles, damaged crossarms and other electrical equipment that would need to be repaired or replaced before electricity could safely be restored. “The remaining restoration work in the Central Interior is significant and will take time to work through on the ground,” the utility said. In many locations, the work involves rebuilding damaged sections of the electrical system, replacing poles and crossarms, and restringing wires rather than simply removing fallen trees or replacing individual pieces of equipment. BC Hydro said crews were also having difficulty reaching some locations where repairs were required. Customers within Prince George city limits were warned they would likely remain without power for another night, while rural communities north and east of the city could have to wait until late Tuesday evening, Nov. 10, at the earliest, after this edition of The Citizen went to press. Additional crews from other regions have been brought into the Central Interior to assist with restoration. “Crews will continue working around the clock until every customer has been restored,” the release said.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAST

A tree and parts of a fence are seen toppled near the intersection of Carney Street and Fifth Avenue after an overnight wind storm in Prince George, BC on Saturday, Nov. 7. See more photos of the storm’s damage on Pages 24 and 25.

Friday The warning follows a severe windstorm that swept across British Columbia on the evening of Friday, Nov. 6, and into the early hours of Saturday, Nov. 7, knocking out electricity to tens of thousands of customers. As the storm intensified Friday evening, power outages began affecting communities across the province. By 8:10 p.m., BC Hydro’s online outage list showed approximately 7,932 customers in and around Prince George without electricity, along with 14,016 across the Central Interior and 65,067 provincewide. Vancouver Island was the hardest-hit region at that point, with approximately 40,616 customers without power. In Prince George, the Hart Highlands and North Nechako neighbourhoods appeared to be among the hardest hit. Outages were also reported in Miworth, Beaverly, Salmon Valley, on Cranbrook Hill and around Tabor Lake. Environment Canada measured sustained winds of 61 kilometres an hour, with gusts reaching 94 km/h, at approximately 8 p.m. As the evening progressed, the number of affected customers in the Prince George area continued climbing. At 8:43 p.m., BC Hydro reported 14,128 customers without power locally and 20,560 across the Central Interior. By 9 p.m., the local figure had reached

15,564, representing roughly one-third of customers in the area, according to BC Hydro community relations co-ordinator Bob Gammer. At 10:02 p.m., 17,301 customers were without power across 113 outages in the Prince George area. BC Hydro warned that some customers would remain without electricity overnight as strong winds brought trees into contact with power lines in Prince George and surrounding communities, including Vanderhoof, Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House. By 11:04 p.m., the number of affected customers in the Prince George area had climbed to 20,676 across 124 outages. Crews had been assigned to only four outages.

Saturday Some residents began seeing their electricity restored in the early hours of Saturday, although significant portions of the city remained without power. By approximately 4 a.m., the hardest-hit areas included the Hart, parts of the Bowl east of Highway 97 and south of First Avenue, the area around 15th Avenue and Foothills Boulevard, and sections toward College Heights. Utility crews had been working to restore service since late Friday night. By 9 a.m., approximately 11,000 customers remained without power. Among the largest outages were

approximately 1,669 customers affected near Driftwood Road and Shelley Road, 1,425 near Miworth Road and Cranbrook Hill Road, and 1,399 near Landooz Road and Salmon Valley Road. Other major outages affected areas near Highway 97, Beaver Forest Road, Eena Lake Road and Chilako Station Road. Some crews were already working at affected locations, while other outages had yet to receive crew assignments. Trees, fences and roofs were damaged throughout the city, and a separate outage affecting approximately 555 customers between Prince George and Vanderhoof was attributed to a downed wire. At 12:16 p.m., BC Hydro reported 109 outages affecting 12,436 customers. The City of Prince George also mobilized staff and emergency personnel to help assess and respond to the damage. Parks crews had been working since 9 p.m. Friday to clear fallen trees and respond to service calls, prioritizing access for residents and emergency vehicles. Prince George Fire Rescue personnel were working with BC Hydro to assess damage to the electrical grid and secure hazardous areas. Power was restored to the Elksentre, allowing the arena to reopen for scheduled ice bookings. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

Outages last for days after province-wide windstorm CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

City officials urged residents to give cleanup crews space and warned that addressing all storm-related hazards would take time. By Saturday afternoon, large outages in the Bowl had mostly been resolved, although smaller pockets of the city remained without electricity. The University of Northern British Columbia and the Elksentre were among the institutions that had regained power, while Pine Centre Mall remained without service. At 5:15 p.m., BC Hydro reported 109 outages affecting 11,633 customers in and around Prince George. Gammer told The Citizen that all available local line crews were already working, with additional crews from the Peace region and Lower Mainland expected to arrive Sunday. Vegetation crews were also helping remove fallen trees and debris. “Our priority is to restore the outages that impact the largest number of customers and work from the urban areas out to the ends of the line,” Gammer said. He added that hospitals and other critical infrastructure, including water and sewer systems, were priorities for restoration. “By Monday, we will have a much fuller picture of the damage and a better sense of when most customers will have electrical service,” he said. For the hardest-hit areas east of Prince George, however, he estimated restoration would take multiple days.

NEWS

Environment Canada had warned of additional strong winds, with gusts potentially reaching 80 km/h overnight. At 8:30 p.m., the City of Prince George issued another warning urging residents to prepare for the possibility of further outages. Residents were advised to prepare emergency kits, establish household emergency plans, charge power banks, keep flashlights and working batteries accessible, and ensure vehicles had at least half a tank of fuel or electric vehicles were charged. The city also cautioned that fallen trees and other damage could take several days to clear.

Sunday By Sunday evening, it was clear that the restoration effort would be considerably more challenging than initially anticipated. With thousands still without electricity and extensive damage requiring major infrastructure repairs, BC Hydro warned that some customers, particularly those in rural areas east and north of Prince George, could remain without power until Tuesday evening at the earliest. The utility urged residents to treat all fallen power lines as live and stay at least 10 feet away. With crews continuing to work around the clock, BC Hydro said restoring electricity safely across the hardest-hit areas would take time. With files from Colin Slark and Matthew Hillier

DELIGHTFULBEE703/FACEBOOK PHOTO

A fallen tree blocks a street as seen in this photo taken Friday, Nov. 6. High winds in the area knocked down trees and damaged property, leading to extensive power outages.

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

P RPI R N ICNEC E G EGOER OG RE G EC ICTIITZIEZN EN

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

OPINION

Lack of cell coverage in the North could cost lives access must be part of a comprehensive northern transportaThe mayors of Prince George and Macktion strategy. enzie are right. Northern BC needs better The mayors are cellphone coverage, safer highways, also right to push for stronger emergency services and a seria helipad as part of ous, sustained investment in health care. the acute care tower After the recent bus crash on Highway expansion at UHNBC. 39 south of Mackenzie, it’s hard to argue Prince George is the that action isn’t overdue. regional health-care Twenty people were injured in the Nov. hub for a huge area CITIZEN PHOTO BY COLIN SLARK 4 crash, triggering Code Orange of Northern BC. The bus crash south of Mackenzie on Nov. 4 led to road closures mass-casualty responses at both Mackand detours for people driving to and from the rural community. Getting critically enzie and District Hospital and University injured patients to Hospital of Northern BC in Prince George. Mayor Pete Kyllo pointed out that only appropriate care as quickly as possible The emergency response was impressive, 62 per cent of BC’s 15,000 kilometres of should be a fundamental consideration in involving paramedics, firefighters, police, primary and secondary highways have hospital planning. ground ambulances and air ambulances. cellular service. The previous government’s decision that But the circumstances surrounding the That’s a statistic that should embarrass an on-site helipad wasn’t feasible, while crash also exposed some uncomfortable a province that depends so heavily on exploring other options, deserves another truths about what it’s like to live, work and resource development, transportation and look by the current government. travel in northern BC. rural communities. Universal broadband And the conversation can’t stop at Perhaps most troubling were the commu- and reliable cellphone coverage must infrastructure. Mackenzie needs dependnication problems. A witness to the crash become priorities, not campaign talking able access to emergency medical services, told The Citizen that his wife’s initial 911 points that disappear after election day. around-the-clock airport availability for failed due to a poor connection, and she Highway safety deserves the same attenair ambulances, adequate hospital staffing had to call again with the help of a passing tion. Northern residents know that travand better access to doctors. These aren’t dump truck driver who had a satellite elling between communities often means unreasonable demands. They’re basic phone. navigating long stretches of highway with expectations of a functioning health-care That’s simply not good enough in a limited services, unpredictable weather, system. province where people routinely travel long very little law enforcement and few alternaAs we just mentioned, BC now has a distances between communities, hospitals tives when something goes wrong. Conservative government led by a premier and workplaces. Cellphone coverage isn’t a People who are in an accident, stranded from Williams Lake who promised that the luxury or just a convenience. It’s essential or in danger deserve to be able to call half of the province north of his hometown infrastructure. for help no matter where they are in the was on his radar. In the aftermath of the crash, which province. Premier Doerkson’s promise has to mean thankfully was not fatal, new Prince George Better road maintenance, improved something. Mayor Garth Frizzell and new Mackenzie infrastructure and reliable emergency Northern BC has heard plenty of political

KENNEDY GORDON Managing Editor

assurances over the years. What it needs now is a government willing to put money behind its words. Doerkson hasn’t appointed his cabinet yet, so we can’t call on a specific ministry and minister to focus on this. But we will. Northern BC generates enormous economic value for this province. Its forestry, mining, energy and other industries help sustain communities and contribute significantly to provincial prosperity. The people who live and work here deserve infrastructure and public services that reflect their importance. They shouldn’t be treated as an afterthought in Victoria. Credit must also go to the first responders, health-care workers and ordinary citizens who stepped up during the Highway 39 emergency. Their actions demonstrated the strength, professionalism and community spirit that define Northern BC. But individual courage and community solidarity can’t replace government responsibility. The mayors of Prince George and Mackenzie aren’t asking for special treatment. They’re asking for fairness, safety and the resources northern communities need to thrive. Our new provincial government has an opportunity to show that its commitment to the North is genuine. Better cell service, safer highways, stronger emergency services, a helipad at UHNBC and properly funded health care should be at the top of its agenda. We’ve waited long enough. The promises have been made. Now it’s time to deliver.

OFFICE (8:00a - 4:00p) 505 Fourth Avenue Prince George, B.C. V2L 3H2 FRONT DESK & CLASSIFIED frontdesk@pgcitizen.ca 250-562-2441

We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

Cameron Stolz Owner / Publisher

Terresa Randall-Stolz Owner

Kennedy Gordon Managing Editor

NATIONAL 2025 NEWSPAPER EDITORIAL AWARDS WINNER

NEWS AND SPORTS news@pgcitizen.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR editor@pgcitizen.ca OWNER / PUBLISHER owner@pgcitizen.ca

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

OPINION

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

LETTERS tothe EDITOR Congratulations to Garth Frizzell, thanks for Simon Yu Well, the election is over, and the community wanted change. The individuals who ran for office deserve the respect of the community. It takes great courage and fortitude to put your name forward. All of you had a vision of how to improve what you thought would be best for the community. Hopefully, the incumbents who were re-elected will realize that change was demanded by the people, whether on the school board or city council. It will be up to you to guide the newly elected members while respecting their views. Mayor Garth Frizzell, congratulations on your success. Your platform was based on leadership and direction. It is my hope that you are 100 per cent successful. Lead this council and return control to council, where it belongs, especially regarding the whistleblower policy and the code of conduct, both of which are terribly flawed. Again, congratulations, and wishing you well and Godspeed. Your Worship, Simon Yu, thank you for your dedicated service. It was a service with its ups and downs and nearly impossible tasks. Four years of trying to lead a city with very little help from most of council, in addition to a failing economic environment, a downturn in investment and industry closures, all of which were outside the city’s control. Yet you persevered, lobbied for investment and development in our city, and helped personally when you saw an injustice, mostly behind the scenes. You endured constant attacks from management and some members of council. Most of the population is not aware that a mayor has only one vote and that council determines the outcome. The people of Prince George wanted change. Sadly, you were caught up in that change. We all accept the democratic process of our system. Mayor Yu,

CITIZEN PHOTO BY COLIN SLARK

Newly elected Mayor Garth Frizzell and city council meet for the first time after being sworn in on Monday, Nov. 2.

you and you alone created the demand for change. With dedication, honour and dignity, you have shown the people the upheaval and discord at city hall, a city hall that has relinquished full authority to senior management. The people of Prince George have spoken. My friend, Honourable Mayor Simon Yu, you have kicked the door down for the new council, easing the road they must follow to make Prince George better. You and your family have endured too much sorrow for this city. Your legacy will become evident in the future through the changes you started. Thank you to your family for sharing you with us as our mayor. All the best in whatever avenue you take in the future. Milton Mahoney Prince George

Voters made clear how much they wanted change

In last month’s civic elections, the citizens of Prince George made their voices heard. Most of city council was not re-elected, and voters chose a new mayor and five new council members. The strong showing for longtime council member Brian Skakun and the re-election of second-term councillor

Trudy Klassen show that citizens have faith in these two representatives and that they understand the plight of the people in this city. With that being said, city council and the mayor now have to prove they are up to the challenge of leading the city and working for the people, rather than pursuing political ambitions, as many members of the previous council seemed to be doing. There are many problems that need to be tackled, starting with transparency, which was sorely lacking under the previous council; aging infrastructure that has been mostly patched together; homelessness within the city; a growing population, as the city has now been classified as a metropolitan centre; and the biggest elephant in the room: property taxes, which are a major sticking point for property owners. The new mayor and council have to show almost immediately that they are up for the job and care about all areas of the city, not just select neighbourhoods. Failure to do this basic thing will erode public trust very quickly. They also have to demonstrate that they can work together, something that was sorely lacking under the previous council and was very telling. Remember, you were voted in to

serve the people. If you can’t do that, you will learn that we don’t forget. Dean Soiland Prince George

Speeders are turning the Hart Highway into the Autobahn

After reading Lou Maurice’s letter to the editor, it stirred up my beef over speeding on the Hart Highway. I have lived on the Hart for many years, and he is right about the ridiculous speeds people choose to travel. The moment drivers cross the Hart Bridge, they seem to think it’s the Autobahn. I have seen vehicles travelling at more than double the speed limit. If you are even 10 km/h over the speed limit, you could get the finger. I occasionally drive 10 km/h over myself, and by saying this, I risk getting a ticket. However, I would take that risk to see this stretch of road policed. This is a very dangerous section of road, and, after all, the highway doesn’t truly begin until the taxidermy business. Something really should be done to curb the horrific speeds people choose to drive. Incidentally, my power goes out quite regularly because of people hitting power poles. Bob Rosin Prince George

1100

P RPI N C IC T II T Z IEZNE N RC I NECG E EGOEROGREG E

TT H HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 11 22 ,, 22 00 22 66

OPINION Local man wins $100K in Lotto Max draw GrandpaBob That’s great to see a local person win. Congratulations, and enjoy your new vehicle! First-ever drone show planned for annual Civic Light Up – Prince George Citizen Gtomato The drones will be a !rst for downtown Prince George. This is going to be incredible! PG Hospice set to open a pop-up Thriftmas Shop R. Nich What a wonderful idea. Wishing you much success! Former firefighter first on scene of Highway 39 bus crash HJMSPG Many thanks for your service to the community, Rich. You are a hero! Princegeorgegirl I can only imagine how dif!cult it must be for you and other !rst responders to live with everything you see and do. Your skills came into play when people needed you most. That’s a testament to your abilities, and you haven’t forgotten those experiences. I hope life is easier for you now and that you can move forward, as living with tragedies can take a toll. You’re the best! PG, Mackenzie mayors call for better cell service after bus crash ASW Three aspects: • Poor road maintenance (icy conditions): There wasn’t adequate maintenance. Roads need actual grit mixed with

salt, not just sand. Calcium chloride spraying doesn’t address the complexities of this new era of warmer winters, with temperatures fluctuating around 3 C and highways freezing.

accommodations or rescue us from every inconvenience.

• Cellular service: More is needed. Highway 97 has been improving, while Highway 16 is worse. It is 2026; there should be no “dark territory” (numerous locations with no cell service). Cellular service is virtually nonexistent until a small pocket north of Mackenzie Junction. • Provincial responsibility: The Province of British Columbia has abdicated its responsibility for citizens’ safety. We have had more than 50 years of lowestbidder road maintenance contracts, no paved shoulders and a hodgepodge of road repairs without consistency or regularity. Straighten and widen the roads, and build bridges from valley top to valley top. Most of all, provide uniform, uninterrupted cellular service, especially on routes between Mackenzie and Prince George, Prince George and Edmonton, and Prince George and Dawson Creek. New uniforms coming for BC RCMP members BGeez Very cool! Well-deserved and long overdue! The RCMP is the best federal police force in the world, and Canada is proud to have it! bcracer I prefer the grey shirts. When members step out of a vehicle, you know who they are

The RCMP is switching to new blue uniforms, and Citizen readers have some thoughts. RCMP PHOTO

instantly. There are too many others using blue for their uniforms. I do, however, like that they are going back to the old blackand-white cars. Just my opinion. I can live with them in blue uniforms. UPDATE: City warns residents to be prepared in case of further outages CavebabyK Reading some Facebook posts and comments during the 12-hour power outage has been quite an experience. The lack of basic emergency preparedness and awareness of recommendations made for YEARS is concerning. We’ve been encouraged to have a 72-hour emergency kit. That’s three days! The whole point is to be self-suf!cient during an emergency, not to immediately expect someone else to provide

Yet, eight, 10 and 12 hours into the outage, people were questioning the lack of an emergency reception centre and asking strangers on Facebook to lend them generators to save their freezers. Sure, let me lend a stranger my $1,000plus generator to save their frozen hot dogs. (And I get it — nobody wants to lose a freezer full of groceries in this economy.) But there’s a distinct difference between an emergency and an inconvenience. I LOVE our little city and how we rally around each other. But when did personal responsibility and common sense become such foreign concepts? Dearth Around this time every year, we get hit by high winds, but this is probably the !rst time in years that they have affected the entire province. I don’t think I’ve seen damage this bad since the early 1990s. Jenkins Jr. becomes Provincial Court judge Mr Science I recall a Prince George judge once saying to a long-winded defence counsel, “Tell me, counsel, what is it you want: an acquittal or an Academy Award?” A tough job. Best of luck!

Share your views on our stories at pgcitizen.ca

NEWS

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

sponsored content

Make Yourself at Home in Osoyoos This Winter Winter in Osoyoos isn’t just about getting away.

