Prince George Citizen April 17, 2025

THURSDAY, April 17, 2025

Dangerous but rewarding

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Much has changed in the three decades since Prince George fire chief Cliff Warner started his career, with the job now much safer for everyone involved in fighting a structure fire.

Firefighters still enter burning buildings without hesitation, hoses in hand, if they believe someone is inside. But the approach to tackling a fire is much different than when Warner first joined Prince George Fire Rescue.

“How we manage a fire now is exponentially better than it was, and that’s not a judgment on how things were managed when I started. It was what it was,” said Warner, who announced in January that he will retire on May 30.

“The biggest difference is that we’ve learned to manage the fire and take control of it. Sometimes people will wonder what we’re doing and it seems like it takes a long time to do something. But actually, through our strategies and

tactics, we set up systems and processes to reduce risks to firefighters and improve the livable space for people who might be inside. Our members are much safer, and it provides a better opportunity for those who may be trapped.”

The nature of the job — being exposed to hazardous materials and the risks of injury from smoke, heat, and building collapses — makes firefighting a dangerous occupation.

But Warner says firefighters no longer take the same risks they did 20 or 30 years ago.

“When I was a firefighter, we were crawling in, smoke down to the floor, your shins were burning, and you moved through, putting a fire out,” said Warner, 56. “Now, they set up ventilation, they control the path of the smoke and heat, and they work to push the smoke and heat out of the building, moving in behind it.

Fire Chief Cliff Warner keeps an eye on the City Secondhand fire at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Dominion Street while crews work on containing it on Jan. 16.

Chief Cliff Warner looks back at his firefighting career as he prepares to retire

‘Armageddon’ in 2008 pushed limits of PG firefighters

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“The days of crawling into a door with smoke down to the floor — we just don’t do that anymore. We create a safe space, and the firefighter follows that safe space in and knocks the fire down. We’ve benefited from working with some real leaders in the province in fire suppression strategies and tactics.”

Looking back on his career, Warner says he’ll never forget the afternoon of April 16, 1997, when a natural gas explosion in downtown Quesnel levelled the Cariboo Closet thrift store and an adjacent trading card store. The blast, later attributed to shifting soil that ruptured the gas line, killed six people and injured 20. Warner was a dispatcher in Prince George at the time and had to co-ordinate the emergency response.

“It was just the magnitude of it,” he said. “Taking the information and dispatching multiple departments, monitoring and managing them on the radio system. I had never experienced something of that magnitude.”

Warner was one of the firefighters on duty May 26, 2008, when Canfor’s North Central Plywood mill was destroyed in a fire that spread to Interior Warehousing and piles of railway ties in a CN Rail storage area. While firefighters battled those blazes, a fourth fire broke out downtown at McInnis Lighting.

There was no fire truck available at the downtown hall to douse the blaze at the lighting store, and firefighters were forced to improvise.

“There was a crew of firefighters recovering from the NCP fire, and they ran down the street with hoses and a hydrant wrench and fought that fire at McInnis Lighting off a fire hydrant,” he said. “It was Armageddon.”

Warner was on a medical call at Fifth and Ospika when his crew was called back to the hall to respond with the ladder truck to NCP.

“I worked at NCP as a student for quite a few years on the cleanup crew, and it was an eerie, odd experience being there,” said Warner. He was on the platform of the truck, watching a group of eight or 10

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Fire Chief Cliff Warner puts on a hazmat suit during a Prince George Fire Rescue training session.

firefighters on the roof using a hose while they cut a trench through the roof of the mill to help the heat and smoke dissipate, when the situation suddenly deteriorated.

“That was a strategy back in the day to cut a trench, but we rarely go on the roofs now because you’re up above the fire in the most hazardous and dangerous area you can put anyone,” said Warner. “Something inside that mill let go, and there was a loud bang, and the fire spread across the whole place and actually came out of that hole the guys were trenching across. We had an air horn that was blasted, and everybody was ordered to evacuate.”

As bad as the fires were that day, no firefighters were injured.

Warner was 27 when he started with the fire department as a dispatcher in 1995. In his 30-year career, he’s run the gamut of fire department duties. He worked three years in dispatch, then spent the next 14 years on the fire crews. In 2011, he accepted a management role to take over the dispatch centre, serving in that capacity for three years before becoming deputy of administration and deputy of operations. He was appointed chief in January 2022. When he first began dispatching 911

the entry level for the BC Ambulance Service (BCAS). At least 10 PGFR members are also trained as primary care paramedics, and Warner says today’s firefighters are much more knowledgeable as medical first responders than when he was first hired.

“The skills of the EMR program have allowed us to become better at supporting individuals in the community who are having medical emergencies,” he said.

“I probably experienced a dozen overdoses in my 14-year firefighting career. Now, some of our firefighters do that in a four-day block. We’re trained to administer naloxone, and that was something added after I stopped being a firefighter.”

calls, computer technology at PGFR was in its infancy, and Warner relied on hand-held maps and binders to determine where to send the fire crews, with everything recorded on paper.

Now, with the switch to next-generation, internet-based 911 services, dispatch centres receive information from callers that more accurately pinpoint accident scenes. It also allows the public to send images or videos that help dispatchers make quick decisions about what resources to send.

PGFR, through the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, provides 911 dispatch services for 100 fire departments in the region. When Warner first joined the force, there were just 26 departments under the Prince George dispatch centre’s umbrella.

In 2015, PGFR and its four fire halls received about 5,000 calls; last year, that number rose to nearly 11,000. More than half of all PGFR emergency dispatches are medical calls, and the numbers have skyrocketed with the ongoing opioid crisis.

In 2006, under former chief John Lane, Prince George became the first fire department in the province to require its firefighters to be trained to the level of emergency medical responder,

Warner said that, years before he started his career, Prince George firefighters did not respond to medical calls. But that changed when BCAS introduced advanced life support paramedic services to the city, and first responders were needed to support the expanded paramedic services.

“We’re an all-hazards department that operates in the city limits, and if someone calls for help, we go — we have no means to question why somebody is having their worst day,” said Warner. “We go, we assess, and we support as we can. It just happens that 56 to 58 per cent of those calls are medical-related.”

During Warner’s tenure, the city closed two homeless encampments, one near the courthouse and the other at Millennium Park. Warner ordered the Millennium camp to be dismantled because of its potential to trap people in a fire.

“There was one big fire there, and if that had gotten going at its peak (in the summer of 2023), it would have taken that whole block down in that segment of the park,” he said. “There was really only one way in and out of that place. It was not meeting any semblance of safety whatsoever, and I deemed that to be an extreme hazard to our members, to the people living there, and to the people in the area.”

Prince George preparing to take in disaster evacuees

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The CN Centre grounds are now home to three new housing trailers and a bathroom trailer, which have been set up in preparation for potential wildfire evacuees.

Tanya Spooner, manager of emergency programs for the City of Prince George, said the trailers proved useful last wildfire season and have been approved for use again this year by the province.

Spooner told The Citizen the trailers were essential to both operations and evacuations last year.

“Last year, we based our entire emergency support services operations for the season out of those trailers,” said Spooner. “The positive for us was that it allowed us to set up for the season once and be ready at a moment’s notice with a turnkey setup. In previous seasons, we would have had to identify an available

city facility and move equipment in, so there was a setup delay to receive people. That’s the real benefit for us.

“Last year, we used it for several evacuations. We first received evacuees from Fort Nelson early in the season. Then we had people from Wells, Barkerville and Jasper.”

Spooner added that local First Nations were involved in the trailer setup last year, and she plans to involve them again this year.

“Last year, we did arrange for the

trailers to be smudged and blessed at the beginning of the season. We haven’t made plans for that yet, but we intend to do the same this year,” she said. “One of the trailers that’s there is one we set up intentionally as a cultural activity location. So if we were to receive a First Nation for another evacuation this year, we would make that trailer available to them to use either as a community or band council space. It’s there to support the First Nations who are coming in.”

While some may be concerned that

the city is already preparing for evacuees, Spooner said it’s an unfortunate reality that readiness is necessary.

“The reality is that every year since 2017, we’ve had some form of evacuation come to Prince George. We’ve proven ourselves available and ready to receive evacuees from the region.

“As much as I’d like to say there’s not going to be a wildfire season this year, we know there will be some sort of wildfire season. We just don’t know when or where those events might happen.

“I think it’s really important for us to be prepared to receive people whenever it does happen … Our team is ready and prepared. The fact that we’re preparing is a normal part of our year. It doesn’t necessarily mean we have some knowledge that something’s going to happen — it’s just part of our duty and responsibility to be ready if and when that happens.”

Spooner said additional equipment and furniture will be moved into the trailers on April 22 and 23.

Firefighters took part in wildfire support training in 2024

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Last year, the department retrofitted one of its pickup trucks to be used exclusively for medical calls, keeping the fire truck and crew at the fire hall, where they are better able to respond quickly to a fire call.

The medic truck enhancement will go into service once PGFR has budget approval from city council to staff it with a WorkSafe-approved supervisor. PGFR has about 100 firefighters, one of whom is Warner’s son, Matt. The city has budgeted $22.7 million for PGFR operations in 2025-26. Last year, it was $20 million.

The summer of 2024 saw the city working with BC Wildfire Services Prince George Fire Centre to host a wildfire summit, training 15 PGFR members in wildfire support and equipment use. City council approved funding for a specialized truck to be used in more rural areas to fight wildfires, and Warner says PGFR is taking a more active role in

helping neighbouring communities with its structure protection trailer to keep wildfires in check.

“We understand and respect the budget challenges annually, and each year the budget numbers come out, they increase. We’re respectful of that, but we also understand it would have been easy to say, ‘We lost a subdivision, there should have been more done,’ so we put those (budget requests) forward,” said Warner.

Short of cutting down huge swaths of forest that border almost every Prince George community to make neighbourhoods safer, Warner says individual homeowners and business owners can do their part to reduce the likelihood of a wildfire disaster like Fort McMurray or Jasper.

“Go on the FireSmart BC website (firesmartbc.ca) and look at small things that can be done,” he said. “People have wood siding or cedar shakes, or they might have a cedar tree right up against the side of their building or a wood

fence. In Fort McMurray, they found a house that caught fire and spread to a neighbouring house through a wood fence, so they put these chain-link fence breaks in to stop the spread.”

The wildfires in the Cariboo in 2017 weighed heavily on the PGFR dispatch centre and were the first real test of the

city’s emergency management system when 10,000 people were suddenly evacuated to Prince George, forced out of their homes for weeks. Warner was the operations deputy at the time.

“The 911 calls from the Cariboo, reporting all those fires, were nonstop, and then it subsided. I went home for about half an hour, and Chief (John) Iverson called and said there could be as many as 20,000 people coming from 100 Mile and Williams Lake,” said Warner.

“The notion of evacuating a whole community was just not a thing. Our emergency program was built around protecting ourselves; there wasn’t anything built to say what to do to help other cities. Almost every year since then, we’ve supported communities evacuating. We’ve been a huge part of writing the provincial documentation on evacuation support for other communities moving to another area.”

The city has not yet announced who will replace Warner as chief.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER

ATCO trailers set up behind CN Centre by the City of Prince George, as seen on Friday, April 11 in Prince George, will be used to house people fleeing wildfires this summer.

This aerial photograph shows the 2017 Tatuk Lake fire west of Prince George.

Lheidli T’enneh chief sets out priorities for new term

Dolleen Logan re-elected; council now has 8 members

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Lheidli T’enneh First Nation elected its biggest-ever council on Wednesday, April 9, growing from five councillors to eight.

Chief Dolleen Logan prevailed over challenger Regina Toth by a margin of 247 to 153 votes.

Just two incumbent councillors were re-elected, Crystal Gibbs and Kyle McIntosh. Joining them for this term are former chiefs Clayton Pountney and Dominick Frederick as well as Tasheena Seymour, Jamie Bird, Miranda Seymour and Doug Olsen.

Sitting down with The Citizen for a post-election interview at Lheidli T’enneh’s downtown Prince George offices at 150 Brunswick St., Logan and Gibbs said council’s expansion is due to Indigenous Services Canada rules which require one councillor for each 100 members of a First Nation.

“I think (the community) will be governed way better with the eight that were elected,” Logan said.

“I think it’ll be less strain on the council because it’s a lot. When you’re elected, it’s not from 8:30 to 4:30, you’re a council member 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You get tired because you get pulled in different directions. It’s easier when I hand out portfolios because instead of one taking on four portfolios, it’ll be one taking on two.”

Something else determined by ISC rules are the two-year terms for chief and council. That can be changed, but Logan said her nation would need to develop a custom election process, which is something she and Gibbs are going to work on during this term.

They’d also like to change the membership cut-off date.

“I can use myself as an example,” Logan said. “My daughter, who was born in 1984, has two children and she can pass her status down to them. My

son who was born in 1987 has three children and he’s not allowed to pass his status down to them.”

This hasn’t been a problem as of yet, but Logan said it could be a challenge to maintain the number of official Lheidli T’enneh members in the future.

A long-time goal of Lheidli T’enneh has been the construction of a bridge joining reserve communities separated by the Fraser River to the northeast of Prince George.

Whichever party forms the next federal government after the ongoing election, Logan and Gibbs said, all of council will work together to ask for support in getting the bridge built.

When Premier David Eby visited Prince George to speak to the 2025 Council of Forest Industries conference at the Civic Centre on April 4, he said he took the opportunity to meet with both Logan and Prince George city council.

The chief said much of their conversation focused on forestry and the need for a new mental health facility.

“I did talk to Eby about how when they closed all the mental facilities, what did they do with those patients?” Logan said. “They threw them out on the street. This is where we’re getting a whole pile of homeless people.”

She said many of these former patients

breathing machines.

She said the province recently put out another call for power projects and Lheidli T’enneh is interested in pursuing a hydroelectric or solar project to help address that issue.

They said the new daycare operated by the First Nation at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park is getting ready for its grand opening later this month, praising Coun. Kyle McIntosh for his work in turning a conceptual drawing into a reality.

“My grandson was put on the waiting list for Head Start when he was born, and he just made it in,” Gibbs said. “The wait lists are insane, over four years.”

are addicted to drugs and the dynamics of local homelessness would be different if those facilities were still open.

When the chief spoke to The Citizen late last year, she said Lheidli T’enneh was looking for forestry permitting times to speed up.

Now, she said, they’re moving faster, but the nation’s logging company is having challenges dealing with escalating duties on softwood lumber imposed by the United States.

This is part of the reason Lheidli T’enneh has been investigating partnerships with foreign companies like Australian firm Arbios, which is looking into a local biomass fuel facility, and Ecoener, a Spanish firm working with the First Nation to build a wind power project near Hixon.

They’re expecting ground to be broken on the wind project later this year and for construction to be finished by 2030. Gibbs and Logan said they had the chance to visit Ecoener’s operations in Spain after the partnership was announced.

Lheidli T’enneh’s electricity aspirations don’t stop there, though. Logan said the north side of the nation’s reserve has problems with intermittent power, which is a difficult situation for elders needing to operate dialysis or

Head Start is a preschool program for Indigenous children funded through the federal government. Gibbs and Logan said they were hopeful the new daycare would help improve the waitlist for programs like it.

Last August, the federal government announced it would partner with Lheidli T’enneh to build a new hatchery for Chinook and sockeye salmon on the north bank of the Nechako River, near the confluence with the Fraser River.

Gibbs said the nation’s logging company is doing a lot of the clearing at the site while Logan said fisheries workers are being trained in the Okanagan.

Earlier this year, Prince George city council voted to spend $3 million from an endowment fund to replace a playground at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, with the First Nation endorsing the move.

The park is the site of the original village of Lheidli before settlers burnt it down in 1913 and sold it to facilitate development.

The area still contains burial and historic sites, which is why a geophysical survey was conducted after the old playground was removed.

“Why we approved it is because they’re not disturbing anything,” Logan said. “There’s already the holes that are already there for anchoring these things. They’re just using the exact same holes and they’re updating the playground. Who doesn’t want to update the playground?”

CITIZEN PHOTO BY COLIN SLARK

Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Chief Dolleen Logan and Coun. Crystal Gibbs talk to The Citizen at the nation’s Brunswick Street office in Prince George on Friday.

Parties aren’t serving Canadians, says independent

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The lone independent candidate in Cariboo-Prince George for the April 28 federal election doesn’t just think that federal political parties have his riding’s best interest at heart, he says they shouldn’t exist.

Speaking to The Citizen in a video call on Thursday, April 10, Quesnel-based family and criminal lawyer Kenneth Thomson said that in Canada’s representative democracy, he sees the validity of city- or region-based parties because they have similar concerns.

But in regions like this one, he said the issues are very different than in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver.

“I’ve been around for quite a few years now and there’s issues that remain outstanding,” Thomson said. “They’re not solved because there’s no interest on the part of the large political parties in actually solving them. They don’t get

elected by solving these small issues.”

He accused successive governments of facilitating the collapse of the country’s domestic manufacturing, eliminating the federal role in home building and switching the tax burden from corporations to the general population through the GST.

Also, he brought up former prime minister Justin Trudeau’s almost decade-old promise to improve water quality in Indigenous communities if elected.

Thomson said Canada could solve that issue for a fraction of the cost of the aid it has sent to Ukraine during that country’s war with Russia.

Discussing homelessness, he said he’s been purchasing shipping containers

and has been redeveloping them into small living spaces with a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and small sitting area for less than $10,000 apiece.

He said other countries have been using small homes like those to provide housing for immigrants, adding that it would be cheaper to do that than the $7 billion Canada has sent to Ukraine.

According to a media release posted online by Trudeau back in February, the value of Canada’s assistance to Ukraine is greater than $19.7 billion.

On foreign aid, he said Canada should be more selective about foreign aid and categorized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a response to actions by the West. He said the protests in Ukraine in 2013 and 2014 that led to the impeachment of pro-Russia president Victor Yanukovych were an American-engineered coup d’etat and said Russia was fighting back against NATO encroaching towards it.

What Western nations should do for

foreign aid, he said, is help countries they’ve had a hand in destabilizing, like Haiti.

Another local issue he’d like to tackle is youth participation in the labour market. From his work as a lawyer, he said he sees that there’s a risk of a “tsunami of young people who have no future.”

“When they reduce to hopelessness, then we’re going to have a real problem because those are the people who are going to end up on the street and as drug addicts,” Thomson said.

Thomson said Canada needs to start developing secondary industries to make products out of its lumber, and suggested that in the face of the new American duties, Canada could impose export duties because the U.S. needs our lumber to rebuild after recent natural disasters and it might cause the other country to back down.

Those interested in following Thomson’s campaign can visit his website, enough.ca. Election day is April 28.

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Thomson

Liberal candidates outline priorities for PG campaigns

CITIZEN STAFF

As Canada heads toward a federal election on April 28, two Liberal candidates in Northern British Columbia are making their case to voters by touting their backgrounds, their passion for community, and their belief that Liberal Leader Mark Carney is the right person to lead Canada through rising economic tensions with the United States.

Clinton Emslie, running in Cariboo–Prince George, and Peter Njenga, the Liberal candidate for Prince George–Peace River–Northern Rockies, both believe that Carney’s deep economic expertise — honed during his time as governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England — makes him uniquely qualified to handle what they call an escalating trade war with the U.S. under President Donald Trump.

“Mark Carney got us through the 2008 financial crisis,” Emslie said in an interview. “We’ve got four years of

hell on our table with what’s going on down south. Having someone strong enough to professionally challenge the U.S. president is what we need.”

Njenga echoed that sentiment, pointing to Carney’s ability to strengthen international relationships in the face of American tariffs.

“He showed Trump that you are not going to shake Canada,” Njenga said. “We have got other friends. He is there to support Canada.”

Originally from South Africa, Emslie moved to Quesnel in late 2023 from Ontario to be closer to his goddaughter in Prince George. He runs both an immigration practice and business consultancy.

Though new to elected politics, Emslie has been politically active for

years, working on grassroots initiatives with Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie and earning a community leadership award from former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2018.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Emslie said he was drawn to the Liberal Party’s inclusive values and is especially passionate about supporting marginalized groups and Indigenous communities. He said he plans to focus his campaign on mental health, homelessness, interprovincial trade barriers, tourism development, and reconciliation.