NEWS

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Regenerative tourism focus of Industry Night

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024

- sponsored content -

Osoyoos: A Winter Getaway with World-Class Resorts and Plenty of Wineries to Explore

t’s about settling in, finding your when you’re ready for more adventure, own rhythm and discovering how head toward Baldy Mountain Resort for Thomas D. of Prince George won a $100,000 MaxPlus prize while playing the much there is to enjoy when you give a skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing, Oct. 13 Lotto Max. CITIZEN STAFF destination more than a weekend. depending on conditions. With its sunny valley setting, lakeside Prefer a slower afternoon? Browse Tourism Prince George, in partnership with the scenery and welcoming small-town local art at the art gallery Osoyoos and College of New Caledonia (CNC), recently hosted its atmosphere, Osoyoos offers plenty to Okanagan Art Gallery, discover the latest Tourism Industry Night, focusing on the emergfillinaa week even when a month. stories atexperience. the Osoyoos & District Have you ever soaked hot tuboroutside it was Whatever Heck, I’m selling myselfheld on the I’d love ing concept of regenerative tourism. you’re looking for a budget-friendly or Museum and Archives, or enjoy snowing? to avoid the heat waves and the overcrowded tasting a The event, held on Thursday, Nov. 28, brought From a personal perspective, as a localthere citizenare of comfortable rooms. I adore friendly the intimate nature a personalized a little luxury, game of offive-pin bowling at together industry leaders, students, and stakeholders Central British Columbia, I’ve traveled south to to help tasting BlackLanes. Hills Estate, Owl,outdoor to discuss how regenerative tourism practices can accommodation options make experience. a Kobau WithBurrowing indoor and visit Osoyoos a half-dozen times in the past ten CheckMate, Church & State, Gehringer Brothers, support sustainable growth, preserve local culture, and longer visit your own. activities available, its easy to adapt your COLIN SLARK “I self-scanned and then theyears, employee admittedly each time during its legendary Hester Creek, Mythology Vineyards, Phantom benefit the global environment. plans to theSage, weather andCreek, your mood. Citizen Staff summer season. It sets itself apart from the rest of Creek, Nk’Mp Cellars, Silver Tinhorn scanned,” saidtourism Thomas. Moderated by Angela Keech, Indigenous spe- “I am buying Discover a deeper side of Osoyoos the country with its unique adobe architecture and and vinAmité are just a sample of the many wineries a evening new car which I picked out the day cialist for Northern BC, the featured a diverse desert landscape, punctuated by thematically offering winterAnd hoursyes, (I counted over 30). country Put the often Nk’mip Desert Cultural Centre there’s wine panel of experts, their unique perspecA Prince George resident has a each lot offering before I won and thought, ‘hey, my car harmonious wineries. I could go offof onyour a tangent And ifthe your hearts driftremains away from fermented grapes, character, Wine part of Osoyoos’ near the top list. Operated by tives on the futurethe of tourism: more to smile about after winning is free!’” about the value of these locations. In fact, I did, having you’d still be enchanted by the Okanagan Art Gallery, and winter is an inviting time to explore Osoyoos Indian Band. Here, the living Erica Hummel, director at Destination BC, shared her writtenof articles the local Museum, and probably the best gelato I’ve $100,000 MaxPlus prize in the Tuesday, Thomas first shared the news his on nearly every spot. No lie, I have extensive knowledge of destination management and local tasting rooms and savour the culture of the Syilx Okanagan people ever had outside of Italy. And I mentioned the resorts. Oct. 13 Lotto Max draw. winning ticket with his friendvisited Daryl,every whosingle winery in and around Osoyoos. strategies for improving visitor experiences. region’s food scene. Check Sandy destination desert Every. Single. One. comes into focus through exhibits, There is Casa Del Mila Oro, Sahara Courtyard, Thomas D. was completing regu- director had ofjust helped himatpick out his new Rob van his Adrichem, external relations But were you aware the majority of these locations and Watermark Beach, all of which osoyoos for current winery hours before trails and immersive storytelling.Beach, The Sun Beach, thethe Community Energy Association, lar grocery shopping at Spruceland vehicle. discussed how remain open during centre’s the winter? You probably don’t I only discovered in the researching of this article. then And leave setting out to confirm hours, Whispers of the Trickster theatre can integrate sustainability intoAtheir consider Canada during its coldest months; checking out their off-season prices, I am $oored at Save-On-Foods when communities he suddenly fell “Exhilarating. dream come true.traveling I’m inexperience time to linger over a meal. With cultural brings traditional stories to tourism initiatives. many of us hop on planes to visit other countries, with why more people don’t take part in this. I’m getting the into a windfall of cash, the British Colum- buying a car and being happy, enjoying discoveries and creative neighbourhood life through the voices and creativity of Gagandeep Singh, general manager at Coast Prince costs frequently bordering on extravagant—those luxuries of international resorts with over fifty wineries bia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) life,” Thomas said when how it feltthat take walks todrive. mountain local Syilx storytellers. It’s awith meaningful waya twenty-minute rare galivants decades to afford. Yet, its within And notoutings, just limited to dining George Hotelshared by APA, highlighted the importance of asked in a media release. to win $100,000.industry. desert climate, Osoyoos regularly with offers the the warmest as quiet there are numerousby weekly stay Osoyoos eco-friendly practices within the hospitality and moments the lake, to connect land and theweekend people skimps, temperatures across who the country, with resorts rivaling packages from offers as low as $300. ways to make winter feel Lauren Phillips, owner of OVERhang, provided plenty have called it home for generations. those you have to pass customs to visit, allowing even I also love the geography and architecture of Osoyoos, insights into the company’s commitment to eco-conlike your own. Back in town, follow the self-guided frugal travelers to score an affordable stay. I’ve done blending aboriginal ancestry with Spanish in$uences; scious adventure tourism. Osoyoos Mural Walk. Colourfulyou public both—the fancy refuge with outdoor hot tubs and could be fooled into thinking you’d stepped The event took place at the House of Ancestors Readyifto plan your celebratemotels local creativityinto and heated pools and theartworks modest single-room Central America it weren’t for theOsoyoos satisfying getaway? “Uda Dune Baiyoh” Conference Centre, a location that blessed with full-sized refrigerators to store the copious reminders of still being in Canada. For those wishing Visit Destination Osoyoos to learn community stories, while the route offers fostered meaningful dialogue and collaboration among wine bottles from fringing vineyards. And yes, you can for a more expected climate, you have nearby Mount more about package options from local an opportunity to explore downtown attendees. MATTHEW HILLIER with the light-up taking placestill at 6accomplish p.m. this in the winter. Warmer weather Baldy, boasting one of the highest ski trails in the Regenerative tourism, an In approach focused on giving Citizen Staff businesses, discover upcoming shops, stop for a coffee and discover a addition to seeing the lights oftenand brings clean roads, with dusts of frost gilded from country. No embellishment, the resort sits at 1,700 events, back to the land and communities while minimizing and find plenty things to two see and do. favourite lunch spot. It’s an easy meters outingabove sea an orange level, with the skioflifts clearing the drone show, attendees can expectsun. environmental impact, was emphasized as an innokilometers. Whether you’re planning a relaxing to enjoy more than once, noticing Residents of Prince George attending a holiday a visit vative solution for the tourism sector,market, especially as from Santa, not even being facetious I express my holiday, escape or anwhen adventure-filled something new to discover each I’m time. this year’s Civic Light Up will beawareness in for a continues horse-drawn wagon rides, free skating, ecological to rise globally. bewilderment that I have never visited Osoyoos in the Osoyoos offers memorable experiences “We were excited to provide a platform live for professurprise. face painting, entertainment, free winter. I know I’m already making plans. Why aren’t in every season. A little fresh air goes a long way sionalsplans and students to connect and exchange ideas you? The City of Prince George to hot chocolate, treats and much more. Osoyoos’ distinctive desert landscape on sustainable tourism,” said Colin Carson, CEO of put on its first-ever synchronized aerial “Civic Light Up is a wonderful opporTourism Prince George. “This event is a step toward invites exploration, even in winter. drone show during thebuilding annualnew Civic tunity for residents to come together pathways for a more sustainable and Take a lakeside stroll along the town’s Light Up on Friday, Nov. 27. and celebrate the spirit of the season,” responsible tourism industry.” parks and trails, follow the historic CNC be president also expressed enthuThe drone show itself will put onCindy Heitman said Mayor Garth Frizzell. Irrigation Canal Walkway or bring siasm about the event, noting “Tourism Industry Night by Drone Light Show Canada, the City of “We are grateful to the many combinoculars for a little birdwatching at is a key opportunity for our students to engage with Prince George stated inexperts a media munity partners whose support helps the Osoyoos Lake Oxbows. On days andrelease. learn about best practices for enhancing BC LOTTERY COCPORATION PHOTO

First stop for $100K winner: Car dealership

Drones will light up PG sky

The festivities will take Can- andmake this cherished event possible year theplace visitorat experience strengthening the tourism sector.at 4 p.m., ada Games Plaza and begin after year.”

destinationosoyoos.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

NEWS

P RPI R N ICNEC E G EGOER OG RE G EC ICTIITZIEZN EN

Non-profit outdoor school faces uncertain future Mousewood put out an urgent call for $15K in donations MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Mousewood Nature School, a naturebased learning centre, has announced that it would have to suspend its programs and close its doors on Friday, Nov. 6. The Mousewood Forest and Nature Early Learning and Family Society, the non-profit organization behind Mousewood Nature School, said the school is at serious risk of closure unless it receives $15,000 to meet payroll and lease obligations. Mousewood first opened its doors in July 2025 and is located at 8868 Haldi Rd. The nature school spans more than five acres of woodland and wetland, featuring dedicated nature learning areas and trails. According to a media release, the school offers programs for preschoolers, full-time and part-time nature-based childcare, nature day camps, weekend family classes and community events. Currently, 16 children are at risk of losing their daycare services, while six educators could lose their jobs. As a non-profit, Mousewood was not designed to operate entirely on parent fees and government childcare funding. Its fees are lower than those of most similar nature schools to ensure children from all walks of life can attend. The learning centre has also hired additional staff beyond standard staffing ratios to ensure proper safety measures are in place and maintain a high quality of education for the children attending. Mousewood Nature School’s financial model relies on ongoing grants and community sponsorships, in addition to parent fees and government support, to keep the organization operating. However, the organization noted that when the nature school opened in July 2025, this funding model was not yet available to it. Potential supporters and grant providers wanted to see further

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER

Kids learn about local flora and fauna at Mousewood, including worms, as seen in this photo taken earlier this year at the outdoor nature school.

development at the daycare before committing to support or approving grant applications. Heidi Reeves, founder and executive director of Mousewood Forest and Nature Early Learning and Family Society, said she and her team had exhausted their personal financial resources just as the school was beginning to establish itself and reach a point where grants and community support were becoming realistic possibilities. “We have been covering these things ourselves, but we are at the end of what we can cover ourselves,” said Reeves. “Mousewood was created with the need for sponsorship and grants from the community; every month we need sponsors to sponsor the programs and to help us fund the extra staff that are needed to run a nature school in a forest that is also inclusive of children with diverse needs.” Mary Lynne Brook, the volunteer program director, emphasized that additional staff are also necessary to

support children with additional and diverse needs. “The extra staff that we need to run a forest and nature school are also there to make it inclusive of children with diverse needs, who do very well in a forest and nature school,” said Brook. “This is exactly where they need to be, running and playing. Their sensory needs are higher than a classroom can offer. Our staff are all trained to help these children integrate into the community after they’ve learned how to regulate themselves on site.” Brook has seen the impact the school has had on students, staff and volunteers and wants to see Mousewood continue providing opportunities for people to connect with nature. “It’s a beautiful opportunity for children to grow,” said Brook. “We found that even among the staff and volunteers who help out, when people have been there for a while, they come to a place of great peace. They tell us this all the time. They feel healed and happy

when they’ve been in this environment. It’s just going to be a lot if we have to let this go. We just want to keep it going.” Reeves explained what would happen if the school did not receive the $15,000 in funding. “Unfortunately, we will have to lay off the staff and close our programs until we can make the money or until we can get regular funding from the community, grants or community sponsorships. We will not be able to run our programs, and then we will essentially be starting from the beginning all over again. By then, we’ll have to find children again and find the staff again,” said Reeves. By The Citizen’s press time, Mousewood had not reached its target. Even if the funding had been received by Friday, an estimated additional $15,000 in ongoing grants and sponsorships will be needed to sustain the school’s woodland programs and staffing model. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

NEWS

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

Other BC child programs facing similar challenges CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Staff said this need highlights the importance of local business sponsorships and involvement in keeping the school’s doors open to parents. Reeves emphasized that the decision to close has not yet been made and that the organization will do everything in its power to ensure the nature school returns if operations are suspended. She also told The Citizen that the challenges Mousewood is facing are shared by many similar childcare programs in BC. She said she believes grants and sponsorships tend to go toward more basic programs. “The way that the government has set up our ability to charge fees and how much they’re going to subsidize parents’ fees, they will not let you have that many educators. They don’t want to support this kind of program. They just want the basics,” said Reeves. During the more than a year Mousewood has been open, Reeves and her staff have seen parents and community

members step up by donating furniture, installing gravel and woodchips, building steps for the forest classroom and clearing trees and branches. Now, staff are calling on Prince George residents and the business community to support the school during this critical time. “I’ve always been certain that if people really knew and understood what we do and why we do it and the effect that it has on the children and families and the community, going forward into the future, people would want to help,” said Reeves. “I know that these are very hard times for people and businesses, but we’re just hoping that they are interested in helping children in the community and supporting children in nature and getting children back outside and connected to things that are real.” To donate to Mousewood or to learn more, visit www.mousewood.ca. If you are interested in learning more about ongoing support, how to support Mousewood, send an email to Heidi at mousewood.execdir@gmail.com

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIARD

The backyard at Mousewood features a garden and Greenhouse so students can learn about growing their own food.

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

NEWS

P RPI R N ICNEC E G EGOER OG RE G EC ICTIITZIEZN EN

Students ‘vote’ Conservative in all three PG ridings COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

If students in Prince George’s three provincial electoral districts were the ones casting ballots on election day, the Conservatives still would have swept the city, but the races would have been much closer. When adult British Columbians go to the polls, Elections BC offers a chance for teachers and students at elementary and secondary schools a chance to participate in a student vote. The program is aimed at helping kids learn about the democratic process and prepare them to cast their ballots when they come of age. Hundreds of students in Prince George-Mackenzie, Prince George-North Cariboo and Prince George-Valemount participated in the student vote that coincided with this year’s provincial election on Saturday, Oct. 24. Here’s how they voted in each district.

Prince George-Mackenzie •

Kiel Giddens (Conservative, incumbent): 192 votes, 35.56 per cent vote share • Teri Young (Green Party): 185 votes, 34.26 per cent vote share • Ian McMahon (NDP): 163 votes, 30.19 per cent vote share • Total votes: 540 Giddens also won in the adult vote but received almost double the vote share at 66.11 per cent. Both the NDP and Green Party received higher vote shares than in the adult vote, but the Green Party placed higher among students than with the general voting public. Four Prince George schools and two Mackenzie schools participated in the student vote. D.P. Todd Secondary requested 400 ballots and had 265 votes cast, a 66.25 participation rate. Foothills Elementary asked for 30 ballots and had 26 votes cast, a participation rate of about 87 per cent. Heather Park Elementary received 210 ballots and had 159 votes, a turnout of

about 76 per cent. Mackenzie Secondary School got 10 ballots and returned seven votes, a 70 per cent participation rate. Morfee Elementary, also in Mackenzie, asked for 220 ballots but returned none. Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary were bestowed with 250 ballots and had 83 students vote, a 33.2 per cent turnout. Across the six participating schools, the turnout was about 35 per cent.

Prince George-North Cariboo •

Sheldon Clare (Conservative, incumbent): 231 votes, 44.85 per cent vote share • Randy Thompson (Greens): 201 votes, 39.03 per cent vote share • Denice Bardua (NDP): 83 votes, 16.12 per cent vote share • Total votes: 515 Again, the Conservative candidate won like they did in Prince George-Mackenzie, but by a smaller margin. Clare received 70.27 per cent of the vote on election night, but just 44.85 per cent in the student vote. The Green candidate, Thompson, also did better in the student vote in terms of vote share than in the adult vote where he earned 23.52 per cent of the vote and placed above NDP candidate Bardua, who earned a 20.13 per cent of the vote among adults. Eight elementary and secondary schools participated in this district. Carson Elementary School in Quesnel asked for 100 ballots but returned no votes. Likely Elementary and Junior Secondary, southeast of Quesnel, asked for 30 ballots and returned 20, a participation rate of about 67 per cent. Quesnel Junior School asked for 400 ballots and had 307 votes, a turnout of almost 77 per cent. Parkland Elementary, another Quesnel school, asked for 50 ballots and had 17 students vote, a turnout of 34 per cent. École Red Bluff Lhtako Elementary, also in Quesnel, asked for 120 ballots and had 102 students vote, a turnout of 85 per cent. In Prince George, Hart Highlands

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER

Local teens taking part in the Student Vote program elected Conservatives Kiel Giddens (left) and Rosalyn Bird, as well as Sheldon Clare (not pictured) in this year’s mock election.

Elementary requested 29 ballots and had 25 votes, a turnout of 86.2 per cent. Nusdeh Yoh returned 22 of 27 requested ballots, a participation rate of about 81.5 per cent. Then, Vanway Elementary School asked for 150 ballots and returned 22, a turnout of almost 14.7 per cent.

Prince George-Valemount •

Rosalyn Bird (Conservative, incumbent): 112 votes, 33.43 per cent vote share • Carol Bourque (NDP): 104 votes, 31.04 per cent vote share • Jodie Capling (Green Party): 83 votes, 24.78 per cent vote share • Mitchell Lukoni (OneBC): 36 votes, 10.75 per cent vote share • Total votes: 335 This was the only Prince George electoral district where candidates placed in the same order as in the adult vote. Bird still won but had a lower vote share than her 51.05 per cent in the adult vote. Bourque’s vote share was very close to her election night result of 29.2 per cent. Capling received more than double her adult vote share of

11.62 per cent. Finally, Lukoni outperformed his election night result of 7.95 per cent. The only non-Prince George school to participate in the student vote in this district was Valemount Secondary School, which asked for 93 ballots and had 58 votes, a turnout of about 62.4 per cent. Blackburn Elementary had 50 of 150 ballots get filled out, a participation rate of about 34 per cent. Peden Hill Elementary asked for 120 ballots and had 97 get filled out, a turnout of about 81 per cent. Sacred Heart School had 62 of 94 requested ballots cast for a participation rate of about 66 per cent. École College Heights Elementary School asked for 120 ballots and had 65 votes, a turnout of about 54.2 per cent. École Franco-Nord asked for 50 ballots but did not record any votes. School District 57’s District Learner Supports department asked for 200 ballots and had just three votes, a participation rate of 1.5 per cent.