Emslie also took aim at British Columbia’s decriminalization and safe supply programs, calling them “illogical” and saying addiction solutions must go beyond simply providing drugs. He plans to hold town halls in Prince George and other communities during the campaign to hear directly from voters.

Njenga, meanwhile, is newer to the riding — he and his wife moved to Prince George from their Vancouver Island farm just two weeks before announcing his candidacy. But he’s not new to politics. Njenga previously ran as a federal Liberal in Abbotsford in 2015 and as an independent in Surrey South in the 2017 provincial election.

A real estate agent by trade, Njenga also holds a doctorate in finance, an MBA, and is a chartered professional accountant. He operates a charitable foundation that supports people experiencing homelessness in Canada and orphans in Kenya.

“The important thing is not what I know,” Njenga said. “It’s what [residents] tell me they want. If they say, ‘Peter, we want A-B-C-D,’ I will send that on to Parliament.”

Both candidates face an uphill battle in traditionally Conservative ridings. Cariboo–Prince George has never elected a non-Conservative MP, while Prince George–Peace River–Northern Rockies last went Liberal in 1972.

Emslie and Njenga said they are hopeful voters will consider the broader issues at stake — like trade, economic stability, and leadership — over party loyalty.

“You need to vote for the right guy for the job,” Emslie said. “It’s not just about colour here … We’ve got bigger issues on the table than differences.”

Election Day is April 28.

In Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies riding, voters will see candidates from five political parties on the ballot. The confirmed candidates include (in alphabetical order):

• Mary Forbes (Green Party of Canada)

• Cory Grizz Longley (New Democratic Party)

• Peter Njenga (Liberal Party of Canada)

• David Watson (People’s Party of Canada)

• Bob Zimmer (Conservative Party of Canada)

The Cariboo-Prince George riding has seven candidates on the ballot, including one independent. The confirmed candidates include (in alphabetical order):

• Angie Bonazzo (New Democratic Party)

• Jodie Capling (Green Party of Canada)

• Todd Doherty (Conservative Party of Canada)

Njenga said he’s excited by the economic potential of Northern BC, particularly in the wood industry, and wants to see forestry and energy resources developed with First Nations’ partnership and environmental care. Despite being a newcomer to the region, he emphasized that his role is to listen and advocate.

• Clinton Emslie (Liberal Party of Canada)

• Rudy Sans (People’s Party of Canada)

• Kenneth B. Thomson (Independent)

• Jake Wiens (Christian Heritage Party of Canada) With files from Colin Slark

Emslie

Njenga

Election a matter of conscience for CHP candidate

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

For the Christian Heritage Party’s candidate in Cariboo-Prince George, the upcoming federal election is a chance to take a stand on matters of conscience.

Speaking with The Citizen on April 3, Jake Wiens said his life’s journey took him from working in the public school system in Williams Lake to working in a church setting in Germany before spending the last 22 years of his career at Cedars Christian School in Prince George.

Six weeks ago, Wiens said, he realized he needed a platform to share his ideas and thought the Christian Heritage Party might be a good fit.

He also suggested the party could be known as the “Common Sense Party.”

While other parties, including the Conservative Party and the People’s Party, make similar claims, Wiens said his party goes deeper, addressing the

moral issues at the heart of the country that he believes will eventually lead to its collapse.

“The tip of the spear of those moral issues is the abortion issue,” Wiens said. “We are adamantly pro-life. The beginning of life, end of life, that’s God’s domain, and we as humans, when we cross that domain, we’re in dangerous territory.”

It’s issues like this, he said, that his party is willing to address, while other conservative parties shy away from them .“They will not bring those issues up because they are too divisive,” Wiens said. “Truth is divisive.”

Wiens also expressed his opposition to evolution, same-sex marriage, and “transgenderism.” He praised Alberta for requiring parental consent for

children to change their pronouns, names, or receive gender-affirming care until they are 16 years old.

Regarding personal freedoms, Wiens and his party support them “within the guardrails of the Ten Commandments.”

“We want His blessing, we need His blessing,” Wiens said. “And when you look across Canada, we’ve got situations in our country — cities are burning, forests are burning, children are confused, suicides are way, way up, MAID is way up.”

On wildfires, Wiens clarified that he doesn’t see God as cursing the land.

“But the Bible does teach that when we want to go our own way, when we cross those lines that God has created in creation, like the beginning of life, end of life … God withdraws.”

Asked how non-Christians fit into his party’s platform, Wiens said that if he were to go to Iran or Saudi Arabia, he would need to pay deference to Allah — the Arabic word for God.

When people of other faiths come to Canada, he said, they are provided with freedom of religion but must “give deference to the founding faith of our country.”

Wiens believes there are no people without faith, calling humanism, atheism, and wokeism their own faith systems. He described “wokeism” as “Marxism on steroids.”

Regarding Indigenous peoples whose cultures and traditions predate the arrival of Christianity in North America, Wiens told The Citizen he believes residential schools helped students become part of Canadian culture and that the media has put too much focus on “bad examples” of events that occurred. By voting for his party, Wiens said, Canadians can send a message to Ottawa similar to the Freedom Convoy’s 2021 demonstration for “freedom of speech, freedom of health care,” but focused on the moral issues threatening the counntry. For more information, visit jakewiens.ca.

Wiens

Cariboo-Prince George Conservative incumbent Todd Doherty talks to voters during an open house at the Prince George campaign office he shares with Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies Conservative incumbent Bob Zimmer on Saturday, April 12.

Discreet police presence was the right call

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

The presence of plainclothes RCMP officers during the second night of Prince George’s Official Community Plan (OCP) hearing on April 9 has drawn criticism from some members of council and the public.

While transparency is important in democratic processes, we say the city made the right call in taking this precautionary step.

We understand the discomfort some feel at discovering police officers were present without the people around them knowing. It is important, however, to take a step back and understand the context and intent.

The officers were not there in response to a specific threat, nor were they intended to intimidate or silence any member of the public. Instead, their discreet presence was a measured and proportionate response to safety concerns raised by city staff after the first night of the hearing.

In today’s polarized climate even public meetings carry the potential to become heated — especially those touching on deeply held community values like land use and development.

This doesn’t mean we should always expect violence, but acknowledging the possibility is simply responsible governance.

Municipal officials, staff, delegates, and members of the public all deserve to feel safe while participating in the democratic process.

In this case, police were in attendance because a city employee felt unsafe. The city did what every responsible employer should do — take steps to address the situation and ensure all employees feel safe coming to work. Failing to do so would be immoral and reprehensible. Worse yet would be if no steps were taken and the unthinkable happened.

There’s no question that a visible police presence can make some feel uneasy or watched. That’s why the decision to keep officers in plain clothes and out of sight in the background reflected a genuine attempt to safeguard both security and the democratic atmosphere of the hearing.

It’s also worth noting that this is not without precedent. As the city pointed out in its response to The Citizen, RCMP officers have been present at other such events in the past.

It should be noted that when the city chose to post uniformed officers at the

doors during a public safety town hall last year, members of council and some members of the public were critical of it, expressing concerns and discomfort about their presence.

Plainclothes officers offer a middle ground. They are prepared to respond to any situation while unobtrusive enough not to affect the open discourse these events deserve.

That balance matters. Public hearings are meant to be inclusive, welcoming forums where people feel comfortable sharing their perspectives.

This is not a sudden shift in policy, but part of a broader pattern of adjusting security based on anticipated crowd size and tone.

We do not believe for a moment that the attendees at the OCP hearing were dangerous or threatening. By all accounts, those who came to speak did so with passion and civility. But as recent history has taught us — from

municipal meetings in other cities that have been disrupted or even evacuated — unexpected escalations can and do happen, even when tensions seem manageable.

Of course, government should always strive for openness. While operational security decisions often fall under administrative authority, and while it’s not practical — or necessarily wise — to loop elected officials into every detail, there is certainly room to improve communication.

A post-hearing briefing, or even a confidential heads up to council members in advance, might have avoided some of the confusion and outcry.

City staff must plan for possibilities, not just respond to certainties. It is a difficult needle to thread. Too visible a presence and people feel watched; none and the city is not taking appropriate steps to protect its staff and will be responsible for failing to act if something does go wrong.

The presence of police at public meetings is not something sinister. It is a quiet reassurance of everyone’s right to participate. Regardless of viewpoint, that participation must be protected, in this case physically.

Given all that, the presence of plainclothes RCMP at the April 9 public hearing was a reasonable precaution, not an overreach. If anything, it was an example of security done right: Low-profile, preventative and thankfully uneventful.

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There were plainclothes RCMP officers in the audience during last week’s OCP public hearing.

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OPINION

Two trends dominating federal election discussion

As I See It

Talking with people over the past few weeks about the federal election, two trends seem to dominate the conversation.

The first is “why bother voting?” as we know who is going to win locally. While it is highly likely both Todd Doherty and Bob Zimmer will win their respective ridings, that is not a reason to not vote.

After all, if only Conservatives vote, then only a Conservative will be elected. This seems to be the pattern in both Cariboo-Prince George and Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies. Well, not exactly. Neither of them gets 100 per cent of the vote (50.85 and 60.7 per cent, respectively). But voter turnout is low and if everyone voted, the result might be different. Or they might be exactly the same. The only way to find out is if everyone votes in the upcoming election.

More to the point, even if the results turnout the same — both Zimmer and Doherty are re-elected — a strong showing at the polls by the other party will send a message that there are other points of view prevalent in these ridings.

And despite a system which sees MPs as members of a party, they are members of Parliament, elected by and on behalf of all the people within their riding.

MPs do not work for the party in

which they are a member. They work for you and me. And every four years they go through a “job interview” where they are answerable to us. Voting, regardless of the party, is our mechanism for saying what we think of the job they are doing.

Everyone who is eligible in Prince George and throughout the ridings needs to vote.

The second trend I have been hearing is along the lines of “our prime minister

needs to do something.” However, the prime minister is not a president nor a dictator. They are simply the leader of the party with the most seats in Parliament (or the leader of a coalition of parties holding a majority of the seats).

Unlike what we are seeing south of the border where The Donald is signing executive orders to tank and revive the stock market, likely with a few of his cronies making billions along the way, we don’t have a system where the prime minister can take similar action.

Anything the prime minister wants to do needs to go to, at the very least, their own party’s members. And much of what they would like to do requires the backing of a Parliament. It is how we have checks and balances on the use or abuse of power.

It is not the “prime minister who needs to do something” but all of government.

And, on the rare occasion, that includes the opposition parties. Some votes are unanimous.

Todd Whitcombe is a professor of chemistry at the University of Northern BC.

Americans are still going to need our forest products

ALBERT KOEHLER

Guest Columnist

No doubt, the United States needs our wood!

As of 2024 there are 2,500 sawmills in the U.S. and 850 in Canada.

However, these numbers have to be looked at in context of housing starts in both countries.

The interesting part is the planned housing starts for the year 2025 with 250,000 new houses in Canada (as per Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) and 1.5 million houses planned in the U.S.

An interesting number: The rebuilding of 16,000 houses that burnt down in California require 4,300 fully loaded

eight-axle trailer trucks with dimensioned lumber.

To have a truly competitive forestry economy the following has to happen: Production costs must come down, stumpage fees must come down, and taxes must come down.

Policies must change, and cutting approvals must be faster, more options of working together with our indigenous people must be provided, an economic strategy must be developed, BCTS (BC Timber Sales) must be more active, confidence and predictability is required, efficiency must be improved.

We must be innovative and need more skilled workers. We should have a few smaller mills and/or machinery

producing metric size timber for Europe and Japan. Mass timber, as well as post and beam construction should be added to the value-added timber portfolio.

We cannot change what is happening in the US, but despite an Executive Order from higher up, many mills in the US are suffering from a steady lack of timber supply and do not have the manpower or loggers required to steadily feed some of the mills.

In Montana for example,36mills have closed over the last years because of a lack of timber supply, as well as a lack of loggers.

Trump issued an executive order to the Department of Agriculture and directed federal personnel to increase

timber quotas by 25 per cent in nearly 113 million acres of national forests across the nation which includes large swaths of California.

A federal judge recently ruled that the Bureau of Land Management had illegally authorized the logging of old growth forest lands within protected areas called “successional reserves,” created specifically to protect old growth forest ecosystems!

It means the special orders from Trump do not necessarily result in an increase of available wood, certainly not on a short term!

Yes, the U.S. definitely needs our wood south of the border!

Albert Koehler, P.Eng., is a former Prince George City Councillor

CANADIAN PRESS COMPOSITE PHOTO

The leaders of the three main federal parties going into the April 28 election are Liberal Mark Carney (left), Conservative Pierre Poilievre and New Democrat Jagmeet Singh.

TODD WHITCOMBE

OPINION

Prince George hive inspector helping bees flourish

Without going full on with a hive, what can locals do to encourage bees to stay around and pollinate?

Rural Redhead

Prince George hive inspector helping bees flourish

@Rural Redhead there a ton of native bees that will do all your pollinating for you.

You just need to provide them habitat.

My garden (in the city) has a huge diversity of native bees (multiple species of bumble bees, leaf cutter, small mining bees, and honey bees from somewhere).

Habitat means food (native plants and good pollinator garden plants), some woody debris, and some patches of bare soil in a warm spot in the yard for the mining bees. They need us to leave our yards a little messy (leave the leaves) and to not cut back last years grow until well into the warm spring.

Jenn Brownlee

City confirms plainclothes police presence at April 9 public hearing

While the way the police were involved was done wrong I do support that they were there. People want to believe meetings are safe and organized but I know from personal experience when emotions get involved common sense goes out the window and tempers flare. Don’t believe me? There is ample evidence available on YouTube, social media and news clippings from not only within BC but right across Canada and the world.

Green space is a hot button topic in PG. and I’ve seen people on either side of the line lose their temper in public. I personally have no issue with the police being in attendance either in plainclothes or uniform and I’d feel safer with them around.

Dearth

Prince George Cougars lose Game 7 4-2 to Portland at sold-out CN Centre

So proud of our team. The boys played their hearts out in this game and the entire season. Tough loss, but they left everything out there. Can’t wait for next season already. Congrats to all the players moving on, it was great watching y’all play. Well done boys.

Cory Antrim

Ginter’s Green at centre of latest Prince George Official Community Plan hearing

Thank you to all the speakers! Really appreciate you bringing those important issues forward. I hope the City continues to focus on thoughtful densification while protecting our remaining green spaces.

If we keep building out, we’ll end up driving through endless urban sprawl just to find a bit of nature.

Let’s make sure people can still connect with nature by walking or biking and not just by getting in a car.

S Goods

Ginter’s Green at centre of latest Prince George Official Community Plan hearing

Go to Ginters on a sunny day and I bet you’ll find more people there than any other park in town.

A steady stream of walkers, babies in strollers, joggers and cyclists pass through our busiest off-leash dog park. It’s peaceful, it’s beautiful and a priceless part of our community.

PGLocal

Bear measures needed to avoid ‘crisis point,’ Prince George council hears

I don’t think there is a person in PG that isn’t “bearaware”. It is a big waste of money to use money to make the public aware of something we are all well aware of already. We definitely don’t need another committee to tell us that garbage and fruit attract bears. Why doesn’t the city work with steal manufacturers in PG to create garbage bin sheds that can hold resistants garbage bins till garbage day?

This will help secure garbage bins for those who don’t have garages to store the bins in and may even create some jobs instead of costing the tax payer money on committees and flyers that are just a big waste of taxpayers’ money.

Crystal1139

Bear measures needed to avoid ‘crisis point,’ Prince George council hears

$25,000 to include common sense bear info with our ever increasing utility bills. Put it on the city’s website for free if you must, but I think we all know to not leave out food sources. How about having a bylaw officer patrol the night before garbage day and hand out a few $50 tickets? Bring in some $$$ and educate/motivate at the same time. This all feels like a costly knee-jerk reaction to me and there are no level heads at the table. 2023 was a bad bear season for a variety of reasons and they were all out of our control.

PGLocal

Bill Bond Memorial Fund donates defribrillators

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Prince George Hospice House and Knox Performance Centre now have automated external defibrillators (AEDs), enhancing emergency preparedness in these high-traffic public spaces.

The life-saving devices were donated through the Bill Bond Memorial Fund and the Prince George Community Foundation.

The Bill Bond Memorial Fund was established four years ago by the Bond family in honour of Bill Bond, who faced numerous health challenges before his death in 2020.

Former MLA Shirley Bond told the Citizen that her late husband was a strong advocate for ensuring AEDs were available in public places.

“Bill was always very passionate about working with heart and stroke,” Shirley Bond said. “One of the projects we took on was making sure there were more AEDs in public spaces. It was important to our family. When Bill passed away, we decided his legacy would continue through this work, and a fund was started with the Prince George Community Foundation. It’s been an ongoing project for our family and a really special way to honour Bill’s memory.”

The Prince George Community Foundation worked with the Heart and Stroke Foundation to purchase the AEDs and their cabinets. Each set of AEDs typically costs around $2,200, which can be prohibitive for many public spaces in need.

Bond said AEDs can significantly improve survival rates during a cardiac event.

“The use of an AED makes a huge difference in the event of a sudden cardiac event,” Bond said. “When combined with CPR, it more than doubles a person’s chance of survival. Access to an AED is key — it has to be available quickly. That’s why we’ve placed them in community spaces like seniors’

centres, the Legion, Mount Robson Park, Dunster, Vale Mountain, and McBride. The issue is access. They need to be easily accessible when needed.”

Bond also highlighted a successful collaboration during her time in public office. Working across party lines with then-health minister Adrian Dix, she helped create a pilot project that secured more than $3 million in government funding to place AEDs in public spaces in three communities, including Prince George.

Rev. Dr. Bob Fillier of the Knox Performance Centre said the new AEDs align with the centre’s commitment to community well-being.

“It’s an incredible gift,” Fillier said. “It honours Bill’s memory and the Bond family’s passion for building compassionate communities where caring for our neighbours is a cornerstone of who we are.”

In addition to the two AEDs at the Hospice House and Knox Performance Centre, Bond and the Prince George Community Foundation have created an application process for other organizations that need AEDs.

“The other key part of today’s announcement is our partnership with the Community Foundation,” Bond said. “They’ve created a streamlined process for organizations to apply for AEDs.

Until now, it’s been mostly word of mouth, but now there’s a formal application process on the Community Foundation’s website. We still have funds available to distribute AEDs quickly.”

This additional funding comes from individual donations and a November event held in Bond’s honour, which raised $27,000 for the fund — enough to pay for 10 more AED machines.

Organizations interested in receiving an AED can learn more and apply through the Prince George Community Foundation website, www.pgcf.com.

Information about how to donate to the Bill Bond Memorial Fund is also available on the Community Foundation site.

School board continues work on 2025-26 draft budget

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

School District 57’s current draft budget for the 2025-26 school year projects an operating fund surplus of just over $300,000, but many of the elements are still up in the air as the board starts soliciting public feedback.

The district’s board of education received a presentation on the draft budget at its Tuesday, April 8 meeting.

As it stood on April 8, the 2025-26 draft budget projected an operating fund of around $180.3 million representing 85 per cent of the total budget, a special purpose fund of around $21.83 million representing around 10 per cent of the total budget and a capital budget of around $10 million, representing around five per cent of the total budget.

Items under the special purpose fund represent grants received for specific purposes and cannot be reallocated. The capital fund represents grants received for new schools, building

upgrades and equipment purchases.

The bulk of the division’s expected revenue, around $177.8 million, comes from grants from the Ministry of Education and Child Care with another $215,180 coming from other provincial sources.

The district also projects around $1.2 million in “other revenue,” $960,000 from building rentals and leases, $670,000 from investment income and tuition fees worth around $94,000.

Total projected operating revenues are projected at just under $181 million.

Most of the division’s projected expenses come from salaries, projected to be around $128.3 million, and benefits, with projected costs of around $30.8 million.

Teachers make up 52 per cent of salaries expenses, with substitutes making up four per cent, principals and vice-principals at eight per cent, other professionals at seven per cent, support staff at 11 per cent and education assistants at 18 per cent.

The rest of the operating expenses, which are for services and supplies, are pegged around $21 million. Total operating expenses are projected to be around $180.15 million.

The largest component of these other expenses is for student transportation, worth 26 per cent of the services and supplies category.

The current projected surplus for 2025-26 is $301,539, though that could still change.

Director of finance Hannah Brown explained to trustees that the budget does account for projected revenues from the Ministry of Education announced in March, projected enrolment and staffing levels, the closure of the Central Interior Distance Education School next January.

Brown said the operating grant for the next school year has increased by about $1.5 million from this year, mainly due to an increased number of students with special needs. The closure of the distance education program will come

with a drop in enrolment funding.

However, the budget still has operating costs for Giscome Elementary included as the board has yet to decide whether the school will close. The draft also does not include salary increases for unionized employees as collective bargaining is still in progress.

Two special board meetings are scheduled to discuss that school’s closure. The first is on Wednesday, April 18, where district staff will present the results of public consultation on the closure. Then, the final decision will be made at a special meeting on Tuesday, April 22.

Supt. Jameel Aziz said the closure of the school would likely mean savings of around $325,000 in the 2025-26 budget and around $150,000 in subsequent years.

Secretary-treasurer Linda Minnabarriet said that this year is quite a bit different from previous years as the projected surplus means the board does not need to consider significant budget reductions.

Conference hears experts on future of construction

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Build the North Conference at the Civic Centre , which opened Wednesday, April 9 and wrapped up Thursday, April 10, brought together about 200 construction delegates from across the North and the province to discuss the future of the industry, network, and build relationships.

Chris Atchison, president of the British Columbia Construction Association, spoke on the second day.

He touched on a range of topics related to the construction industry, including its advancements, challenges and relationship to the province.

One of the key points he emphasized was the significant role Northern BC plays in the industry.

“There’s still $331 billion worth of projects that are underway or planned in the province of British Columbia,” said Atchison. “That’s a significant amount of infrastructure and building investment continuing to come our way. We break this down regionally as well, and there’s a portion specific to the North that makes up $150 billion. That’s 45 per cent of the total projected spend, according to BuildForce and BC Stats, either already underway or coming to this region.”

The Citizen later spoke with Atchison, who expanded on the North’s growing importance in the sector.

“The region represented by the Northern Regional Construction Association (NRCA) is the largest in Canada served by a local construction association,” he said.

“We’re only going to see more development, more population growth and more industries emerging. I think the future is bright for Prince George and for communities in the northeast and northwest of our province. We’ll see more buildings, more housing and more industry opportunities. I look forward to continuing our work with the NRCA and supporting them, along with all builders across BC.”

Atchison also addressed a persistent issue facing construction companies

Chris Atchison, the president of the BC Construction Association, speaks to the crowd at the 2025 Build the North Conference on Thursday, April 10.

across the province: Delayed payments.

Citing a 2025 industry survey, he said 91 per cent of construction companies reported receiving late payments, while 69 per cent said they were not paid at all.

“I think this problem has always existed,” said Atchison. “But now people are becoming more comfortable speaking out, and acknowledging that this has been allowed to continue in B.C. — at the expense of those who can least afford it, yet are still expected to deliver on the projects they’re building.”

Atchison is a strong advocate for payment-certainty legislation, which he believes will usher in the next phase of robust building in the province.

Like many other industries, construction has been and may continue to be negatively impacted by the ongoing trade war with the United States.

Sajjid Lakhani, director of government relations and strategy at Impact Public Affairs, gave a presentation on this issue at Build the North.

“Of course, tariffs are top of mind,” said Lakhani. ”BC’s response to tariffs has been quite robust in terms of influence in the media and working with stakeholders. The premier has assigned Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon, to lead

trade war.

“It’s a tough business because both will have lasting impacts,” said Lakhani. “Whether they stay or go, the impacts are already there. It seems the president is just trying to announce so many policies and so many changes that the media and the courts can’t keep up. So in terms of navigating that uncertainty, it’s going to be really important to have very in-sync communication because you can’t predict the future. As I said, it’s like flipping a switch every day. So it’s going to be important to hope for the best but expect the worst.”

Lakhani noted that smaller construction businesses may be among the most affected during these uncertain times. He outlined a few ways they can mitigate the effects of tariffs and their consequences.

the tariff war room. it’s interesting to note, most war rooms of this capacity would be led by the Finance Minister. It shows that this government is very committed to the housing aspect, which is better for the construction industry to have someone like that lead the tariff boardroom and to be top of mind on these issues.”

Lakhani wasn’t the only one with tariffs on his mind during the conference, as Atchison also weighed in on the issue.

“Initially, it’s not going to have a huge impact on the construction industry,” said Atchison. “We’re not major exporters in construction to the U.S. What’s going to have the major impact on the construction industry is when retaliatory tariffs come into play and Canada responds. That’s going to make it more expensive to build. It’s going to take more time to establish other supply chains, and the supply chains we remain dependent on in the U.S. will mean material costs are going to increase for projects in British Columbia.”

In an interview with The Citizen, Lakhani discussed key ways the industry can navigate the uncertainty caused by the constant changes of the ongoing

“For the mom-and-pop businesses, I really feel for them,” said Lakhani. “It’s really tough to have that pressure from the top down, and when you’re looking at unaffordability, it’s at a peak right now — interest rates, mortgages, you name it. It’s just a very economically uncertain time right now. What I would suggest is listening to the supportive stakeholders, being part of the regional construction association, being part of the team that the Northern Regional Construction Association (NRCA) provides, for example, or the BC Construction Association. Rely on them to communicate the current issues of the day as well as the actions and insights the industry has taken.”

Lakhani also said he hopes people in the industry will get more involved in the fight against U.S. tariffs.

“If you’re not at the table, you’re on the table. So what I’d love for them to take away from my presentation is to get involved — join the NRCA. If they’re from other parts of BC join their local regional construction association and just get involved. Speak to your local MLA, your MPs. Just put yourself out there, because we’re facing one of the largest existential crises we have as a country, and it’s going to be important for the business community to be represented in that.”

CITIZEN PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER

Plainclothes RCMP officers in audience at OCP hearing

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Plainclothes RCMP officers were in the audience for the second night of the Official Community Plan public hearing on the evening of Wednesday, April 9, the City of Prince George has confirmed.

On Thursday, April 10, councillors Brian Skakun and Trudy Klassen raised concerns on social media about the presence of the officers as well as the fact that council was unaware of the situation until after the meeting had concluded.

The Citizen requested an interview with city manager Walter Babicz regarding the situation on Friday, April 11 but was instead provided with a statement attributed to the city as a whole saying that after the first night of the public hearing on March 19, “staff raised concerns about safety, and the city inquired with the RCMP about the support that could be offered for the second public hearing date.”

“It was intended to be a responsible measure to maintain a safe environment for everyone, while preserving the open and welcoming atmosphere that public hearings are meant to foster,” the statement said.

“It’s important to note that varying levels of security are always present at council meetings and other city events, depending on the number of people in attendance and the nature of the meeting.”

This decision was not made in response to a specific threat, the statement said. The city also said that officers have been present at previous events where large attendance is anticipated like at a May 28, 2024 town hall event focusing on public safety.

The issue was first raised on social media by Klassen, who posted on X (formerly Twitter) that she was asking Babicz for all the information that led to the request for police presence and the rationale used to decide to keep that information from council.

Later that day, Skakun wrote in a Facebook post to the Ginter’s Green

Forever group that he noticed a couple of people who stayed still and didn’t interact with anyone else during the hearing, prompting him to ask Babicz whether police were present.

“Something didn’t feel right, so I emailed our city manager immediately after the meeting ended and asked whether the RCMP had any plainclothes members attend the OCP meeting in council chambers,” Skakun wrote. “He confirmed that the RCMP had indeed attended the meeting, but no reason was given for their presence.”

Speaking with The Citizen on the morning of Friday, April 11, Skakun said he was concerned that mayor and council were kept in the dark. If staff felt threatened, he wondered why a staff member from development services was allowed to sit in the crowd.

In his long experience on council, Skakun said, he couldn’t recall plainclothes RCMP officers having been in the audience previously though he did remember uniformed officers being at the public safety town hall.

targeted? Who was making the threats? Why were plainclothes officers (there)? That’s just weird. And why was there a staff member sitting front and centre in the gallery? That’s really concerning.”

Neither Skakun nor Klassen said they felt threatened by any of the correspondence they received about the OCP or by behaviour during either night of the public hearing.

Klassen said some of her colleagues told her the matter should be discussed in a closed meeting, but she feels that it should be talked about out in the open so the members of the public who attended the hearing can find out why the officers were there.

Several people who responded to Skakun’s Facebook post expressed concern over the officers’ presence.

That included Jenn Matthews, an organizer with Ginter’s Green Forever, a group calling on the city to include more protections for Ginter’s Green and Moore’s Meadow in the updated OCP. She wondered what the attendees had done at the March 19 hearing to make staff feel threatened.

“At that point, I expressed my concern because it was a little intimidating,” Skakun said. “You walk in, you got like three or four police officers standing at the door and people didn’t know what to make of it.”

He said there must have been meetings between staff and senior management on this issue and he’d like to see the related emails and minutes to make sure everything was handled properly.

Council is already privy to legal materials and other information handled in closed meetings and Skakun said they could have been trusted with the information ahead of time. He clarified that he was not blaming the RCMP, who were only doing what they were asked.

In a phone interview, Klassen also recalled the town hall meeting and said the city manager had defended the presence of uniformed officers by saying they needed to be clearly identifiable to react more quickly.

“I don’t care so much about us, we’re politicians,” Klassen said of the April 9 meeting. “But for our staff, who was

“I don’t know what kind of response you would expect from a police officer at a public hearing where all you’re doing is going to the desk and saying your ideas,” Matthews said in a phone interview.

“This isn’t a protest. It wasn’t a rally in a public space where unexpected things could happen. This was a public meeting where I actually think, considering how passionate people are about this, everybody was really respectful.

“I know there was a few people who maybe did some name calling. Maybe the gallery wasn’t acting in a completely neutral way, which is expected (at a meeting like that). That is no reason to have police officers or to feel like your safety’s threatened.”

Matthews said she agreed with Klassen’s call for a public report, because otherwise people might assume that the Ginter’s Green supporters were the problem. She added that she worries that police presence at meetings might dissuade some members of the public from speaking their minds.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY COLIN SLARK

Audience members listen to speakers during the second night of the public hearing on the Official Community Plan before Prince George city council on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at city hall. It’s not known whether anyone in this photo was a plainclothes police officer.

Council seeks OCP amendments after second hearing

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Prince George city council has directed staff to prepare reports on potential amendments to the Official Community Plan (OCP), but no changes were adopted following the second night of public hearings held April 9.

A special council meeting was scheduled for Wednesday at 5 p.m. to continue the discussion, after this edition of The Citizen went to press.

During the April 9 session, speakers raised concerns about food security, green space preservation, and the OCP’s overall vision. April Ottesen and Cameron Beck emphasized the need for resilient local food systems, referencing past supply disruptions as warning signs.

Others, including Jennifer Côté, Shirley Birkenshaw, and Jaspreet Bhatia, called for stronger protections for natural areas like Ginter’s Green, which they described as vital to community identity and well-being.

UNBC professor Annie Booth and Nicole Fraser criticized the plan’s lack of measurable goals and its generic approach, saying it fails to reflect Prince George’s unique climate and development challenges.

Saransh Tiku and James Steidle warned the plan could fuel urban sprawl and increase infrastructure costs, likening the city’s layout to a “doughnut” hollowed out by poor planning.

Themes of affordable housing, Indigenous partnerships, and environmental protection also emerged.

Selene Maxwell and others voiced support for the “Ginter’s Green Forever” campaign, while organizations like the Prince George Airport Authority pointed to gaps in inter-agency coordination.

Despite a range of views, one common thread stood out: residents want growth balanced with sustainability, affordability, and protection of green spaces.

Mayor Simon Yu thanked speakers for their input before council discussions began.

Coun. Trudy Klassen said the strong

public turnout reflected renewed civic engagement and a growing sense of ownership over the OCP. She expressed hope that council would take time to absorb the feedback before proceeding.

Yu then invited director of planning and development Deanna Wasnik to review the plan’s contents and objectives.

Manager of legislative services Ethan Anderson reminded council that passing any OCP amendments would require another public hearing.

Coun. Brian Skakun said he had seven amendment proposals and urged council not to delay addressing concerns raised by the public and stakeholders. He noted he’d never seen this level of participation in all his years on council.

Coun. Cori Ramsay said it could take multiple sessions to review all proposed changes and supported starting discussions immediately.

She raised questions about the Urban Containment Boundary, saying it wasn’t clearly defined in the previous OCP. Wasnik explained the boundary doesn’t override current zoning and mainly affects future rezoning applications. She clarified that land use and the boundary don’t always align.

Ramsay suggested some amendments might be better deferred to the next provincial OCP update in 2028.

Coun. Kyle Sampson also thanked the public and outlined his proposed

4. Removing properties at the north end of Moore’s Meadow from the boundary;

5. Preventing future development of the Tyner Boulevard escarpment within the boundary;

6. Resetting the Urban Containment Boundary to reflect the “urban area” in the previous OCP.

Only two of Skakun’s motions faced opposition: the fifth, which Ramsay voted against, and the sixth, which Ramsay and Coun. Tim Bennett opposed.

Klassen called for a per-acre cost analysis of city properties to assess the boundary’s implications. She said the city must consider what kind of footprint it wants moving forward.

reports, including designating Ginter’s Green as parkland, assessing the feasibility of extending Cowart Road to Malaspina Avenue, and addressing zoning in Moore’s Meadow. He formally moved for staff to prepare reports on the Cowart extension and airport authority concerns. Both motions passed. Yu raised concerns that the Cowart Road extension could worsen traffic congestion, but Sampson said such impacts should be addressed in the report.

A motion to extend the meeting until 11 p.m. passed, with Skakun, Klassen, and Yu opposed. Council then debated procedural rules for handling amendments — whether to act immediately or defer.

After around 30 minutes of discussion, Ramsay successfully moved that staff prepare a report on rezoning cityowned land north of Moore’s Meadow to P1: Parks and Recreation.

Skakun introduced six motions largely inspired by the “Ginter’s Green Forever” initiative, all of which were approved:

1. Investigating the removal of the right-of-way from 18th and 22nd Avenues to Massey Drive at Ginter’s Green;

2. Rezoning the same area to P1: Parks and Recreation;

3. Removing a Ginter’s Green property from the Urban Containment Boundary;

Yu reiterated concerns about whether the OCP adequately addresses future sewage infrastructure needs. He said after the election he hopes to speak with federal officials about infrastructure funding.

Skakun proposed a report be prepared addressing Klassen and Yu’s points.

All motions passed were for information reports only, not formal amendments, so no additional public hearing is required yet.

At 11:05 p.m., council voted to resume discussions at a special meeting initially scheduled for Tuesday, April 15. Ramsay moved to reschedule it for Wednesday, which passed despite opposition from Sampson and Bennett.

The meeting was held after this issue of The Citizen went to press. Visit www. princegeorgecitizen.com for updates.

All municipalities, including Prince George, must update their OCPs by Dec. 31 to include 20-year housing policy projections.

City staff told The Citizen that Prince George’s OCP could be amended solely for this purpose if necessary.

The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs told The Citizen that compliance has been high so far and it is exploring ways to strengthen its framework.

However, it did not specify any penalties for municipalities that miss the deadline.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Ginter’s Green was one of the topics discussed during two public hearings on the city’s new Official Community Plan.

Suspect sought in theft of wheelchair

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Prince George RCMP investigators are seeking the public’s help to identify a suspect in a break-and-enter that occurred on Feb. 19.

The incident took place at a housing complex on the 1400 block of 20th Avenue.

RCMP report that the suspect entered an unoccupied office through a groundfloor window in the early hours of the morning.

Police allege the suspect stole several small items from the office, including a wheelchair belonging to one of the residents.

“Investigators were recently able to process video surveillance from the time of the incident and are releasing photos of the suspect, who has distinct tattoos on his left hand,” said Cpl.

NEWS NOTES

Three pets killed in Gauthier Road structure fire

Three family pets died in a house fire in a neighbourhood on the western edge of the city.

Prince George Fire Rescue crews from three halls were called to 6145 Gauthier Rd. at about 9:50 a.m. on Monday, April 14 for a structure fire.

Crews found smoke coming from the roof and fire inside the front door, the city reports.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and confined it to the kitchen area.

The estimated loss is approximately $80,000.

There were no injuries to the public or fire crews, the city reported Monday afternoon.

The cause is currently being investigated.

IIO probing incident that saw man injured during arrest

The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) is looking into injuries sustained by a man during an arrest that occurred

Prince George RCMP are looking for this man at right, who has distinctive tattoos on his left hand (above), in connection with a break-and-enter and theft earlier this year.

Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP. “We are asking anyone who recognizes the suspect to call the non-emergency line at 250-561-3300 to speak with a police officer.”

The investigation is ongoing.

April 9, 2025.

In a news release, the IIO said police were called shortly before midnight to a residential building in the 1500-block of Victoria Street for a report of an intoxicated man who may have had a firearm.

Officers located the man on the hotel property outside one of the rooms, and RCMP moved to arrest him.

The man allegedly refused to follow police directions and was injured during the arrest.

He was taken to hospital, where it was determined he may require surgery for his injuries.

The IIO was notified shortly after the incident and is now investigating. Prince George RCMP is conducting a concurrent investigation into the initial weapons complaint.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the IIO witness line toll-free at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form at iiobc.ca.

Theft from vehicles up 280 per

cent, Prince George RCMP

report

April is Auto Crime Enforcement Month, and the Prince George RCMP

is reminding everyone to do their part, especially as thefts from vehicles rise.

“In the last two weeks, thefts from motor vehicles have jumped 280 per cent in the city, prompting the RCMP to increase patrols in areas where these crimes most frequently occur,” says Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP.

“However, there are many things vehicle owners can do to help prevent auto theft. This year’s Auto Crime Enforcement Month theme is ‘RETHINK,’ and the goal is to empower vehicle owners with knowledge to better protect themselves from auto crime.”

Police have created the acronym RETHINK to help locals remember important tips for safely leaving their vehicles.

• R - Remove valuables

• E - Eliminate opportunities for thieves

• T - Track your car with GPS technology

• H - Hide your key signal

• I - Invest in anti-theft devices

• N - Never idle unattended

• K - Keep track of your keys

Businesses, Indigenous communities targeted by scammers

CITIZEN STAFF

The North District RCMP is sounding the alarm about a surge in high-value fraud schemes specifically targeting Indigenous communities and businesses.

In the past 15 months alone, scammers have fraudulently siphoned over $3 million from communities in the North District, and evidence suggests that similar fraudulent activities are being carried out across the country, the RCMP reports.

Police say the sophisticated scams often involve a combination of misrepresentation, technological manipulation and the exploitation of trust within tightknit communities.

Fraudsters are using various deceptive tactics, including posing as legitimate vendors, contractors or consultants, to gain access to valuable business contacts and financial records.

One common method is the creation of fraudulent email addresses that closely resemble those of legitimate community organizations or vendors.

Using these counterfeit identities, scammers can then request banking updates, redirect payments and transfer assets into accounts under their control.

The North District RCMP is urging community leaders, businesses and individuals to be extra vigilant.

“Police are urging community leaders, businesses, and individuals to remain vigilant, verify credentials, and report any suspicious activity,” the North District RCMP remind the public in the release.

Authorities are actively investigating these incidents and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward by contacting their local police detachment.

Weapons seized from home of man caught with rifle

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A 44-year-old man who pleaded guilty in Prince George Provincial Court to careless use of a firearm was sentenced April 9 to a conditional discharge and 18 months on probation.

Judge Michael Brecknell accepted the joint Crown and defence sentencing proposal for Andrew William Soles, who admitted to holding an unloaded rifle in a residential area and forfeited an arsenal of weapons seized by the Prince George RCMP.

Court heard that police were called just after 5 a.m. on March 2, 2024 for a report of a man holding a rifle outside a house on Second Avenue. Police arrested Soles standing near a residence on Douglas Street. The rifle turned out to be unloaded.