Summary Across all Prince George schools, there were 1,923 requested ballots and 879 votes. That works out to a turnout rate of about 45.71 per cent. If you look at the province-wide results, the Conservatives would still form government, but a minority one. Students gave the Tories 43.48 per cent of votes and elected candidates in 40 districts. In the adult vote, they received 48.06 per cent of votes and 63 seats in the Legislature. The BC NDP did slightly worse than in the adult vote with 26 elected candidates and 28.26 per cent of votes. Compared to the adult vote, the Greens overperformed with 27.17 per cent of votes and winning candidates in 25 districts. On election night, CentreBC got 1.62 per cent of votes and had no elected candidates. However, the students elected CentreBC in Abbotsford West and gave them 1.09 per cent of the vote. One electoral district, Chilliwack-Cultus Lake, had no student votes cast.

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

NEWS

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

Pickup driver charged after pedestrian hit A 48-year-old man was arrested and was held in custody overnight after allegedly hitting a pedestrian with his pickup truck in College Heights on the morning of Thursday, Nov. 5. The man, who was not named, made an appearance in Prince George Provincial Court on Friday, Nov. 6. Police say a 54-year-old woman was hit at the intersection of Domano Boulevard and McGill Crescent at about 9:25 a.m. She was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The westbound lanes of Domano as the street approaches Highway 16 were then closed for several hours. Anyone with information or video footage of the incident is asked to call the RCMP at 250-561-3300. CITIZEN PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER

Collision on Recplace NOTICE OF

Public Hearing Zoning Bylaw No. 2892, 2014, Amendment Bylaw 3428, 2026 Subject property: 48160 Hart Hwy – Electoral Area G Purpose: To permit Staff Accommodation use on the subject property on a site-specific basis. Next steps: There is a public hearing meeting on November 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.at the Bear Lake Community Hall, 461 Hart Lake Rd, Bear Lake BC

CITIZEN PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER

RCMP and members of Prince George Fire Rescue work the scene of a collision that took place on Recplace Drive on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

For more details visit rdffg.ca/landuseapps

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

NEWS

P RPI R N ICNEC E G EGOER OG RE G EC ICTIITZIEZN EN

Jail for man involved in forest road truck theft and standoff BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A two-year and 40-day jail sentence on Monday, Nov. 2 for a 36-year-old man who pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbery and wilfully resisting or obstructing a police officer. Sentencing began Thursday, Sept. 24 in Prince George Provincial Court for Clinton Jay Baraniuk, but Judge David Simpkin asked his defence lawyer for more case law to support the proposed sentence of two years less a day in the community. The hearing continued Monday, Oct. 5, but was adjourned for Simpkin’s decision almost a month later. In the end, Simpkin opted for the lower of the Crown’s proposed 24 to 30 months in jail for robbery and six months consecutive for the obstruction. On April 24, 2025, Prince George RCMP officers were called around 7 p.m. about a motor vehicle incident on Beaver Forest Road. A witness reported a male had crashed a vehicle into a washed-out roadway, leaving it partially submerged. Baraniuk, exhibiting signs of being on methamphetamines, ran to a nearby truck with a yellow X-acto knife, climbed onto the truck, broke the driver’s side window and stole the vehicle. An officer discovered the truck stuck alongside the Fraser River, in the sandy foreshore. When officers slowly approached and told Baraniuk

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Legal proceedings are held at the Prince George Courthouse at Third Avenue and George Street.

that he was under arrest, he swore at them and said “you’ll have to kill me.” Baraniuk refused to drop the knife and threatened to fight the officers. An officer approached the driver’s side door and deployed pepper spray at Baraniuk, who attempted to escape from the passenger side. He stopped when he noticed a police service dog. Baraniuk “began gesturing wildly” and said he was not going back to prison. Baraniuk was sprayed again and retreated to the back seat. A crisis negotiator de-escalated the situation, Baraniuk dropped the knife on the ground, was arrested and taken to custody.

Simpkin said significant aggravating factors against Baraniuk were his treatment of a good samaritan who stopped to help him and his criminal record, “a 10-year period of almost continuous criminality and violent behaviour.” The guilty plea was mitigating, as were the lack of bail breaches since May 2025, being clean and sober for 18 months and working as a self-employed carpenter on renovation projects since May. Simpkin said Baraniuk had been living at a Vision Quest-operated recovery facility until someone brought drugs in. So he arranged for a transfer to the Integrity Recovery

Society in Prince George. A pre-sentence report said Baraniuk was around age 10 when he began drinking alcohol and age 14 when he started smoking crack cocaine with his father. Simpkin said he considered all of Baraniuk’s circumstances, including his Indigenous heritage, but decided a jail sentence is required to “hold Mr. Baraniuk to account for his role in these offences”. Simpkin sentenced Baraniuk to two years for robbery and 90 days for the second charge, reduced by 50 days due to pre-sentence time served credit.

Man found guilty of aggravated assault while on bail Jacob Johan Vanderminne will spend about 15 and a half months in custody and is banned from owning guns for life

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Almost 15 1/2 months in jail were ordered for a man guilty of aggravated assault. Jacob Johan Vanderminne, 33, was also sentenced on Monday, Nov. 2 in Prince George Provincial Court to 30 days, concurrent, for breach of

probation. Vanderminne was ordered to spend another two years on probation, provide a DNA sample and is prohibited from possessing firearms for life. His gross sentence was three years, but Vanderminne received credit for 626 days time served. Vanderminne was arrested Sept.

12, 2025, just over two months after a Provincial Court judge sentenced him to time served and two years probation for mischief, theft and assault of a peace officer. Vanderminne’s seven-page criminal record dates back to a conviction for assault in June 2011. It includes theft, mischief, breaches of probation and breaches of undertaking.

NEWS

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

Prince George woman sentenced for stealing vodka, punching worker at Kelowna liquor store BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A judge in Prince George Provincial Court gave a one-year suspended sentence Nov. 4 to a woman who stole a bottle of vodka and assaulted an employee at a Kelowna liquor store. Treena Leanne Sackaney pleaded guilty to the Aug. 4, 2023 crimes at the Metro Liquor Train Station store. Court heard that, around 6:11 p.m. on that day, Sackaney took a 1.14-litre bottle of Smirnoff vodka but an employee confronted her outside the store and recovered the stolen bottle. Sackaney retaliated by pulling the woman’s hair and punching her face.

COTTONBRO STUDIOS/PEXELS

A local woman was arrested after a bottle of alcohol was taken and a worker assaulted at a Kelowna liquor store in the summer of 2023.

She was tracked down, arrested and released on a promise to appear in court. Sackaney, 37, relocated to Prince George after the incident. Crown and defence lawyers jointly proposed the 12-month probation and order to not go near

Motorist wasn’t supposed to be behind the wheel

Metro Liquor. Sackaney, a First Nations woman originally from Ontario, was struggling with fentanyl addiction at the time. She has been sober for 10 months and requires the Sublocade medication to treat her addiction. Judge David Simpkin told

Sackaney that she “came close to a robbery,” and the maximum sentence for robbery is severe. “Theft with violence or violence used in attempt to escape with property could end up with a life sentence,” Simpkin said. One of the aggravating factors was Sackaney’s reaction to the employee’s violent reaction when the worker intervened, but suffered an unjust assault. “Employers and people always say, look, be careful when you’re an employee because you never know what’s going to happen,” Simpkin said. “When someone steals something from the store, that you shouldn’t engage with people. But there is in humans, there seems to be this instinct to try and stop crime.”

1685 3rd Ave. Prince George, BC

250-563-6637 www.booksandcompany.ca

Frank Randolph Junior Parsons received a $500 fine and a one-year driving ban BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A man caught driving near Summit Lake pleaded guilty Nov. 4 to a charge that he was prohibited from being on the road at the time. Frank Randolph Junior Parsons admitted to Judge David Simpkin in Prince George Provincial Court that he knew he was banned from getting behind the wheel on June 3. Police stopped Parsons in a red Ford Escape on Highway 97 near Bear Lake. An officer had queried the licence plates of passing vehicles when the one on Parsons’s vehicle was red-flagged. Parsons, the registered owner, was banned from driving in

2010. Judge David Simpkin agreed to the joint Crown and defence proposal for a mandatory minimum $500 fine and one-year driving prohibition. At the time of the Motor Vehicle Act offence, Parsons lived at Bear Lake. “He recognizes the unlawful nature of his actions, but he does mention, I think, with some sincerity, that he found it very difficult to get around in Bear Lake without using a personal vehicle,” said his defence lawyer Liam Cooper. Parsons has since moved to Prince George where his grandson and daughter are available to help drive him around.

We Will Remember

Books and Company will be closed November 11 for Remembrance Day

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

BUSINESS

P RPI R N ICNEC E G EGOER OG RE G EC ICTIITZIEZN EN

Ontario fraud charge laid against executive also named in Prince George company’s lawsuit BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

An executive with a Chinese stateowned heavy equipment manufacturer named in a Prince George company’s lawsuit has been charged with fraud in Ontario. A Friday, Oct. 30 document obtained by The Citizen from the courts in Hamilton, Ont. accuses Tao Li of Markham, Ont., of defrauding CanLift Equipment for $21 million. Li, 42, is the vice-president of operations for the Canadian division of Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Import and Export Co. Ltd. (XCMG), which promotes itself as the world’s third-largest heavy equipment

manufacturer with machines in 190 countries. It is also a key participant in Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road global infrastructure initiative. Burlington, Ont.-based CanLift sells, rents and services aerial, scissor and boom lifts and became an XCMG dealer in 2022. The charge spans the period of Feb. 1, 2024 to Oct. 22, 2025 and was sworn by Const. Bethany Moodie of the RCMP in Stoney Creek, Ont. The allegations against Li have not been tested in court and Li is presumed innocent. When contacted by a reporter on Thursday, Nov. 4, Li hung up the phone and did not respond to followup calls and email. Victor Jiang, the CEO of

XCMG Canada Ltd., did not respond for comment. Li’s next court date is Tuesday, Jan. 19. Li is identified as Chris Li in the March BC Supreme Court lawsuit filed by Prince George’s Artic Machinery against XCMG. Artic accused XCMG and several executives of providing defective equipment, inadequate parts support, failure to process and pay warranty claims and tampering with serial plates. Artic’s allegations have not been tested in court. Artic, whose principals are Ryan Martin, Timothy Martin and John McMaster, sells and services heavy machinery and other equipment used in construction and forestry. It said it suffered

significant losses due to XCMG. Artic became XCMG’s exclusive BC distributor in 2017. Also in March, Artic successfully applied to a BC Supreme Court judge to freeze the assets of two indirect subsidiaries of XCMG and bar them from transferring money to their parent company or affiliates without court permission. When it replied to the court in May, XCMG denied “each and every allegation” in Artic’s notice of civil claim, called Artic’s claims unfounded and asked that they be dismissed with costs. XCMG’s North American operations are incorporated in Delaware and headquartered in Las Vegas. The Canadian division is in Edmonton.

Aboriginal Housing Society acquires 28 units at Asher Place MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Strata units at Asher Place have been purchased by the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George (AHSPG). The society has acquired 28 units within the retirement community that offers supportive housing for those 55 years and older, located at 2904 Hopkins Rd. Out of these 28 units, 26 remain occupied by previous tenants. AHSPG assured current tenants that they will be able to remain in their homes while continuing to benefit from below-market rental rates in a Sunday, Nov. 1 media release. “At a time when affordable and appropriate housing options for older adults are increasingly important, this purchase protects an existing housing resource and provides greater housing stability for the residents who call Asher Place home,” the statement reads. AHSPG did not disclose the total cost of purchasing these 28 units. Julia Sundell, executive director of

MATTHEW HILLIER PHOTO

Asher Place, a retirement community located at 2904 Hopkins Rd., purchased by the Aboriginal Housing Society of Prince George as of Nov. 1.

AHSPG, told The Citizen on Tuesday, Nov. 3 that this purchase provides AHSPG with a chance to explore new housing opportunities. “It was more so the opportunity to provide a different type of housing,” Sundell said. “A new part of the housing continuum that will be going towards a rent-to-own opportunity that we could provide to people who may not have a way to do

so outside of aboriginal housing. That is what is the driving force for purchasing.” The rent-to-own model is a financial arrangement that lets people rent a home or apartment with the option, or in some cases an obligation, to fully purchase it later, she explained. AHSPG said this is a new model being introduced to housing in Prince George and when implemented, will allow those under its umbrella to secure long-term

housing and increased financial stability. “Our strategic plan outlines cradle-tograve housing,” said Sundell. “This fits within our mission and our vision but it’s something different that we haven’t done before.” Sundell shared that it is aiming to move people from the AHSPG wait list into its two vacant apartments as soon as possible. “Over time and as people organically leave the tenancy, we will replace it with rent-to-own once the entire concept is designed and it’s sustainable to do so,” said Sundell. Sundell views this acquisition is a natural extension of AHSPG’s goals for housing. “At the end of the day, it’s going to keep people in affordable housing. That’s our mission. We don’t do this to make money. We do it to provide a service to the community. If that service empowers Indigenous people to achieve homeownership, yay for us. We’re helping to build some equity into people who may not necessarily have other opportunities to do so,” said Sundell.

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

BUSINESS

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

First Nations Natural Gas Alliance CEO optimistic Repeal of DRIPA is on new provincial government’s agenda BOB MACKIN Citizen Staff

The CEO of the First Nations Natural Gas Alliance (FNNGA) said there is cautious optimism about the incoming Conservative provincial government. Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson has vowed to repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). But he says he wants a new relationship with BC’s First Nations while moving to “supercharge” the economy by supporting energy and resource development in the North. “We still have Section 35 of the Constitution of Canada, so we still have that safety net,” Karen Ogen told The Citizen at the Vancouver International Security Summit on Thursday, Oct. 29. “But I think at the same time, too, they need to replace (DRIPA) with something. And what are they going to replace it with? Because they’re still going to have to work with Indigenous people.” Section 35 of Canada’s 1982 Constitution Act recognizes and affirms existing aboriginal and treaty rights of aboriginal peoples of Canada. Ogen said she has not spoken with Doerkson yet, but she lives in Chilliwack where the Conservative MLA is Stó:lõ Nation member Á’a:liya Warbus who “knows our concerns, I think she’s going to do her best to bring our concerns to the table.” During a panel discussion on energy and critical minerals security, former Wet’suwet’en First Nation elected chief Ogen said that the trade war with the U.S. has sparked “more hustle and bustle across the country,” with opportunities and challenges for First Nations. She described it as a “hair straight back” moment for getting investment and major projects moving. Yet, Ogen said, Prime Minister Mark

Carney and his government need to do more work to ease the concerns of First Nations to ensure consultation in their territories. “It’s not to say that they’re going to say no to projects. It’s this: what’s the process going to look like?” Ogen said. The CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration said his organization is spending more time in Ottawa with federal officials than before because mining is key in fulfilling the Carney government’s industrial and national sovereignty goals within NATO. “The geopolitical situation that we find ourselves, even just as it’s evolved over the last year, is quite dramatic,” said Todd Stone, a former cabinet minister under the BC Liberals. “We have a fairly unreliable partner south of the border. We have a consolidation of control of supply chains and and commodity volumes of different types of minerals and metals in China. We have partnerships and allies, sort of shifting and forming and solidifying.” Asked during the question and answer session about malicious actors or major competitors, Stone said that Canada’s relationship with the U.S. is “stronger and more durable than one person,” in reference to Donald Trump. But it won’t return to normal. Meanwhile, in China, “they don’t have to worry about things like democracy and protest, and they have five-year plans and they can execute those plans with precision.” Ogen, meanwhile, said she is leading a First Nations clean tech trade mission later this month to China, stopping in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing. Moderator Heather Exner-Pirot, a natural resources and energy expert with the Macdonald-Laurier Institute think tank, asked Ogen about vulnerability or exposure of First Nations and remote communities to foreign manipulation, after concerns expressed by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. “Have you received those kinds of briefings, or are you seeing that?” ExnerPirot said. “Are people concerned?” “I haven’t,” Ogen replied.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY BOB MACKIN

Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia president and CEO Todd Stone (left), First Nations Natural Gas Alliance CEO Karen Ogen (centre) and Canadian Gas Association president and CEO Susanna Zagar talk during the Vancouver International Security Summit on Thursday, Oct. 29.

TOYS • COMICS • GAMES Unique Advent Calendars Available Now

Spruceland Shopping Centre

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

REGIONAL

P RPI R N ICNEC E G EGOER OG RE G EC ICTIITZIEZN EN

A lifetime of showing up: Town honours volunteer She says the Lifetime Achievement Award came as a surprise KHUSHI ARORA

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

For longtime Williams Lake volunteer Margaret (Marg) Bublitz, her husband has some advice for her whenever she decides to head to a meeting: learn to sit on your hands. It rarely works. So, when someone needs a treasurer, a letter written or help keeping a community event alive, Bublitz has a familiar response. “I can do it.” Bublitz’s family had planned to celebrate her 80th birthday. Instead, they gathered to watch her receive a Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing decades of volunteering in Williams Lake. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented during the annual Williams Lake & District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards on a Saturday evening Oct. 24. “If there’s something that needs doing, I’m there right?”, said Bublitz. For Bublitz, volunteering has been a way to spend time with others while helping get things done. She raised two children in Williams Lake, bringing them along while she volunteered at the Stampede and Williams Lake Harvest fair. Her commitments grew out of interests she wanted to make room for alongside work and family. Before learning she had won, Bublitz already felt honoured to be nominated. “I was very shocked that I was nominated. And that was enough for me,” she said. “I don’t think of myself as old,” she added while expressing how surprised she was in the terms suggested by a Lifetime Achievement Award. The ceremony became an early birthday celebration too, with her family attending and the audience singing to her. Bublitz’s lifetime achievement nomination followed more than five decades

KHUSHI ARORA/LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER PHOTO

Margaret (Marg) Bublitz, 80, has been recognized for her service to her community, Williams Lake, with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

of community involvement, from volunteering with the Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre before it had its own building to help raise money for the 2002 B.C. Winter Games hosted in Williams Lake. During the games, she and her husband welcomed arrivals at planes and buses, and escorted Rick Hansen around town during the Games. “It’s all been rewarding. It’s all been great,” she said recalling the moment. Bublitz volunteered with the Williams Lake Stampede for 18 years and is a lifetime member. Separately, in the early 2000s, Bublitz helped organize the Williams Lake Stampede Parade after the Chamber of Commerce stopped running it. Working alongside Ward Stangoe and other volunteers, she helped keep the parade going for a couple of years before Rotary took over. “You can’t not have a Williams Lake Stampede Parade,” she recalled. “When you open up on Saturday and the announcer says that the Stampede’s a sell-out, that’s what makes you happy,” she expressed. Bublitz stressed punctuality during

her years with the Stampede Queen committee, making sure participants were ready before events began. She said, “Early is on time. On time is late.” Over the years, her volunteer work has also included serving on the chamber of commerce board, helping organize the Harvest Fair and supporting Cariboo Memorial Hospital through auxiliary, where she now serves as vice-president along with volunteering at the gift shop at the hospital while managing its Facebook page. “All of the proceeds from the gift shop go to buy equipment for our hospital. Nobody gets paid in there,” she said, while for Harvest Fair, Bublitz measures the fair’s success through the experience it gives the people attending. “It’s amazing to watch kids getting their ribbons,” she added. Bublitz shared she also worked as a sales manager at The Williams Lake Tribune and shared it was one of her toughest professional challenges as becoming the boss of people she had worked alongside brought a different kind of responsibility.