While in the police vehicle, Soles said he had used cocaine and court heard he showed signs of impairment.

Police conducted a safety search of his residence and noticed multiple gunshots to interior walls. Police returned with a search warrant and seized Ruger American, SKS and Kodiak rifles, a Browning shotgun, ammunition and a

Firearms suspect tests judge’s patience after skipping court

Court hears he’ll be brought in ‘kicking and screaming’ if necessary

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A judge in Prince George Provincial Court expressed frustration Wednesday, April 9 that a man in custody missed his arraignment hearing.

Ryan Timothy Chiappe, born in 1978, is accused of pointing a firearm, committing assault with a weapon and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

The offences are alleged to have occurred in January and February of this year.

Judge Michael Brecknell issued a warrant for Chiappe and scheduled his next court appearance for Wednesday, April 16.

“It’s getting to the point that the tail is vigorously wagging the dog, and at some point we have to start putting a stop to it,” Brecknell told Crown and defence lawyers.

“If it means that we have to send the sheriffs and or the correctional officers in to do a couple of extractions in a way that’s public — so that other people at the institution who have court appearances say, ‘gee, I don’t really want to have people pepper-spray me or baton me and drag me out of my cell kicking and screaming’ — maybe we have to start doing that.”

Chiappe is a former professional mixed martial arts fighter who was nicknamed “Ruthless” during his 10-8 career.

He was sentenced in 2015 to two years probation for possessing stolen property and 30 days in jail in 2017 for a drug offence.

barricaded himself inside the living room.

Court heard that his unstable medication regimen, misuse of alcohol and drugs and a relationship breakdown led to the incident. Defence lawyer James Emmons said Soles, a professional welder, has since sworn off drinking and drugs and is expecting another child with his fiancee.

“He now describes his situation as sober and clear,” Brecknell said, noting that mental illness reduces an offender’s moral blameworthiness.

Taser baton.

In a statement to police, Soles, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, said he believed multiple people were trying to break into his home in the middle of the night, so he

Soles’s record will not show a conviction if he satisfies the judge’s conditions, which include no possession of weapons, alcohol or drugs (except for medical prescriptions). Soles must attend counselling or treatment as directed by a probation officer.

“He has, in my view, generally a pro-social life, despite the challenges from his childhood and ongoing mental health issues,” Brecknell said.

Doug Leslie carried a torch against injustice

He formed a foundation after his daughter, Loren Leslie, was murdered by Cody Legebokoff

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Doug Leslie will be remembered for the way he made strangers feel like instant friends.

I got to know him briefly one summer when my family rented the place next to the lake house he built with his own hands on the southeastern shore of Fraser Lake near Beaumont Provincial Park.

We hadn’t been there more than a few minutes when the kids next door wandered over to meet our kids, and before long, we were introduced to Doug and his wife at the time, Donna.

They all made us feel like long-lost cousins and went out of their way that entire week to make sure we had a good time.

“He was everybody’s best friend, he gave the best hugs,” said Megan Leslie, his 27-year-old daughter. “We would go out with him as kids, and he would spend hours talking to everybody wherever we’d go. He didn’t have many close friends, but everybody loved him.”

Doug died March 15 at age 71, almost a year after he was diagnosed with lung cancer. His death comes 14 ½ years after his 15-year-old daughter Loren was murdered by Cody Legebokoff.

Her body was discovered Nov. 27, 2010, off a logging road along Highway 27 north of Vanderhoof by a conservation officer investigating after the RCMP had pulled over Legebokoff, who had told police he had killed a deer.

One of the youngest mass murderers in Canada, Legebokoff was 24 in September 2014 when he was convicted of four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Loren, Natasha Montgomery, 23; Cynthia Maas, 35; and Jill Stuchenko, 35. He was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years.

Doug had three children — Robert, Loren, and Megan — and a stepson, Ricky, from Donna. He and Donna separated before Loren’s death. Loren was living with her mom and siblings in Vanderhoof at the time she was killed.

After she died, Doug made it his mission to tell everybody about the goodness his daughter brought to the world.

“People have to start caring for each other the way she cared for others,” he told Citizen reporter Bernice Trick a few weeks after Loren’s death. “She lived in such a positive style. It’s so easy to live your life like that, and yet lose it.”

From a young age, Loren had only partial vision in one eye and was legally blind. She made up for that with her listening skills. She stood up to bullies and wasn’t afraid to help anybody defend themselves against injustices, and Doug used his daughter’s compassionate words to inspire others to find that courage. It awakened something in himself he had in common with Loren.

“I know who I am,” Loren wrote. “I don’t need to hurt others to build myself up. But I do hear well. I hear

others cutting their friends apart, saying unkind things, just to make themselves feel better. I hear people’s feelings being hurt by those ignoring them. I hear when no one speaks to me because I choose to be more considerate of others, and not follow the crowd.

“I hear tears on people’s faces who aren’t accepted because they don’t have the right look, the right clothes, or they aren’t cool enough to be popular. I hear the loneliness of people sitting in folding chairs at dances because they’re not loud enough to be heard... But I hear them.”

After Loren’s death, Doug formed the Loren Donn Leslie Foundation to promote youth empowerment. The charity organized fundraising walks and other events to support student bursaries and build projects like the commemorative park benches installed at schools in Fraser Lake and Vanderhoof, which serve

as a reminder to students of the need to take care of one another and speak out against bullying.

Doug provided support to the family of Greg Matters, a Canadian soldier shot and killed by the RCMP in a 30-hour standoff at his home east of Prince George in September 2012.

He participated in the federal government’s National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and went out of his way to take part in the protests.

“I thought it was really cool that he put himself out there like that,” said Megan. “I know when I was in high school, he did a lot of marches for them and spoke at a lot of rallies to get involved.

“Part of what I didn’t appreciate at the time was that he did drag me around to all these things, and I kind of felt the only time I was with him was when he pulled me out of school to go to these rallies. But it was important.”

For seven years, Doug wrote a daily blog addressed to Loren. It was his way of grieving and venting the emotions he felt for her. He had planned to write a book about how he coped with his loss to help other parents deal with their own personal tragedies of losing children. After his death, the family received several messages from people who told how Doug had helped them get through those terrible times.

“He ended up getting really close with a couple of family members of (murder victim) Jill Stuchenko, and they are some of my biggest supporters to this day just because of how much they loved my dad,” said Megan.

Doug quit school at Nechako Valley Secondary when he was 16 to join the workforce as a logging truck driver. He also worked as a heavy equipment operator at Endako mine until it closed in July 2015.

He returned to logging for Corjan Contracting and was still working until cancer took over his life. CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS

LESLIE FAMILY PHOTO

Doug and Loren Leslie share a tender moment together in their home on Fraser Lake. Doug died on March 15, 14 1/2 years after his daughter Loren was murdered by serial killer Cody Legebokoff.

‘He

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

“He was a great mechanic, a great driver, and a great guy,” said Megan.

“His cars, his house, his kids, and his relationships were kind of everything to him. He was genuine, lively, and stubborn. He was all about how you make people feel and not about your material belongings. For him, it was all about having time to make somebody smile or being like a friend. I think that showed in pretty much everything he did.

“He had this acute understanding that he never got a lot of what he wanted out of life, I’m sure. He was super selfless and hardworking. If you chose any day in his life, you could see he sacrificed so much to be able to be there for the people he loved.”

Doug had a 1953 Buick and was active in the Fraser Lake Car Club. Megan said her mom found the receipt from the day he bought that car, which showed he wasn’t there on the day Megan was born.

“That car was supposed to connect us because it was made the year he was born, 1953, and then he bought it the day I was born,” said Megan. “He lost it for a while but bought it back and tried to give it to me (a few years before he died), but he had a faster one, so I took the faster one instead. I got a 1967 Buick Riviera. That was always the plan after he was gone, to give them to us.”

Megan admitted she wasn’t that close to her dad until later in his life. When she was young, she resented the extra time and attention he gave to Loren, and it wasn’t until just before his cancer diagnosis, when they went together for the first time to visit Loren’s gravesite, that she understood he gravitated to Loren because he felt she was vulnerable with her vision deficiencies.

“I used to wonder why my dad spent

so much more time with Loren,” said Megan.

“We had a conversation, and he apologized for becoming obsessed with her death, writing to her two or three times a day on Facebook, and he wouldn’t check on me at all.

“He acknowledged it before he passed, and that brought us closer. I wasn’t supposed to know. No parent wants to admit that they have a favourite child. There’s just no good way to grieve in that kind of situation.”

Loren was two years older than Megan, and they were best friends throughout their lives.

She remembers her as a bit of a rebel who changed hairstyles often, depending on her mood.

“She was such a different kind of being, and kind of like my dad, she could make friends with everyone,” said Megan.

“Everyone thought of her as their best friend except for the weird girls who bullied her at high school. In our small town, she was so true to herself at such a young age, like she was the only punk around here at that time. It wasn’t like a cool thing in a town where everybody else is a farmer. She was fully a hardcore loser in her own identity, and it was incredible.

“She didn’t have too many friends around her, and the internet was her playground. She was already getting bullied for her eyesight or getting

because she was a little chubby, and instead of trying to hide or fit in, she was wearing those rainbow spiky belts and just rainbow punked out. People who saw it, loved it. I still have a hard time trying to wrap my head around how she understood the things she

seemed to understand.”

A celebration of Doug’s life was held Saturday, March 22, at the Nazdleh Whut’en Hall in Fraser Lake. His ashes will be buried this summer in a plot next to Loren’s at Fraser Lake Cemetery.

bullied

Doug Leslie loved his 1953 Buick and brought it to many car rallies before he died of lung cancer on March 15.

Loren Leslie

House arrest for man who beat up teen at work party

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A man who pleaded guilty to aggravated assault was sentenced April 3 in Quesnel to a 20-month conditional sentence and 12 months probation.

Darcy Larry Edward Penner must serve the first eight months of the sentence under house arrest and then follow a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.

The Crown proposed to Justice Marguerite Church that she jail Penner for 10 months, followed by a 14-month probation order. The defence proposed an 18-month conditional sentence, to be served in the community under house arrest.

The maximum sentence for aggravated assault — an umbrella term for wounding, maiming, disfiguring or endangering someone’s life — is 14

Penner pleaded guilty April 1. An agreed statement of facts said Penner, who was 37 at the time of the crime, and the victim, a 17-year-old, were attending a party at the residence of their employer.

Penner punched his younger co-worker in the head while revellers

were ringing in 2024 with a fireworks display. T

The punch knocked the victim to the ground and Penner got on top of him and repeatedly punched him in the face while he was on the ground.

The victim was bloodied and his jaw was broken.

The victim told police that he gave Penner the finger around 11 p.m. and that Penner laughed, but that he believed they were playing around. He described the assault at midnight as a surprise.

While his memory of the attack was hazy, the victim believed Penner punched him more than five times, perhaps as many as 15.

The victim’s impact statement, which was read in court on April 1, said the victim was unable to walk for three months or eat solid food for six weeks while his mouth was wired shut. He lost three months of work and experienced intense pain after the surgery. “I cried so hard I could not help it,” he wrote. “I have no words for Darcy. I will always be speechless. I will always wonder why and what kind of 37-year-old does this to a 17-year-old. I’ll never get over this, it hurts me so very bad.”

BC Highway Patrol cracks down

MATTHEW HILLIER

The BC Highway Patrol launched a new enforcement campaign targeting distracted driving, aiming to create safer roads through “education through enforcement,” in March.

“Across the province in March, BC Highway Patrol wrote almost 2,800 tickets for distracted driving,” said Supt.

“We also wrote 873 tickets for people who were not wearing seatbelts, including 87 tickets to parents whose children were not properly secured.”

“Many of these distracted driving tickets were written for people using the highway system, not merely those stopped at intersections,” said Coyle. “These numbers prove two things: One, we need to do better. Two, everyone in BC is paying the consequences of collisions that come from high-risk driving behaviours.”

Tickets for not wearing a seatbelt range from $109 for a child who is improperly restrained to $167 for an adult who fails to wear a seatbelt. A ticket for using an electronic device while driving carries a $368 fine.

In the Northern Region,153 tickets were issued for using an electronic device while driving and 61 seatbelt infractions. In contrast, 1,036 tickets for using an electronic device while driving and 300 seatbelt infractions were issued in the Okanagan.

Province slow with relief for Valemount

ABIGAIL POPPLE

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Village of Valemount released a statement on Thursday, April 3, criticizing the BC government’s lack of financial support as the community continues to grapple with the economic fallout from last summer’s Jasper wildfire.

Closures of Highways 16 and 93 for nearly three weeks severely impacted the village’s tourism season. Combined with the costs of temporarily housing and feeding about 20,000 evacuees from Jasper, businesses in the community sustained losses estimated at $1.5 million — a cost the village says the provincial government has done little to help offset.

“Our village faces the prospect of losing nearly all our businesses and livelihoods because we helped evacuees and then were cut off for weeks by circumstances out of our control,” said Mayor Owen Torgerson in the statement.

Torgerson, chief administrative officer Anne Yanciw, and Simpcw First Nation Chief George Lampreau recently spent three days in meetings with Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Kelly Greene, Jobs and Economic Development Minister Diana Gibson, and former emergency management minister Bowinn Ma.

According to the village’s statement, the ministers did not commit to funding support, instead directing Valemount to apply for various individual funding programs that could serve as a patchwork solution.

The province did provide a grant for the village to develop an economic recovery plan — funding that was used to hire consulting firm Strategies North, which submitted its plan to council in January.

“Valemount should discuss with the levels of government, starting with the Government of British Columbia, to have this amount of funding available,” the plan reads. However, the village says the province has yet to provide any funds to implement the plan.

According to the statement, part of

the challenge lies in the fact that the wildfire occurred in Alberta within a federally operated park, while Valemount — located in BC — bore much of the impact. As a result, the village has faced difficulty securing funding from any of the three levels of government.

“If your village is devastated by the ripple effects you can’t see, you get nothing except kind words,” Torgerson said in the statement. “The BC government’s words have to turn into action or our village will be left struggling to survive — and what message does that send to small communities across our province?”

Some support has come from Alberta, Yanciw told The Goat. The Alberta government has allowed the Municipality of Jasper to include Valemount’s related expenses in its submissions to Alberta’s Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services. This arrangement allows Valemount to submit its expense claims to Jasper, which will forward them along with its own.

Yanciw said the village is only seeking reimbursement from Alberta for expenses related to hosting evacuees — not for the $1.5 million in business losses during the highway closures. Businesses can submit expense reports for the cost of accommodating evacuees, she said.

“I believe that it can result in success, but it is a cumbersome and slow process,” she wrote in an email to The Goat.

Yanciw said she doesn’t know when the Alberta government will approve or reject the requests. Jasper CAO Bill

Given was unavailable for comment on when the municipality will submit its next expense report.

Meanwhile, the Village of Valemount will continue lobbying the B.C. government, Yanciw said. She added that the federal government is currently in an interregnum period due to the upcoming election, meaning the village cannot lobby federal officials until after the vote.

In an email to The Goat, MLA Rosalyn Bird said she does not believe the provincial government has provided adequate support.

“Although I was not shocked with the pass-the-buck game being played by multiple ministries, I do remain somewhat astonished by what appears to be a genuine disregard and concern for the future of the Village of Valemount’s ongoing financial stability,” Bird wrote.

She added that Valemount residents showed “tremendous compassion, empathy and emotional support” to Jasper evacuees — support that she says has not been reciprocated by the B.C. government.

Bird said she is in discussions with Torgerson about another possible avenue to access recovery funding, though she declined to provide details. She said she will continue to raise the issue with the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

“I remain committed to advocating for the Village of Valemount and all communities in my riding,” Bird said.

This story originally appeared in The Rocky Mountain Goat.

Driveway scam reported in Vanderhoof

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

A recent scam in the community of Vanderhoof has set off alarm bells.

Police say someone contacted residents in Vanderhoof offering to pave driveways for a fee and then charged almost three times the amount of the original cost.

The scammers also did not deliver on the work, say police. The driveways themselves were not packed with asphalt but rather with what appears to be gravel that the victims were told would seal after a day or so.

Vanderhoof RCMP reports that it’s possible that the scammers have moved on from Vanderhoof, but they would like the public to be aware of this recent scam in the community in the event you are approached by individuals looking to pave your driveway.

Generally, these scams begin in person or with a pamphlet left at the door of your home.

The scammer then claims to be a contractor in the area with extra supplies willing to do a job at a discounted cost in order to get rid of the extra asphalt.

Contractors rarely, if ever, show up in person and can be very good at estimating how much material they will need for a paving job, meaning they will rarely have leftovers, as hot asphalt quickly dries when compacted.

The next telltale sign of a scam is the absence of any sort of written contract, permit from the city or marked company vehicles.

Scammers may claim to be offering discounts but will ask for a large portion of the funds upfront before the job is complete.

Then, often, when work is underway, they may ask for more money to complete the work due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

If you have any information on the scams in Vanderhoof, call the Vanderhoof RCMP at (250) 567-2222.

CAROLYN CAMPBELL_THE CANADIAN PRESS

Drivers line up to leave the Jasper area after last summer’s devastating wildfire.

What’s happening in PG

Miracle Theatre Presents Lunenburg and Here on the Flight Path by Norm Foster until April 27 at ArtSpace, above Books and Co. All proceeds from the shows will be donated to the Prince George Seniors Emergency Endowment Fund at the Prince George Community Foundation to help seniors in need meet essential expenses through the Prince George Council of Seniors Resource Centre. Tickets are at Books & Co., 1685 Third Avenue or by calling 250-563-6637. Spring into Easter goes Friday, April 18, Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Northern Lights Winery, 745 Prince George Pulpmill Rd. A weekend full of fun for the whole family there is games, prizes, and special treats. For all the details and online-only tickets visit www.eventbrite. ca/e/spring-into-easter-at-northernlights-winery-tickets.

Hunniford Gardens Carrot Patch happens Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 8845 Aquarius Rd. Face painting by MP Make-up Artistry, a visit from the Easter Bunny, garden-themed kids crafts, photo ops, a petting zoo and Baller Food Truck on site. For all the details and tickets visit https://hunniford-gardens.carrot-patch.

Messiah Sing Along goes Saturday, April 19 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. PG Cantata Singers invites you to join in the sing along of Handel’s timeless masterpiece, Messiah. This event is by donation. Come early to ensure a seat. To practice ahead of time visit www. mediafire.com/Messiah.

Ode to 420 goes Saturday, April 19 at 8 p.m. at The Underground Show Lounge and Bar, 1177 Third Ave. Burlesque and variety show for those 19+ and comes with an advisory that content may be offensive or considered controversial to some audience members. Stay after the show for an intimate night of karaoke and a dance floor. Tickets at the door are $25 or in advance for $20 at www.eventbrite. com/e/ode-to-420-tickets.

Epik’s Second Annual 420 Block Party goes Sunday, April 20 from 11 a.m.

to 5 p.m. at 356 George St. The whole family is invited to attend and support some amazing local vendors and food trucks. We’ll have a separate consumption zone for folks 19+.

Loki’s Birthday goes Sunday, April 20 at 9 a.m. at The Exploration Place, 333 Becott Place. Loki is turning 10 this year. It will be a day of feathered fun and special activities to celebrate your favourite magpie.

Introduction to Foraging and Wildcrafting goes Tuesday, April 22 at 6:15 p.m. in the basement of St. Michael’s, 2793 Range Road. This free event is presented by Moose, Mushroom and Mud and North Waters Wildcraft. Spring is fast approaching and with it, brings new foraging opportunities for wild edibles and medicinals. The workshop will talk about what is out there to forage, how to forage and what equipment is needed. Advice will also be shared about how to pick ethically and sustainably. Space is limited, so come early to get a seat.

JS Bach’s Long Walk in the Snow goes Thursday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. This is a narrated performance by

of Haitian roots music to the stage. This will be an unforgettable evening as Wesli shares stories and songs from his remarkable career. Wesli’s music is a testament to resilience, reconciliation, and the transformative power of art. Tickets are $35 at https://coldsnapfestival.tickit.ca/events/wesli.

Zulu Challenge coming to Prince George Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m. at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park is an obstacle course where adult teams are tethered. There is also a children’s category (untethered), a parent and child course and a course to do with your dog. The adult challenge is a 5km run with up to 30 obstacles.The children’s course is for those 3 to 13 in several age categories. For details and tickets visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/ zulu-challenge-prince-george-2025.

Tom Allen & Friends featuring pianist Jamie Parker, soprano Suzie Leblanc, violist Dave Harding and bassist/guitarist Joe Phillips. For tickets and information visit https://www.knoxcentre.ca/ tom-allen-and-friends

Cinematography One-Day Workshop goes Friday, April 25 or Saturday, April 26, Friday, May 23 or Saturday, May 24, Friday, June 27 or Saturday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is presented by the Arts North Digital Media Centre, a division of the Community Arts Council of Prince George & District at Studio 2880. The workshop is led by Jeff Gruending, local founder of video marketing firm Precision FX,and includes camera fundamentals, lighting essentials, audio production, composition & storytelling, editing & final production. For more information and to register visit www.studio2880. com/arts-north-digital-studio-media/ cinematography-workshop.

Coldsnap presents Wesli on Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. A special performance by Juno Award-winning artist Wesli, Wesley Louissaint, and a full band, will bring a captivating blend

Ohh Canada: A Night of Comedy goes Saturday, April 26 from 8 to 11 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St., presented by Improv Shmimprov Canada and Stephen St. Laurent. Celebrate Canada in a weird way and see where we’ll take your themed suggestions and make some fun. Improv comedy, live on stage with games and tomfoolery. As always, there’s some snacks and drinky drinks so bring your significant other and have some laughs. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 at www.shmimprovimprov.ca/ oh-canada-a-night-of-comedy.

Genevieve Jaide with Ellescriv goes Saturday, April 26 at 9 p.m. at the Legion 43 PG, 1110 Sixth Ave. Singer songwriter Genevieve Jaide will perform with her stellar band alongside Fort St. John folk artist Ellescriv. Blending elements of folk, indie-pop, alternative, and Canadiana, Jaide’s songs are both intimate and expansive. Lorissa Scriven’s distinctive brand of earthy folk has its roots deep in the river valleys of northern British Columbia, where she grew up steeped in music and wild places. Doors at 8 p.m. Tickets $15 in advance or $20 at the door. For advance tickets visit www. madloon.ca/tickets/p/genscriv.

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J.S. Bach’s Long Walk in the Snow will be performed Thursday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre.

Children’s Business Fair goes Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 2793 Range Rd. This event is a culmination of ideas and hard work from great young minds. Children developed a brand, created a product or service, built a marketing strategy, and then opened for customers at the one-day marketplace.

Birdsong presented by Nove Voce Choir goes Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave in downtown Prince George. Enjoy an afternoon of music dedicated to our beloved feathered friends. From tributes to imitations, and beauty to whimsy, let fun flights of fancy whisk you into springtime. Music from the Beatles to modern Canadian works. Special guests include Anna Scarpino, Paul Mulligan, Jose Delgado Guevara, Cassie Clark-Chretien. For more information and tickets visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/ birdsong-tickets.

Spring into Easter goes Friday, April 28, Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Northern Lights Winery. This event is a weekend full of fun for the whole family. Join Northern Lights Winery for an egg-citing experience packed with games, prizes, and special treats. This is an outdoor event so be sure to dress for the weather. For more information and tickets visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/springinto-easter-at-northern-lights-winerytickets.

Sprocket book signing with Al Rempel goes Wednesday, April 30 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Books & Co, 1685 Third Ave. The poems in this collection return to the freedom of long, endless summertime days, when, as long as you were home by suppertime, you could go anywhere on your bike.

Food Gardening for Beginners goes Wednesday, April 30 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Hunniford Gardens, 8845 Aquarius Rd. Topics include best yielding, easiest crops to grow in the short cool season, key to growing challenging crops, fundamentals for success including site selection, soil prep and

best watering practice, sustainable pest management practices and crop rotation with a Q&A to follow. Cost is $30 at hunniford-gardens.com/ food-gardening-april-30.

May Days goes Thursday, May 1 to Sunday, May 4 at CN Centre and is presented by West Coast Amusements. Canada’s biggest travelling carnival will be back in Prince George. For weather dependent hours and ticket prices visit https://westcoastamusements.com/ event/prince-george-bc.

Food Gardening in Containers goes Friday, May 2 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hunniford Gardens, 8845 Aquarius Rd. Beginner-friendly workshop geared for hanging baskets and planter gardening including how to select suitable pants, when to plant, what containers to use, focusing on popular edibles like strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, herbs, lettuce and greens. Cost is $25 at hunniford-gardens.com/food-gardening-in-containers-monday-may-2.

Art Battle Prince George goes Friday, May 2 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave., and is presented by the Prince George & District Community Arts Council. Get ready to witness an electrifying showdown as skilled artists go head-to-head in a high-speed, three-round battle to

pg-workshop-and-concert/.

BC Old Time Fiddlers’ Jams and Lessons go every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 483 Gillett St. Everyone is welcome to attend. Drop-in fee is $5 at the door.

Prince George Mixed 55+ Slopitch League 2025 will practice every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon from until Aug. 12. A group of players is looking to put together a team for the 55+ BC Games this year. Format is seven men and at least three women 55+. Registration is April 28, 29 & 30 at the Prince George Golf & Curling Club from 1 to 4 p.m. $75 per player, cash only. For more information call Jackie Burns at 250-962-9230.

create awe-inspiring artwork. The audience will be judge and jury by casting their vote for the ultimate winner. Then all artwork goes up for auction. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ art-battle-prince-george.

Heroic Steps 5K Fundraising Run goes Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park. Run/walk/hop/skip to raise money and awareness for COPD and the BC Lung Foundation. Starting at the band shell, participants can do two loops throughout the park and the Millar addition neighbourhood. Registration/ donation is $20. For more information and to register visit https://bclung. heroicsteps5Krun.

BC Old Time Fiddlers Spring Jamboree goes Friday, May 2, Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave and at Trinity United Church, 3555 Fifth Ave. This weekend celebration includes a Friday night dance, two days of workshops for fiddle, guitar and banjo and a concert featuring Mark Sillivan who has won the Canadian Grand Masters fiddle competition three times. Everyone is welcome to attend this fun-filled Jamboree. For tickets and all the details visit https://bcfiddlers.com/branches/prince-george/

Games Night goes every Thursday at 7 p.m at Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Drive. Come on down and join in a game of backgammon, checkers, crib or better yet try out the pool table or dart board, please bring your own darts. Open to everyone for a $5 drop in fee.

Craft & Chat at the main branch of the Prince George Public Library goes every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the magazine corner, second floor, where fibre artists are invited to bring their latest projects to share, vent frustrations, brag about successes, get and give help and join in lively discussions. Snacks provided. This event is in partnership with Great Northwest Fibre Fest.

Parkinson Support Group meetings are the third Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Drive. Meetings are informal and are for sharing information about slowing down the progression of PD. There are guest speakers, special events and biweekly exercise sessions and positive social interaction. Use lower parking lot beside ball diamond to access the seniors centre.

If you’ve got an event coming up email us at news@pgcitizen.ca to offer details including name of the event, the date, time and location, ticket price and where to get them and a little bit about what’s happening, too. LOCF

IMPROV SCHRIMPROV CANADA PHOTO

Ohh Canada: A Night of Comedy happens Saturday, April 26 from 8 to 11 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St., presented by Improv Shmimprov Canada and Stephen St. Laurent.

Spankingthe banks

Every April, people are encouraged to challenge themselves by climbing the Cutbanks 10 or more times. People who do it are invited to share at facebook.com/groups/pgcutbanks

ABOVE: Felix and Xavier Eltein, 13, got dropped off at the base of the Cutbanks so they could hike up and explore McMillan Creek Regional Park.

CITIZEN PHOTOS BY CHUCK NISBETT

ABOVE: John Wright celebrates his first climb up the Cutbanks. TOP CENTRE: Joshua Thompson and Sola (a three-year-old coonhound/retriever cross) lead Hunter Creuzot down

BOTTOM CENTRE: Malcolm Sims, 5, leads his father Nick down the cutbanks after taking a trip to the top along with older brother Isaiah, seen at lower right.

ABOVE: Hikers take the trail that cuts across the Cutbanks from the parking lot at McMillan Creek Fishing Park to join the top of the direct path up. RIGHT: Nate Numrich, Jess King and Layla (a six-year-old beagle) make their way to the bottom of the cutbanks after climbing to the top on a whim. The couple took Layla for a quick dip in the Nechako River before heading up for another climb. FAR RIGHT: Isaiah Sims, 7, races down the cutbanks after climbing up with his father and younger brother after church, When asked if it was fun Isaiah replied ‘Maybe a bit too much fun!’

Retiring captain remains committed to air cadets

Capt. Eric Callaghan isn’t leaving 396

Squadron

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

After more than 44 years as an officer in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Prince George Squadron, Eric Callaghan, dressed in his Canadian Air Force captain’s uniform on April 8, performed one last official duty: overseeing the parade of cadets at the Connaught Youth Centre.

After more than 44 years as an officer in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Prince George Squadron, Eric Callaghan, dressed in his Canadian Air Force captain’s uniform on April 8, performed one last official duty: overseeing the parade of cadets at the Connaught Youth Centre.

There’s no getting around the compulsory age 65 retirement rule.

“I’m a civilian now working for the military, and I’ll stay involved for a few more years,” said Callaghan. “I enjoy working with the youth; the only thing is I don’t wear the uniform, so I transitioned over to a civilian instructor, and I’ll keep all the credentials I had as an officer.”

Callaghan never got his wings as a pilot, but on flying weekends, twice a year, he always looks forward to watching the kids go up as passengers in the glider. An aircraft without an engine that gets towed to high altitude, the glider cabin’s only sound is that of air rushing under those broad wings, and it’s unforgettable.

“The first time they go flying, it’s an experience,” he said. “They’re nervous,

Capt. Eric Callaghan, left, of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets 396 Squadron, oversees the parade of cadets as an officer for the last time before retirement on April 8 at Connaught Youth Centre. Next to Callaghan is Lt. Deb Mortimer and his son Capt. John Callaghan.

they’re hesitant, and everything, and they come down with some of the biggest smiles you’ve ever seen. They take off, and you see the fear in their eyes, and they land, and they’re on Cloud 9, the majority of them.”

If they’re not actually flying, the air cadets can do the next best thing 365 days a year, where the weather conditions outside don’t matter one bit.

Headquarters for 396 Squadron are on the third floor of the Connaught Youth Centre, where they have access to the gym, office space, and a skookum flight simulation lab. Cadets can take part in the

optional Wednesday evening sessions to fly virtually any type of aircraft on simulators built locally by one of the officers.

“The technology is unbelievable,” said Callaghan. “Officer Erik Fjellgaard put together five simulators from scratch. The kids learn to do the basics and everything, and some of them now fly against other units in other provinces, cities, and countries. That’s the great thing about the internet system — you can set up times to do it. We have a program the cadets just love, and we’ve got virtual reality goggles.”

“There are five simulators set up to

run, and then there’s the control centre. They start off flying a certain type of aircraft that’s given to them, and then once they graduate, they can fly anything from the Sopwith Camel to the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird spy plane that can fly at Mach 3.”

One local cadet, Flight Sgt. Evan Fisher, earned his glider pilot’s licence last year and is interviewing for his power licence this year. If he’s accepted, the scholarship program will pay for his training.

Squadron’s 62 air cadets will host area activity training

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Callaghan said 15-20 per cent of local air cadets go on to careers in the Canadian Armed Forces. He knows of graduates now stationed at military bases in Comox and Edmonton, as well as the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ont. One 396 Squadron alumnus is taking air traffic control training, and another is with the Rocky Mountain Rangers B-Company reserves.

Callaghan, the son of a Canadian Army Korean War veteran, put down his military roots when he was nine, joining the Navy League in Kelowna in September 1969. Four years later, he became an air cadet in 396 Squadron after he moved with his family to Prince George. Air cadets are open to youth aged 12-19, and Callaghan aged out as a cadet in the spring of 1979. He returned as a volunteer to help run the program in the fall of 1980, and that’s when he unwittingly became an officer.

“Basically, the CO of the day (Don Crocker) said, ‘Here, sign some papers,’ and six weeks later, I found out I was an officer cadet. I didn’t read what I signed.”

He has absolutely no regrets. His involvement in a program first established in the city in 1947 has enriched his life with great memories of seeing cadets developing leadership skills and thriving when tasked with doing things that take them out of their comfort zones.

“It’s been an unbelievable 44-plus years,” said Callaghan. “It’s been a lot of fun, I’ve done a lot of things, and met a lot of young people, and it’s nice to see what some of them have done with their lives and careers.”

“I was fortunate to take four kids to the Philippines in 2000, and in 2023, I took 10 cadets to Washington, D.C., and six states on an international exchange, and I worked summer camps and just had a whole lot of fun.”

Callaghan was an adventurous kid and liked the challenges the air cadet program offered. Summer camps in places like Comox, Vernon, Whitehorse, Rocky Mountain House, and Penhold, Alta., meant learning survival skills and

overcoming physical hardships, and as an outdoorsman, he loved it.

“I was very fortunate. I got to go to camp every year, which some cadets didn’t get,” said Callaghan. “You had your two-week basic camp where they showed you a bunch of things, and back then, in the ‘70s, the cadets were in the (Department of National Defence) Act, so it was still part of the military program.”

“Lots of challenges,” he said. “There were things I did I never would have done otherwise — like climbing a 100foot chimney without ropes, much to the surprise and horror of my instructor. Outward Bound, jumping off mountains on ropes, climbing up through crevices and cracks, things along that line. I was very strong in bush survival and very strong in first aid, which led me toward the fire service.”

Callaghan became a first-aid instructor and was a career firefighter with Prince George Fire Rescue for 35½ years until he retired as a captain in 2016.

396 Squadron currently has 62 cadets and six officers. Membership this year has bounced back to pre-pandemic levels. The air cadets moved there in the fall of 1981, and they now occupy the third floor, the former library section, while the sea cadets and army cadets took over the two shop areas. The Navy League occupies the school’s staff offices, and each group has access to three classrooms.

“It is a perfect setup, and it’s the only centre like it in Canada,” said Callaghan, president of Legion Branch 43. “Four other cities have tried, and they’ve only succeeded up to five years. It’s known down in the BC government as the cadet building. Shirley Bond fought like hell for that place.”

Callaghan served three terms as commanding officer: 1993-96, 2001-05 and 2023-24. Lt. Deb Mortimer took on his duties in 2024.

He was hired in 1981, the year the 396 Squadron moved into the Connaught Youth Centre, and it was a fire that made that possible.

On Jan. 2, 1979, an arsonist set fire to what was then known as Connaught Junior Secondary School. The fire gutted the classrooms, home-economics lab, and science lab, but the rest of the school — including the gym, library, administrative offices, washrooms, wood shop, and metal shop — was saved.

The 350 students were disbursed to other schools, and School District 57 trustees, facing a $2-million repair bill not covered by the $5-million deductible insurance policy, chose not to rebuild it. Al Fulford from the Prince George Legion approached the school board about leasing the property, and the city stepped up to arrange a land swap with the school district. It’s been operated by the Connaught Youth Centre Society on behalf of the Legion as a non-profit entity ever since. Thirty-two community groups now use it seven days a week.

396 Squadron offers a tri-service marching band that’s open to air cadets, sea cadets, and army cadets. The air cadets are also involved in biathlon, where they run on the adjoining field at the Connaught Youth Centre between target sessions indoors in the gym shooting .22-calibre rifles.

Eric’s son John, an air cadet captain, is the zone training officer for Prince George West. Northern BC has six other air cadet squadrons in Quesnel, Mackenzie, Vanderhoof, Terrace, Chetwynd and Dawson Creek.

Other army cadet squadrons are in Williams Lake, Fort St. John, Houston and Kitimat, while the neighbouring sea cadet units are in Prince Rupert, Williams Lake and Smithers.

Eighty-eight air/army/sea cadets and 10 officers from various units in the region will gather at the Connaught Youth Centre on April 26-27 for area directive activity training.

They’ll have cadet-specific activities on the first day, then take part in careerday demonstrations on the morning of the 26th, presented by the RCMP’s Emergency Response Team, PG Fire Rescue, BC Ambulance Service, Search and Rescue and the Rocky Mountain Rangers.

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Capt. Eric Callaghan, left, of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets 396 Squadron, salutes WO1 Corey Dajko, one of the cadets at the parade ceremony on April 8 at Connaught Youth Centre.

Old Time Fiddlers celebrating 57 years with jamboree

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

The BC Old Time Fiddlers, Branch No. 1, will celebrate 57 years in Prince George during their eighth annual Spring Jamboree — a three-day event running from Friday, May 2 to Sunday, May 4.

The celebration features a family dance on Friday night and two days of workshops on Saturday and Sunday for fiddle, guitar and banjo.

The weekend culminates in a concert on Saturday night at Knox Performance Centre in downtown Prince George, headlined by three-time Canadian Grand Masters fiddle champion Mark Sullivan.

“We bring in a few of the bigger names as instructors and performers, and then we offer lessons for two days,” said Beth Bresette, past-president of the BC Old Time Fiddlers.

“This year we have four levels of fiddle, guitar and banjo. These are always well attended. So this year’s headliner is Mark Sullivan, and he’s one of the top fiddle players in the country. It’ll be a great concert.”

their 57-year history.

Bresette’s ties to the group run deep. Her father, Dave Bowman, was one of the club’s earliest members, and her mother, Bess, was heavily involved as a volunteer.

“Throughout all these years, the weekly jams and monthly dances have continued,” Bresette said. The nonprofit group pauses activities during the summer when many members go on holidays. The pandemic caused a temporary hiatus, but interest from both young and old has remained strong, keeping sessions full of enthusiastic musicians.

The weekly jams — open to everyone — regularly attract 25 to 30 participants. Fiddlers and guitar players come together, and there’s always someone on piano to round out the sound.

From fall through spring, the group hosts monthly family dances, which have recently seen a surge in popularity. The club, which has 67 members, also offers lessons to help engage youth, and awards a bursary each year to a young musician.

“One thing that has changed over the years is there’s a wider range of ages now,” said Bresette. “We have so many children right up to seniors. As far as I

remember, it always seemed to mostly be seniors in the earlier years — but maybe that was just because I was so young.”

Back in the day, many women, including Bresette herself, learned to play fiddle later in life.

“Now we seem to have a lot of working people who bring their children,” she said.

“The jams now include musicians between the ages of 18 and 75 or so. The dances are family-friendly, with ice cream treats served instead of alcohol — and it’s worked out really well. During the dances, we do a lot of call dances like the Virginia Reel.”

In earlier years, the group also hosted competitive fiddle contests.

“They were always very popular and absolutely packed, but the interest has waned, so now we hold jamborees instead,” Bresette said.

“And we continue to do playouts in the community — that’s what we call it when we perform. We visit seniors’ homes, activity centres, various clubs around town, the farmers’ markets, Golden Age socials, and fundraisers like the ALS Walk and the Salvation Army kettles.”

For tickets and full details about the Spring Jamboree, visit: https://bcfiddlers.com/branches/prince-george/ pg-workshop-and-concert.

The BC Old Time Fiddlers have maintained a strong presence in the Prince George community throughout

FACEBOOK PHOTO

The BC Old Time Fiddlers Branch No. 1 used to have a float in the May Day Parades just like this one in 2017.

That classic Canadian sound

BTO is back: Randy Bachman, drummer Koko Bachman (Randy’s daughter-in-law) and bassist Lance Lapointe rock the CN Centre on Tuesday, April 8. This new BTO also features Randy’s son Tal Bachman on guitar and Brent Howard on keyboards and guitar. The night of classic Canadian rock also included openers April Wine and Headpins. Randy Bachman co-founded Bachman-Turner Overdrive with his brothers Robbie and Tim and singer Fred Turner in the 1970s; the band has been through a lot of incarnations since but continues to tour with hits like Taking Care of Business You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet, Let it Ride and Roll On Down The Highway.