The need to get things done has kept her involved year after year. For Bublitz, taking on a leadership role means showing up and sharing the work. “If you’re gonna be there working, I need to be there, too,” she emphasized. “I’m not coming in at noon and taking the credit for everything you did this morning.” Asked what the community has given her in return, Bublitz pointed to kindness and the generosity of local business people. Her advice to anyone wanting to get involved locally is to start volunteering. She said, “Volunteering has given me more inroads to jobs and things that I enjoy.” Looking back on her working life, Bublitz credited showing up and doing the work and encouraged residents to become more involved in community events. After decades of involvement, she continues to find fulfillment in helping her community. This article originally appeared in The Williams Lake Tribune.

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

REGIONAL

Forest contractors return following permit renewal Work has resumed at Valemount Community Forest KEVIN GIBSON

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Contractors who were shut down while awaiting a new Valemount Community Forest (VCF) cutting permit were signed back in under the new permit on Oct. 5, following its renewal on Oct. 2. General manager Alana Duncan told The Goat that the renewed permit under Community Forest Agreement K5Q is active until Oct. 1, 2030. K5Q is the forest tenure held by VCF. A cutting permit provides provincial authorization to harvest timber within areas covered by a broader forest tenure. It is distinct from the Community Forest Agreement itself. The expiry of an individual cutting permit does not cancel the underlying agreement. Duncan confirmed that contractors had been shut down while awaiting provincial approval. She did not respond to specific questions about the number of contractors and workers affected or the length of their interruptions. “This was not about timber availability, but about permitting,” Duncan said. The update clarifies concerns raised by an anonymous social media post on Sept. 10 alleging that the Community Forest had allowed a cutting permit to expire, putting local people out of work. The Goat contacted Valemount Community Forest on Sept. 11 to ask about the status of the permits. After repeated follow-ups, the publication received a response on Oct. 7. The post did not identify the affected permit, harvesting area, contractor or number of workers. It was subsequently removed by the group’s administrator. The Goat has not independently confirmed the identity of its author. Duncan confirmed that contractors

experienced an interruption while approval was pending. VCF applied to renew the expiring permit before its due date, as public records show. Provincial forest-tenure records previously reviewed by The Goat showed a VCF cutting permit with a recorded expiry date of Sept. 3, 2026. Another cutting permit was listed as pending. The proposed permit’s record was entered into the provincial system on March 10. Records available during that earlier review did not show an approval, issue date or expiry date. Duncan subsequently confirmed to The Goat on Oct. 7 that the renewal was granted on Oct. 2, establishing the new authorization period. The Ministry of Forests previously told The Goat that it does not provide a fixed approval date for individual cutting permits. Applications proceed through a review process, with approval granted once that process is complete. Provincial records previously reviewed by The Goat showed that the permit authorizing the Community Forest’s Westridge logging operation expires Dec. 18. An application for a replacement permit was listed as pending. The December date identified in the records applies to CP004. Approval of its replacement remains a separate matter from the K5Q permit renewed on Oct. 2. Duncan said the Community Forest hopes the transition between those permits will involve a shorter wait. “We are hoping that the wait between the CP004 expiring and CP005 being approved will be less time,” she said. With the K5Q permit active until October 2030 and affected contractors signed back in, the immediate permitting interruption has ended. The Community Forest is now awaiting approval of CP005 ahead of the December expiry. This story was originally published in The Rocky Mountain Goat.

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

COMMUNITY

P RPI R N ICNEC E G EGOER OG RE G EC ICTIITZIEZN EN

What’s happening in PG North of Queer, a documentary premiere, goes Saturday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Prince George Playhouse. Three generations of Northern BC’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community explore what it takes to be Queer in Northern BC. This event celebrates the lives, voices, experiences and resilience of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Northern British Columbia. This is more than a film screening, it’s a black-tie celebration of Northern queer stories and community. For all the details and tickets visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/ north-of-queer-film-premiere Holidate Snowflake Soiree: An Art Party goes Saturday, Nov. 14 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Two Rivers Gallery, 725 Canada Games Way. This is a festive and crafty date night. Geared for a couple or people are welcome to come alone if looking to meet new people, enjoy holiday themed crafts, food, and drinks. Enjoy delicious food, do five art activities including two led by our feature artists and tunes spun by DJ Larry. Craft beautiful holiday cards, make your own wrapping paper, create your own tote bag and more. Tickets are $80 each or $125 for a pair at https://tworiversgallery.ca/ events/holidate/ Pineview Christmas Craft & Small Business Fair goes Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pineview Hall, 6470 Bendixon Road. This event offers a great selection of crafters, artisans and small businesses selling their wares in time for gift-giving season. The Pineview Recreation Commission will be available both days. Reflections in Sound goes Sunday, Nov. 15 at 3 p.m. at Trinity United Church, 3555 Fifth Ave. Presented by the faculty of the Prince George Conservatory of Music this is an afternoon chamber concert focusing on classical minimalism and featuring works by Philip Glass and Ludovico Einaudi. There is refreshment following the concert. Admission is

WARREN MILLER PHOTO

Warren Miller’s Days Off Movie Premiere happens Saturday, Nov. 21 at 5 p.m. at Hart Highlands Winter Club. The film explores ski and snowboard culture.

$20 at the door or pay-what-you-can. Prince George ATV Club Annual General Meeting goes Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bon Voyage Restaurant, with the call to order at 7:30 p.m. All members are encouraged to attend, especially those who are considering becoming part of the board of directors. If you are unable to attend and wish to let your name stand for election, you must provide written confirmation and what position you would like to fill. Please forward your intention to Bruce at blove-pg@shaw.ca. To vote or be considered for a seat on the board you must be a member in good standing. To pay for the club membership visit www.atvbc.ca/join Christmas Paint Night goes Thursday, Nov. 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Boston Pizza at Brookwood Plaza, 2550 Vance Road. It’s ladies’ night. Pick a small or large wooden sign, pick any design – it doesn’t have to be geared toward Christmas. This event is presented by Chantel’s Custom Creations who has a variety of stencils to use to create your sign. All supplies and instructions are provided. Small sign is 11x11 inches and costs $45 or choose a large sign 11x24 inches which costs $55. For more information and to register

visit www.facebook.com/events/ signpainting UNBC School of Engineering Open House goes Friday, Nov. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the UNBC Campus, Atrium of Building 10. Prospective students, their families and all community members are warmly invited to discover more about UNBC’s engineering programs. The Open House features a reception with information tables and activities, as well as a meet-and-greet panel of current engineering students. This is a free, drop-in event. Find more information and to register visit https://www.unbc.ca/events/108321/ school-engineering-open-house Trashed Ambulance with Outright Lies & Infectious goes Friday, Nov. 20 at 8 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 360 Victoria St. This is an all ages event with no bar. There is a concession available. Tickets in advance are $20 at https://gigpit.ca/shows/ event:Y5fn1aBomHA or $30 cash at the door and maybe this means something to those in the know - $25 zombie cash at the door. Light Up the Orchard goes Friday, Nov. 20 to Thursday, Dec. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. most days at Northern Lights Estate Winery. This is a walking tour of the orchard filled

with thousands of Christmas lights, festive holiday decorations and photo stations to snap the perfect holiday pic. Light Up is great for all ages, so bring your family, friends, significant other or enjoy the lights solo. For all the details and online tickets visit www.northernlightswinery.ca/ light-up-the-orchard Kyle ‘The Rock’ Bottom stand-up comedian will perform on Saturday, Nov. 21 at ArtSpace, 1685 Third Ave., with MC Mike McGuire and special guest Sara Jones. This is an adults only show. Advance tickets are at Books & Co for $20 each or you can grab tickets at the door for $25. Warren Miller’s Days Off Movie Premiere goes Saturday, Nov. 21 at 5 p.m. at Hart Highlands Winter Club – Hart Ski Hill, 3740 Winslow Drive. Join host Katie Burrell as she sets out to find what the world’s best do when they slow down and rediscover the art of the day off. No agenda, no competition, just pure unscripted joy from Deer Valley to Canada, the deep powder of Hokkaido, Japan, and untracked lines of Alaska, Chamonix, and beyond. In theaters this fall. Find your tickets at https://warrenmiller. com/events/hart-ski-hill CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

COMMUNITY

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Tickets at the door are $10 for adults positive social interaction. Access to Lougheed at 250-981-2618. and free for kids under 18 if they the centre is via the lower parking lot. Trivia Night at Nancy O’s goes Dead of November goes Saturday, bring their parents. Ice cream bars Questions? Call Gina 250-960-1600. every other Wednesday at 8 p.m., Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. at Omineca Arts included and coffee, pop and chips by Craft & Chat at the main branch 1261 Third Ave. There are three Centre, 369 Victoria St. There will donation. Everyone is welcome. of the Prince George Public Library rounds per game, each round has be four bands performing, including Over 30s Day Party goes Saturday, goes every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. five themed questions and five music Vaegon, Tombstone, Plagued by Fire Nov. 28 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Ignite, in the magazine corner, second floor, questions. There’s something for and LOWR Lich of Willow River. This 1232 Third Avenue. Step back in where fibre artists are invited to bring everyone. Book a spot by calling is an all ages show. $20 at the door. time and dance your way through their latest projects to share, vent ahead at 250-562-8066. Open Mic Handy Circle Craft Fair goes the 80s and 90s as the DJ spins all frustrations, brag about successes, at Nancy O’s goes every other Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. the club anthems. Expect epic light get and give help and join in lively Wednesday from 8 to 11 p.m. Open 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 950 Kerry shows, retro visuals, giveaways and discussions. Snacks provided. This mic is hosted by Danny Bell and Street and is presented by the Handy a nostalgic atmosphere. This is a 30+ event is in partnership with Great friends. Come on down and share Prince George and area clinic info: Circle Resource Society. Handy clubbing experience, friends 25+ are Northwest Fibre Fest. songs, poetry, dance, stories, and Circle is inviting everyone to shop for also welcome. ID at the door. Last Myeloma Support Group goes anything else you can think to do on Location: handmade crafts while supporting entry is 6 p.m. For tickets visit www. every third Saturday from 1 to 3 stage. All are welcome. community. There will be door prizes beyond30events.com/event/80s-90sp.m. at Commonwealth Financial, Northern Health COVID-19 and flu clinics are hourly and a 50/50 draw. For crafters over-30s-daytime-clubbing-prince575 Victoria St. Everyone is welcome you’ve got an event coming up running at the PrinceIf George Community Health looking for a table to sell their wares george/ who has been diagnosed, those email us at news@pgcitizen.ca to offer Centre upper level (210A 1600 15th Ave) for email hcrspg@gmail.com or call Kris Kringle Luncheon goes Friday, who are caregivers, family members details including name of the event, the ages 6 months to 11 years old, by Lorraine at 250-613-9403. Dec. 11 at 10:20 a.m. at the Prince friends. Wheelchair accessible date, time and location, ticket price and Protect yourself and those aroundand you from appointment only. Merry & Bright Market goes George Civic Centre. There will be a parking at the backbooked of the building. where to get them and a little bit about respiratory illness this season and make Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. festive lunch, auction, a guest speaker, For more information call Viv what’s happening, too. LOCF Register and book today: sure you’re up toalldate on your influenza 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CN Centre. contests and prizes in support (flu) Shop local businesses this holiday of theand ChildCOVID-19 Developmentimmunizations. Centre of To register, visit getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca, or season. Shop for unique items for Prince George & District. For more call 1-833-838-2323 to book an appointment everyone on the list. Admission to the information and tickets visit www. market is free. zeffy.com/kris-kringle-luncheon-2026 Hungry for Laughs Comedy Tour Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop goes Friday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. is open Monday to Saturday from 28 at 6:20 p.m. at the Prince George 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1655 Nicholson Playhouse. Featured comedians Street, right beside Koops Bike include Alex Mackenzie - (Amazon Shop. There are sales and special Prime, Melbourne Comedy Festival), events taking place often. There is Protect yourself and those around you from d Ola Dada - (Just for Laughs, Canada’s a big selection of dishes, pots and flu an h lt a e H n r e h Got Talent, Sirius XM Top Comic), pans, men’s ties, games, CDs, fabric, t respiratory illness this and make Norseason clinics 9 Brittany Lyseng - (CBC Debaters, Just collectibles, socks and shoes. They’ve 1 ID V COon your influenza d you from sure you’re up to date ose aroun for Laughs, Roast Battle Canada), got a beautiful display of jewelry and th d n a lf urse nd make Protect yo ness this season a Efthimios Nasiopoulous - (Just for handbags, clothing for everyone and (flu) and COVID-19 immunizations. ill fluenza respiratory p to date on your in Laughs, Sirius XM, CBC Comedy). For picture frames and framed artwork. u n e nizatio s. sure you’r -19 immu more information and tickets visit Be sure to sign up for their newsletter ID V O C d ) an (fluinfo: Prince George and area clinic www.eventbrite.ca/e/canadian-tireto get the inside scoop on super presents-hungry-for-laughs-comedysales, seniors discounts and more at Location: tour-prince-george-tickets thriftshopsignup@gmail.com Northern Health COVID-19 and flu clinics are BC Old Time Fiddlers’ Family ParkinsonHealth Support Group Meetings Northern flu and running at the Prince George Community Health Dance goes on Saturday, Nov. 28 from COVID-19 are held the first Saturday of every Centre - upper level (210A 1600 15th Ave) for clinics 7 to 11 p.m. at the Senior Activity month at 1 p.m. at the Spruce Capital ages 6 months to 11 years old, by For more yourself and3701 those around Dr. you from Centre 425 Brunswick St. Live music Protect Seniors Centre, Rainbow booked appointment only. information, scan this season make will be performed by members of the respiratory Meetingsillness are informal and and focus on the QR code or visit: Register and book today: sure you’re up to date on your influenza local club for old-time fun dances, sharing information about slowing the (flu) and COVID-19 immunizations. northernhealth.ca To register, visit getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca, or including Two-Steps, Waltzes, Polkas, progression of Parkinson’s disease, call 1-833-838-2323 to book an appointment Butterfly, Schottisches and others, featuring guest speakers, offering as well as some called group dances. special events, exercise sessions and

Northern Health flu and COVID-19 clinics

th Pr

Northern Health Health flu and flu an run Northern Princ Ce COVID-19 clinics

COVID-19 clinics

Loc

ag bo

Northe runnin Centr ages book

Protect yourself and those around y respiratory illness this season and m R To To r sure you’re up to date on your influe call ca (flu) and COVID-19 immunizations.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

STORM DAMAGE COMMUNITY

P RPI R N ICNEC E G EGOER OG RE G EC ICTIITZIEZN EN

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

COMMUNITY

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

People shared their photos on Facebook after high winds tore through Prince George over the weekend, and we took some of our own

ABOVE: Michael Kast used a drone for an overhead shot of some of the damage in the area. BELOW: Not all the storm’s impact was as severe. ‘Suffered a lot of damage last night,’ Phil Star wrote on Facebook, tongue clearly in cheek. ‘Our snow shovel got completely blown over.’

ABOVE: Damien Knight shared this photo, writing ‘Had a tree fall on my house and vehicles. There might be another one coming down.’

LEFT: The Citizen’s Michael Kast stayed well back when taking this photo of a fallen tree in College Heights. ABOVE: the roof of Kelsey Samantha White barn peeled right back when the winds hit. RIGHT: Mathew Moller came home to find his townhouse roof torn off. He noted that there was no interior damage.

ABOVE: Why’d the power go out? Cases like this. Pete Queijsen found a transformer that had been toppled by a tree.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

COMMUNITY

P RPI R N ICNEC E G EGOER OG RE G EC ICTIITZIEZN EN

Local chapter of CFUW preserves its history at UNBC MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Decades of history, memories and more from a local women’s advocacy group will now be preserved in the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) archives. The Prince George chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) made its first donation to the Northern BC Archives and Special Collections at UNBC on Wednesday, Nov. 4, with more expected. The CFUW began in 1919 as a selffunded national organization. It now has more than 6,700 members in 90 clubs across every province in the country. The Prince George chapter was formed in 1963, during a time when the lives and expectations of women with post-secondary educations were more restricted. The local chapter provided educated women with a space to share their knowledge and put their skills toward good works in the community. CFUW Prince George has maintained a strong community presence throughout its more than six decades of operation. It has established and fundraised for bursaries and scholarships for women at both UNBC and the College of New Caledonia (CNC), according to a UNBC media release. Funds have historically been raised through bursary teas, three editions of a history book on street names in Prince George, the October Fair (now called Studio Fair), dinners and much more. The local chapter has also worked alongside other grassroots women’s organizations in the region to improve the lives and education of women and children across the North. The documents donated on Nov. 4 were the first of several contributions and included photographs, CDs, scrapbooks and oral history recordings. These important pieces of local history will now be available to researchers and students. The donated material spans the period from the club’s founding to

MATTHEW HILLIER PHOTO

Members of the Prince George chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women pose for a photo alongside some of the material donated to the Northern BC Archives and Special Collections on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

the present day and includes extensive archival records documenting local community members and their contributions. “The CFUW records provide substantive evidence of these 60-plus years of community involvement and support work,” said Erica Hernandez-Read, head of Archives and Special Collections at the university. “This archival material will support a myriad of future research objectives, including but not limited to the history of women’s clubs in Northern BC, the history of regional social priorities and concerns, and the history of women’s organized advocacy efforts.” Members of the Prince George chapter were in high spirits during the donation, looking through old scrapbooks, reliving their own memories and sharing stories about the historic women who helped shape the club into what it is today. “There’s a lot of pride in these women,” said Hernandez-Read. “A lot of the women are long-standing members. They recently completed an oral history project as well. This is just the pinnacle of that project: donating this material to the archives. I see that in the material, the breadth and scope of the activities that they present through these records. It’s really amazing.” Jennifer Fox, the CFUW’s archivist

secretary, said sharing the club’s history with the archives was an absolute honour for its members. “They’re very proud of that. It is really an honour to have the archives accept our papers. It’s wonderful because it’s a university and we represent university women. Although any woman can join now,” said Fox. In a UNBC media release, Fox added that donating the material to the archives was the perfect choice. “With the CFUW commitment to education, we see the archives at UNBC as the most logical and appropriate place to house our paper and history,” said Fox. “We still have some boxes of items from the past 60 years that need to be sorted through and will donate these as completed. As our club continues to function, we will continue to collate and share our club’s information and achievements.” Fox is the club’s newest member, although her mother, Marguerite Fox, was a longstanding part of CFUW. She said the donation and the work behind it had given her an opportunity to connect more deeply with a club that both she and her mother hold dear. “My mother has been a member for a long time; she’s talked about it for many, many years,” Fox said. “For me to go back and see the stories that she’s talked about and see the activities

makes this club even bigger and more real for me and it inspires me to do some of the things we’re gonna start soon and keep on doing,” said Fox. From Hernandez-Read’s perspective, preserving the club’s documents adds value to both the organization and the archives. “Having an organization/institution acknowledge the importance of their work over time is significant. This material documenting their activities is not going to go into the recycling or trash; it is actually going to be made available and it has been acknowledged as having permanent, longterm value to this community,” said Hernandez-Read. Hernandez-Read said her favourite donated pieces included items highlighting the CFUW’s work in bringing women together for advocacy and fundraising efforts, which she described as “incredible.” The donated material will soon be available to the public, and further historical contributions from the CFUW are expected. “We will preserve this material, we will make it accessible to the public and we will support researchers, academic and the public, who come in to do research into the CFUW and any other material we have here,” said Hernandez-Read.

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

COMMUNITY

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

Hear the sound of White Noise at Two Rivers Gallery MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

A new art exhibition focused on showcasing how artistic meaning transforms shapes, images, culture, and the framing of history is being hosted at Two Rivers Gallery in downtown Prince George. The new exhibit is open to visitors at Two Rivers and features the works of Annie MacDonell and Krystle Silverfox. MacDonell is a Toronto-based artist who specializes in examining how images, including photography, film, reflections and projections, are interpreted, produced and reproduced. Her work often incorporates the work of historic or archival imagery to examine how artistic or historic meaning can change when reimagined, reinterpreted, or repositioned. MacDonell has a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) from Toronto Metropolitan University's school of image arts and has continued her education with graduate studies at Le Fresnoy, Studio national des arts contemporains in France. She has had her work, including photography and film shown internationally and across Canada.

Silverfox is an interdisciplinary artist and a member of the Selkirk First Nation. Silverfox is based in Whitehorse and her work explores how Indigenous art can transform contemporary historical interpretations and deconstruct colonial frameworks with Indigenous culture, history and art. Her work also highlights how Indigenous inherited knowledge and culture, as well as modern contemporary experiences, are not separate but instead overlapping and intersecting. Silverfox has a BFA in visual art; a bachelor of arts in gender, race, sexuality and social justice from UBC; and a master of fine arts in interdisciplinary studies from Simon Fraser University. The White Noise exhibition itself positions both Silverfox's and MacDonell's work to challenge established narratives, both historic and artistic. The gallery contains both contemporary art intermixed with Indigenous imagery and photographic images and films that change the context of how the viewer interprets and experiences the gallery. The exhibit's opening reception took place on Thursday, Oct. 29. Both artists were impressed by the turnout and engagement with their pieces.

MATTHEW HILLIER PHOTO

Krystle Sliverfox, an interdisciplinary Indigenous artist, poses for a photo in front of her favourite piece titled “Spill” on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2026.

"We had a really great turnout," said MacDonell. "There were lots of people for the artist talks and great questions. There's a really amazing community around Two Rivers and it was really great to be a part of that." For MacDonell the exhibition also gave her the opportunity to interact with budding Prince George artists. "People had questions about my process and people had questions about some of the histories that were part of the show. I had good conversations with some younger artists about how research can activate a visual art practice, which was really great," said MacDonell. For MacDonell, she believes that an important aspect of her art is displaying historical photographs and film in a new way that changes the viewers' perspectives. "I like to experiment with different ways of showing images and film in the gallery," MacDonell said. "Unexpected things that push at the limits with the photographed image and the film image. I try to create new viewing experiences for the viewers whenever I can." Research into historical photographs and the narratives they present was an essential part of one of the most prominent pieces of MacDonell's works at White Noise, that being Ego Death Trip Spiral. Ego Death Trip Spiral was created in 2023 and is a 15-foot-tall and fivefoot-long distorted and re-formed historical photograph of a woman on a couch in the middle of a psychedelic trip. The photograph was originally taken in the 1960s and featured in the Toronto Star. In MacDonell's reinterpretation, it appears to fall apart and pick itself back up when viewed from different perspectives. MacDonell told The Citizen that the piece was originally part of a larger exhibit showcasing artistic depictions of the research that took place on psychedelics in the 1950s and 1960s, with most of the pieces centred around research taking place in Weyburn,

Saskatchewan. For MacDonell, she wanted to showcase this research and the resulting counterculture that emerged from psychedelics differently. "What I wanted to do with the show was skip all the expected ways of depicting psychedelic trips, such as the spirals and the mandalas and the dancing bears and try to create a new visual language around it that came before the countercultural identity of the drug. I came up with the idea of using this image of the young woman and trying to figure out a way to make the image fall apart and then come together. It works like a lenticular image, those little things you'd get in cereal boxes when you were a kid," said MacDonell. She shared that her approach to understanding and deconstructing culture meshed well with Silverfox's section of the gallery. "I think the works are really different and they're dealing with culture differently but I think in both works there's a sort of impulse to unpack histories," said MacDonell. In White Noise Silverfox deals heavily with subverting historical imagery, including a piece titled "Apprehension," featuring copies of historical documents related to the Sixties Scoop with Indigenous beading covering personal and private information. "A lot of my art is conceptual. It's about the idea rather than about what it looks like. It's also a little abstract and it's very much influenced by my First Nations culture. A lot of my work uses things like fringe as an aesthetic tool, or it deconstructs images in formline," said Silverfox. Formline is a Pacific Northwest Indigenous art style using flowing or curvilinear lines that often form an egg-like or ovoid shape. Silverfox's favourite piece of hers that is showcased in the White Noise exhibition is "Spill." The artwork itself is a black stick wrapped in black yarn. The work itself CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

COMMUNITY

P RPI R N ICNEC E G EGOER OG RE G EC ICTIITZIEZN EN

New exhibition features Annie MacDonell and Krystle Silverfox CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE is inspired by the Eagle Goldmine disaster, which resulted in cyanide being released into Haggart Creek, a tributary of the Yukon's McQuesten

River in June of 2024. "With that artwork, I'm thinking about the interactions that we have as humans working with the land and how we want to manipulate the land to benefit us, but then we can't

MATTHEW HILLIER PHOTO

Titled “The Picture” created by Annie MacDonell is on display at the White Noise exhibition.

really control everything, and often these catastrophes do happen," said Silverfox. Her work contains anti-colonial themes, something she said was also present at the White Noise exhibition itself. "In art theory, we think about the gallery as this very sterile space where it upholds, let's say, some colonial values. I think about this show as challenging that. The space is filled with artworks that challenge this colonial gaze and it also brings Indigenous knowledge into the gallery space, which is really, really important, especially now … it speaks to visitors, it educates people, and for people

who have that lived experience, it also brings it into perspective," said Sliverfox. She added that both her work and MacDonell's work relate to deconstructed images. "They're fragmented, they're not what you would think they are … I'm dealing a lot with the idea of colonialism and how we can use art to decolonize spaces, how we can use art to deconstruct colonialism. So a lot of my work looks like it's falling apart," said Silverfox. White Noise will be available for public viewing at the Two Rivers Gallery until Sunday, Jan. 17, 2027.

Small paintings, big impact at new Studio 2880 show CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Looking for those good things that come in small packages? Well, here ya go. Joined by the Brush 6x6 art exhibit will see 17 members of the Federation of Canadian Artists, Central Interior Chapter, present 32 art pieces each just six by six inches in size at Studio 2880. This is an annual event presented by the Community Arts Council of Prince George & District. Opening night for the art exhibit takes place on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibit will continue until Thursday, Dec. 24. “This show seems to be very popular,” said Wendy Framst, co-chair of the Central Interior Chapter. “We have artists who work in oils, acrylics and I do water colours. There is a variety of subject matter. A lot of our artists like to do landscapes or other natural themes, like animals and florals.” Framst, who took training at university, said she is most influenced

by classes she has taken around the globe, including in France, Spain, Scotland and Mexico. Framst is a water-colour artist and illustrator. “I like to draw and my favourite subjects are, of course, my children and my fur baby, a six-and-a-half-pound Yorkie,” Framst said, who has painted throughout her entire life. “I really enjoy the idea of capturing light in my paintings and if I manage to get a bit of a glow in my work then that’s when I feel I succeeded.” The Federation of Canadian Artists is a long-standing group of artists from throughout the nation divided into chapters. The Central Interior Chapter covers a large geographical area and sees members in Lac La Heche, Prince Rupert, Fort St. James, Quesnel and the majority who live in Prince George. Everyone is welcome to attend the opening reception at the Community Arts Council Prince George & District Studio 2880 Feature Gallery, 2880 15th Avenue on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m.

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

COMMUNITY

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

Love at the PGSO, where Katherine ‘hearts’ Calvin CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Do the same with this: When I was interviewing music director Michael Hall about the Prince George Symphony Orchestra’s season and the variety of concerts and events they are offering, I naturally got to chatting about other stuff. I am an authentically curious person and I’m happy to hear about anything you care to share with me. Well, did I hit the jackpot when Michael happened to mention that his beloved will be joining him when he comes here in November for one of the symphony’s many performances because he told me all about when they first laid eyes on each other when he was conducting and she was being conducted. I won’t go into all the details right now because that’s for the next story. His story led me to this story and I’m trying to make this a series — Love at the PGSO — because I have potentially found three couples to write about — and this is the first chapter called “how Katherine got all flitterpated and dropped all her sheet music when she discovered she was going to work with Calvin” — OK, headlines are not my thing so we’ll call that my “working title.” This is Katherine Peter and Calvin Yang’s PGSO love story. “I first met Calvin at the audition for the PGSO,” Katherine Peter, who plays violin, began. “I was working in Toronto — I’ve always been a performer, I play for a living. Something crazy happened in 2020 (the pandemic) so I was not performing for a long time. So my reason for living was just not there. I tried to stick it out and I am always teaching part time, too, because someone taught me and I have to give back so I always have to teach.” During the pandemic Katherine found herself teaching beginners in a school full time. “So it was just Kindergarten class after Kindergarten class and they’re so sweet and so cute but I wanted to

be playing advanced music and there I was singing ‘Baby Shark’ repeatedly all day long in a job that just didn’t connect.” She did that for two years and finally left. “I had heard BC had work,” Katherine said. “So I quit my job and called my parents who had just retired and were living in Victoria.” She asked them if she could come across the country to crash on their couch. “So I showed up and did as many auditions as I could and the first one that I won was SUBMITTED PHOTO for Prince George,” Katherine Peter, violin player and Calvin Yang, viola player, fell in love and here Calvin is Katherine said. proposing to Katherine. They are now engaged to be married. “It was my first time in Prince George and of course I had just sworn off dating forever - especially musicians,” Katherine said with an eyeroll. “My mom had texted me during the audition and asked how things were going. I wrote back ‘I don’t know but there’s a handsome man playing viola.’ She responded with ‘FOCUS!’ It really made me laugh, because she was probably right, but the honest truth is that he completely took my breath away. When I learned we both got a position and we’d be working together, I dropped all my music on the floor in shock and it exploded. He ended up helping me pick it all up. I wonder how hard I blushed that day?” Katherine said her love for Calvin was locked in stone during his first visit to her Prince George apartment. Katherine truly enjoys the work by the composer Shostakovich. “I won a bust of Shostakovich in a bet and now I proudly display it everywhere because I think it’s so funny,” Katherine said. “I have never met another person CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

P RPI R N ICNEC E G EGOER OG RE G EC ICTIITZIEZN EN

What happens when two musicians swear off dating? CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE who has guessed who it is. It always sits next to my music stand but most people think it’s an actor or a book character. The first time Calvin visited my Prince George apartment, he walked straight up to it and asked me why I have a statue of Shostakovich ... I don’t know if Calvin understood how impressed I was or maybe he did, because on our first official date he took me straight to a Shostakovich chamber music concert. By that point I was head over heels.” In the meantime, Calvin Yang had just completed his studies at McGill in Montreal and headed back home to Vancouver, doing pretty much the same thing as Katherine before the pandemic, performing and teaching. Then found himself searching for work and started auditioning. “And the first one I won was the audition for Prince George,” Calvin said.

Same as Katherine. He took a look at my shocked face. “Yeah, we share a similar path,” he smiled. “And now we both work for the same music school,” Katherine added. “We are tag-team teachers.” “The funny thing is we actually attended the same school but at different times,” Calvin said. “So I did my undergrad at McGill and he did his masters and we were only a year apart,” Katherine added. “We know all the same people, have all the same friends but we never crossed paths.” So after that first blush - literally because she did admit to that during her meet-cute recollection — Katherine said she had such a huge crush on Calvin. “But remember I had sworn off dating, right?” Katherine laughed and shook her head. “No, no boys! So I just had my huge

Get your Dream Home and 50/50 tickets NOW!

Dream Home Tickets $125 ea or 2 for $200

50/50 Tickets $25 ea or 3 for $50

Beautifully designed for today. Thoughtfully ready for tomorrow.

A home where elegant design and everyday ease come together. Zero-threshold entries invite you in; expansive windows fill the rooms with natural light. A main-floor primary suite and laundry keep daily living close at hand, while an installed elevator opens up every level. Throughout the home, carefully chosen details offer comfort now and flexibility for the years ahead.

PRINCE GEORGE HOSPICE PALLIATIVE CARE SOCIETY

Scan the QR Code or go to www.hospicedreamhome.ca Licence # 176813 Bonus draw licences: #172642

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Katherine Peter, violin player and Calvin Yang, viola player, met while auditioning for the Prince George Symphony Orchestra.

crush, which I kept to myself — I thought.” “Well, for sure our colleagues knew!” Calvin interjected. “Everyone in the orchestra knew and eventually asked us ‘when are you guys going to go out?’” Katherine said. “And they kept ribbing us but we’re like ‘we’re not!’ I swear! There’s nothing! And then part way through the year I got Covid and I had a fever and I was full of drugs and I think in my fever haze I texted him and said ‘Why aren’t you visiting me?’ and he’s like ‘I’m in Vancouver, what are you talking about?’ And then I said ‘Why didn’t you come say good-bye to me?’ and he was like ‘Because you have Covid’ and I was like ‘Oh, right. Whoops!’ So I think I confessed in my fever haze.” “Yeah, she did,” Calvin confirmed. “I wasn’t sure if she was serious.” “Because I was drunk on cough syrup,” Katherine laughed. Calvin said he felt the same way about Katherine but they both felt the same about dating. “We were determined not to date especially no musicians in the future,” Katherine said. “So I think you came to Vancouver one or two weeks later,” Calvin said. “Yeah, once I was better, I came to

see the concert,” Katherine helped put the pieces together. “So she came down to the Lower Mainland and that’s when we met up and we talked about this,” Calvin said. “And I said ‘OK, if you’re really serious we can try to make this work.’” There was lots to think about because if things didn’t work out, it wouldn’t just affect them but everyone in the workplace, as well, Calvin explained. “I like the fact that we were both very careful so now I think we both cherish each other a lot more,” Calvin said. They started their relationship in 2023 and recently something wonderful happened. “This summer Calvin surprised me with the most beautiful solitaire ring I’ve ever seen,” Katherine said. “It was in the window of a local jeweler, sitting under a giant poster of a violin. Since meeting at PGSO, we’ve traveled all over Canada playing music together, so everything about our engagement feels just right. There’s nothing more romantic than playing music together! This season we’ll play our Mozart Concertante with the PGSO in May. After that show, the next time you see us at the PGSO, we’ll be married. Thank you, Prince George Symphony!”

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

COMMUNITY

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

Cost of major surgeries strains PG Humane Society MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Prince George Humane Society (PGHS) has put out a call for community support after providing support for five animals in crisis. These five animals, four cats and one dog, were taken in as strays and all needed expensive surgeries and/or dental work to maintain their health, happiness and quality of life. However, the cost of the surgeries and the dental work has resulted in a $17,200 vet bill, according to a Monday, Nov. 2 Facebook post made by the society. Below is a list of the animals, the medical work they underwent and the costs associated: • Luna, a 10-year-old tortoiseshell cat, needs dental care to maintain a positive quality of life in her elder years; the costs associated with her dental care are $1,500 • Leo, a two-year-old black-and-white cat, underwent an essential tail amputation that cost $2,500. • Milo, a year-and-a-half-old orange cat, lost his back leg and is just beginning to enjoy his three-legged life. PGHS spent $2,500 on costs associated with his care and surgery • Ciro, a nine-month-old tabby-andwhite kitten, needed surgery for an obstruction. PGHS spent $2,200 to ensure that Ciro has a long life to enjoy ahead of him • Rimple, a young pit bull cross, needed major surgery to amputate his front right leg. PGHS spent $4,500 on costs associated with his surgery In addition to the $13,200 needed for urgent surgeries and operations, an additional $4,000 is needed for essential dental care for some of the animals. This $17,200 vet bill has put a heavy strain on PGHS. Jamie Walsh, an animal care assistant at PGHS, explained in a Tuesday, Nov. 4 interview that the surgeries and the care provided to the five listed above are not uncommon and community donations are essential in keeping the five listed above and all other animal intakes happy and healthy.