PG Agriplex is open again after virus-related closure

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Prince George Agriplex reopened its doors to riders from across the region on Tuesday after being closed for nearly a month.

The facility was closed at the recommendation of local veterinarians due to a confirmed case of equine herpesvirus (nEHV-1) detected in a horse there.

Prince George Horse Society president Kate Peebles said the infected horse is recovering well and the virus did not spread to other animals.

“It was just the one horse,” she said. “It hasn’t gone to any of the other horses in our facility at all. I haven’t heard of any other cases. So I feel like the actions taken certainly prevented what could have become a very significant issue with our horse population.”

In an interview with The Citizen, Peebles said the closure had an impact on

operations at the Agriplex.

“We had to close down for rentals and things like that,” she said. “There were a significant number of things we weren’t able to do because we couldn’t have the public on the grounds. On the Western weekend, there was a reining clinic that was scheduled, and a few boarders were supposed to be jumping

in on April 1, but they had to be delayed as well.”

Peebles said she is looking forward to welcoming riders and boarders back after the unexpected closure. Several events are scheduled in the coming months.

“The Horse Society is doing an obstacle day for horses, so that’s happening this Saturday the 19th. The information

for that is on our Facebook page,” she said. “We have more people coming in, more boarders coming aboard and stuff like that. Then the Therapeutic Riding Association starts their season as soon as we open as well.”

For more information about the reopening, visit the Agriplex’s Facebook page or phhoursesociety.com.

The Prince George Agriplex is reopening after an equine virus was found in one of the horses there.

Tethered together for 5 km of obstacle course fun

The Zulu Challenge hits town April 26

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Push, pull, lift, carry, climb and crawl — it’s all part of the Zulu Challenge, a five-kilometre obstacle course coming to Prince George for the first time on Saturday, April 26, at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park.

Zulu Challenge founder Tosh Mugambi launched the event in 2014 after participating in a Tough Mudder competition two years earlier. Since then, he hasn’t looked back.

“Right now, we are the longest-running obstacle course event in the country, and it started in Grande Prairie,” Mugambi said.

“Every time I went to one of these events, I felt such a strong sense of community and I just loved it. So I thought we could start our own and start small. Since then, we’ve been building. It’s been like an experiment — we started with kids only, then added adults, and then the K9 category for dogs and their owners. That’s probably the only event of its kind. Usually, it’s you dragging your dog around or your dog dragging you around, so why not do something together? It’s a fantastic bonding experience, and the tethering is very unique — whether it’s couples, friends or teams. It’s incredible what happens.”

The idea of tethering participants came after social distancing mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic, he explained.

“Remember when everyone had to stay away from each other?” Mugambi said. “During that time, people were so scared of each other. I wanted to think of a word or idea that would bring people back together — so we started tethering people. It adds to the challenge, because if someone gets tired, now you’re all going to have to carry them.

“It brings back the turning-to-eachother thing. The bonding is incredible. We’ve even had people show up alone,

During the Zulu Challenge at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park Saturday, April 26 people will be tethered together and tackle up to 30 obstacles on a 5km course for adults. There are also shorter courses for parent and child, just the kids and there’s a K9 category as well.

and we tethered them to someone else who also came alone. Some of the best friendships have been created from it. It’s crazy! We just heard from a couple who got engaged — that’s how they met! So fantastic! Tethering gained momentum a few years ago, and it’s been our thing ever since.”

Adult participants will compete in pairs or teams while tethered together. Children in the kids’ categories will complete the course individually.

“And because I’m all about experiments, we’re pairing parents with their kids to tackle the obstacles together,” said Mugambi. “We’re doing it in Prince George for the first time, and we’ll see how it goes.”

Mugambi noted that Zulu Challenge is the only obstacle event of its kind in Canada that brings the experience to smaller communities.

“I have a strong fitness background. I grew up in sports — I was a boxer,” he said. “I’m Kenyan, so people always think I run — but I don’t. Once I did Tough Mudder in 2012, I knew I wanted to build a community around fitness. That’s everything I ever wanted to do, and I just fell in love with it.”

The Zulu Challenge will be held in a looped course around Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park. It will not cross any roads. Adults will complete a couple of loops, facing up to 30 obstacles, Mugambi said.

“The obstacles aren’t extravagant — they’re based on movements we do every day,” he said. “There’s pulling, pushing, climbing, scaling, flipping tires, carrying a sandbag or a log. We’ll look at the water levels, and if it’s OK, we’ll get them into the water. There’s going to be

mud — they’re going to get messy.” Safety is a top priority, he added, and participants can choose to bypass any obstacle.

“This isn’t a race — it’s a challenge,” Mugambi said. “It’s not about who comes first or last. Bring the people you care about and share the experience together — it’s just about having fun.

“We hope people show up — we want the whole city to come out. It’s very spectator-friendly, so people can come and cheer others on, because Lord knows some of the participants could use some encouragement. If you’re not in it, come and cheer for those who are.”

For more information, to volunteer or ask questions, visit facebook. com/zuluchallenge. To register, go to eventbrite.ca.

Cinematography workshop focuses on storytelling

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Arts North Digital Media Centre will host a one-day Cinematography Foundations Workshop, led by professional videographer Jeff Gruending, on either April 25 or 26, May 23 or 24, or June 27 or 28.

The workshop is suitable for everyone from beginners to more experienced videographers looking to refine their skills.

Arts North Digital Media Centre, located in the space above the Artisan Gift Shoppe at Studio 2880, offers a variety of film vignettes as part of its services. The centre operates under the umbrella of the Prince George & District Community Arts Council, at 2880 Fifteenth Ave.

Participants will have access to the studio’s full range of equipment and will explore all aspects of video production — from lighting and sound to editing — with the goal of achieving a compelling final cut.

“If you’ve had your camera on the ‘auto’ setting all these years, you can expect to learn within the first hour what all those other settings are for,” said Gruending, who runs the production company Precision FX.

“In the second and third hours, we’ll focus on lighting, because lighting is what changes your video immensely. We’ll get into all the different lights here in the studio.”

Lighting is critical, Gruending said, accounting for about half of a video’s success.

“So we will spend a lot of time working on lighting,” he said. “We’re going to work with natural light, single-point, double-point and three-point lighting. There’s quality and there’s quantity — and there is so much to it.”

After reviewing camera fundamentals and lighting, the workshop will move into audio.

“Audio helps make your final video more cinematic,” Gruending explained. “And that’s a bonus we’re throwing into the workshop. Without good audio, you might have a beautiful piece of

cinematography with horrible sound — and you can’t have that.”

The final part of the day will focus on the storytelling side of cinematography.

“We’ll look at different camera angles and how to mix and blend them to tell your story,” said Gruending. “So it’s all stitched together to give you that final video.”

He added that the process is not only informative but also a lot of fun.

“I didn’t go to film school. I’m just teaching people what I’ve learned from experience,” Gruending said.

He developed a love for videography growing up with one of those shoulder-mounted camcorders. When he got his own camera, he started filming bike rides with his brother, eventually learning how to edit.

“I was probably 16 by then and didn’t get my first digital camera until I was 19,” he said. “Video really came into effect during COVID. I got a GoPro and a drone for Father’s Day. While we were all kind of locked up and not going to work, my wife, our two kids and I were out exploring Moore’s Meadow and making videos. We’d also go to Cottonwood Island Park, Forests for the World — and those videos got seen.”

That exposure led to opportunities to shoot for local businesses and

videos on an emotional level,” Gruending said. His goal is to inspire people to support local organizations by donating or volunteering their time.

“It’s so much fun to talk about it and see people grow — going from a video where they’re just walking with the camera, to using cuts, different angles, movements and focal lengths,” he said. “It might still only be 10 or 12 seconds long, but now it looks so different.”

He said that kind of storytelling is a key part of the workshop.

“Those elements of cinematography are what keep people’s attention. The goal is for participants to make better, more exciting videos that capture viewers’ interest — and ultimately get the engagement they want from their audience. People who take this workshop will make videos they never imagined they could create.”

non-profits. Much of his work has been donated to support good causes.

“I want people to connect to those

For details and registration, visit: www.studio2880.com/arts-north/ cinematography-workshop.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Jeff Gruending will lead the Cinematography Foundations Workshop intensive offered at Art North Digital Media Centre at Studio 2880.

Dave Harding Viola Jamie Parker Piano Joe Phillips Bass, Guitar Tom Allen Storyteller/Host

Suzie Leblanc Soprano

Throwback Thursday: Week of April 17

April 16, 2011: Just in time for Easter, Piper Bilawka, 6, gets a closer look at one of 14 chicks that hatched at The Exploration Place. Another bunch of eggs were expected to hatch later that week. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY BRENT

April 16, 1964: The Benkelman Beam is the name of this device which proved city streets are holding up well to spring break-up conditions. City public works inspector Irwin Lundin was part of a crew which found that a four-ton truck deflected street surfaces an average of 1-300ths of an inch. Several aldermen (the old name for city councillors) said this was an indication of how well the sub-structured of Prince George’s streets has been built. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY ROY FUJIKAWA

April 17, 2000: Lee Meise slides down the pole into the truck bay at the old Fire Hall No. 1 as Brandon Nesbitt and Stephanie Amdt, wearing fire gear, look on. Local high school students spent the day getting work experience at the fire department.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVE MILNE

April 16, 1984: Smoke billows from logs ignited by a burner at Balfour Forest Products. Firemen and scores of mill workers fought fires that spread to two other mills at the BCR Industrial Site. The flames were reportedly caused by sparks from a beehive burner, and while damage to logs was extensive, no equipment was touched. Northern Mountain Helicopters flew a Citizen photographer over the scene for this photo.

FILE PHOTO BY BROCK GABLE

BRAATEN

CITIZEN

Working to improve critical care recovery in the north

SHAR MCCRORY Northern Health

The road to recovery after a critical illness can be long, but a new pilot project is looking to make the journey a little easier.

Surviving a critical illness or injury — and navigating the long path to recovery — can be an intense and complex experience for patients and their families. A first-of-its-kind pilot project in BC at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia (UHNBC), led by Dr. Gary Misselbrook, is aiming to improve that experience for patients who have spent time in the hospital’s critical care unit.

The Critical Care Recovery Program (CCRP) is offered through the Northern Medical Clinic at UHNBC. The program is a partnership with Northern Health, the Shared Care Committee, and the Division of Family Practice in Prince George. Additional collaborations with the First Nations Health Authority and Indigenous health-care providers aim to improve access for remote and rural communities.

The CCRP is the first pilot of its kind in BC.

The CCRP team includes a critical care physician, critical care nurses, and a clinical counsellor/social worker. The goal is to better understand what patients experience once admitted to

The road to recovery after a critical illness can be long, but a new pilot project is looking to make the journey a little easier.

the critical care unit, and to identify opportunities to improve support for survivors of severe illness.

The program follows up with patients after discharge, offering in-person and virtual appointments to increase access for rural patients.

Relatives and caregivers are

encouraged to attend to discuss post-discharge experiences. Feedback has helped shape the focus of the project — empowering patients in their care, improving communication among providers, patients and caregivers, and enhancing team-based care.

“Patients experiencing a critical illness

have a long road to recovery and often leave hospital with complex physical and psychological problems,” said Misselbrook, the critical care physician leading the pilot.

“We will provide patients and their families with a clear plan and detailed followup to enable patients to not only survive their critical illness, but to return to the best possible quality of life.”

By providing support to patients and caregivers throughout their recovery and return to their home communities, the CCRP team hopes to:

• Reduce readmission rates to the ICU during the same hospital stay,

• Minimize visits to emergency departments,

• Collaborate with local family physicians to support patients in their communities, and

• Improve patient satisfaction, education, and quality-of-life outcomes.

The CCRP team is continuing to seek patient and caregiver partners to help develop the program. They extend thanks to those who have already shared their experiences.

To share your critical care journey, contact the team at CCRP@northernhealth.ca. Physicians and health-care providers are also encouraged to reach out.

On-demand STI testing available from Northern Health

NORTHERN HEALTH

On-demand sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing is now available from Northern Health.

This free service offers a quick and easy way to test for STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV — with no need to see a doctor or nurse. If test results come back positive and treatment is required, a nurse will follow up with the individual directly. When should you use on-demand STI testing?

• On-demand STI testing is

recommended:

• As part of your regular STI checkup (every three to six months)

• If you’ve had a change in sexual activity or new sexual partners

When should you not use on-demand STI testing?

Do not book an on-demand STI test if you:

• Have symptoms of an STI

• Require treatment due to recent exposure to an STI

• Need HIV post-exposure prophylaxis or emergency contraception

• Are unable to collect your own swabs (if needed)

• Would like to speak to a doctor or nurse for any other reason Where can you access on-demand STI testing?

On-demand STI testing is available at the following Northern Health lab locations:

• Chetwynd Hospital and Health Centre

• Dawson Creek and District Hospital

• Prince George Phoenix Medical

• Prince Rupert Regional Hospital

• Quesnel GR Baker Hospital

How to book an on-demand STI test

To book a lab appointment, call 1-888-223-1530.

Patients are encouraged to use the NH Check In app to view current wait times, reserve a spot in line for drop-in services and notify the lab when they arrive. Online booking is also available through HealthElife. To change or cancel an online appointment, please call 1-888-223-1530.

For more details about STI testing, including frequently asked questions, visit northernhealth.ca.

Riley Heidt finds himself at hockey crossroads Local Sports

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

It was somewhat fitting that Riley Heidt came out of the dressing room in bare feet to stand on the unfinished concrete floor at CN Centre for what might be his final media interview as a member of the Prince George Cougars.

The stark, cold reality of a job left incomplete — a 4–2 loss to the Portland Winterhawks in Game 7 on Monday that ended the Cougars’ season — was still fresh in the 19-year-old captain’s mind. With that came the realization that his time playing hockey in Prince George is quite likely finished as he embarks on a pro career with the Minnesota Wild.

The Cougars put up an incredible fight trying to prevent their second series loss to the Winterhawks in as many years, overcoming a 3–1 deficit with convincing wins in the next two games. But for now, everyone is still trying to dissect what they could have done differently to get over that Game 7 hump.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the group, the way we found a way to bounce back, but at the end of the day you fall short by a matter of inches and it wasn’t good enough,” Heidt said.

“This group came so far from the start of the year to now. But at the end of the day it wasn’t good enough. It’s going to sting for a long time.”

Heidt joined the Cougars family in April 2020 when he was selected second overall, behind Connor Bedard, in the WHL Prospects Draft. He came to a team in retooling mode coming out of the pandemic, and with Heidt as one of the key building blocks, the Cougars climbed from basement dwellers to contenders for the conference crown.

“When I was 15 coming here, I was leaving my family at such a young age, and I came to this organization and I can’t believe how well I fit in here and how fast the time went by,” said Heidt.

Cougars forward Riley Heidt tries to pass the puck as Winterhawks forward Joel Plante tries to knock it off his stick in Game 2 of their WHL playoff series on Saturday, March 29 at CN Centre.

“It’s a first-class organization and I thank every person here — the coaching staff, my teammates, trainers, my billets — everything has been exceptional and I can’t believe it’s over. Everyone says junior (hockey) is the funnest time of your career, and it truly has been.”

Heidt played five seasons with the Cats and set team records for career points (370) and assists (254). He has been a fan favourite ever since he arrived as a highly touted kid from Saskatoon. He led the Cougars in scoring this season with 90 points, including 31 goals, and was even more productive in the playoffs with five goals and nine points in six games. He’ll always relish those celebratory leaps into the glass

after a goal — especially at CN Centre with a sellout crowd watching.

“It’s everything. You go back two or three years ago, there weren’t as many people coming out, and this city really grew and rallied back. Our team’s become a top contender every year now and it’s super special,” he said.

“When you can have that support day in, day out, it means the world to the players. When you’re in the game, a lot of the noise really goes away — at least for me — but just to see, when you’re coming out before O Canada, I still get goosebumps talking about it. The atmosphere is so special. It’s like you’re in a totally different world for a couple of hours. I’m just shocked that

it’s obviously over.”

Heidt joined the team full-time in March 2021 in the midst of the COVID lockdowns, playing an abbreviated 25-game schedule in a B.C. Division bubble. At that time, Prince George did not have the best reputation among the hockey fraternity as a desirable place to play.

But the willingness of Cougars ownership to provide the resources needed by head coach and general manager Mark Lamb, associate coach Jim Playfair, the scouts and the rest of the staff to turn the team around and make it one of the league’s premier franchises did not go unnoticed by Heidt and the other players who got in on the ground floor of that rebuild.

“To come to something that wasn’t winning and didn’t have a good so-called rep before, and be here now to see what we’ve done — with the staff we’ve got and the players over the years — is truly special,” said Heidt. “I think this organization’s changed forever, and for the good. I think there’s going to be a lot of good things here in the future. It’s going to be a place, and is a place, where people want to come.”

Heidt proved extremely durable in his time as a Cougar. He missed just eight games over his first four seasons. This year, despite breaking his jaw in November — which required it to be wired shut — he missed only two games. He missed six more in December while away from the Cougars trying out for Canada’s world junior team, and he sat out Game 4 of the playoffs while serving a suspension.

All told, the Cougars, under the care of athletic therapist Dave Adolph, lost just 20 man-games to injury — a remarkably low total considering the nature of the sport.

Assuming Heidt begins his pro career next season, at least six other Cougars won’t be back.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Cougars goalie Ravensbergen turns focus to NHL draft

TED CLARKE CITIZEN STAFF

It goes without saying that Prince George Cougars goalie Josh Ravensbergen had a different ending in mind than the one that befell the Cougars with their 4-2 Game 7 loss to Portland Winterhawks on Monday.

Like most of the 6,016 fans who packed into CN Centre that night, Ravensbergen thought this would be the year the Cougars finally shook that Portland monkey off their backs to move on to the next round of the WHL playoffs.

But just like last year’s Western Conference final, a series that ended at the hands of the Winterhawks in double overtime in Game 6, the Cougars could not avoid another cruel fate and the inevitable questions of what they could have done differently.

“Obviously it’s super-disappointing but I’m super-proud of how our guys battled back from 3-1 (down in the series), it shows a lot of character, but unfortunately we couldn’t get the job done,” said Ravensbergen.

“It was a really tough, a couple games, but I’m happy with how I rebounded but it wasn’t enough in the end. I feel like I could have been better in Game 7. Our group played really well and we faced a hot goaltender. I could have made one or two saves to make us a little more competitive but the guys played really well in front of me, a couple unlucky bounces here and there.”

Ravensbergen would be the first to

other after taking Game 6 of their first round playoff series against the Winterhawks 4-1 at CN Centre April 6.

admit he wasn’t his usual self in the first three games of the playoffs but snapped back to the kind of goaltending that put him prominently on the charts of NHL scouts who made him the top-ranked North American goaltender available in this year’s draft.

“I’ve seen him do it last year, he carried us through to the conference final and I’m not surprised he was able to do it again this year,” said Cougars captain Riley Heidt. “He’s a true competitor, I’ve never seen a guy work harder, he wants it so bad. The sky’s the limit for that kid and love playing in front of him. He gives you a ton of confidence when you’ve got a rock back there in the crease.”

That ability to block out the negatives and get back to the carefree attitude that made him so effective throughout his WHL career is what allowed the Cougars to push the series to the limit.

Heidt could end up with

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That includes his longtime buddy Koehn Zimmer and the other overagers, Viliam Kmec and Borya Valis. There’s a logjam of seven 2005-born players on this year’s team, including Heidt, and WHL rules allow for only three 20-yearolds on each roster.

That means the Cougars will have to decide who among forwards Ben

“I feel like I was a lot more poised (this season), my positioning was a lot better and I became a better skater as well — I feel lot more powerful, a lot stronger in the crease, which is exciting,” said the six-foot-five, 192-pound native of North Vancouver.

“This summer will be really important to me. I want to put on some size and get stronger. I feel I can get a lot better in the summer and I’m looking forward to coming back next year and being a lot better for our guys.”

“You have to learn how to handle it and just do your best to have fun and I think that when I’m playing my best I’m enjoying it and not really thinking about too much about the result,” said Ravensbergen.