“Unfortunately, these things happen fairly often. The basic surgeries for things like dental, abrasions on their paws and obstructions or blockages things like that are very, very common for us, unfortunately. Even things like ligament damage or once in a while an amputation, which are a little more rare,” said Walsh. She estimated that even healthy animals without major complications that come into PGHS care cost around $1,000-$1,500 in vet bills to be spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Despite the large bill, the major surgeries or critical care needed for these animals were successful, and as of Tuesday, Nov. 3, the five animals are now recovering in foster homes. “They’re doing really, really well,” Walsh said. “They’re coming out of their shells, and they are over the worst of it. It’s just great. Everybody’s thriving in their foster homes, which is wonderful to see, and that’s our goal.” Despite losing one leg each, Rimple and Milo were noted by PGHS as recovering extremely quickly and even quickly adapting to their new three-legged lives. “They get excited and they realize how to use their body with a missing leg and then they just have a blast. It’s the most amazing thing to see an animal come out of its shell once it realizes, I’m healthy, I’m happy, everything is okay, I made it through this. Then when they realize this the zoomies are incredible,” said Walsh. All five animals are currently up for adoption, Walsh explained that beyond donations, adopting or fostering an animal under their care is one of the key ways the community can aid the PGHS. “If the adoptions aren’t happening, then we don’t have space to bring in the other animals that are in need. Our foster homes, we can’t say enough. Without them, we can’t help the animals that we do help,” said Walsh. Walsh thanked supporters for their continued assistance, donations and adoptions. “We appreciate everybody’s help and we love that the community rallies behind us and helps us when we need it,” said Walsh. If you are interested in donating, search

for the society on the the PGHS CanadaHelps page at www.canadahelps.org. You can also donate in person at 4011 Lansdowne Rd. or at 1839 First Ave. For more information, or to donate, visit the PGHS webpage at pghumanesociety.ca

PRINCE GEORGE HUMANE SOCIETY FACEBOOK PHOTOS

Rimple, top, a young, male pit bull cross. Milo, left, a year-and-a-half-old, male orange cat. Luna, right, a 10-year-old, female tortoiseshell cat. All under the care of the PG Humane Society, they recently needed major surgery.

The Child Development Centre is proud to present the return of

Kris Kringle December 11, 2026 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM Civic Centre - 808 Canada Games Way Join us for a festive lunch, auction, guest speaker, contests, and prizes all in support of the Child Development Centre of Prince George & District The Child Development Centre of Prince George and District Heart • Hope • A helping hand

Scan for Tickets

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

COMMUNITY

P RPI R N ICNEC E G EGOER OG RE G EC ICTIITZIEZN EN

Coldsnap 2027 announces 20th music festival lineup Festival offers mainstage performances, Late Nights at the Legion and barrier-free workshops and IceJams for the community CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Prince George’s annual winter music festival will heat up venues during some of the coldest nights of the year when the Prince George Folk Festival Society presents its 20th annual celebration from Feb 3 to 7, 2027. Coldsnap 2027 sees old favourites and new artists hitting the stage at a variety of venues throughout the city. During this five-day event audiences will enjoy memorable performances by talented musicians from across the nation. The lineup starts on Wednesday, Feb. 3 featuring Absolute Legends at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave., that showcases Juno Award winners The Bros. Landreth, The Pairs and Prince George’s own Raghu Lokanathan. This event will be a celebration of storytelling, thrilling harmonies, and, of course, amazing musical talent. The very next night sees Friends n’ Fiddles that goes on Thursday, Feb. 4 at Knox Performance Centre in the heart of downtown Prince George. This concert features a whole host of performers, including acclaimed singer-songwriter and flutist Allison Lupton, Coldsnap favourites Shane Cook & Troy McManus while Andrea Beaton, Troy MacGillivray & Sabra MacGillivray will bring the Cape Breton magic and Prince George’s own Chloe Nakahara who will showcase her unique sound. Hearts on Sleeves goes on Friday, Feb. 5 at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave., and will showcase Airik Clark, Madeleine Roger and Diyet doing what they do best as they share heartfelt stories and their special songwriting embedded in roots music that speaks to the soul. Audiences will hear smooth vocals,

heart stopping melodies and poetry as well as some alt-country, folk and roots music straight from Dieyt’s Indigenous world view and northern experience. Bold Souls goes Saturday, Feb. 6 at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave., and features Cecile DooKingue, Celeigh Cardinal and Billie Zizi. This show offers insight into blues, soul, jazz and Afro-roots along with some truth telling and powerful voices. This is an unfiltered musical experience. Bring It Home will be the final performance of the festival offering the grand finale to celebrate 20 years of Coldsnap that goes Sunday, Feb. 7 at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. Featuring Coldsnap favourite, Juno and Grammy award winning star, Alex Cuba, Desiree Dawson and ellescriv. All are BC musicians whose music celebrates connection deeply rooted in community. This evening will bring a whole lot of joy to the audience as a special wrap up of the festival. There are several other elements to the Coldsnap festival including Late Nights at the Legion on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with an extra late night event taking place as well. As always Coldsnap offers barrier-free daytime IceJams and workshops where headliners of the concerts will visit venues in the downtown core of Prince George to share their time and talent with those who might not otherwise be able to share in the experience of Coldsnap. There’s a special Coldsnap for Kids concert at the Playhouse geared for all those who are young at heart, as well. For the full schedule of events, information, festival passes and tickets visit coldsnapfestival.com

ALEX CUBA PHOTO

Alex Cuba, who lives in Smithers, will be part the next Coldsnap Music Festival.

DESIREE DAWSON FACEBOOK PHOTO

Desiree Dawson will perform at the Coldsnap Music Festival.

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

COMMUNITY

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

Holidate Snowflake Soiree at Two Rivers Gallery Explore while making art and enjoying the company of like-minded people CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Holidate Snowflake Soiree. Those three words certainly say a lot. In my mind’s eye it’s a little bit fancy, being a soiree, after all. Now the “snowflake” in the name of this Two Rivers Gallery event might tell me it offers a touch of whimsy — I hope! But it might just be an indicator that we’re always expecting snow on Saturday, Nov. 14. And a Holidate, well isn’t that clever. It says a lot — are we looking for a date? Do we bring our own? And we’re certainly celebrating, hence the “holida” hint and the part I didn’t tell you yet is that it’s an Art Party. This sounds like it’s going to be a grand time. I called up Maya Levy, the public programming coordinator at the Two Rivers Gallery, whose organizing the multi-faceted event to get all the details and there’s a lot. “At the gallery we’re always looking to bring new, fun events to community, especially in our space,” Levy said, whose been at the gallery for almost two years now. “It’s so amazing to be in here so we really want to make sure people know they can come hang out, explore their artistic talents that they might not have been able to before and just connect with community,” Levy said. This is the first edition of the party and Levey said Two Rivers would like to do similar events in the future. “We’ve done holiday parties in the past but this is a little bit

different with art making with a social aspect mixed together.” There are two featured artists, Kim Hayhurst and Madeline Kloepper, who will each be doing an activity but let’s leave that as a bit of a surprise for guests. “We’ll also be making holiday cards, custom wrapping paper and hand-decorated tote bags using personalized stamps,” Levy said. “This is going to be a fun evening. Prince George has a lot of amazing events but not like this. This is something new.” So I had to ask about the soiree part of the event. Is there an expectation for a dress code? “So there’s no hard requirement — feel free to get dressed up and

that’s kind of our hope – but we want people to be comfortable while they create – but we’re looking for a bit more of an elevated event,” Levy said. Upstairs at the Two Rivers Gallery there will be several artmaking activities taking place. “We’ll also have DJ Larry playing music all night and each ticket comes with a drink ticket,” Levy said. “The event is also catered by Orion Food Services and it’s really beautiful in here. The Gallery is a really warm space and the lights will be on and we’ll have decorations around and I believe we’re going to utilize the whole gallery so there will be different areas to explore. I’m hoping it will

be very lively and a snowflake-andholiday kind of a party.” Levy said she knows it’s going to be super fun. “And this way you can get a jump start on your holiday gift list and it’s a good place to mix and mingle with other creatives and it’s for people who are just looking to meet others and come and experience the Gallery during the holidays,” Levy said. Holidate Snowflake Soiree: An Art Party takes place Saturday, Nov. 14 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Two Rivers Gallery at 725 Canada Games Way. Tickets are $80 each or $125 for a pair at tworiversgallery.ca/events/ holidate/

TWO RIVERS GALLERY PHOTO

The Holidate Snowflake Soiree: An Art Party takes place at the Two Rivers Gallery on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 7 to 11 p.m. This photo gives a bit of a hint of what the space looks like during a past gathering at the Gallery.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN L.O.C.F.

Throwback Thursday: Week of November 12

November 12, 1987: Remembrance Day tribute saw wolf cub Sheldon Hinchcliff place a wreath as Prince George gathered for the annual ceremony held in memory of Canada’s war dead. Citizen File Photo by Dave Milne.

November 14, 1966: RCMP Sgt. L. Martin paid tribute to the fallen at the wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day. Members of the RCMP, Legion, Boy Scouts and Guides took part in the services. Citizen File Photo.

November 14, 1996: Tom Mowatt (front) carved a Lheidli T’enneh heraldic design while Tom Danes worked on a new design. They were both part of a carving course led by local artist Phillippe Lafreniere. Citizen File Photo by Chuck Nisbett.

6,000

MINI SUPER BINGO

JACKPOT

$5,000 cash plus $1,000 Slot Bonus Play

300

Regular Games

November 14, 2006: Kaitlyn Nyce, 4, gave volunteer Tim Kelly a high-five of approval after testing out the wooden horse being raffled at the D.P. Todd craft fair on Sunday, November 12, 2006. Citizen File Photo by David Mah.

600 $ 1,000 $

Double Win Regular games

$200 Slot Bonus Plays X 5 Draws

SATURDAY, November 14TH 6:00 PM Evening Bingo

Please see www.treasurecovecasino.com for Terms & Conditions

Use your

19+

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

Local Sports

Polars pull off upset win over Duchess Park in final TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

The Prince George Polars knew before they hit the court at the Northern Sports Centre in the senior girls City League volleyball final all the pressure was on the Duchess Park Condors. Ranked second by BC School Sports in the provincial triple-A top-10, Condors had beaten the Polars handily in all three previous matches this season, losing just one set. They were heavily favoured heading their match against PGSS on Wednesday, Nov. 4, in a bestof-five affair to settle bragging rights for the year. The Polars got the early jump, winning the first set 25-18, then took the next two nailbiters, toppling the Condors 26-24, 26-24 to begin their celebration. “That felt really good, our energy was really good,” said Polars Grade 10 left-side hitter Madilyn Keough, who performed admirably when called into service as a starter during the first set after Grade 12 veteran Tehyah Ross went down with a knee injury. Ross and Peyton Morris are the only Grade 12s on the PGSS squad and despite their inexperience as seniors the Polars they found a way to sweep one of the top teams in the province. “All our hard work and effort paid off,” said Morris. “From the last time we played them until now we’ve come a long way as a team and we’re playing together as a team instead of six individual players on the court. We’ve had a lot of growth and that what led us to winning today.” “It brings our confidence up, it’s nice to know we can beat Duchess. We also can’t get too cocky, we have to keep playing our best game.” Polar assistant coach Jasen Florell said his team stayed relaxed throughout the game while the Condors tightened up with every missed pass or errant

CITIZEN PHOTO BY TED CLARKE

Peyton Morris of the Prince George Polars delivers a kill at the net against the Duchess Park condors defenders Molly Manohan (5) and Ashley Sheane (14) during the girls City League volleyball final on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at the Northern Sport Centre.

spike and that was the key to the upset. PGSS had a decided edge in its serving. “They played loose and had fun, we weren’t supposed to win that game, on paper, they just went after it,” said Florell. “After they got that first set the confidence just continued to build, and even at the end of it when it was 24-21, sometimes we’d fold like that with young kids but they held through. “The first set (the Condors) missed some serves early and first set, for sure we were on. My little libero (Jacinta Hansen) went on a five-point run. It’s just momentum when they get the

serves in and we’ve been playing some good defence.” The other Polar players crowned City Champions are Aliyah Schneider, Lily Oleksik, Charlotte Dahl, Taylor Niesh, Elie Owen, Addysin Engbrecht, Alexis Whyte and Natalia Wolfe. The Polars will host the two-team North Central zone championship at PGSSSS Nov. 20-21 against North Peace of Fort St. John and there’s only one berth available for the provincial tournament next month in Nanaimo. There were a few tears shed in the Duchess Park locker room. They knew they were capable of much better

playing in what’s becoming one of the showcase annual events of Prince George high school sports. “I think we went into it thinking we’d win but we were playing scared,” said 16-year-old Reese Wood, the Condors’ provincial team setter. “We were scared to make mistakes and that’s what happened. I think we just need to push harder and expect the unexpected next time. “They were just making us play, giving us tough balls and we were making our own mistakes and giving them points.” The Condors were a point away from winning the second set after Zahra Ngabo’s thunderous swat hit the hardwood to give her team a 24-23 lead. But Ngabo’s ensuing serve went long and on the next point Molly Manohan’s front-line swat hit the net and landed at her feet to seal the set. In the third set, PGSS trailed 23-19 and 24-21 but refused to give up. Peyton Morris went back to serve and Irelynn Magee was long on the return. On the deciding point, Duchess Park’s passing game disintegrated and they were unable to return Morris’s serve. Game over. The Condors have time to get their act together in the two weeks leading up to the double-A zone championship and head coach Mark Gurney says the stunning loss could be a needed wakeup call that will make his team stronger. “The fact that only a week ago we had an easier game against PGSS doesn’t mean we just automatically win, our group was probably too confident and that group had nothing to lose,” said Gurney. They have some great pieces and great coaching (Florell and head coach Allan Tong) over there and of course they’re going to give us their best game and unfortunately we’re stumbling. We have the horsepower to pull through this, so I’m not worried about it, but some things need to change.”

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

SPORTS

P RPI R N ICNEC E G EGOER OG RE G EC ICTIITZIEZN EN

College Heights Cougars claim city volleyball title TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

After losing a two-point squeaker to the Duchess Park Condors days earlier in the Halloween-night final of the Kodiak Classic, the College Heights Cougars did not have long to wait for a chance to exact their revenge. With an opportunity to claim their first-ever City League boys volleyball title in a rematch with the Condors on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Northern Sport Centre, the Cougars were ruthless. They swept Duchess Park in three straight sets, winning 28-26, 25-21 and 25-13 to dethrone the Condors and claim bragging rights until next year as the champions of Prince George. “We just came in with more energy. We were working on stuff in practice and we just executed that today,” said Cougars middle blocker Zach Bibault. “We just did what we had to do.” The first set went back and forth, and it was still anybody’s game when Condors hitter Jake Birheim hammered down a spike from the middle to tie the score at 26-26. That put the ball in Jesse Bomford’s hands, but his serve sailed well beyond the backcourt boundary. On the ensuing point, Kesler Lupul ended the set with a leaping kill at the net. Cougars blockers Chase Noonan and Jordan Werrrell set the tone in the second set, forming a wall that gave the Condors’ hitters fits. With all-star setter Darrien Padilla directing passes to Christian Lucarellli and Zach Bibeault, the Cougars found their targets, pounding the ball into the Duchess Park court with unreturnable finishes, including Lupul’s set-point smash. “We just passed well, served well and had an overall good game,” said Lucarelli, who has moved up from the back-row role he filled last year. “We came back fired up (after the Kodiak Classic loss) and it was a team effort. We got hyped in the change room, looking to sweep early. “I’ve got to give respect to (the Condors). They’re a great team and they

CITIZEN PHOTO BY TED CLARKE

College Heights Cougars setter Darrien Padilla (3) tip the ball over the net against Duchess Park Condors in the City League boys volleyball final at the Northern Sport Centre on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

played great last weekend. In this game, it was just tough with a few injuries.” College Heights obviously smelled blood in the third set. With Noonan firing bullets from behind the service line, the Cougars built a 17-4 lead against a demoralized opponent that visibly sagged after one of its key hitters, City League all-star setter Rhome Secor, was forced out of the game with a leg injury. Sawyer Roberts did what he could to keep the Condors from a total collapse, but they were no match for the Cougars. “They just outplayed us, to be honest,” said Condors libero Jonah Barrett. “They beat us today. We’ll regroup for the next one.” The teams have been evenly matched throughout the season. The defending

BC champion Condors have hovered near the No. 5 spot in the provincial double-A rankings, while College Heights held the No. 3 position for more than a month. Roberts, who also made the all-star team, said it was obvious his team lost its focus after a close opening set. “Our first set was good, but sometimes we get a little too comfortable and then we let them creep back into the game,” said Roberts. “We got stuck in that rotation (without Secor), and that didn’t help because they had a tough server and we had people passing who aren’t usually passing.” College Heights has now won three of the five head-to-head matches. “We got them last week and they got

us this week. You can’t win everything,” said Roberts. “Any games in town, it’s never free. When you go to provincials and you’ve always had the top three or four or five teams, playing them every weekend, you really get prepared for provincials.” The D.P. Todd Trojans are back in the provincial top 10, and the Cedars Christian Eagles have also been ranked this year. That means four Prince George double-A boys teams have been ranked among the 10 best in BC at various stages this season. After several years as a Prince George Youth Volleyball Club event, this is the third year there has been an official City League for senior volleyball. It was another first for the College Heights boys, following the College Heights girls’ banner win last year. “This one was pretty sweet. I’m very pleased and happy for everybody,” said Cougars head coach Jay Guillet. “We’re pushing each other to be better, we’re representing our schools and representing the North and our community very well.” College Heights defeated the D.P. Todd Trojans 25-21 and 25-15 on Saturday, Nov. 7, in the final of the Duchess Park Invitational tournament. The Cougars will be on the road this weekend for a tournament in Kamloops. Shas Ti Kelly Road will host the North Central double-A boys zone championship Nov. 20-21. The BC School Sports provincial double-A boys tournament is scheduled for Dec. 2-5 at Cedars School.

All-stars Prince George City League boys volleyball all-star team, 2026: • Sabin Wilson, D.P. Todd • Jonah Barrett, Duchess Park • Ryder Galbraith, Cedars • Darrien Padilla, College Heights • Zach Bibault, College Heights • Rhome Secor, Duchess Park • David Olebie, Cedars • Mukisa Jjumba, D.P. Todd • Christian Luccarelli, College Heights • Sawyer Roberts, Duchess Park

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

SPORTS

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

Spruce Kings lose league-leading scorer to U.S. team TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

The Youngstown Phantoms continue to haunt the Prince George Spruce Kings. For the second-straight year, the Ohio-based U.S. Hockey League team had robbed the BC Hockey League’s leading scorer from the Spruce Kings. On Monday, No. 2, a day after he lit up the Surrey Eagles for five points in a 7-2 win at Kopar Memorial Arena, 20-yearold centre Charlie Spencer informed the league-leading Spruce Kings he’s leaving them to join the Phantoms. It’s the same team that plucked winger Kazumo Sasaki from the Spruce Kings about a year ago at a time when Saskaki was leading the BCHL in scoring.