“I’m really thankful they put that trust in me and happy that I was able to bounce back for a couple games but ultimately I feel like I could have been a lot better in the series, which is disappointing, but I’m proud of how our group battled.”

Ravensbergen said he was on a steep learning curve last season when he emerged as one of the league’s top goalies as a 17-year-old rookie and now that his day-to-day game worries are behind him for the next few months he can focus on everything he needs to do to raise his stock at the draft table in Los Angeles, June 26-27.

Minnesota Wild

Riche, Matteo Danis, Evan Groening, Van Eger, defencemen Bauer Dumanski and Alexey Chichkin, and goalie Cooper Michaluk will be part of that trio next fall.

The cupboards certainly won’t be bare — not with standout sophomores like goalie Josh Ravensbergen and right-winger Terik Parascak both expected back. Up front, there’s Jett Lajoie, Aiden Foster, Kayden Lemire,

Lee Shurgot and Patrick Sopiarz, along with young defencemen Carson Carels, Corbin Vaughan, Arseni Anisimov, Fraser Leonard, Leith Hunter and Dermot Johnston.

If Heidt makes it in Minnesota or with their AHL affiliate in Iowa, road trips will mean more planes and fewer highway kilometres.

As much as the Cougars get penalized for their isolation — the

He can’t predict how the NHL draft will unfold, with Cougar forward Aiden Foster and Jett Lajoie also considered candidates to hear their names called, but whatever happens Ravensbergen knows he’s come a long way since arriving in the Cougars’ camp two years ago as a relative unknown.

“It’s something I’ve worked really hard for and a couple years ago I couldn’t have dreamed of being in the position that I am today,” he said. “A lot of that goes to the coaches and teammates for having trusted me and I’m thankful for all they’ve done to get me to this point.” Ravensbergen is one of six finalists for the WHL’s Del Wilson Memorial Trophy that goes to the goaltender of the year, as voted by the league’s general managers.

The other finalists for the Wilson award are: Max Hildebrand, Prince Albert Raiders; Daniel Hauser, Calgary Hitmen; Carson Bjarnason, Brandon Wheat Kings; Scott Ratzlaff, Seattle Thunderbirds and Dawson Cowan, Spokane Chiefs.

or in the

AHL

northernmost team in the WHL, with their closest opponent six hours away — Heidt said those long bus rides brought some of his most cherished memories.

“For how much time our team spends on the bus, it’s a place you’ve got to learn to love, and we’ve got a lot of funny stories and a lot of fun times. That’s where we kind of meshed,” said Heidt.

Cougars goalie Josh Ravensbergen and captain Riley Heidt congratulate each

Grit, grind and goals: Spruce Kings take series to 7

The deciding game in this first-round playoff series was played after The Citizen went to press

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Just when you thought it wasn’t possible, Prince George Spruce Kings goalie Charles-Edward Gravel found a way to raise his game another notch. He stopped everything the Chilliwack Chiefs fired his way Sunday night at Kopar Memorial Arena and his 24-save shutout performance was the golden ticket in a 2-0 victory that saw the Spruce Kings headed to Chilliwack for a seventh game Tuesday night to decide the BCHL Coastal Conference quarterfinal series.

The Spruce Kings, who barely scraped their way into the playoffs over the final weekend of the BCHL regular season, lost to first-place Chilliwack in the first two games of the series, but battled back and evened things out.

Game 7 was played Tuesday night, after this edition of The Citizen was printed. Find full coverage of the deciding game at www.princegeorgecitizen. com.

On Sunday, Will Moore and Nick Metelkin took care of the goal scoring and the Spruce Kings did everything necessary in front of Gravel to hold the most potent offence in the BCHL without a goal for the first time all season.

“I tried to do my best and the boys played super-well in front of me, I didn’t get too many high scoring chances because the d-men were helping me a lot and I think it was a team effort at the end of the day,” said the 20-year-old Gravel.

It was that, to a large degree.

The Spruce Kings carried much of the play and outshot the Chiefs 27-24, but there’s no denying Gravel was superb when he had to be. Like when he absolutely robbed Chiefs right winger Dwayne Jean Jr. to keep it a 2-0 game with seven minutes gone in the third period.

Chilliwack defenceman Jayden

Veney’s point shot into a crowd in front of the crease didn’t get through to Gravel but the puck ticked off a stick and landed on the blade of Jean Jr.’s stick. He had a foot of net showing when he fired from the side thinking sure-goal just as Gravel dove back and laid down his glove on the ice to make the save.

Gravel has made dozens of incredible saves since he joined the Spruce Kings from the QMJHL in early February but none as important as that one to keep the Chiefs off the scoreboard at such a critical moment and the partisan crowd of 1,543 roared its approval.

“I just saw the puck get tipped on my right so I just tried to put down my glove and the guy shot into it and that’s

how I got it,” said Gravel.

“Today was pretty much packed, a great atmosphere, it was awesome and it helps us a lot to win for them. We’re going to give them another series.”

In Game 5 Friday, Gravel was the story in Chilliwack especially in the first two periods when the Kings were outshot 40-6.

“It’s unbelievable, he just seems to get better and better,” said Moore. “It brings great confidence to our team, knowing we have a goaltender like that and it makes a huge difference for us. Obviously he’s a game-changer for us. He still amazes me every night and I think we’re going to accomplish a ton with him in net.”

The Spruce Kings broke a scoreless

draw 47 seconds into the second period. Owen Goodbrand set up a 2-on-1 rush with Linden Makow and Makow failed to get a shot away but took the puck into the corner and centred it into the crease. Goodbrand missed the return feed but winger Moore was in perfect position to fire in the rebound for his first BCHL playoff goal.

The Kings made it 2-0 at the 8:35 mark of the second. Defenceman Trent Ballentyne sent a shot-pass the length of the ice from deep in the Prince George end with Ryan Wachtel breaking into the Chiefs’ zone on the right side a stride or two ahead of Chiefs defender Lucas Sorace.

Spruce Kings forward fires a shot into the mostly open net as Chiefs defenseman Jayden Veney tries to stop him in Game 6 of their BCHL Coastal Conference quarterfinal playoff series Sunday at Kopar Memorial Arena.

Chiefs coach disappointed with his team’s intensity

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

The puck ricocheted off the end dasher right out to Wachtel who took a hard shot and the rebound popped out to Metelkin and he pounded the puck into the open side.

“When our backs are against the wall we don’t give up or back down under pressure when the stakes are high, our team comes to play,” said Moore, a native of Westfield, Ind.

“I’ve been getting a lot of chances but haven’t been able to bury. Linden made a great play and was able to find me. It happened quick. It was an exciting one for sure.”

Although the action was fast and furious, there were few penalties called and both teams pretty much stuck to the rules. The Chiefs’ power play has been a factor in their three wins in Chilliwack this series.

The Spruce Kings maintained tight discipline and their penalty killers were called into action just once, midway through the second period, but they kept the Chiefs at bay, aided by some

aggressive sticks from Makow and Goodbrand to break up the attack from the blueline.

The Kings had three power-play chances, including a back-to-back session when Dru Mushumanski clipped Isaac Holt with a high stick. The Kings had some zone time during that four-minute stretch but couldn’t muster anything dangerous on goalie Quentin Miller.

Chiefs head coach and general manager Brian Maloney was disappointed with the intensity of his team and said his players would have to be much better on Tuesday to beat the Spruce Kings and move on to the second round.

“I expected more from our group, to be honest with you, they looked super-tired and (the Kings) looked like they wanted to go to Game 7 so good on them, I thought they outworked us physically,” said Maloney, whose team averaged 4.7 goals per game through the regular season.

“We’ll certainly have to do a lot better to score one on his kid (Gravel). He’s playing out of this world and good on

a community like Prince George that comes out to support us like they did tonight, it gives the guys a little extra incentive,” said Spruce Kings head coach Brad Tesink. “The crowd was loud, they were into the game and any energy come playoffs is huge. Our guys really appreciate the support they’ve had and now we’ve got to find a way to win in their rink.”

Heading into the third period holding a two-goal lead against a team that led the BCHL in goals scored in the regular season, the Spruce Kings did not sit back and continued to pressure the Chiefs in all three zones. Aside from that Jean Jr. chance, Gravel was never out of his comfort zone the rest of the game.

him, he’s giving his team a chance to beat a first-place team. Offence has been a grind, it’s been a different series, it hasn’t been the regular-season series. Our forwards are certainly not getting time and space out there to create anything. It’s ugly hockey.”

As has been their habit in the series, the Chiefs came out with an early flurry that led to scoring chances that forced Gravel had to come up with some key saves to keep the game scoreless.

But it was obvious watching their breakouts from defence to offence the Spruce Kings are much more comfortable playing on their own rink than they are at Chilliwack Coliseum.

They connected on stretch passes across the blueline, looked confident carrying the puck out of the zone and were quicker to get to the Chiefs sticks to force turnovers than they did in Friday’s 2-1 loss in Chilliwack.

They matched well against the speed and skill of the Chiefs playing on an ice surface that’s 10 feet shy of NHL dimensions.

“When you’re able to play in front of

“They’re a very dangerous team on the other side and we don’t take that lightly,” said Tesink. “We think if we close down some time and space that’s where we’re at our best and that’s where we’ve had success against them in the series. So keeping on them and on the front foot and not sitting back in those situations has been part of the process.”

As badly as they were outplayed in Game 5 in Chilliwack the Spruce Kings won the third period that night and were one shot away from forcing overtime. The difference in his team coming out from the second intermission was stark and Tesink said there might have been some carryover that helped them pull it out in Game 6.

“That came right from the dressing room,” Tesink said. “Guys understood that we weren’t up to our standard and we made it a point to make sure they had no momentum coming out of that even if they took the win, that we had the momentum coming up this way, and I think we did that. We’ve turned this into a one-game series.”

LOOSE PUCKS: The Spruce Kings are hosting their annual Prospects Camp, April 25-27 at Kopar. This year the club has added a Futures Camp for players under the age of 15 and will have two full rosters of 20. All camp participants will go through practices and scrimmages, as well as nutrition/conditioning and mental preparation seminars

Chiefs forward Dustin Renas tries to control the puck as Spruce Kings forward Linden Makow lines him up for a hit in front of goalie Charles Gravel in Game 6 of their BCHL Coastal Conference quarterfinal playoff series Sunday.

Cougars overagers leave an indelible mark on team

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

They’ve played their last game with the Prince George Cougars and now that the junior hockey season is over for overaged forwards Koehn Ziemmer and Borya Valis and defenceman Viliam Kmec they’re about to find out what it’s like to be professional hockey players.

All three signed NHL entry-level contracts and the next chapter of their hockey careers is about to begin with Kmec property of the Vegas Golden Knights, Valis destined for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ziemmer on his way to the Los Angeles Kings.

That last game did not end well — a Game 7 loss Centre to the Portland Winterhawks on Monday in front of a sold-out CN that meant a first-round playoff exit for the Cougars. But there was still much to celebrate looking back on their stellar WHL careers.

In his final junior season, the 20-yearold Ziemmer (37-34-71) set a team record for most career goals with 128. The Mayerthorpe, Alta., native tallied 132 assists and 260 points in 244 regular season games in five seasons in a WHL career that started when the Cougars chose him fourth overall in the 2019 WHL Prospects Draft.

“I’ve been here since I was 15 and time flies, for sure, and the organization has been nothing but great, said Ziemmer. “Between the city, the fans, my billets and everybody that’s been involved, all the trainers and it’s been a pleasure to be involved, I have nothing but good things to say.”

The Kings selected Ziemmer in the third round, 78th overall in the 2023 NHL draft and if not for a broken leg that forced him to miss nearly four months of the 2023-24 season he likely would have played pro in the AHL this season.

“I wasn’t sure it was going to happen this year but coming back (to the Cougars), from a development side, there’s nothing better that could have happened,” Ziemmer said. “Coming back and playing lots with a good team here and being able to play with a lot of

good players and a lot of guys I played with before, they say junior hockey is the best time of your life and I couldn’t agree more.”

Always a fan favourite, Ziemmer will be remembered as the Pizza Goal Delivery Guy for the six times he scored the Cougars’ fifth goal of the game to guarantee a free pizza for every fan in the building at CN Centre.

“Year after year (Cougar fan support) has gotten better and if you look we’re in the top half of attendance in the league, which is unreal,” said Ziemmer.

“I truly don’t think there’s better fans than the ones here, the way they come out. If you look at Game 6 and Game 7, it was unbelievable.

“The first two years were pretty rough, obviously, not winning many games and the (pandemic) bubble was a different experience, but year after year we’re just getting better. The organization’s on an upward trend here and we’re one of the top teams for the last three years and as a young guy this has to be one of your top destinations.”

Ziemmer says he will be in California to begin practicing Sunday with the Kings AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign.

Valis arrived at mid-season last year in a trade from the Regina Pats and was a big part of the Cougars’ extended playoff run, which ended in a Game 6 loss to Portland in the Western Conference final.

much defence and this year I came into the season and that was one of the biggest things I wanted to improve on and take my offensive game and start it defensively,” Valis said. “When you start playing defence first then offence will always come. Those were the conversations we had with the coaching staff and tried to really put it into my game.”

Kmec led all Cougars defencemen in his fourth WHL season with 18 goals and 61 points - nearly doubling his point production from the previous year - and had a plus-43 rating (third among WHL rearguards).

Born in Los Angeles and raised in Denver, Valis averaged more than a point per game during his time with the Cougars (47-70-117 in 98 games). This season he was third in team scoring (34-46-80). He had three goals and four assists in the playoffs, matching Ziemmer totals.

“Definitely tough to go out like that but we were down 3-1 and we never gave up and that was the mentality of our team, to keep going, and not to fold and I think that’s what we did,” said Valis. “I know it’s not the outcome we wanted but we truly left everything out there and it sucks to not get it done.

“The year-and-a-half I’ve spent here has been truly incredible, I love this city and I love this organization, they took me in like family, all guys from last year and this year it was such a close group,” said Valis. “The fans are unbelievable, they support us like crazy, honestly it’s the best place in the WHL to play for sure.”

Valis was Connor Bedard’s linemate with Regina Pats two seasons ago and didn’t start focusing on the defensive side of the game until after he was traded to Prince George halfway through the 2023-24 season. His commitment to being a two-way forward led to him signing his contract with the Leafs on March 1.

“Going into the season, the last couple years (before that) I didn’t play too

Selected by the Cougars in the second round, 104th overall in the 2021 CHL Import Draft, Kmec was consistently productive (35-106-141) in a career that included 245 games over four seasons. He scored once and had four assists in the playoffs.

Coming from Slovakia as a 17-year-old was a culture shock and he says his teammates and the people of Prince George made that adjustment so much easier.

“It’s become a second home to me, four years is a big chunk of my life that I spent here and I love all the fans and the people here are awesome,” said Kmec, one of six finalists for the WHL’s Bill Hunter top defenceman award.

He thrived under the coaching of former NHL defenceman Jim Playfair, who taught him what it takes to become a pro.

Kmec and Bauer Dumanski were paired together often as defence partners during their four years in PG and became good friends and billet roommates.

Dumanski, one of the key players expected back in the Cougars’ camp next year as a 20-year-old, strained his hip flexors on his first shift of the second period in Game 3 in Portland. He also missed Game 4 and the Cougars lost those two games to fall behind 3-1 in the series.

“It was brutal after it happened and I missed Game 4 but Dave (athletic trainer/strength and conditioning coach Adolph) got me going again and I was glad I could play Game 6 and 7,” said Dumanski.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY TED CLARKE

Good buds forever, Cougars players from left, Riley Heidt, Koehn Ziemmer, Bauer Dumanski and Viliam Kmec get together for one last photo in their dressing room at CN Centre to clean out their stalls the day after their season ended on Monday, April 7.

Special Olympics athlete plans to focus on team sports

Adam ‘The Wall’ Spokes is one of the athlete ambassadors preparing for the Summer Games

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

As one of the athlete ambassadors for the Special Olympics BC Summer Games that will be held in Prince George from July 10 to 12, Adam Spokes takes his job seriously.

Always ready with his heartwarming grin, Spokes talked about how participating in the Special Olympics year round program for athletes with intellectual disabilities in Prince George impacts his life and the lives of fellow athletes during the 100-days-out countdown to the games celebration that took place on Tuesday, April 1 at the Kin Centre atrium.

Spokes, who has been an athlete for 12 years, spoke about how the games give him a reason to get out into the world.

“I’ve competed in provincials and nationals in a variety of sports, and I am proud of what I’ve accomplished — not only for our province and city, but definitely for our country,” Spokes said. “Special Olympics athletes, despite a lot of things, are serious about our sports. We’re serious about being athletes, we’re serious about showing up, and we’re serious about doing the hard work. The 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games gives us a chance to showcase that.”

Spokes said the majority of the Special Olympics summer sports are mostly geared to the individual, like 10-pin bowling, bocce, swimming, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics and track and field.

But there’s one team sport, basketball, that Spokes said he was willing to try for the first time.

“To tell the truth, I’ve always wanted to try a team sport,” Spokes said. “It’s a lot harder to do a team sport here in Prince George because we don’t have a lot of people willing to join a team. A lot of athletes prefer the single sports like swimming, powerlifting and track and field. So it’s a lot harder to get 10 or 12 people who specifically pick this sport.”

Athlete ambassadors Marinka VanHage, Adam Spokes and Chase Caron talk about what the games mean to them at the announcement of the 100-day countdown to the event on Tuesday, April 1 in the atrium of the Kin Centre.

Spokes went to the provincial championships to compete in five-pin bowling during the BC Winter Games in 2023 and powerlifting in 2024, he cited as examples of what he has done in the recent past.

“In basketball I am usually on defence,” Spokes said. “I mostly handle keeping the ball away from the net and handling rebounds and getting the ball up the court – but mostly I make a good wall. Other athletes waste a lot of energy trying to run around me!”

Spokes said practice has been once a week and believes it will probably amp up closer to the games.

He said to prepare for the games he continues to participate in the Special Olympics programs offered in Prince George.

“Luckily enough I am a glutton for punishment and I do nine different sports, on top of basketball, so I will be doing track and field, soccer, more powerlifting, and then of course, in my spare time I will be doing other things as well. I love walking up University Hill.”

Here’s a list of the Prince George

athletes competing during the BC Summer Games:

• 10-Pin Bowling: Carol West, Linda Renner, Emilie Snyders, Debbie Bileck, Cindy Komoski, Michael Harris, Greg Cole, Greg Eveneshen, KC Westerman, Sean Demers, Timothy Jolicoeur

• Track and field: Randella Willier, Marinka VanHage, Tyler LeFebvre, Spencer Rourke

• Aquatics: Dallas Poole, Brooklyn Sherba, Carla Caputo, David Dunn

• Bocce: Ruth Caldwell, Tara Chiasson, Issac Goudal, Adrian Rosen

• Golf: Rita Cavenaile, Josh Pudney, Daniel Lafreniere

• Powerlifting: Diana Bramble, Sam Russell, Leif Skuggedal

• Rhthymic gymnastics: Darcie Muzychka, Michaela Samsonoff, Angela Hills

• Basketball: Chase Caron, Josh Mehrassa, Matteus Cordeiro, Audrey Nelson, Tegan Raines, Adam Spokes

The Special Olympics BC Summer Games organizing committee is gearing up for the event and is looking for 1,000 volunteers to help make this a memorable event for the more than 1,100 athletes who will be in Prince George from July 10 to 12.

For more information and to register as a volunteer visit www.specialolympics.ca/british-columbia/2025-sobc-summer-games.

If you are interested in volunteering, visit the BC Special Olympics website to register by scanning this QR code.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Life Events

Philip Newcombe

September 11, 1949 - April 26, 2024

Remembering Phil, a much loved Husband and cherished Dad. A daily thought, a silent tear, a constant wish that you were here. An empty space no-one can fill, we miss you lots and always will. Love Isobel, Kate and Babs. XXX

Esther Creuzot 1921-2024

Esther Creuzot (Hamblin) was born in Bottineau North Dakota in 1921. At the young age of four Esther her parents and siblings arrived in Canada and homesteaded at Leroy Saskatchewan. She took all her schooling in Leroy with the exception of grade 12 in Bottineau.

Returning to Leroy she met the love of her life Henry Creuzot and they were married in 1943. Esther and Henry lived in Vancouver, Mission, and a brief time in Kelowna before arriving in Prince George in 1951. Together they went into the hospitality business building Grama’s Inn and Esther’s Inn, along with raising their family.

She is the last of her siblings and is predeceased by Sisters; Evelyn, Marion, Lucille, Ethel and Brothers Virgil and Orville. As well, her loving husband Henry and grandson Curtis. Left with fond and loving memories are sons: Gary (Alice) and Roger (Peggy); grandchildren Allen (Tracy), Duaine (Becky), Brian (Shawn), Grant (Kristie), Jason, Todd, Thelma (Lorne) and Donalda (Marty). Several great and great great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank her friends, family, and workers that looked after her over the last years of her life.

Memorial celebration of her life will be held at the First Baptist Church, 483 Gillette St, on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 1 pm. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Prince George Hospice Society would be greatly appreciated.

Sylvia Cooney

July 8, 1927 - October 22, 2023

Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 1pm at the PG Golf and Curling Club. Words of remembrance welcome, light refreshments, and host bar. RSVP to Diana.collicutt @gmail.com

George Murguly

June 12, 1945 - February 14, 2025

George Murguly, 79, of Qualicum Beach, BC, passed away on February 14, 2025.

He leaves behind his wife Suzanne and children David (Tracy), Elisa (Larry) and grandchildren Sierra, Jocelyn, Clara, and Renee.

Born in Hungary, George moved to Canada in 1956. He was an engineer and a fantastic teacher. He loved sports, outdoor adventures, and community contributions.

A Celebration of Life is being held at Yates Memorial Services, Parksville, May 17th 1-3 pm.

Phyllis Bernard

July 9, 1947 - March 22, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a great wife, mother, grandmother, aunty and friend.

Phyllis Bernard passed away March 22, 2025. She was predeceased by her parents, baby brother Gerald and brother Bob.

She is survived by her husband Rene, sisters Benny and Linda (Larry) and brother Don (Leona), children Renata (Dwayne) and Lorne (Michelle), grandchildren Deven (Kristen), Britney (Brandon), Gavin, Gabrielle, and Gage, and great grandchildren Levie, Hedrick, Mya and Henry.

Phyllis was daughter to Ralph and Margaret Lindstrom and was proud to be born and raised in Prince George. She was happiest when she was beating the boys at their own games be it hunting, fishing, cards, street racing or bsing. She was proud of the summers she spent working at her father’s logging camps, any time she bested her brother Bob, the business and home she helped her husband to build, and above all else her family. She was a long-time active member of the Prince George Genealogical Society. Whether discovering a new distant relative or striking up a lengthy conversation with someone at the grocery store she was constantly connecting with people.

Phyllis was a pillar of strength to her friends and family. She was fearless, hardworking, adventurous and incredibly kind and loyal. Always ready to catch up with a fresh pot of coffee, she was often one of the first people to hear both your good news and your bad news. No one was ever prouder of your accomplishments, and no one was quicker to go to bat for you.

Phyllis dedicated her life to the people around her. She taught everyone in her life how to be a better friend and neighbour, how to be a better person. She will be sorely missed, but she lives on everyday in the kindnesses we offer to ourselves, our loved ones and complete strangers.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 1-4pm at the banquet room in Parkhill Center 556 N Nechako Rd #6 in Prince George.

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of

Dale Eugene Cornet and Gary Kempster

Predeceased by their mother

Leona (Cornet) Kempster

They leave to mourn their passing, their father

Arthur Kempster and sister Patricia Grier & family

No service by request.

“Forever in our hearts”

Connie Moore

March 31, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Connie Moore. Connie passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on March 31, 2025, at the age of 65.

Connie is reunited with her parents Lora and John and is survived by her family Carol (Jerome), Sharon (Don), Joan (Bernie), Roberta (Mike), many nieces, nephews and her beautiful cat Fern.

Connie spent over two decades being part of the AimHi family. AimHi enabled Connie to accomplish many achievements, including becoming a valued volunteer in the community. She established great friendships and enjoyed all the events and experiences that AimHi had to offer.

Connie’s infectious smile and loving hugs will be missed by all. She enjoyed crafts, dancing, singing, and spending quality time with both her families. She was a fighter, and without a single complaint, courageously overcame more battles and challenges in her lifetime than anyone should ever experience.

A celebration of life will be held 12 pm – 3 pm on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at AimHi, 950 Kerry Street, Prince George, BC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Connie’s name to AimHi or an animal rescue society of your choice.

Brandy Bachmann-King

August 21, 1974 to Setpember 28, 2024

A Celebration of Life honouring Brandy will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025 @ 1:00pm at the Courtyard Marriot 900 Brunswick Street, Prince George.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Brandy’s name to BC Cancer Agency, Prince George Hospice House or BC Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Freda May Thorson

January 7, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Freda M Thorson on January 7, 2025.

Freda was a quiet person who loved her family deeply. She is predeceased by her devoted husband Morris and son John.

Freda is greatly missed by her sister Audrey and all her family.

September 21, 1951 - March 26, 2025

Our dear Sheila, always the best of us, passed away peacefully after a long respiratory illness on March 26, 2025, in Prince George, BC.

Born on September 21, 1951 in Calgary, Alberta Sheila is now reunited with her loving husband Murray Keith and sister Ellen Smith and is survived by her children Todd (Brenda) Johnson and Kristie (Hugh) Delwo and grandchildren Montana (Dane) Chapman, Morgan (Jack) Quiring, Jordis Delwo and Halle Delwo. Sheila is also survived by her siblings, Betty (John) Broderick, Bill Rhodes, Gerry (Minoska) Martin, Dolly Hilton, Penny Guise, Susan Reid, countless nieces and nephews and her extended British family Bernie (late Nigel) Wiggett and children.

Sheila’s life was filled with endless love and devotion for her family along with an unwavering passion for her career. She embarked on a fulfilling journey spanning over 25 years at UNBC from the groundbreaking opening ceremonies to her satisfying retirement. Throughout the summer months, Sheila enjoyed her time spent with family, many friends and a good book at her source of solitude – The Cabin at Stuart Lake, BC. This is where everyone gathered to share their stories, laughter and love of lake life.

Sheila, an accomplished professional, was always sharing, teaching, and passing on to all surrounded by her. Her wisdom, passion and strength was cherished and recognized as a key pillar of our family. Sheila was admired by everyone, whose love and wisdom will be missed and her unwavering belief in equality will continue to inspire.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Rest in peace - your strength and courage will live on in all of us.

Sheila Laine Keith

Dale Eugene Cornet

March 11, 1956 - February 24, 2025

Gary Kempster

March 8, 1964 - February 25, 2025

Classifieds

By Mick Harper

DEAR PAW’S CORNER:

I have an adventurous Shorthaired Pointer named “Gordie” who loves running through the woods behind my home while I walk behind him. He occasionally comes back with scrapes and cuts. I want to share with your readers how I take care of his minor injuries, and when a vet visit is necessary.

Most of the time, Gordie’s scrapes are very minor. I always check him when we get back to the house, because he can

easily pick up ticks, too. I remove any clinging ticks and kill them right away. I check the pads under his paws, and run my hand along his coat to remove burrs. If he has a scrape on his side or paw, I clean it with warm water, disinfect it and put some antibiotic ointment on it. If it’s a place where he can scratch or lick, I cover it with a gauze bandage for a couple of days.

Last month, Gordie limped over to me with a deep laceration on his left front paw pad. Fortunately, we weren’t far from home. I carried him inside and gently looked at the injury. It wasn’t bleeding too badly, but the cut was very

Prince George, BC

1. Name the theme song from the film “Same Time Next Year.”

2. The Supremes had five No. 1 songs in 1964. What were the songs?

3. Which Lady Gaga song was used in the 2011 animated film “Puss in Boots”?

1. Which group released “Rag Doll”?

4. Who was the first to release “What a Fool Believes”?

2. Name the artist who wrote and released “Dreamy Eyes.”

Answers

3. Which group released “GreenEyed Lady”?

1. “The Last Time I Felt Like This,” by Johnny Mathis and Jane Olivor in the 1978 film.

4. Who wrote and released “Cracklin’ Rosie”?

5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “If I could take my pick of all the girls I’ve ever known, Then I’d come and pick you out to be my very own.”

2. “Back in My Arms Again,” “Baby Love,” “Come See About Me,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “Where Did Our Love Go?”

3. “Americano.” The song was used at the end of the film when Puss and Kitty Softpaws are dancing across rooftops and then through the credits.

Answers

1. The Four Seasons, in 1964. The song spent two weeks at the top of the Hot 100 chart and reached No. 1 in Canada as well.

4. The Doobie Brothers, in 1978. The song ended up with a Grammy for Song of the Year and was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

2. Johnny Tillotson, in 1958. The song was his first single and made it on to the Hot 100 chart. Tillotson penned several more hits over the years, including “Poetry in Motion.”

deep, and trying to clean it was very painful for him. This time, we had to see the vet. I wrapped his paw in gauze to protect it and off we went. The vet stitched him up, and Gordie has to wear a lampshade collar for the next week or so to let it heal.

3. Sugarloaf, in 1970. A few years ago an old tape was found of the group’s live performance in 1975. It was remastered and turned into a vinyl album titled “Sugarloaf Live 1975.” It’s available online.

4. Neil Diamond, in 1970.

5. “Never Be Anyone Else But You,” by Ricky Nelson, in 1959. Nelson’s song has been covered by several artists, including internationally, over the years. The song has recently been used in a TV commercial for chicken noodle soup.

I hope my story will be helpful to readers. -- Tyler N., Dracut, Massachusetts

DEAR TYLER: This is very helpful! Best wishes to Gordie for a speedy recovery. Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.

© 2024 King Features Syndicate

Capital Senior

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“Save egg cartons for children’s painting palettes. It’s very easy to give kids a small amount of many colors, and they don’t spread them out and run them together as quickly when they are

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each in their own cup. Plus, they are easy to carry.” -- O.L. in Utah

* Remove price tag residue off hard surfaces with hairspray. Or WD40 works well too.

* Make your own frozen dinners by purchasing divided trays and using them to store leftovers. Slip each into a plastic bag and label. On busy nights, you can take your favorite out and microwave it.

-- A.S. in Oregon

LUNG SCREENING

PUBLIC NOTICE FOREST OPERATIONS MAP REVIEW

PUBLIC NOTICE FOREST OPERATIONS MAP REVIEW

PUBLIC NOTICE:

OPERATION MAP REVIEW

In accordance with the Forest Range and Practices Act, Canadian Forest Products Ltd. (Canfor) invites the public to review its Forest Operations Maps (FOM ID: 2286) in the Prince George Natural Resource District.

public to review its Forest Operations Maps (FOM ID: 1628) which provides development plans within the Prince administered from the Prince George Natural Resource District. The FOM(s) have been prepared in accordance Act and describe areas planned for Cutting Permit and Road Permit development within the next three comments on the FOM(s) at any point during the review and comment period, which starts July 11, 2024 and

public review and comment submissions online at the following website address: or https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects#publicNotices

Carrier Lumber Ltd., invites the public to review its Forest Operations Maps (FOM ID: 2284 and 2285) which provides development plans within the Prince George Timber Supply Area and administered from the Prince George Natural Resource District. The FOM(s) have been prepared in accordance with the Forest and Range Practices Act and describe areas planned for Cutting Permit and Road Permit development within the next three years. The public may provide comments on the FOM(s) at any point during the review and comment period, which starts April 17, 2025 and ends May 16, 2025.

The FOM describes areas proposed for Cutting Permit and Road Permit development within the next three years starting on May 14th, 2025, and ending on April 14th, 2028. We welcome your comments and feedback during the one-month review period starting April 14th, 2025, and ending May 14th, 2025.

comment of FOM(s) can be completed, by appointment to ensure a Carrier Lumber woodlands staff member locations during regular office hours (8:30 am to 4:00 pm):

5S5

The FOM(s) is accessible for public review and comment submissions online at the following website address: Forest Operations Map (gov.bc.ca) or https://fom.nrs. gov.bc.ca/public/projects#publicNotices

The map is accessible for review and comment submission online at: https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects#publicNotices.

submitted by mail to the above address or by phone at (250) 563-9271 or by email at fom.pg@carrierlumber.ca

Alternatively, in-person review and comment of FOM(s) can be completed, by appointment to ensure a Carrier Lumber woodlands staff member will be available, at the following locations during regular office hours (8:30 am to 4:00 pm):

4722 Continental Way, Prince George BC V2N 5S5 FOM(s) comments may also be submitted by mail to the above address or by phone at (250) 563-9271 or by email at fom.pg@carrierlumber.ca

Alternatively, in-person review and comments can be completed at the following location during regular office hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM):

5162 Northwood Pulpmill Road, P.O. Box 9000, Prince George BC V2L 4W2

Comments may also be submitted by mail to the above address or submitted via phone or email at: 1-250-962-3512; pg.fom.comment@canfor.com

Aviation fees charged to the operation of aircraft at Prince George Airport will be increased effective June 1, 2025 to offset increases in airport operating costs.

Please visit our website at www.pgairport.ca/business-information/rates-charges/ for details NOTICE

George BC V2N

*On April 28, 1953, inventor Howard Ross received a patent for his “double coat,” which contained an outer layer extendable to cover two people. It was designed to protect sports fans in athletic stadiums during rain.

* On April 29, 1945, Adolf Hitler, concerned that the cyanide capsules given

• On Nov. 11, 1831, Nat Turner, an American slave and educated minister who believed that he’d been chosen by God to lead his people into freedom, was hanged in Jerusalem, Virginia, for leading a revolt with 75 followers through Southampton County, killing about 60 white people.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Someone will try to pull the wool over your eyes. Trust your inborn sense of what’s right and what’s wrong to help you avoid getting fleeced.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Love dominates the Taurean landscape this week, but someone from the past doesn’t feel so kindly to the divine Bovine. Resist an attempt to goad you into a fight.

to him and wife Eva Braun might be ineffective, tested one on his German shepherd, Blondi. The dog died and Braun took her dose the next day, while Hitler reportedly shot himself. The German public remained unaware of the couple’s relationship until after their deaths.

* On April 30, 2019, Emperor Akihito of Japan stepped down from the throne at the age of 85, becoming the first Japanese monarch to abdicate in more than two centuries, after having announced his desire to do so because of poor health a few years earlier.

* On May 1, 1955, golfer Babe Didrikson

Zaharias won the Peach Blossom LPGA Tournament in Spartanburg, S.C., the 41st and final LPGA title of her career, even as she was battling the colon cancer that would end her life the following year.

* On May 2, 1963, more than a thousand Black schoolchildren marched through Birmingham, Alabama, in a protest against segregation that became known as the Children’s Crusade and Children’s March. Nearly 800 of them were arrested, including a 6-year-old girl, primarily for parading without a permit.

* On May 3, 1986, Willie Shoemaker, at age 54, beat 18:1 odds to become the

oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby. After retiring in 1990, he returned to the track as a trainer for another seven years. Shoemaker also authored three best-selling murder mysteries featuring jockey-turnedsleuth Coley Killebrew.

* On May 4, 2002, an Executive Airline Services twin-engine plane crashed and exploded in a densely populated section of the Nigerian town of Kano, after shearing off the roofs of dozens of homes and two mosques, killing 149 people and destroying almost three full blocks of buildings. An investigation ruled the cause of the crash to be pilot error.

• On Nov. 12, 1969, investigative journalist Seymour Hersh revealed the extent of the U.S. Army’s charges against 1st Lt. William L. Calley at My Lai, Vietnam, in a cable picked up by more than 30 newspapers, saying that “The Army says he [Calley] deliberately murdered at least 109 Vietnamese civilians during a searchand-destroy mission in March 1968, in a Viet Cong stronghold known as ‘Pinkville.’”

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A perplexing on-the-job situation that you thought was resolved reopens with a new twist. But this time, you’ll have more people willing to help you deal with it.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A major move could be good for your career, but you worry that it might cause problems for your loved ones. Before making a decision, talk things over with them.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) The Big Kitty’s glitter dazzles the right people who react to your charm. But they’ll want more proof that you can do the job they’re offering.

• On Nov. 13, 1979, Philadelphia 76ers center Darryl Dawkins leaped over Kansas City Kings forward Bill Robinzine for a memorable slam dunk that shattered the fiberglass backboard. His equally memorable comment on the move, which was not his last and the sound of which spectators likened to a bomb going off: “It wasn’t really a safe thing to do, but it was a Darryl Dawkins thing to do.”

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Continue to assess both sides of a workplace situation before deciding which to support. An old friend brings potentially life-changing news. Listen well.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)

Your natural inclination for fairness might conflict with the special needs of a friend. Weigh both issues carefully and make your decision in your usual honest way.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A misunderstanding causes a rift in a once-closed relationship. Make a move toward sealing the breach before it grows too wide to ever be repaired.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) You can keep secrets like no one else can, but an unexpected development may force you to consider revealing one of them.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Someone tries once again to goad the Goat into a confrontation, but resist. Remember that you’ve nothing to gain by being the butt of someone else’s ambitions.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) An opportunity that recently opened up needs to be fully explored to make sure that no unsettling surprises will emerge later on. Ask questions and demand answers.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20)

An old friend reveals a secret from the past that can lead to changes in relationships with family and friends. Expect a shocking reaction from a surprising source.

• On Nov. 14, 1882, outlaw Frank “Buckskin” Leslie shot and killed Billy “The Kid” Claiborne, who had publicly challenged him, in Tombstone, Arizona.

• On Nov. 15, 1984, Baby Fae, a month old infant who received the world’s first baboon heart transplant, died at California’s Loma Linda University 20 days after the operation. Three other people had received animal heart transplants, but none survived longer than a few days.

• On Nov. 16, 2001, British author J.K. Rowling’s most famous and beloved creation, the bespectacled boy wizard Harry Potter (played by Daniel Radcliffe in his first major role), made his silver-screen debut in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” which went on to become one of the highestgrossing movies in history.

Homes & Living

Early Spring Yard Maintenance: A Fresh Start for a Thriving Landscape

As winter fades and the first signs of spring emerge, it’s the perfect time to prepare your yard for the growing season. Early spring yard maintenance sets the foundation for a lush, healthy landscape and prevents bigger problems later in the year. Tackling a few essential tasks now can save time, money, and effort throughout the seasons.

Clean Up Debris; Begin by clearing away dead leaves, branches, and other debris left behind by winter. This not only tidies up the yard but also allows sunlight and air to reach your lawn and garden beds, promoting healthy growth. Rake gently to avoid damaging tender new grass or compacting wet soil.

Inspect and Prune; Check trees and shrubs for any damage caused

by snow or ice. Prune dead or broken branches to encourage healthy growth and maintain a tidy appearance. For flowering shrubs, be mindful of their bloom cycle— some should be pruned after they flower to avoid cutting off buds.

Prep Lawn and Soil; Rake the lawn to remove thatch and loosen compacted soil, especially in hightraffic areas. Aerating the lawn can improve drainage and encourage root development. Apply a slowrelease fertilizer to feed the grass and consider overseeding bare patches to restore a full, green lawn.

Weed Control; Spring is a crucial time to get ahead of weeds. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seeds from germinating. For established weeds, handpulling or spot treatments with a

post-emergent herbicide can be effective. Staying on top of weed control now makes maintenance easier later.

Garden Bed Preparation; Turn and loosen the soil in garden beds, removing weeds and adding compost or mulch to enrich the soil. This also helps with moisture retention and suppresses new weed growth. Planning your planting layout during this time can make the transition into the growing season seamless.

Equipment Check; Finally, inspect and maintain your gardening tools and lawn equipment. Sharpen mower blades, check oil levels, and make sure everything is in working order. Well-maintained tools not only perform better but also make yard work more efficient.

Early spring yard maintenance is all about setting the stage for a vibrant, healthy landscape. By investing time now, you ensure your yard looks great and thrives through the seasons ahead.