Now lightning has struck again, leaving the Spruce Kings in the lurch. “Two years in a row the same team pulls the leading scorer in the league from our program,” said Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes. “He had five points last game against Surrey, three points against Chilliwack on Friday and Monday morning he comes in to say they reached out to him on the weekend.” Through 15 games, Spencer had seven goals and 20 assists and was averaging 1.8 points er game centring the Spruce Kinwgs’ top scoring line with Ryan Wachtel and Cooper Faughnan. Spencer’s playmaking ability will be tough to replace but the Spruce Kings are deep with their forward group and they’ve got a big centre in Ben Vreugdenhil about

to return to the lineup after missing most of the season with a broken wrist. “(Spencer’s) certainly was a prolific scorer and did aa great job offensively for us but had some room for improvement defensively and we’re going to keep moving forward,” said Hawes. “Ben Vreugdenhil got clearance (Wednesday) so he’s back in the lineup and he’ll slide back into the spot Charlie was in and I’m going to bet we don’t even miss a beat. We have a ton of depth, especially up front and we’re going to need it now for sure.” With so much movement between the top junior league now that players destined for U.S. college teams are free to play for major junior teams with the changes to NCAA eligibility rules, no junior team is safe from being raided at any time. “We wish Charlie all the best,” said Hawes. “This is the hockey landscape everybody’s dealing with these days and it’s not ideal, but it is what it is and we can’t let it bog us down. We just move forward

with the incredibly good group we still have.” The Kings also have lost veteran forward Jackson Froysland to a knee injury. Hawes says he should be back playing within the next two or three weeks. The Spruce Kings signed Spencer in the off-season after he played two years in the NAHL with the Philadelphia Rebels. Jumping to the Rebels means he’ll be close to his family in Illinois for his final year of junior hockey. “He’s from Chicago and a lot of American kids grow up with the dream of playing in the USHL, and he sees this as a good opportunity,” said Hawes. “There is some risk involved when you’re the leading scorer in the BCHL on a really good team there’s risk in that you might not have the same success where you go but he told me he’s willing to bet on himself and take that chance.” The Kings will be on the road this weekend, with games Friday in Coquitlam, Saturday in Chilliwack and Sunday in Langley.

ELECTORAL AREA A (SALMON RIVER-LAKES)

Share your thoughts on the Official Community Plan Official community plans establish the long-term vision, goals and policies for land use and development decisions. Your input on the draft Electoral Area A Official Community Plan helps ensure the community’s values and needs are reflected in the final plan. Learn more about the draft plan and share your thoughts: • Tuesday November 24, 6:30 pm to 8 pm online presentation followed by the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments You can also review the draft plan online and submit comments. The last day to provide your input is Monday November 30. VICKI BROWN PHOTO

Spruce Kings left winger Charlie Spencer battles for puck possession with Cowichan Valley defenceman Carter Dekay, left, and forward Slade Firkas during BCHL action Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 at Kopar Memorial Arena. Spence informed the Spruce Kings on Monday he’s jumping to the USHL Youngstown Phantoms.

For more information visit rdffg.ca/ElectoralAreaAOCP

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

SPORTS

P RPI R N ICNEC E G EGOER OG RE G EC ICTIITZIEZN EN

UNBC Timberwolves Legacy Night raises $128,927 TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

UNBC Athletics received a six-figure shot in the arm at last month’s 12th annual Timberwolves Legacy Night fundraiser. The Wednesday, Oct. 21 event at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre raised $128,927, with the money being used to fund bursaries and scholarships for the four varsity Timberwolves sports programs. “Legacy Night reflects the strength of the relationships that make UNBC and the Timberwolves community so special,” said UNBC interim president Bill Owen. “The generosity of donors and supporters helps student-athletes make the most of their university experience, both in competition and in the classroom. These students will carry the lessons, connections and leadership skills they develop at UNBC into their future careers and communities across the North and beyond.” The event featured keynote speaker Karina LeBlanc, a former Canadian national team goalie who participated in five Women’s World Cups and two Olympic tournaments. Other speakers at the fundraiser included UNBC women’s soccer alumna and 2026 Wall of Honour inductee Paige Payne, the team’s

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY TED CLARKE

Former Canadian national team goalie Karina LeBlanc speaks to the crowd at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre at the 12th annual UNBC Timberwolves Legacy Night fundraiser on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026

all-time leading scorer; current men’s soccer team defender and Timberwolves Student Athlete Society president Hagon Kim, the inaugural Curt Garland Award winner for his dedication to community service; and fifth-year soccer defender Kambria Mellum, whose video presentation provided insights into the daily life of a student-athlete.

“We are incredibly grateful to the donors, sponsors and supporters who made our 12th annual Legacy Night such a success,” said Loralyn Murdoch, UNBC’s director of athletics and recreation. “Raising $128,927 is an outstanding achievement, and every dollar raised makes a meaningful difference in the quality of life of our student-athletes,

and we are so thankful for the generosity of our community,” she said. “Legacy Night continues to grow, evolve and exceed our expectations, and that speaks volumes about the incredible support behind UNBC Athletics. We are already looking forward to building on this year’s success and welcoming everyone back for another outstanding event in 2027.”

Defenders Ramunno, Beck named to all-rookie team TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

The UNBC Timberwolves soccer teams fell short of advancing to the playoffs but there was a silver lining. Each team developed a new recruit this past season who has earned leaguewide recognition. First-year defenders Sicily Ramunno and Luis Beck each have been selected to the respective Canada West women’s and men’s all-rookie teams. Ramunno, a five-foot-11 Kamloops youth soccer product, joined the

TWolves this past summer and made an immediate impact, earning a spot in the starting lineup at centre back. The graduate of NorKam Secondary School in Kamloops gained the trust of the TWolves’ coaching staff and played all 1,260 minutes of the 14-game season, becoming the first UNBC women’s soccer player to be a league all-rookie selection. “We’re thrilled to see Sicily receive this recognition and that coaches across Canada West have recognized her quality and contribution,” said head coach Neil Sedgwick. “She has not only excelled as a first-year player but her

play has led the back line consistently through the season. The TWolves men’s team turned to a known soccer superpower, Germany, to recruit Beck. The native of Bous, who played youth soccer for FC Saarbrücken, was an immediate fit on the UNBC back line and he started 13 of the 15 games he played in a 16-game season, logging 977 minutes in his first Canada West season. While his primary duty at UNBC was to negate opponents’ attacks, the five-foot-nine Beck showed his ability to create offence and had two assists and

two shots on goal in his rookie season. “It’s exciting to see Luis recognized by the conference with a selection to the All-Rookie Team. Throughout the season, he consistently demonstrated his technical ability and intelligence on the field, showing a maturity and understanding of the game beyond his years,” said head coach Steve Simonson. “This recognition is well deserved and reflects the impact he made in his first season with our program.” Beck is the fourth UNBC men’s soccer team member to be selected to the allrookie team.

PR R II N NC CE E G GEEO OR RG GEE CCIITTI IZZEENN P

SPORTS

TH HU UR RS SD DA AY Y ,, N NO OV VE EM MB BE ER R 1 12 2 ,, 2 20 02 26 6 T

Weekend setbacks for men’s, women’s basketball teams DAN O’CONNOR UNBC Athletics

Hazel Phillips delivered a career-best performance on Saturday night, but the UNBC Timberwolves were unable to overcome a balanced University of Victoria attack, falling 73-63 to the Vikes in Canada West women’s basketball action. UNBC introduced a new-look starting five, with Avin Jahangiri and Nevena Nogic entering the lineup. The Vikes opened with a 7-5 advantage, with Avery Geddes connecting from beyond the arc and adding a two-point basket. Phillips accounted for UNBC’s first five points. Veterans Aurora Cabrera and Viktoriia Filatova entered the game early and provided an immediate spark. A Cabrera basket and a three-pointer from Lorenn Caceres helped the Timberwolves grab a brief 10-9 lead. However, Victoria responded with a 13-2 run to close the quarter, taking a 22-12 advantage after 10 minutes. Geddes and Bella Graves combined for 13 first-quarter points for the hosts. Phillips continued to shoulder the offensive load in the second quarter, accounting for eight of UNBC’s first 12 points in the frame. The second-year forward knocked down a pair of three-pointers and added a layup, reaching 13 points before halftime. Unfortunately for the Timberwolves, Victoria’s offensive trio of Adelle Bergmann, Geddes and Graves continued to find success, combining for 30 of the Vikes’ first 38 points. Victoria carried a 38-24 lead into the break. Phillips led all Timberwolves with 13 first-half points, while Filatova and Jahangiri combined for nine rebounds through 20 minutes. UNBC came out with renewed energy in the third quarter, outscoring Victoria 19-16 and opening the frame with a 12-7 run to pull within nine. Cabrera led the charge with five points during that stretch before rookie Annika Parr took over in the latter half of the quarter. The first-year guard from Bella Coola poured in seven points, including a perfect four-for-four performance from the

JPM PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO

The UNBC Timberwolves men took a halftime lead against the Victoria Vikes on Saturday, Nov. 7, but saw that evaporate in an 88-77 loss.

free-throw line, giving her nine points through three quarters. Despite the Timberwolves’ push, Victoria continued to find answers offensively. Makena Anderson became the fourth Vike to reach double figures, helping the hosts maintain control with a 54-43 advantage heading into the final quarter. The Timberwolves continued to battle in the fourth, narrowly winning the frame 20-19, but were unable to close the gap as Victoria secured the 73-63 victory. Phillips added two more field goals in the final 10 minutes, finishing with a career-high 19 points to lead all UNBC scorers. Jahangiri and Nogic also contributed multiple baskets down the stretch, while Victoria’s balanced attack proved difficult to contain. Anderson, Geddes, Bergmann and Graves combined for 17 of the Vikes’ 19 fourth-quarter points. With the victory, Victoria improves to 2-2 in Canada West play, while UNBC falls to 0-4 and continues its search for its first win of the season. The Timberwolves will head south next weekend for a pair of road games, opening Friday against the UBC Thunderbirds before wrapping up their trip Saturday against the UFV Cascades.

Men’s team The UNBC Timberwolves showed plenty of resilience Saturday night in Victoria, erasing an early deficit and taking a halftime lead before the host Vikes pulled away in the fourth quarter for an 88-77 Canada West victory. After trailing by six following the opening quarter, the Timberwolves found their offensive rhythm in the second, outscoring Victoria 29-21 to take a two-point advantage into the break. However, a strong third-quarter push by the Vikes and a decisive run in the fourth ultimately proved too much for Todd Jordan’s squad. Isaiah Bias and Evgeny Baukin connected from beyond the arc early for UNBC, but the Timberwolves found themselves trailing 13-8 midway through the opening quarter. Ryan Regault provided the early offence for Victoria, accounting for five of the Vikes’ first 13 points. A late Miller Davies layup brought UNBC within three at 15-12, but Dylan Gage answered with a three-pointer to give Victoria an 18-12 advantage after 10 minutes. The Vikes continued their momentum to open the second quarter, scoring on each of their first three possessions to stretch their lead to 26-17. But the

Timberwolves responded in a big way. Chris Ainsley knocked down backto-back three-pointers to spark the visitors’ comeback, pulling UNBC within two at 26-24. The Timberwolves continued to find success from long range, connecting on seven of their first 13 attempts from beyond the arc. Sunga delivered two more three-pointers in the latter stages of the quarter, helping UNBC surge in front 37-36. The Timberwolves outscored Victoria 29-21 in the frame to take a 41-39 lead into halftime. Bias led all scorers with 10 points at the break, while Sunga had eight. Four different Victoria players had seven points apiece. Victoria came out firing once again in the third, opening the half with a 13-4 run to reclaim control at 52-45. However, Will Keyes continued to make his presence felt on both ends of the floor for UNBC. The Timberwolves big man answered with a basket and another emphatic block, continuing to deliver offensively as the quarter progressed. Keyes reached 16 points, establishing a new career high, and a timely putback kept UNBC within two at 62-60. Keyes was also a force on the glass, helping the Timberwolves establish a significant advantage in second-chance opportunities. UNBC dominated the offensive boards, holding a 16-1 edge over the Vikes through three quarters. Regault led Victoria with 15 points after 30 minutes, while Tyler Felt had added 11. Keyes opened the fourth quarter with another basket, his ninth field goal of the evening, keeping the Timberwolves within two at 64-62. Unfortunately, Victoria answered with a decisive 13-4 run, building an 11-point advantage at 75-64 with four minutes remaining. The Vikes maintained their separation down the stretch, outscoring UNBC 26-17 in the final quarter for an 88-77 win. The Timberwolves will now head to the Lower Mainland next weekend for a pair of road games, taking on the UBC Thunderbirds on Friday before closing out the weekend against the UFV Cascades on Saturday.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

REPAIRS + UPGRADES

PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES 236.423.3733 Authorized Service Provider COMPUTERS, SMART PHONES, TABLETS + GAME CONSOLES

TOYS • COMICS • GAMES

For the Best Selection of Comics in town Spruceland Shopping Centre

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

ACROSS 1 Eye drop 5 Gullet 8 Grime 12 Jazz singer James 13 Financial pro 14 Body sci. 15 Hearty dish 16 Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace

18 Arm bones 20 Craig of “Skyfall” 21 Ms. Rowlands 23 Qt. fractions 24 George Washington’s birthplace 28 Planted, as seed 31 Anger 32 Bellini opera

34 Steal from 35 Shade of blue 37 Gerald Ford’s birthplace 39 Always, in verse 41 Venue 42 Subway line in an Ellington song 45 Saint of Avila 49 Harry S. Truman’s

birthplace 51 Farm team 52 Worry 53 Ring decision 54 Noggin 55 Disarray 56 Junior 57 Spanish for “this”

DOWN 1 TV/radio host John 2 Words to Brutus 3 “Up and --!” 4 Steak tartare ingredient 5 “Barbie” actress Kate 6 Chest-beating beast 7 Wizard’s prop 8 Intimidates

9 Cutting teeth 10 Croupier’s tool 11 Texter’s sign-off 17 Phone bug 19 Check 22 Buenos -24 Sportscaster Scully 25 Roth svgs. plan 26 Flip-flops 27 Aspiration

29 Stir-fry vessel 30 Cagers’ gp. 33 Prado display 36 Bakery supplies 38 Bacteriologist’s study 40 Brazilian city 42 Bands on radios 43 Lose energy 44 Crazy

46 Alimony recipients 47 Bicycle part 48 -- Domini 50 Former MGM rival

WIN UPTO

LEARN TO PLAY

FREE BINGO 101

Play 11:00 AM Bingo on Mondays & Tuesdays and get a second bonus terminal

Bonus Play prizes are not redeemable for cash. Limited seats available. Management reserves the right to modify or cancel the promotion at any time. Please see www.treasurecovecasino.com for Terms & Conditions

BONUS PLAY

MONDAY & TUESDAY 2:30PM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Life Events A Celebration of Life

for Mr. Origene (Gene) Ouellet of Prince Rupert, BC will be held on November 15th 2026. The ceremony will be held in Prince George from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Prince George Legion 1116 6th Ave

Shirley Fae Zaworski

Dorothy Anne Hogan

December 21, 1942 - October 24, 2026 Anne passed away in the hospital on October 24. She suffered a cascading series of complications following surgery. She died with her husband, Bob Steventon, holding her hand and her nephew sitting by the bedside.

October 20, 1932 - October 27, 2026 Shirley Fae Zaworski peacefully passed away on October 27 2026, at the age of 94. she is survived by her 3 kids, 11 grandkids, 37 great grandkids and 14 great great grandkids

Anne (with an e) was born in Belfast, grew up in Dublin and came to Canada when she was 12. She kept in touch with good friends from her school days in Edmonton and Vancouver. She graduated from UBC in 1966 and spent a year at the Sorbonne in Paris. She met her husband Bob in Vancouver. They moved to Prince George in 1973. They spent 57 years together as partners in all things. Anne was a strong, intelligent, independent woman with a sharp wit and good humour. She was also a devoted wife. She was kind and always considerate of the needs and feelings of others. Anne loved her garden and the birds and other wildlife that visited her rural property. She was an avid reader. Anne had a successful career in municipal government to 2002 and enjoyed two decades of retirement. Her interests included sustainable food supply for the Prince George region, sustainable energy and resource use, and quality housing and spectrum of care for seniors. She completed an MA in Geography at UNBC in 2009. She contributed to many local organizations over the years and made many friends. She will be missed by her two brothers and two sisters and her niece and nephew and her Irish cousins. She will be missed by her husband, his family and their their adopted son. We have not yet organized a Celebration of Life. It may not be until the spring. Please don’t send flowers. If you wish to make a contribution, one of her favourite charities is the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

Linda Eileen Naess née Rundell anuary 2, 1950 - October 25, 2026

Linda was born in Macklin, Saskatchewan.

Judith Ann Selby

July 6, 1946 - October 25, 2026 Judy passed away October 25, 2026, at hospice house with family by her side. udy enjoyed doing diamond pictures, cross-stitching, and numerous other cra s that she enjoyed gi ing to family and friends. Judy made friends easily, and they all loved her distinctive laugh and warm smile, but if she didn’t approve of something you did or said, you would de nitely get the raised eyebrow . Judy is survived by her loving husband Bryan of 43 years, her cherished daughter Angelique (Angie), and loving son-in-law Ken. She leaves behind grandchildren Travis (Laura), Rikki and Clay; great-grandchildren Leara, Weston, Miles, and Gracie. Judy has a second family in Victoria, BC: stepdaughters ulhi, Elora, (Sco ), and grandchildren Wesley and Ainsley. She is survived by her wonderful in-laws David and Wendy, John and Terry, and many nieces and nephews. Judy has a truly special bond with her cousins Greg and Bert. Judy was predeceased by her parents Emil and Margaret & son David. She is very grateful for her friends. There is a void now that she is gone that will be hard to ll. We are grateful that she is now at peace.

She began her teaching career in 1974, se ling in Prince George in 1977, retiring in 2011. Also, in 1977 she married Peter aymond ( ay) Naess (d. 2022). Linda served two terms as the President of the Prince George District Teachers Association. Linda was predeceased by her father Melville (Bud) undell in 2004 and mother Agatha (Aggie) undell in 2015. She is survived by brothers Mel Rundell, Doug Rundell, sister Beverley Rundell, brother Dale Rundell and sister Debbie Laveay and lifelong friend Anne Stacey. Linda will be missed by relatives, friends and colleagues. Linda had many interests, her deepest passion was being a Master Gardener and for many years was the president of the David Douglas Botanical Society. Linda’s family would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses and Staff of the Vancouver General Hospital 16th loor Leukaemia / BMT team for their tremendous kind care and treatment of our dear sister. In lieu of flowers a donation in Linda’s name can be made to the David Douglas Botanical Society. Per Linda’s request there will only be a private Celebration of Life.

Honouring

those who have touched our lives email: frontdesk@pgcitizen.ca or call 250.562.2441

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

LIFE EVENTS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

Albert Glazer

May 20, 1930 - October 18, 2026 Brian Glowacki

October 17, 1956 - October 29, 2026 It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we announce the passing of a truly great man, Brian Glowacki, on the 29th at hospice, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by those who loved him most. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather. He leaves his kindness, generous spirit, strength and dependability as an example for us all to strive towards. He was predeceased by his parents Tony and Mary; his brother-in-law Gord. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Jeannine; children Cole, Kyle, and Brieann; granddaughter Hazel. He also leaves behind his sister Irene, and niece, Debbie, Vicky. No service by request. In lieu flowers please Donate to PG Hospice House.

Albert passed away peacefully at Prince George Hospice on October 18, 2026, at the age of 96, having lived a long and beautiful life filled with love, joy, hard work, adventure, and cherished memories. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Katherine; their children, Marlene and Lenny, Robert and Alina, and Bernadette and Denis; as well as his numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends who will hold him close in their hearts. Albert was born on May 20, 1930, in Stuartburn, Manitoba, to Franciska and Joseph Glazer, who immigrated to Canada with their eldest daughter, Nellie, in 1927. Albert and his siblings, Nellie, Sophie, Roy, and Walter, were raised in Vita, Manitoba, where family, faith, hard work, and helping others were not simply values, but a way of life.

In loving memory of my dear mom,

Gisela Minna Martha Werner, born in Berlin, Germany, on August 24, 1933. She passed away in Prince George on October 7, 2026. God saw you getting tired so He put His arms around you and whispered, “Come to Me.” I would like the memory of me to be a happy one. I would like to leave an a erglow of smiles when life is done. I would like to leave an echo whispering so ly down the ways of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I would like the tears of those who grieve to dry, from happy memories that I leave behind when the day is done. Thank you all for the love you have given to me. Gisella was predeceased by her husband, Horst Werner, and is missed by her son, Rolf Werner (Seija), her grandsons Roland (Lindsey) and family, and Renny, (Shelly) and family in Edmonton, and many friends in Vanderhoof, Prince George, and her homeland, Germany. Mom’s wish is no service.

In 1954, Albert married Katherine, the love of his life and his partner in everything. Together, they shared 72 wonderful years, building a life filled with treasured memories. Their love and devotion to one another were the foundation of the family they created. In 1966, Albert followed his passion for construction to Prince George, where he co-founded WKG Home Builders. While other family members and friends moved away, Prince George was always home to Albert and he never wanted to live anywhere else. This was his community. He enjoyed the great outdoors, camping, fishing, and later in his life, Bednesti Lake became a particularly special

gathering place for Albert and Katherine, where family and friends came together to share countless precious moments. Albert built much more than houses. He built a family, lasting friendships, a strong sense of community, and a lifetime of memories. The structures he created may stand for years to come, but his greatest legacy lives on in the people he loved, the values he passed down, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. It is fitting that Albert will be laid to rest beside his parents at St. Isadore Cemetery in Vita, returning to the community where his life began and the church he helped build—a lasting connection to the Catholic faith, family, and community that shaped him. Rest peacefully. We hope heaven has a wellequipped workshop, a beautiful garden, and a big table ready for family gatherings. We suspect you will soon have a project underway—and if anything needs straightening, heaven is about to discover what “Albert’s way” really means! The funeral service will be held on November 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, located at 3285 Cathedral Avenue, Prince George, BC. A luncheon reception will follow the service, where family and friends are invited to gather and share memories. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the Prince George Hospice.

Scan here to view online

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

Classifieds

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Booking deadline: Friday noon Approval deadline: Monday at noon

frontdesk@pgcitizen.ca 250.562.2441

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

RENOVATIONS

SUPPORT LOCAL

BOOST YOUR AD ADD A PHOTO FOR SALE

FOR SALE

Call 250.562.2441

BUYING

to book your space now.

CASH FOR GOLD & SILVER Coins, jewelry, nuggets, bullion sterling, etc. Also buying entire COIN COLLECTIONS Todd 250-864-3521

SCAN TO SHOP

SHOP PRINCE GEORGE

LEGAL NOTICE To anyone related to Williams, Charles McFarland about the trailer MHR#030147 #98-2188 Norwood St. Prince George V2L 4C7 Lombardy Management Ltd. will dispose of the above-mentioned trailer unless the person being notified takes possession of it within 30 days from the date the notice is served on that person.

PUBLIC NOTICE Scan here FOREST OPERATIONS MAP REVIEW PUBLIC NOTICE to read FOREST OPERATIONS MAP REVIEW Connaught Youth Centre Carrier Lumber Ltd., invites the public to review Will hold it’s annual 6 online Carrier on Lumber Ltd., invites the public to review its Forest Operations Maps (FOM ID: 1628) which provide general meeting

development plans within the Prince George Friday November 27, Timber 2026 Supply Area and administeredprovides George from the Prince George Natural Resource District. The FOM Timber Supply Area and administered from the Prince fromwith 7-9pm the Forest and Range Practices Act and describe areas planned for Cutting Permit and Road Permit d Interested in investing in years. The public may provide comments on the FOM(s) at any point during thethe review and been prepared in accordance with Forest andcomment per Price George’s youth? August Community ends members of all 9, 2024. ages are welcome to attend For more info;FOM(s) call The is accessible for public review and comment submissions at the following webs within the next three years. Theonline public may provide 250-561-1467 Forest Operations Map (gov.bc.ca) or https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects#publicNotices email review and comment period, which starts connaughtyouth@gmail.com 2 be 2 26 2 to 26ensure a Ca Alternatively, in-person review and comment of FOM(s) can completed, by appointment

will be available, at the following locations during regular office hours (8:30 am to 4:00 pm):

The FOM(s) is accessible for public review and comment submissions online at the following website address: 4722 Continental Way, Prince George BC V2N 5S5 es ea s a a s s a li e s li es

FOM(s) comments may also be submitted by mail to the above address or by phone at (250) 563-9271 or

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

Call 250.562.2441 to place your PLEASE Classified Ad RECYCLE

722

THIS NEWSPAPER

2 by email at a ie l

2 e

6 927 a

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

before his passing, “Have pity on the poor Indians. If you have any influence with the great, endeavor to use it for their good.” Thayendanegea had ranked among the top British commanders during the American Revolutionary War. * On Nov. 23, 1940, Romania officially allied Germany, Italy and • Onitself Sept.with 7, 1776, the American Japan by signing the Tripartite submersible craft Turtle attemptedPact. to

attach a time bomb to the hull of Brit-

*ish OnAdmiral Nov. 24, 1807, Howe’s Mohawk Chief Richard flagship, Thayendanegea, who was also known Eagle, in New York Harbor, marking by the English name of Joseph Brant, the first use of a submarine in warfare. died at his home in Burlington, • On Sept. 8, 1664,beseeching Dutch GoverOntario, reportedly just

nor Peter Stuyvesant surrendered New Amsterdam, the capital of New Netherland, to an English naval squadron under Colonel Richard Nicolls. Stuyvesant hoped to resist the English but wasn’t a popular ruler, 19) and There’s his ARIES (March 21 to April refused support.ARIES New nosubjects need for that their suspicious Amsterdam’s was overtime, changed to either mind of yoursname to work York of the Duke of that atNew home or in onhonor the job. Remember York, who organized its capture. appearances are often deceiving. • On Sept. 9, 1939, moviegoers at the TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A new Fox Theater in Riverside, California, opportunity might seem riskier than were treated to an unexpected screenyou would like. Examine all sides, then ing of Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone with rely on your good sense to make the the Wind,” shown by the theater manright decision. ager as a second feature while producer David(May O. Selznick observed GEMINI 21 to June 20) their reactions the back ofyour the theater. You mightfrom be enjoying new The movie wasbut released a fewstill months relationship, if you’re unsure oflater. a commitment, continue to hold off. Your instincts usually right. • On Sept. 10,are 1960, Hurricane Donna struck the Florida Keys as a Category 4 storm. The devastating hurricane ultimately killed more than 350 people along its full path, including more than 150 in Puerto Rico and the mainland United States, and the name “Donna” was later retired. • On Sept. 11, 1971, teen idol Donny Osmond earned his first solo No. 1 hit with “Go Away Little Girl.” For years afterward, the singer admitted he would “apologize for my career, for all of the cheesy music I was a part of,” but eventually came to terms with it and said to himself that the music “was great for what it was, people loved it, it was incredibly successful — why should I feel bad?” • On Sept. 12, 1952, residents of Flatwoods, West Virginia, while investigating a possible UFO crash, encountered a creature they described as 10 feet tall with glowing eyes and claw-like hands. Skeptics, however, dismissed their “monster” as likely an owl. • On Sept. 13, 2007, the United Nations adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which defined the rights of Indigenous peoples to their respective ways of life

* On Nov. 25, 1959, four months after his release from 43 years of solitary confinement and transfer to the mainland from Alcatraz, convicted killer Robert Stroud, aka the Birdman of Alcatraz, asked a federal judge to set him free. Stroud had become famous when Thomas Gaddis wrote a biography describing his

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You feel under pressure these days, but be careful not to blow off steam in a way that you’ll later regret. Opt for a calm discussion to air out grievances. LEO (July 23 to August 22) A difficult situation will need more than your personal charm to resolve it. Put your LEOnine intelligence to work, and you’ll soon come up with a prudent solution. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A friend might resent your wellintended attempt to offer advice. Back off and let things settle down before you try again. Also, be cautious about investments.

ornithological expertise. His plea was rejected and he died in a Missouri prison in 1963. * On Nov. 27, 1933, singer Billie Holiday made her recording debut with the tune “Your Mother’s Son-inLaw” alongside the Benny Goodman Orchestra in New York City. In a 1956 interview, she claimed that she was just 14 years old at the time, though she was actually 18, and that the song “sounds like I was doing comedy” as “my voice sounds so funny and high.” * On Nov. 28, 1582, William Shakespeare, age 18, and 26-year-old

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Be careful about assuming added obligations at work and/or in your personal life without first checking to see whether you can handle the extra load. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A rejection is no reason for you to give up. Check to see what went wrong and make adjustments. Then try again! Success is in your aspect. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Things should be looking up at work, as your ideas begin to find favor with both bosses and co-workers. Romantic aspects also improve.

Anne Hathaway paid a 40-pound bond for their marriage license in Stratfordupon-Avon. Six months later, Anne gave birth to their daughter Susanna, who was followed by twin siblings Hamnet and Judith two years later. * On Nov. 29, 2001, English musician and songwriter George Harrison passed away at the age of 58 after battling cancer. Harrison had achieved global fame as a member of the Beatles before going on to a successful solo career that included collaborations with many of the top musicians of his generation.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Be more loving with your spouse or partner to prove that you’re not taking them for granted. Meanwhile, a business deal needs careful scrutiny. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) As the holidays approach, be wary of those who might take unfair advantage of your generous nature. Additionally, an old injury flares up and needs attention. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Expect to see some old friends at upcoming holiday gatherings, including some who were -- and could once again be -- very special in your life.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Homes & Living

Winter Curb Appeal: Tips to Make Your Home Stand Out When Selling Selling your home during the winter months doesn’t mean sacrificing curb appeal. In fact, a well-maintained and inviting exterior can make a lasting first impression on potential buyers, even when temperatures drop and the landscape is covered in snow. With a little preparation and attention to detail, you can make your property stand out in the winter real estate market. Here are some simple tips to boost your home’s winter curb appeal. Keep Walkways and Driveways Clear Safety and presentation go hand in hand. Regularly shovel snow from driveways, sidewalks, steps, and pathways to the front entrance. Apply sand or ice melt where needed to prevent slippery surfaces. A clean, accessible entrance makes buyers feel welcome and shows that the home has been well cared for.

Add Seasonal Greenery Winter landscapes can look a little bare, so add colour and texture with evergreen planters, winter-hardy arrangements, or decorative branches. Place attractive planters near the front door to create a warm and welcoming entrance. A simple winter wreath can also add a charming finishing touch. Make Outdoor Lighting Shine With shorter daylight hours, exterior lighting plays an important role in showcasing your property. Ensure porch lights are working, replace any burnt-out bulbs, and consider adding pathway or landscape lighting. Warm lighting creates an inviting atmosphere and helps buyers safely navigate the property during evening showings. Keep the Exterior Clean and Tidy Remove fallen branches, clear away leaves, and put away garden hoses, summer furniture, and seasonal clutter. Clean windows, front doors,

and exterior fixtures. Make sure house numbers are visible and easy to read, especially when snow is falling. Create a Welcoming Front Entrance Your front entrance is one of the first things buyers notice. Give the front door a fresh look, clean the hardware, and add a tasteful seasonal doormat. Small details can make a big difference in creating a positive first impression.

feel warm, inviting, and well maintained before buyers even step inside. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression!

Don’t Forget Winter Maintenance Keep gutters clear, remove excessive snow buildup where appropriate, and ensure exterior areas are well maintained. Buyers notice the little things, and a cared-for property helps build confidence. Make a Great First Impression, Whatever the Weather Winter buyers are serious buyers. Taking the time to enhance your home’s curb appeal can help your property

SNOW CLEARING, REMOVAL & ICE CONTROL

COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • APARTMENTS No site is too big or too small. We have the equipment to get the job done!

Snow Plowing • Haul-Away • Hand Shoveling Sanding • Spring Lot Sweeping

ENERGY REALTY

5 BEDROOMS & A TRIPLE GARAGE In the Hart Highlands

Located on a quiet culde-sac, this 5 BD, 3 BTH home offers 3,229 sq ft, with spacious living areas, a finished bsmt & heated bathroom floors Close to the Hart Mall, Hart Ski Hill, Schools & Daycare.

REDUCED PRICE

6320 BLISS POINT MLS# R3169512

NOW OFFERED AT

SUNTREE Landscaping LTD. New logo, same top-notch service

Call Russ for a Free Quote. 250.614.4833

rhill@suntreeland.com • www.suntreelandscaping.ca

$754,900

CONTACT ME TODAY!

DON GOWAN 778.349.4026

don.gowan@century21.ca

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Tips on creating a well stocked winter driving kit Winter driving can be unpredictable. Snowstorms, icy roads, freezing temperatures, and unexpected vehicle breakdowns can quickly turn a routine drive into a stressful situation. Whether you’re commuting to work, travelling between communities, or heading out on a winter road trip, having a wellstocked winter driving safety kit in your vehicle is essential. A little preparation can go a long way in keeping you and your passengers safe, warm, and comfortable if you find yourself stranded. Here are some must-have items to include in your winter driving emergency kit. Pack Warm Clothing and Blankets Staying warm is one of the most important considerations during a winter roadside emergency. If your vehicle breaks down in freezing temperatures, you may need to wait for roadside assistance for an extended period. Keep extra winter jackets, gloves, warm socks, hats, and thermal blankets in your vehicle. An emergency sleeping bag or wool blanket is also a great addition. It’s a good idea to pack extra clothing for every passenger, including children. Include Essential Vehicle Supplies Getting stuck in snow or experiencing a vehicle breakdown is always a possibility during winter. Having a few basic tools and supplies can make a big difference. Consider including: • • • • • • • •

A sturdy collapsible snow shovel. An ice scraper and snow brush. Jumper cables or a portable battery booster. A tow strap. Tire pressure gauge. Traction aids, such as sand or non-clumping kitty litter. A small tool kit. Windshield washer fluid rated

•

for winter temperatures. These items can help you deal with minor problems and improve your chances of getting moving again safely.

Don’t Forget Food and Water If you’re stranded for several hours, having food and water available is important. Pack non-perishable snacks such as granola bars, trail mix, nuts, and energy bars. Keep bottled water in your vehicle, but remember that it can freeze during extremely cold weather. Insulated containers can help, and it’s important to check and replace your emergency supplies regularly. Add Safety and Visibility Equipment Making sure other motorists and emergency responders can see you is especially important during snowstorms or low-light conditions.

Keep Your Kit Organized and Up to Date A winter emergency kit is only useful if you can find what you need when you need it. Store supplies in a sturdy, waterproof storage container in your vehicle. Keep essential items within easy reach. Before each winter season, check expiration dates, replace used supplies, test your flashlight, and ensure your battery booster is charged. Be Prepared Before You Hit the Road Winter driving safety isn’t just about having good winter tires and driving according to road conditions. It’s also about being prepared for the unexpected. Taking the time to assemble a winter driving safety kit can provide peace of mind and help protect you and your passengers if something goes wrong.

Finding Homes for Families

Your Real Estate Needs are my Priority!

Your winter safety kit should include: •

A flashlight with extra batteries. • Reflective safety triangles or roadside warning devices. • A high-visibility safety vest. • A first-aid kit. • A whistle. • A fully charged power bank and phone charging cable. Keep these items somewhere accessible rather than buried underneath luggage or other supplies. Prepare for Longer Delays If you regularly travel through rural areas or mountain highways, consider adding a few extra supplies. Hand warmers, a small supply of necessary medications, tissues, hand sanitizer, and extra batteries can all be useful. Always let someone know your travel plans when heading into remote areas, and check road conditions before leaving.

Remember, the best time to prepare for a winter emergency is before one happens. Stay safe, stay warm, and travel prepared!

Karen Thompson

Aggie Thompson

RE/MAX Core Realty

independently owned & operated northernbcproperty.com

250-981-2008

250-612-8326

We’re Always Looking for Listings!

1800 Tyner blvd $19,900,000 MLS # R3167996

NEW PRICE

911 Ewert St. $499,000 164 McArthur $314,000

3985 Eva Place MLS # R3145221

D L O S 542 Radcliffe Dr $498,000 MLS # R3079214

1830 Tamarack St $369,00

D L O S

4118-4122 1st Ave $450,000 MLS # R3119767

D L O S 3187 Wallace Cr. $619,000

NEW LISTING

D L O S 7656 Lemoyne Pl $499,000

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

THE RESULTS ARE IN! LOOK FOR THE WINNERS IN THE NOVEMBER 26TH ISSUE OF YOUR

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN