Prince George Citizen August 14, 2025

BC forest industry reacts to latest U.S. trade war salvo

John A. Brink says his company is already feeling the effects

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

With the U.S. Department of Commerce recently announcing it is raising countervailing duties on softwood lumber from Canada from 6.74 per cent to 14.63 per cent, many in the forestry industry are concerned, to say the least. With this new increase, combined with the anti-dumping duties of 20.56 per cent imposed on Canadian forestry, the total has now reached 35.19 per cent, leaving many in the industry feeling anxious, especially in the North.

John A. Brink, owner of Brink Group of Companies in Prince George, has already been feeling the effects of this ongoing trade war, as his locations in the North have had to downsize to a third of their employees in order to mitigate the impact of ongoing trade tariffs and duties imposed by the United States.

“We already can feel it,” said Brink. “Maybe we don’t directly feel it, but indirectly, we already feel it. That’s the way it is. We probably have shut down to around 130–150 people … and directly it’s going to affect everybody. If the economy goes down and businesses are shutting down or leaving, that’s going to affect the whole community; that’s the facts of reality.”

Brink told The Citizen that a concerning number of the larger forestry companies’ locations have already been shutting down across the North, leaving medium- to small-sized ones to fend for themselves in a hostile market.

He added that unless the costs of these products rise to meet the new duties imposed by the States, these smaller companies will be in more hot water than they already are.

“We’ve been in business for 50 years, as a secondary manufacturer,” said Brink. “We don’t get handouts, we get no subsidies, and it’s always a struggle to have access to time. That has been

one of the main challenges. A lot of the mid-sized companies are having a difficult time because the duty applies to all others, which is in excess of 35 per cent. So unless the prices come up, everybody was already losing money. Now it will make it much, much more difficult. Unless prices come up — and there is no evidence of that at this moment — I would speculate that quite a few of the mid-sized companies will either curtail or shut down until this thing settles.”

Brink also believes the uncertainty caused by these ongoing increases in duties and on-again, off-again tariffs is by design, to keep Canadian companies unbalanced and uncertain.

“That’s the whole point,” said Brink. “If you’re in business, you need reasonable expectations of what will happen next and why. If you don’t know, and if there’s only one man that makes all the decisions, then everybody wakes up in the morning and says, ‘Let’s do this,’ or ‘Let’s do that,’ it makes it extremely difficult. I think what governments have to do in Canada is be firm in terms of being aware of the companies that are being affected, help as much as we can, and reduce or eliminate the duties. To give handouts — even a $1.2 billion — is not by far sufficient to be helpful. It should have another zero, in my opinion, but the other part of it, the Americans will say, subsidy. And I believe all of those

infrastructure that cuts the lumber, and that is very, very expensive and it’s not going to be done on a short-term basis. So they do have a shortage. They have to find it somewhere else in the world; the likelihood is more than any other place in Canada. Canada plays a major, major role, and not only in lumber, but also steel, aluminum, and all kinds of other things, and projects on and on and on.”

Despite his company’s setbacks, he is still firmly optimistic about the future, not only for his company but the economic growth of the North.

things we have to consider before we get too far clear of debate.”

Despite his long and successful career in the Prince George area, he said in his interview with The Citizen that, at least in his company, times have never been harder than they are right now.

“The objective of the president of the United States is to make Canada the 51st state, which is ludicrous and absurd,” said Brink. “It’s a very, very troubling point. It’s been 60 years since I came to Prince George in 1965. In 1975, I started doing forestry products and a number of other companies. It has been a challenge along the way, but it has never, ever been as difficult as it is today. No question about that. Where are they going to go from here? Who knows? I believe even Donald Trump doesn’t know. Whatever he feels like tomorrow morning.”

While this uncertainty is currently hurting Canada’s lumber industry, Brink said it’s also going to do no favours for neighbours on the other side of the border as well.

“The United States cannot survive without our lumber in terms of building,” said Brink. “They have a chronic shortage of between 30 and 40 per cent of lumber requirements, although their leadership said, ‘Oh, we can cut lumber in the parks and all the other places,’ you have to then put in place

“We have huge, huge potential, but we have to be on the ball,” said Brink. “We have to be proactive, find new markets for new products for lumber manufacturing. But also in terms of mining, reduce the bureaucracy. We have the highest cost of lumber manufacturing and access to fibre in the world, virtually.

“A lot of that is bureaucracy and, of course, policy provincially and to a certain extent, federally. We’ve got things to do there that we can do in-house, in the province, and in Canada. To become more effective, and more efficient… We live in the best place in the world as far as I’m concerned. In Canada, we have it all, and all we have to do is be more innovative, add more value to all the resources that we have, not only lumber, but also all the mining resources.”

Both the BC Lumber Trade Council (BCLTC) and the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) are condemning the increases.

The organizations say they are deeply concerned that these new duties — combined with anti-dumping duties of 20.56 per cent — raise the total to 35.19 per cent, a number COFI calls “crippling.”

The BCLTC emphasized that the increases will only serve to economically harm both countries.

COFI added that possible solutions include streamlining permitting processes, activating provincial timber sales, removing cross-ministry bottlenecks and enhancing partnerships and revenue sharing with First Nations.

BRINK GROUP OF COMPANIES PHOTO

The Brink Group of Companies has had to downsize to a third of its employees in order to mitigate the impact of ongoing trade tariffs and duties imposed by the United States.

City looking to develop business plan for new Civic Core

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Work continues on the City of Prince George’s Civic Core Plan, with administration gearing up towards hiring a consultant to create a business plan for the project.

Between July 14 and Aug. 1, the city solicited expressions of interest from consultants “interested in an opportunity to provide a business case for the land use vision for an area referred to in downtown Prince George as the Civic Core District” on its bids and tenders webpage.

An expression of interest is used to see whether there is an appetite for service providers to bid on a contract before formal offers are solicited.

The city’s bids and tenders website states that four firms submitted expressions of interest: Vancouver-based Capex Project Advisory Services, Vancouver-based Cornerstone Planning Group, Lincoln, Ont.-based HLT Advisory Inc. and Edmonton-based Urban Systems Ltd.

Prince George city council approved a vision for the Civic Core Plan at its Dec. 16, 2024 meeting after more than two hours of discussion.

The motion that passed directed city staff to consult with user groups of the new facilities the plan would see built, including the Prince George Spruce Kings, Studio 2880, the Prince George Playhouse and the Prince George

Symphony Orchestra.

The page for the EOI states that “Beginning in January of 2025, city administration and representatives from current and potential facility users have engaged regularly to collaboratively determine the most appropriate pathway forward for the next phase of consultation and research.

“The successful applicant will be required to work in collaboration with such city administration and representatives as more particularly described in Annex 1 below to inform the business case.”

A business case for the project would provide a basis for the scope of the project and its potential costs.

Citizen owner and publisher Cameron Stolz has been involved with the user group discussions surrounding the Civic Core Plan.

In a July email to The Citizen, a city spokesperson said “the final business case will aid city administration in providing recommendations to council for next steps, including building designs and architecture, site servicing plans, and recommendations on funding sources. Administration will aim to present the final business case to council in Q4 of 2025.”

For example, when the Civic Core Plan was last discussed by council, the seating capacity for the eventual replacement for Kopar Memorial Arena was still up in the air.

Though the city didn’t specify when it will issue a formal request for proposals, the bids and tenders page said that it “requires the business case to be completed by Nov. 28, 2025.”

CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE PHOTO

This map shows the subject area for the City of Prince George’s Civic Core District Plan.

The future of the city’s Civic Core involves a radical reworking of what’s now Canada Games Plaza.

New home for fre truck

Children learn how to use a fire hose as the newly restored vintage fire truck, once a fixture in Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, was unveiled Sunday at its new home in the Shell-Glen community park. The truck was moved to the park after the decision was made to remove the truck from the park; the Shell-Glen Improvement Society stepped in and offered to set it up in the community, and the city accepted.

Successful search and rescue missions across the area

CITIZEN STAFF

A Quesnel Search and Rescue team found a man who had been lost in the woods for a week after spotting him from the air.

Williams Lake RCMP stated that Andrew Barber, 39, had been reported missing on July 31.

The rescuers reported the rescue on Facebook on Saturday, Aug. 8. The exact location was not disclosed.

“This outcome is the result of countless hours on the ground and in the air, using every resource and piece of technology available to us,” the rescue team stated.

The man had painted the words “HELP” on a light-coloured boulder. Assisting in the search were the RCMP, PEP Air and BC Emergency Health Services.

Barber went missing after his truck, a 2004 black Dodge Ram 1500, broke down on a remote road.

“Today’s result is why we train, why we respond, and why we never give up,” the rescue team stated.

No further information was released.

A man lost in the wilderness near Quesnel wrote “HELP” in giant letters on a rock.

Fort St. James hiker found by search and rescue volunteers

Search and Rescue volunteers out of Fort St. James are happy to report the safe return of a lost hiker.

Fort St. James Search and Rescue, in a recent Facebook post, shared that an experienced hiker found himself lost on Shas Mountain, an area known for

its rocky cliffs and with a trailhead only accessible by canoe.

The hiker immediately called the RCMP when he realized he was lost, provided his co-ordinates and remained in place.

Interior Helicopters helped the team bring home the lost hiker before nightfall.

Successful mission for Prince George Search and Rescue in the McGregors

Prince George Search and Rescue members, less than 24 hours after assisting in the rescue of a missing hiker with Robson Valley Search and Rescue, were called in to rescue an individual in medical distress.

They stated in a social media post that they were dispatched to a steep, remote area of the McGregor Mountains on Aug. 2.

The man was found in severe medical distress and was reported to have been in a “decreased level of consciousness” by Prince George Search and Rescue.

Class ‘D’ Fixed Line technologies longlined the subject to Bearpaw Heli-Skiing’s base, where they were transferred to another helicopter and flown to Prince George.

On arrival, BCEHS was waiting to take them to the hospital.

Prince George Search and Rescue thanked Yellowhead Helicopters for bringing machines and pilots to assist with the rescue and Bearpaw Heli-Skiing for use of its staging area.

QUESNEL SEARCH AND RESCUE PHOTO

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Free short-term parking for veterans now ofered at airport Simon Fraser Open

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Veterans going to Prince George Airport are eligible for free short-term parking as of Monday, Aug. 11.

In a media release issued that same day, the airport said it is partnering with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 43 for the initiative, which will allow people with veterans plates to park in the short-term parking lot for no charge.

Airport authority president and CEO

Geoff Ritchie, who is also a veteran of the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force, said the program is a “small but meaningful way we can express our appreciation for the dedication and sacrifice of Canada’s veterans.”

“As someone who has served, I’m especially proud to partner with the Prince George Legion to make travel a little more convenient for those who have given so much to our country.”

Legion spokesperson John Scott said the organization was grateful for the recognition.

“It may seem like a small gesture, but it sends a big message. Our veterans are valued, respected and remembered,” Scott said.

The release said the airport would update its signage and available information in the coming weeks to let visitors know about the free parking program.

Tomorrow is what BC has to o er.

Tomorrow is on.™

When we think of energy, it’s easy to remember the technical terms like kilowatts and e ciency. But what does it really mean to us, as people? It’s warming up the house when it’s chilly. It’s sterilizing medical tools for our doctors and nurses. It’s firing up the BBQ to enjoy some delicious salmon.

Enbridge is proud to be at the heart of what makes beautiful BC thrive—supporting the things you love and driving key industries like healthcare, manufacturing, construction and more. Above all, we’re committed to keeping natural gas a ordable, reliable and versatile—empowering BC today and for the tomorrows to come.

Visit enbridge.com/bc to learn more.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Betty Ann Shiels putts on the ninth green as she competes on the second day of the Ladies Simon Fraser Open at Prince George Golf and Curling Club Sunday, Aug. 10.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Drivers with veterans’ plates can now use short-term parking at YXS for free.

Washrooms for all? Commitee approves advocacy plan

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Prince George’s Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs approved an advocacy plan that aims to secure capital funding for washroom access in the city at its Tuesday, Aug. 5 meeting. Back in December 2024, city council heard a notice of motion from councillors Tim Bennett and Trudy Klassen that included several action items relating to washrooms.

It included getting updating cost estimates from a 2019 study on improving downtown washroom access, include questions about public washrooms in

future city surveys, ask staff to apply for grants that could help improve washroom access and ask the intergovernmental affairs committee to create an advocacy plan.

A report prepared by city staff ahead of the Aug. 5 committee meeting said that another report on washrooms is expected to be presented to council in the third quarter of this year.

Also attached to the meeting agenda was a draft advocacy plan that will be attached to that report.

The one-page advocacy plan is simple.

It lists the objective of getting increased capital funding to improve

safe and clean washroom access for all Prince George residents.

These efforts will be directed to the provincial minister of housing and municipal affairs as well as the minister of state for local governments and municipalities, to the federal minister of housing and infrastructures.

Apart from government officials, the advocacy will also include the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Union of BC Municipalities.

The proposed advocacy will take the form of letters, direct engagement, information packages and other efforts directed at these officials.

In Klassen and Bennett’s motion,

there was mention of a self-cleaning washroom installed in Valemount for which more than $300,000 in provincial grants were provided.

City staff said on Aug. 5 that of the funding sources Valemount was able to access, Prince George would only be able to apply for one of them — up to $30,000 from the Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Community Places program.

The advocacy plan passed unanimously.

The only member of the committee not present at the meeting was Coun. Brian Skakun, though Klassen sat in as an ex-officio member.

New focus on economic development for city commitee

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Less than two weeks after the United States hiked duties on softwood lumber and less than a week after tariffs on non-CUSMA-compliant goods went up to 35 per cent, Prince George’s Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs voted on Tuesday, Aug. 5 to focus its efforts on economic development for the rest of the year.

In a report attached to the meeting’s agenda, written by chair Coun. Garth Frizzell, he noted that other communities like New Westminster, Kelowna, Nanaimo and the District of North Vancouver have either launched committees or other efforts to draw in new businesses.

Given finite resources, Frizzell wrote, the intergovernmental affairs committee could direct staff to collaborate with the city’s economic development team to find strategies to address the economic uncertainty Prince George is facing rather than create a new body.

“There’s lots of talk about what’s going to be happening with forestry, but we don’t have a real clear risk profile of what’s going to happen and what would be the impact,” Frizzell said at the meeting.

Prince George’s Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs was joined by Prince George-Valemount Conservative MLA Rosalyn Bird and Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Kiel Giddens as well as Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies Conservative MP Bob Zimmer at their Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 meeting on the second floor of city hall.

“We don’t want to suddenly have a mill go down and have hundreds of high-paying jobs lost without any backup plans.”

He added that when the provincial and federal governments make grants or other funding available, Prince George needs to make sure supports

are in place because the city has both a unique importance and unique vulnerability.

Coun. Susan Scott said she supported the idea as she believes that everything the committee does is connected to economic development.

Coun. Kyle Sampson agreed, saying

he felt this work went hand-in-hand with the committee’s work.

City staff recommended that the committee update its terms of reference to mention economic development. A motion approving that change was approved unanimously.

About an hour after the committee meeting ended, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new supports for the softwood lumber industry during a visit to Kelowna.

He said the federal government would provide up to $700 million in loan guarantees for lumber companies, invest $500 million to “supercharge product and market diversification,” update federal procurement processes to require companies working with the government to use Canadian lumber, diversify international markets and provide $50 million for upskilling, reskilling and income supports for more than 6,000 workers in the sector.

Also on the economic development front, Frizzell said there is a rumour that the provincial government might withdraw funding for technology entrepreneurship in Northern BC.

The committee reviewed a draft letter that would be sent to new Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Ravi Kahlon should the withdrawal come to pass.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY COLIN SLARK

Lane closures for fnal phase of John Hart Bridge work

City applying for Carrie Jane Gray Park renewal grant

The City of Prince George is making a grant application that could help pay for the renewal of Carrie Jane Gray Park if it’s successful after receiving council authorization on Monday, July 28.

City staff wanted permission to apply to the Union of BC Municipalities Strategic Priorities Fund, which itself is funded through the federal Canada Community-Building Fund.

According to a report written by staff, the program contributes 100 per cent of costs to eligible projects up to a maximum of $7 million.

Construction for approved projects must begin within two years of the funds being awarded and finished within five years.

In the estimated timeline for this

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The outside southbound lane on the John Hart Bridge as well as the right turn lane from Highway 97 onto Fifth Avenue will be closed as the City of Prince George enters the final phase of work on the water main that crosses the structure.

Crews will work to connect a new 1.3-kilometre long forcemain to the existing system at Fifth Avenue. The new main will service all properties in the city north of the Nechako River.

The city said it expects the work to take eight days to complete, with traffic returning to normal on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 19.

The traffic disruptions will start on Monday, Aug. 11, though the inside southbound lane and the two left turn lanes along that same stretch of road will stay open. Northbound lanes will not be affected.

Once the new main is installed, the

old line can be isolated and replaced.

“Twinning the lines ensures continuity of service in the event of a break and increases capacity, allowing for future growth and development north of the city,” the release said.

The bridge was closed to traffic for two weeks in October 2024 during an earlier phase of work when part of the bridge deck along the southbound lanes had to be removed.

The project was supposed to be finished this February, but the city said that construction materials arriving late caused delays.

Deterioration of the original forcemain, which was installed in 1977, was discovered by the city back in 2019. The bridge was widened from two lanes to four back in 2001.

In 2024, the city issued a warning to avoid the Nechako River as it flows under the bridge and installed a temporary containment unit after a sanitary sewer leak was discovered.

Deadline Extended

project, the city would find out whether it is successful by 2026, start construction on the project by 2028 and finish up by 2031.

Renewal of the park, which includes several baseball fields and is named after Prince George’s first female mayor, has been under discussion in recent years, including during an open house focused on the subject held in June 2024.

A preferred concept plan for the renewal was then presented to council in November 2024, which proposed the construction of a new all-weather field, new roads and parking, relocation of the BMX track and more.

At the time, administration said that it could start putting money aside for the project in increments starting in 2025.

Councilllors voted unanimously to approve the grant application.

Join the Accessibility Advisory Committee

Help identify, remove and prevent the barriers people with disabilities can face when using the Regional District’s programs and services.

There are up to 12 positions available on the committee and the application deadline is Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 4:30pm.

The Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference and application forms are available at the Regional District ofce at 155 George Street, Prince George, and online at rdfg.ca/Accessibility

CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE PHOTO

The final phase of work to install a forcemain on the John Hart Bridge started Monday and is expected to last until the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 19.

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Why not come and knock on BCNE’s door?

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

Few events in our half of the province match the history and heart of the British Columbia Northern Exhibition (BCNE).

As Prince George prepares to welcome thousands to participate in the BCNE from Thursday through Sunday, the BCNE shows once again that it’s more than just a fair — it’s a living celebration of everything that makes Prince George exceptional.

This year’s theme, Come and Knock on Our Door (the theme song of classic sitcom Three’s Company) is a nod to hospitality. A theme more than fitting for an event that has thrown open its gates and welcomed fairgoers of all ages for more than a century.

In fact, the BCNE predates the City of Prince George itself, with its roots reaching back to 1912 — three years before the city incorporated. That remarkable longevity speaks volumes about the value our community places on gathering and celebrating.

This event doesn’t simply appear each summer. Something not widely known: the BCNE is not a city-run event. It is the product of months of hard work, fundraising, and community collaboration. The BCNE is only made possible by the Prince George Agricultural and Historical Association (PGHA), thanks to their tireless work and a passionate team of volunteers who plan, coordinate, build, entertain, inspire, and then clean up afterwards.

grainy Fort

1913, was re-published in The Citizen on Aug. 26, 1958. It ran with a detailed history of the fair by Mrs. R.B. Carter and a note that longtime Prince George resident Harry G. Perry, who had been a member of the BC Legislature and a publisher of The Citizen, at the time could recall the names of everyone in the photo. The first fall fair in the history of Prince George (then called Fort George) was held in 1912 at what has only been recorded as “Mr. Moore’s rink.”

It’s a labour of love, and it shows.

This year, the Exhibition Grounds will be bursting with life. Along with the thrilling midway rides, equine competitions, indoor vendors, and

We acknowledge the fnancial support of the government of Canada.

Nous reconnaissons l’appui fnancier du gouvernement du Canada.

local performers, this year boasts the return of the SuperDogs show featuring rescue pups with world-class agility is sure to draw huge crowds once more, while livestock demonstrations and the

Kennedy Gordon Managing Editor

ever-popular 4-H Club give attendees a front-row seat to the region’s agricultural roots.

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FORT GEORGE TRIBUNE PHOTO

This

George Tribune photo of the second agricultural exhibition here, labeled The Fort George Exhibition

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From the editor: An apology to The Citzen’s readers

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

This is an apology.

We have retracted a series of stories that we published over the past two weeks, both in print and online, due to an undeclared conflict of interest involving the reporter who wrote them.

The stories involved issues with pre-hospital care in BC and included interviews with people who have advocated for potential changes. The series’ first three stories ran in print in our July 31 and Aug. 7 papers, and two of them then ran online.

This series will not continue.

Often, it is easy to assume a news report is biased. That is why I, as managing editor here and elsewhere, have always made sure that the reporters

working for me understand that even the appearance of bias is unacceptable. This keeps our reporting fair, balanced and, most importantly, objective.

In this case, I was not aware that the veteran reporter writing the series, Ted Clarke, had spent several years as the vice-president of an organization advocating for changes to BC’s helicopter air ambulance services. His vice-president position was a volunteer role, and the organization seems to have become largely defunct after 2018. However, during his tenure as vice-president, he advocated for the same changes which were the very subject of this series, some of which was done in interviews with other media.

Ted did not disclose any of this information to me or to our readers. Had I known he had been an active

participant in the process he was covering as a reporter, the series would not have been published due to that conflict of interest.

This coverage was not objective reporting. It was advocacy journalism in disguise.

There is nothing wrong with advocacy journalism — provided that you, the reader, are advised of the writer’s position from the start.

It is our job, as a news organization, to ensure through clear explanation that our readers know whether a story is unbiased reporting or an opinion piece where the author is writing to defend and/or promote their position.

When this situation was brought to my attention by a reader, I took immediate action. The stories were taken down from our website. We cannot unpublish the

stories printed in our paper, so please allow this apology to stand as an explanation that these stories were flawed and should not have been published.

I have put a lot of myself into this news organization over the past year. We’ve had wonderful successes returning The Prince George Citizen to its historical role as the premier news source for our community. That work has been for you, our readers, and we let you down on this one.

We at The Citizen are committed to providing you with balanced and objective reporting. I want to assure you that steps have been taken to prevent this from happening again.

I cannot apologize enough for this oversight.

Thank you.

editor@pgcitizen.ca

BCNE wouldn’t be possible without dedicated volunteers

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

But the BCNE isn’t just looking backwards with events like the quirky and spirited Mrs. Roper Romp at the Ale Festival, where guests will don vintage ’70s garb in homage to Three’s Company. It’s filled with fresh energy and new ideas, including the addition of caricature artists — an exhibit which we at The Citizen are personally looking forward to seeing.

There will be local bands, impersonators from Legends Live, and a casino night fundraiser supporting both the BCNE and Spirit of the North. The festival truly offers something for everyone. And speaking of everyone — this year’s Seniors Fair, hosted by the Prince George Council of Seniors, deserves special mention. On Thursday, Aug. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., for a $2 admission fee, seniors can enjoy free coffee, affordable food, games, music, and a showcase of 50 senior-focused services and organizations. That kind of affordability and

inclusivity is something the organizers take pride in. As BCNE president Amy Heise reminds us, once you’ve paid your gate admission (just $10 for most), everything from the dog shows to concerts to caricatures is included. If you don’t want to hit the midway or grab cotton candy, there are still countless ways to fill your day with entertainment, education, and joy without spending another dime.

The BCNE has always been about connection between generations, between rural and urban, between past and present.

So, this week, come out and join us at the BCNE. You’ll find the heart of Prince George and a tradition 113 years in the making.

To the volunteers, board members and sponsors who work year-round to bring the BCNE to life: thank you. You don’t just put on a fair — you put a spotlight on what it means to be a community.

Visit www.bcne.ca for details.

Here’s what the midway looked like in 1963. A lot of the classic rides and games are still popular today in updated forms.

Fight wildfres with new ideas, not just old methods

ALBERT KOEHLER Guest Columnist

Inhaling Smoke again?

Yes, we must deal with climate change, but unfortunately, not enough has changed when it comes to reducing or fighting wildfires.

In the past I have written several columns and provided ideas on wildfire prevention and fighting approaches in the north of our province.

Our government still does not seem to understand that the impact on our health and associated cost caused by wildfires is tremendous, while at the same time the damage to our economy is very high, because valuable timber is lost with the result that sawmills, and subsequently pulp mills, cannot survive with tumbling timber supply.

Our tourism industry takes a beating because by now it is known that we have wildfires polluting the air, and tourists stay away. The recently announced federal financial support for the lumber industry is welcome, but it does not mean that more timber will be available.

As long as the remaining timber

LETTERS

EDITOR to the

City of PG should make trails a major capital project

Re: Renewed vision needed for our riverside trails, Aug. 7

Thanks for the excellent investigative story about Prince George’s riverside trails. I would add that, in my view the root cause of the deteriorating trail along the Nechako River comes down to dollars and vision.

Many years ago, it was established that the No. 1- used recreational facility in Prince George was its trail system. Despite this, and perhaps because of the outdoor and often rustic nature of the city’s trail system in combination with the substantial contributions of volunteer groups, it has been easy for

A BC Wildfire Service pontoon plane, which can collect lake water and dump it on active fires, operates on Tzenzaicut Lake on Friday, Aug. 1 near Quesnel.

basket in the northeast of our province remains untouched and export quotas decrease, our lumber industry will continue to suffer.

The fire “detection system” seems to work but we do not have sufficient resources to effectively fight fires. As is currently done, hiring summer students and training them as fire fighters can provide only limited success, although it is a good idea.

I am referring to the fires south of Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake.

Why are we not hiring professional firefighters, supported by volunteer firefighters, year-round not just in cities but also in regional districts, instead of not being able to contain the fires as soon as they are detected?

Further, it has been determined that more than 50 per cent of all fires can be traced back to human causes. More

Erosion along the Nechako River has eaten away at the banks, leaving this once-peaceful bench in a precarious situation.

us to get away with spending relatively few tax dollars on our trails.

Despite the very high recreation

must be done about this.

Professional regional district firefighters could assist in winter with firefighting in other countries, for instance, or assist with other winter related issues, etc. It comes down to ideas followed by action. Yes, to tackle these problems, more funds will have to be available to reduce pollution and protect forests and buildings.

Exactly here lies the problem with the high taxpayer-supported BC debt burden of $59.9 billion in 2022/23. What can be expected?

The growth of debt in subsequent years has been extraordinary.

This year, taxpayer-supported debt is forecasted to climb to $118.8 billion. In other words, in nominal terms, it will double in just three years.

This is a completely wrong approach, and it must be reversed.

Unless the government finally changes course and drastically slows the pace of debt accumulation, this number will continue to climb uncontrolled.

Albert Koehler, P.Eng., is a former Prince George city councillor.

small in comparison to the many tens of millions of dollars spent on ‘bricks and mortar’ recreational projects.

It is past time for us to prioritize a major capital project to protect and develop the Heritage River Trail along the entire south bank of the Nechako River.

This will require extensive rip rap, trail rebuilding, and yes, offsetting projects to compensate for any negative impacts on fish.

We are indeed fortunate in Prince George to have not one, but two major rivers in the city.

and enjoyment value, plus the health benefits of walking, cycling and running, the overall capital spend has remained

Most other towns and cities with such amazing natural waterfront assets to go great trouble and expense to highlight them as key features of their communities.

Mike Nash

Prince George

LUCAS PETIT PHOTO

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

OPINION

BC Wild re Service warns that AI-generated photos are out there

People live on social media these days and many are very easily fooled because they’ve been conditioned to not fact checking and believing a lot of what they see on any social media platform.

Learn to fact check to save you from grief and foot in mouth disease by going to provincial and local government websites and using government apps because they’ve been conditioned will contain accurate information.

In a state of local or regional emergencies social media is inundated with misinformation, partial information and out right lies. We all know government websites are notorious for slow information but they do try to give as much accurate information as possible.

With that being said many people are usually panicking and not thinking clearly and see something on social media and take it as gospel truth until something else pops up and struggle to think clearly and literally become sheep following the herd.

It happens a lot, try to stay calm and think before acting.

Dearth

Share your views on our stories at pgcitizen.ca

Wildlife protections make erosion repairs to Prince George river trail dif cult

These trails should be expanded and tourism PG is missing a huge opportunity. Why not while expanding the trail system have a small electric train similar to what is in Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park?

Have it run to Wilkins Park in Miworth every sunny day. It would be packed with people using the park and floating our beautiful Nechako River.

Maybe have it start at Paddlewheel park Kamloops has made their river a tourist attraction. Look what we’ve done

Jason Bourdon

BC Wild re Service warns that AI-generated photos are out there

AI, while it could become a wonderful assistant and aid, is going to become a problem with no cure...

there is nothing wrong with AI in itself, it is the people programining that are the problem, and will continue to be.

I doubt even governments can stop it now as it will very quickly go underground as soon as they try, and be worse than phishing email and scam calls.

bcracer

Editorial: Several factors at play as Prince George shoreline trail erodes

In the early 1990s the city commissioned a study on the most used and valued recreational assets in PG, it was called the PERC report.

The report noted that the city’s trail system was the most used recreational asset in PG.

At that time the city had a Rivers and Trail committee staffed by volunteers and one member of the city’s Park department.

The budget for trail maintenance then was $26,000 a year which included emptying garbage cans and grass cutting.

Essentially, the most valued recreational asset in PG used by the most people had no real budget to fund it. You can imagine what the city was spending on pools and skating rinks.

Around that time, the Nechako Rotary Club built the Cottonwood Island trail at a cost of $145,000 and “sweat equity” provided by club members.

Those that forget their history are doomed to repeat it! Nechakoman

Intergovernmental affairs committee approves public bathroom advocacy plan

Public-access washrooms are not a new thing, and if managed correctly they will serve a community well.

Victoria has public access washrooms and have had them for decades with no issues (yes, there’s always a few idiots that attempt to damage them but due to the construction of the washrooms, destruction and almost impossible).

They are locked by security at night and reopened by parks staff in the morning and cleaned. Security checks them throughout the day and if cleaning is required, they call it in to the city.

If we can avoid the expensive “self-cleaning” B.S. and just go simple and durable, this shouldn’t be an issue and they will fill a gap that is needed in the city.

John Zukowski

Intergovernmental affairs committee approves public bathroom advocacy plan

Public washrooms won’t work, period. Quit wasting money on pipe dreams.

Drug addicts cannot function like normal humans and will destroy these facilities ... they will not be safe and clean for any normal people.

Until we address the mental health and drug abuse it is doomed to fail. Where has common sense gone...????

Bleeding hearts and love AIN’T GONNA FIX IT!!!!

Ed S.

BC climate disasters taking their toll on mental health

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

With the disastrous effects of climate emergencies constantly at the forefront of conversations in the North, many — including the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) — are hoping to address a less often discussed consequence: the psychological toll.

“Climate change is posing unprecedented challenges to mental health in Northern BC — from the trauma of wildfires and flooding to the isolation wrought by extreme heat,” said CMHA of Northern BC executive director Elaine Laberge. “We are deeply grateful to CMHA BC Division and CMHA branches provincewide for standing shoulder to shoulder with us — combining our expertise and resources to strengthen emergency service continuity plans, build climate-resilient programming, and deliver rapid, culturally safe support to those who need it most. Together, we are ensuring our communities remain resilient today and for generations to come.”

Many people who have lost their homes to fires or floods must face the stress and anxiety of displacement — grieving homes and even loved ones — all while relocating and rebuilding their lives.

The CMHA BC Division and CMHA branches in the Interior and North have recently joined efforts to provide training and support across the region, preparing staff to deal with the psychological consequences of climate-related disasters in the North.

CMHA climate-disaster support initiatives include:

• Training 32 staff across eight branches in Psychological First Aid — specialized training in emotional support during a disaster

• Coordinating Canadian Red Cross business continuity workshops for three branches to enhance service resilience during emergencies

• Supporting five CMHA branches in accessing post-disaster

recovery grants, enabling delivery of urgent mental health services in communities including Princeton, Merritt, Quesnel, 100 Mile House, Prince George and Williams Lake

• Delivering six provincial presentations on the mental health impacts of climate-related emergencies — reaching more than 700 attendees

• Launching a survey in the South Cariboo on the mental health impacts of wildfires and extreme weather

• Coordinating in-person emergency scenario exercises

• Co-developing climate-mental health resources with partners such as the Canadian Red Cross, First Nations Health Authority, Health Emergency Management BC, the Salvation Army and United Way BC

Laberge spoke to The Citizen about the unique role Prince George plays in the North — especially when it comes to both the practical and psychological aspects of climate disaster recovery.

“Prince George is the hub of the North,” said Laberge. “People are forced to migrate here when there are fires in other areas. One of the things that we’re deeply concerned about at CMHA of Northern BC is what would happen if something happened in Prince George. That’s a big, huge concern because, as the hub of the North, that would have

our housing units. If we had an emergency in Prince George, what would we do for the folks living with schizophrenia? What would we do to ensure they are safely relocated with minimal disruption?

“Schizophrenia is very, very serious — disruptions can be really problematic. The Red Cross has been amazing in supporting nonprofits during emergencies. That’s how we got to start our clinical program in Quesnel — through Red Cross support.”

far-reaching implications.

“We’re concerned as folks with living and lived experience — what would it mean to them? And what would it mean to ensure that we had a service continuity plan in place? Not just to be prepared for emergencies, but to be prepared for what happens after the emergency.”

Laberge is a passionate advocate for these initiatives, having seen the deep mental health impacts of climate disasters firsthand.

“We can’t pretend that we aren’t in a climate emergency,” she said. “It’s there all the time. When I was doing my PhD and writing my dissertation, Lytton literally burned to the ground. That’s not a fluke. The floods in the Delta aren’t just happenstance.

“I know that, when I talk to folks and they see smoke in the air — or they smell heavy smoke — a lot of folks feel panic. Because it’s no longer like when I was young, when there were fires and things, but nothing on these catastrophic levels. And you turn on the news and, across Manitoba, entire communities are being displaced.”

Laberge also described how the new initiatives and training are already making a difference in real-world emergency planning.

“We get to share knowledge and resources — that’s the really critical piece and why I say we’re standing shoulder to shoulder,” said Laberge. “For instance, I’m thinking about one of

She added that increased focus on service continuity planning means that, if disaster strikes a region supported by CMHA, workers can continue to get paid and vulnerable populations — including those in transitional housing or facing food insecurity — can still receive support.

Laberge also highlighted the importance of the Red Cross in providing free workshops and climate-mental health resources to CMHA branches across the North.

“The North is a massive place with unique needs — both during disasters and in everyday life,” she said. “I want people in the North to know there are supports in place if they face the worstcase scenario.”

“I know what being displaced from home and community is like,” said Laberge. “How that can wreak havoc on your mental health. It’s the uncertainty — the scariness of it all — which is why people need support. They need to know resources are available. They need to know it isn’t just one small branch trying to look after everything.

“BC Division is well aware that Northern BC is vast. The geography alone makes it impossible for one association to plan and care for everything on its own. That’s why we need our network of branches — and the support of BC Division.”

Laberge shared two key mental health resources for people facing climate disasters:

• bcdisasterstress.ca

• Crisis Prevention, Intervention and Information Centre: 250-564-5736

BC WILDFIRE SERVICE PHOTO

Many of BC’s rural communities are under evacuation alerts as climate changes fuel an intense wildfire season.

Spotless Uniform and Linen fre does $1.9M in damages

Nobody hurt as Hart industrial laundry burns

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Spotless Uniform and Linen was destroyed by fire late Tuesday, Aug. 5.

The business is located on Kenworth Road at Highway 97.

Prince George Fire Rescue crews from four halls headed to the scene shortly before 9 p.m. with three engine trucks, a pumper truck and a rescue truck. Fire crews were there overnight and into Wednesday to deal with the removal of hazardous materials, including cleaning chemicals.

The building was destroyed. There were no injuries reported.

The first arriving crews found the building partially on fire, with smoke rising into the air.

Extinguishing the blaze took several hours and required the use of a ladder truck, as well as hand lines and master streams from other apparatus.

The fire caused extensive damage to the building, resulting in a total loss of the structure and an estimated $1.9 million in damages.

Nearby vehicles and buildings were spared.

Spotless handles commercial and industrial uniform and fabric cleaning for customers in BC and Alberta.

Tammy Holmgren, general manager at Spotless Uniform, told The Citizen they are incredibly thankful no one was hurt.

She said the company will work with authorities and continue to serve customers at its other locations.

Crews remained on scene Wednesday, Aug. 6 to monitor the building and extinguish any hot spots or problem areas.

Greg Wood, the route supervisor at Spotless Uniform, was at the scene Wednesday morning and said the fire was believed to have started on the east end of the building.

He speculated that a power box may have been to blame.

However, the cause of the fire remains

Prince George Fire Rescue crews work on a blaze that broke out at Spotlight Uniforms and Linens

Tuesday, Aug. 5.

under investigation.

Fire Chief Bryan Burleigh held a press conference at the scene later Wednesday, emphasizing that fire suppression is still underway and it may be several days before an investigation can be conducted.

“Firefighters from four fire halls, 19 suppression members, arrived here to find a fully involved commercial structure,” said Burleigh. “Big events like this take several days. We’re still managing hotspots and extinguishing fire, and that has to be completely extinguished before any investigation can be conducted here.”

Burleigh, during the conference, added some details about the steps firefighters took to tackle the blaze when arriving on scene.

“We first arrived on scene, our incident commander built an overall incident action plan,” said Burleigh. “That’s based on strategies, priorities, and is achieved through tactical assignments. Upon arrival, it was confirmed that there were no occupants in the building, so that takes away one of the life safety hazards for us. The building was fully involved on arrival with fire and heavy fuel loads from the unconsumed fuels, meaning the

after

smoke. It was deemed to be a defensive operation right from that line.”

He also added that the void spaces in larger commercial buildings, like Spotless Uniform, create challenges when it comes to fighting fires.

During the press conference, he praised the teamwork and efficiency of Prince George fire crews in tackling the overnight blaze.

“It was the quick action, the preparedness due to training, the

professionalism, and just the teamwork and the collaboration,” said Burleigh.

“A fire of this nature comes with an incredible amount of work and as you can see, it’s almost going to be 24 hours to extinguish a fire of this nature.”

Work crews were also present and had begun fencing off the site in the aftermath of the fire.

Security and insurance personnel were on scene but were unable to confirm any details to The Citizen.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

on the Hart Highway

Prince George Fire Rescue crews continue to deal with hot spots the morning

a fire destroyed the Spotless Uniform and Linen building in the Hart on Aug. 5.

City of Prince George updatng wildfre mitgaton plans

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The City of Prince George is inviting the community to provide input on updates to the city’s wildfire mitigation plans.

The Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP) seeks feedback on identifying mitigation priorities, areas of concern and upcoming fuel mitigation work at Shane Lake.

Fuel mitigation efforts at Shane Lake focus on creating defensible space, improving access and manoeuvrability

for wildfire suppression crews, and reducing the risk of high-intensity crown fires.

Planning for the treatment area was completed in May and June 2025, and a draft fuel management prescription is being finalized. It is expected to be submitted to BC Wildfire Service by the end of the month.

The city plans to begin fuel treatment operations in late fall or winter, depending on site conditions and weather. Local residents can expect closures while work is underway.

The CWRP aims to reduce wildfire

risks and protect neighbourhoods, natural areas, and critical infrastructure. It will replace the 2018 Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

The city said the updated plan will “guide local action to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from wildfires.”

It also noted that most high- and moderate-priority projects and recommendations from the 2018 plan have already been started or completed.

The updated CWRP is expected to reflect local conditions contributing to wildfires, incorporate provincial best practices, and address the priorities of

residents, Indigenous communities, and regional partners.

It will also align with other city strategies, including the Official Community Plan, the Climate Change Mitigation Plan, and Emergency Response Planning.

Three public drop-in sessions were held earlier this week.

Residents are encouraged to visit the city’s website to submit questions, prioritize future actions, and use the interactive map to identify local areas of concern: getinvolved.princegeorge.ca/ CWRP.

BC Wildfre Service warning of AI ‘forest fre’ photos

People are falling for fake images circulating on social media

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The BC Wildfire Service is the latest organization to fight back against artificial intelligence-generated misinformation.

A recent Facebook post put out by the Wildfire Service showcased two AI-generated images showcasing wildfires and helicopters and planes conducting aerial firefighting .

The images are believed to have been shared in a Facebook community group in the Southern Interior before being brought to the attention of the BC Wildfire Service.

The post highlighted the fake images and emphasized the importance of preventing the spread of misinformation during critical emergencies — such as wildfires and evacuation events — while also promoting reliable sources of information, including the BC Wildfire Service app.

“It is more important now than ever before to ensure you are seeking official sources of wildfire and emergency information and turning a critical eye to content shared on social media

in the heat of the moment,” the post read.

Comments on the post ranged from disbelief at the quality of the images to calls for better communication from government sources and increased regulation of AI-generated content.

Sarah Budd, provincial information officer for the BC Wildfire Service, spoke to The Citizen about what led to the post and why it sparked such interest.

“They were brought to our attention by concerned citizens,” said Budd. “We saw them online in community pages, and we felt that it was worth reflagging

and just giving that reminder to everyone that it’s really important in this age of artificial intelligence to be seeking your information about emergencies from trusted sources.”

With the BC Wildfire Service providing essential information during critical times, Budd said the reactions from concerned commenters are understandable.

“It is obviously concerning to see misinformation being spread about emergencies,” said Budd. “Especially when having accurate and timely information is so crucial for people to make

informed and appropriate decisions. I think that’s probably why it struck such a chord with people.”

This isn’t the first time the BC Wildfire Service has had to deal with misinformation. Budd noted that local rumours and false reports are common during wildfire events.

“We do sometimes see misinformation published,” she said. “Whether to mislead — or folks might have just heard something in the local rumour mill and are passing that along.

“We sometimes see issues with people not knowing where to look for information or not knowing the current status of a wildfire near their home. These kinds of things can cause a lot of anxiety.

“When people know where to look for the correct information and are confident in that information, that can help to combat some of that uncertainty. Because we have limited resources, trying to help everyone individually — one phone call at a time — is less efficient. It’s in everyone’s best interest to already be comfortable with where to find factual, trusted information.”

Budd told The Citizen that reliable information can be found at both the BC Wildfire Service App and by signing up for local emergency alert apps like Voyant Alert and Alertable.

BC WILDFIRE SERVICE

The BC Wildfire service shares two of the AI-generated images that are being spread on social media.

CRIME NOTES

Arrests after bystanders report violent robbery in progress

Quick action by several bystanders led to the arrest of three suspects after a woman was assaulted and robbed last week.

Prince George RCMP took multiple calls about a woman being accosted in a parking lot on the 700 block of Central Street on Wednesday, Aug. 6 just after 11 p.m.

When officers arrived, they were told that three youths had approached the woman and assaulted her. They stole a bank card and cash and attempted to steal the victim’s car keys, but fled when police arrived.

The victim of the assault suffered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital by paramedics.

Officers were able to locate the suspects shortly after the incident.

The three suspects were held in custody for a court hearing on Thursday, Aug. 7, and later released on conditions.

RCMP are currently seeking other witnesses to the assault and anyone with CCTV or with dash cameras who was near the 700 block of Central Street that night between 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. who has not already spoken to police, to call 250-561-3300.

Man injured in Quince Street shooting Sunday

A 22-year-old man was sent to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries after a shooting on the 2000 block of Quince Street early in the morning of Sunday, Aug. 10.

Prince George RCMP said in a Tuesday, Aug. 12 media release that the incident happened just before 12:30 a.m. and is still under investigation by its Investigative Support Team.

“The investigation is still in its early stages, but initial findings indicated this was likely a targeted event and there is no increased risk to the general public,” said media relations officer Const. Jenna Moore.

“If anyone in the neighbourhood witnessed the event or saw something suspicious we ask that they please

contact the Prince George RCMP to speak with police.”

Police are asking anyone with dash camera, cell phone or surveillance footage from between 11 p.m. on Aug. 9 and 1 a.m. on Aug. 10 who have not already spoken with them to call the non-emergency line at 250-561-3300.

For anonymous tips, people can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or visit northernbccrimestoppers.ca.

Local man with record wanted by Prince George RCMP

Local RMCP are asking the public to be on the lookout for 36-year-old Matthew Douglas Sweder.

Sweder is currently wanted on one unendorsed warrant for failing to comply with a release order.

He is known to police as he has previously been charged with assault, resisting a police officer and breaching a release order in 2022. He was also given a 70-day conditional sentence, and one year probation for mischief $5,000 or under, uttering death threats and assault with a weapon in 2019.

Sweder is described as an Indigenous male, 5’10 (178 cm) tall and weighing 161 lb (73 kg), with black hair and brown eyes. He has an amputated right little finger.

Police consider Sweder dangerous and advise the public not to approach him. If you locate him, contact your local police immediately.

If you have any information about his whereabouts, please contact Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Nine toxic drug deaths reported locally in May and June

New data from the BC Coroners Service outlines the number of toxic drug deaths in the province over the past two months.

Prince George itself saw nine deaths due to toxic drugs in May and June, bringing the total to 23 since the

The Northern Health region recorded the highest rate of drug deaths in the province in May and June, with 44 deaths per 100,000 people.

beginning of 2025.

Preliminary figures show that 145 people died province-wide from substance use in May and 147 in June.

This averages out to approximately 4.7 deaths per day in May and 4.9 in June.

In 2025, 78 per cent of those who died were male, with 69 per cent between the ages of 30 and 59.

Fentanyl and similar substances continue to be the leading drivers behind these deaths, with 70 per cent linked to the use of this drug.

The Northern Health region recorded the highest rate of drug deaths — 44 deaths per 100,000 people.

The highest rates of deaths in local

health areas since the start of 2025 were reported in Vancouver-Centre North, Terrace, Quesnel, Alberni/Clayoquot and Smithers.

New data also reveals that 21 per cent of the people who died were employed in the trades and transport industry, while 10 per cent worked in the sales and service industry. However, the occupation of 55 per cent of those who died remains unknown.

Forty-seven per cent of these deaths occurred in private residences, with 32 per cent in other residences — including supportive housing. A total of 21 per cent occurred outdoors, in vehicles, parks, sidewalks and streets.

TOYS • COMICS • GAMES

Sweder

Jail tme and probaton for accused in auto thef case

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A 34-year-old man was sentenced to 129 days for stealing a vehicle, driving while prohibited and breaching his curfew.

Brent Jameson Morgan pleaded guilty Aug. 11 in Prince George Provincial Court to the two driving-related crimes committed April 26.

Judge Judith Doulis agreed to the joint sentencing proposal from Crown and defence lawyers. Morgan will spend two years on probation after he is freed from custody.

Morgan was serving an eight-month sentence, imposed last December, of house arrest and curfew for possessing stolen property worth more than $5,000.

The 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew phase began March 19 and included a requirement to wear an electronic monitoring tag.

But, on April 21 and 22, the central monitoring office received alarms that Morgan was absent from his residence on Wainwright Street. A n officer called the residence and his roommate said he was not there. Morgan had removed the tag and strap from his ankle, prompting a warrant for his arrest.

On April 26, a Prince George RCMP officer spotted Morgan in a black Pontiac Grand Prix, but decided not to initiate a chase in a residential area. Later that day, a man told police that an unknown male tried to steal a friend’s vehicle on McIntyre Crescent. Morgan was pulled out of the white Ford Mustang, but fled down the street.

Doulis sentenced Morgan to 30 days for breaching the driving ban and 90 days for vehicle theft.

During a June 11 appearance, he admitted to violating his curfew. The nine remaining days will be spent in jail before he begins the new, four-month

Man to pay fne for crashing into house

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A 25-year-old man who drove a vehicle into a Prince George house in November 2023 left court with a $1,000 fine Aug. 11 after pleading guilty to a lesser Motor Vehicle Act offence.

Marinus Earl De Dreu had been charged with impaired driving and operating a vehicle over 80 milligrams blood alcohol content under the Criminal Code for the Nov. 4, 2023 incident.

De Dreu’s Provincial Court trial began last December and was scheduled to continue Aug. 11.

However, his defence lawyer, Jason LeBlond, told Judge Martin Nadon that “a number of events have arisen which have resulted in the agreed resolution of the file.”

The specifics were not disclosed during the hearing.

Crown prosecutor Stephanie Bowick said that De Dreu admitted that he was the driver of the vehicle and that he drove the vehicle without due care and attention for the other people in the house.

A

Nadon agreed to the joint Crown/ defence sentencing proposal, which did not include any further ban on driving. The Superintendent of Motor Vehicles will be left to decide on the status of De Dreu’s licence.

Court heard that De Dreu, who is a pulp worker with a power engineering certificate, has no criminal record.

“We don’t actually have his driving record, but he does not have any driving record to my knowledge,” Bowick

sentence.

Morgan appeared by video from Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre. His lawyer, Tony Lagemaat, told Doulis that his client is a certified welder.

The Manitoba-native’s mitigating factors include his First Nations background, life in an abusive foster home from age eight to 14, time on the streets of 100 Mile House and Prince George and hard drug use at age 19.

The online court file shows that Morgan is scheduled to be tried in December for drug and firearm charges stemming from an Oct. 4, 2024 incident in Prince George.

Incident on Oliver Avenue called mental health crisis

Prince George RCMP have confirmed that an arrest made on Oliver Avenue on the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 1 was due to someone having a mental health crisis.

As reported by The Citizen, officers with tactical gear and rifles were seen on the street in the Heritage area along with an armoured vehicle.

“On Aug. 1, 2025, just before 2:30 p.m., Prince George RCMP responded to a male suffering from a mental health crisis and in possession of a firearm,” read a Wednesday, Aug. 6 media release.

“Frontline police officers remained on scene and secured the area.

told Nadon.

“So he’s a true, first offender in that sense and the elevated fine should be sufficient to deter him from this sort of driving in the future.”

Nadon gave De Dreu 90 days to pay the fine.

The North District Emergency Response Team as well as the Crisis Negotiation Team responded causing the road closure of Oliver Avenue for public safety.”

Media relations officer Cst. Jenna Moore also thanked neighbourhood residents for their patience and co-operation during the police response.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

man with no criminal record who admitted his guilt will pay $1,000 after crashing his vehicle into a local home in November 2023.

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

fairly quickly.”

COURT NOTES Car crash closes 15th Avenue

Man charged with breaches to plead guilty in Chilliwack

The Prince George Provincial Court trial of a man facing three charges of breach of release orders was postponed Aug. 8.

Derek James Swindells, born in 1993, was charged with incidents that took place on Dec. 12, 2024 in Prince George.

Crown and defence lawyers resolved to waive Swindells’ Prince George files to Chilliwack to join a disposition hearing set for Sept. 9, when Swindells intends to make guilty pleas.

Swindells is in custody in Surrey.

Judge Judith Doulis adjourned the trial to a fix date hearing on Sept. 16 as a placeholder date while the waiver to Chilliwack is being processed.

Swindells is facing multiple charges after incidents in the Fraser Valley: assault with a weapon in Chilliwack (June 25, 2023), uttering threats, sexual assault and criminal harassment in Chilliwack (2021 to 2023), and assault, theft $5,000 or under and mischief $5,000 or under in Hope (July 31, 2024).

Murder trial postponed after accused man fires lawyers

The Prince George trial for a Dawson Creek man charged with second degree murder was adjourned before it could start on Aug. 5 after he fired his two lawyers during the B.C. Day long weekend.

Braidan Josie Meck, 31, is accused of fatally stabbing Devon Myles Lindstrom, 28, on June 11, 2022 in a Queensway motel.

The trial had been scheduled for 10 days in B.C. Supreme Court. Defence lawyer Tony Lagemaat told Justice Carla Forth that Meck had informed him of the decision late in the day Saturday. No reason was mentioned in court.

Crown prosecutor Robert Climie said he was ready to proceed with the case against Meck, but Forth adjourned the matter to Aug. 25 to allow Meck time to find a new lawyer. Then new trial dates will be sought.

“We’re not going to allow this thing to be delayed on a lengthy basis,” Forth said to Meck. “I am the trial judge, so we will facilitate getting a new trial date

Climie said “significant advances had been made” with Meck’s lawyers on admissions of fact in order to streamline the trial. However, Meck had yet to sign them and Climie expects Meck’s new lawyer will want to review them. If Meck does not sign the admissions, the trial could last as long as three weeks.

“So we’re, in some ways, back to square one, regrettably,” Climie said.

More probation for woman who breached previous sentence

A 33-year-old Prince George woman who pleaded guilty to assault almost a year ago broke the conditions of her suspended sentence.

Jennifer Lynn Patrick had been charged with a Sept. 6, 2022 assault on a security guard and police officer. She pleaded guilty to the count of common assault.

On Aug. 23, 2024, Judge David Simpkin gave Patrick a suspended sentence and 12 months probation.

On Aug. 6, Judge Cassandra Malfair heard that Patrick breached Simpkin’s order by not reporting to her probation officer on March 25. A joint proposal from Crown and defence lawyers to the court sought a new probation order to be imposed on Patrick.

Court heard that Patrick was in foster care from age 12, but moved out on her own before she aged out of care.

Patrick started using alcohol 10 years ago and has struggled ever since, said her defence lawyer, Beatrix Josephy. In June, Patrick attended detox and attends drop-in sessions.

“I am suspending the passing of sentence,” Malfair said. “I’m going to place you on probation for a period of one year. As your lawyer explained to you, if you don’t follow these conditions, you can be charged with breach.”

Based on the online court file, it appeared to be Patrick’s four one-year probation sentence.

She was guilty of assaulting a peace officer on Jan. 30, 2020 and sentenced in October of that year to one-year probation. In November 2021, she was also sentenced to 12 months probation after a May 1, 2021 assault.

Bob Mackin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Prince George Fire Rescue firefighters and Prince George RCMP work at the scene of a collision on 15th Avenue just west of Ospika Boulevard on Sunday, Aug. 10. The westbound lanes of 15th and one eastbound lane were closed for about an hour after the collision.

Court clears way for raise of Mount Polley tailings dam

SONAL GUPTA Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The BC Supreme Court has rejected a First Nation’s legal challenge against the government’s approval for Imperial Metals to raise the Mount Polley Mine tailings dam by four metres, a ruling delivered during the anniversary week of the catastrophic 2014 breach.

The 2014 disaster — one of BC’s largest environmental disaster from mining — released over 24 million cubic metres of toxic mine waste into Xatsull territory in the Cariboo region near Williams Lake. The community continues to face lasting impacts on their rights, culture, environment and way of life more than a decade later.

Justice Michael Tammen ruled that consultation with the Xatsull Nation was legally sufficient and described the proposed four-metre raise as “comparatively modest,” unlikely to increase the mine’s overall footprint or environmental impact. He said the court’s focus was on the current project, not the earlier disaster, and described the risk of another dam failure as “remote.”

“This is the same unstable soil condition that caused the catastrophic failure more than a decade ago,” said Nikki Skuce, director of the Northern Confluence and co-chair of the BC Mining Law Reform Network, a coalition advocating for stronger mining laws and environmental protections. “Raising the dam height again on this foundation without a thorough, modern environmental assessment is deeply troubling.”

Mount Polley tailings leak, one of BC’s largest environmental disasters from mining.

The Xatsull First Nation said it was deeply disappointed and will review the decision and consider next steps.

Indigenous leaders condemned the decision.

Stewart Phillip, grand chief of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, said the ruling “is a profound blow to Indigenous rights and environmental justice.”

The decision “sadly advances a ‘business as usual’ approach to consultation,

an approach that BC First Nations have long asserted that it is fundamentally broken and does not uphold our inherent and constitutionally protected title and rights,” he said.

UBCIC called on the province to explain what meaningful consultation and consent look like for Indigenous peoples under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, especially after the recent passage of Bills 14 and 15.

“Bills 14 and 15 send exactly the wrong message to those living downstream of risky mines: it’s about making it easier for big projects to get permits, not about making Indigenous consent real or prioritizing environmental protection,” Skuce said.

Bills 14 and 15, passed earlier this year, give the provincial cabinet broad authority to fast-track renewable energy and infrastructure projects by streamlining regulatory approvals, exempting certain projects from environmental assessment.

Skuce said that the Mount Polley dam expansion “represents all the worst parts of BC’s current mining rules,” from loopholes that let companies avoid new environmental assessments to a system that overlooks the combined effects of small project expansions and shuts out the affected communities from decisions about their lands.

A separate judicial review remains active regarding proposals for further dam raises and whether any would require environmental assessment.

Worker’s claim denied afer terminaton from job site

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Civil Resolution Tribunal member dismissed a nearly $3,500 claim from a worker fired by a Likely company in Alberta.

In an Aug. 7 decision, Alissa Reynolds turned down Lee Backer-Forsythe’s claim against Gainer Brothers Contracting Ltd. for unpaid living out allowance

and reimbursement for expenses caused by his termination. Backer-Forsythe made the claim after working for the company in September and October 2023 and said accommodations, transportation, vehicle insurance and fuel cost him $3,490.

“He says it cost him his entire paycheque to return to BC after being stranded in Alberta,” Reynolds wrote. “However, he has not provided any

evidence about what those expenses cost, such as receipts.”

Reynolds also found Backer-Forsythe did not prove there was any agreement between the parties about transportation to and from Alberta.

He claimed wrongful dismissal and that the company had him removed from a company apartment by the RCMP. Gainer Brothers said the termination for cause happened after Backer-Forsythe

disobeyed a warning to not speed on bush roads. He had previously caused $12,000 damage to a pickup truck, been disruptive at work and brought people to the site who did not belong.

“Backer-Forsythe did not specifically deny Gainer Brothers’ reasons for his termination,” Reynolds wrote. “However, he says that Mr. Gainer resorted to fictitious allegations, but he does not say what those are.”

GOVERNMENT OF BC PHOTO

The Quesnel River is pictured near the town of Likely, BC. The river was one of several bodies of water impacted by the

Flight atendants’ strike wouldn’t afect YXS, but ...

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Air Canada flights coming in and out of Prince George won’t be affected by a potential strike by flight attendants, but connecting flights in larger centres could, according to a media release issued on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

Prince George Airport reported that the Air Canada flights operated under its Jazz subsidiary have flight attendants who are members of a different union and contract than those who recently approved a strike mandate.

On Tuesday, Aug. 5, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) announced that the more than 10,000 flight attendants it represents had voted 99.7 per cent in favour of strike action after months of negotiations with Air Canada.

The situation had not changed at the time this edition of The Citizen went to press.

“A strike vote is a necessary precursor for legal job action but does not necessarily mean that Air Canada flight attendants will be going on strike,” a media release from CUPE said.

“Since 2000, inflation has increased 169 per cent and average full-time wages have increased 210 per cent in Canada. But entry-level Air Canada flight attendants’ wages have increased only 10 per cent — just $3 per hour — in the past 25 years.”

For its part, Air Canada acknowledged the results of the vote and also said it wouldn’t necessarily lead to a strike in its own media release.

“Air Canada remains committed to the bargaining process and is eager to resume discussions, which CUPE had suspended during the vote. Air Canada is determined to reach a fair and equitable collective agreement that recognizes the contributions of its flight attendants and supports the competitiveness and long-term growth of the company,” the

Local workers vote ‘no’ to Canada Post ofer, contnue work as usual

MATTHEW HILLIER

Citizen Staff

Members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) have voted overwhelmingly against Canada Post’s “final offer” and are currently looking to continue negotiations.

CUPW Local 812 president Nicole Chouinard spoke to The Citizen about the aftermath of the vote and its effects on the local branch.

“There was a lot of happiness actually about it,” said Chouinard. “If you could call it that, we all feel like that was the way it was meant to be. We’re confident that this is a step in the right direction. So everybody’s got good spirits about it.”

CUPW, which represents 55,000 workers in Canada and more than 200 workers in Prince George and Mackenzie, deemed the offered contract unsatisfactory due to delays and company

Prince George Airport stated in a media release that Air Canada Jazz flights travelling to and from the city won’t be affected by a potential flight attendant strike, but connecting flights at larger airports could.

company said.

“Air Canada firmly believes that there is more than enough time to reach such an agreement and avoid disrupting the plans of hundreds of thousands of travellers. The 21-day cool off period expires at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Saturday, Aug. 16, meaning no job action can take place before that

time at the earliest.”

While the flights to Prince George will continue as normal, the airport stated that passengers’ connecting flights with Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge at other airports could be delayed or even cancelled.

“While we (YXS) are not involved in airline labour negotiations, we recognize that situations like this can create uncertainty for travellers,” said Prince George Airport Authority president and CEO Geoff Ritchie. “We’re encouraging passengers to stay informed and prepare for possible changes.”

The airport recommends that passengers should consider checking their flight status with the airline before they leave for the airport, check to see what airline their connecting flights are with, consider travel insurance that could compensate them for disruptions caused by labour delays, consider booking refundable tickets and allow for extra time in case of itinerary changes.

restructuring to allow part-time workers at Canada Post.

“There were multiple reasons to vote no to the offer from Canada Post,” said Chouinard. “With the government stepping in multiple times over the last eight months, it’s really stepped on our right to collectively negotiate a fair agreement with the employer. … Partially, it was the nature of the offer from Canada Post. It doesn’t meet either the needs of the workers at Canada Post or the needs of the Canadian public. It was definitely an issue.”

As of the time this edition of The Citizen went to press, the national CUPW is looking to get back to the bargaining table with Canada Post, while local CUPW branches like Chouinard’s are returning to business as usual.

“I can’t stress strongly enough — the union does not want to go on strike,” said Chouinard.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Dollarama opening in Vanderhoof

The final stages of construction are wrapping up on Saturday, Aug. 9 as Dollarama prepares to open a store in Vanderhoof. The discount outlet is located in the former Field’s store on Stewart Street downtown. Dollarama has more than 1,500 stores in Canada, including four in Prince George.

Alumni return to learn ABCs of Dunster school history

ABIGAIL POPPLE Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Several generations of Dunster residents gathered for an evening of socializing, songs and joke telling at the Dunster School reunion on the evening of Saturday, Aug. 2

The school is a place full of nostalgia for alumni and parents alike, said local Nancy Taylor, who helped organize the event with Loretta Simpson.

“It was a very happy place, very welcoming. It was the hub of the community,” said Taylor, whose children attended the school for roughly ten years total. “(We) wanted to reconnect with people about what a great place it was when it was thriving.”

The first Dunster school was established in 1915, according to an exhibit at the reunion.

The original school building was replaced in 1932, which burned down 31 years later.

The current Dunster schoolhouse was completed in 1964. Since then, locals and School District 57 have worked together to add a gym, playground and tennis court, according to the Dunster schoolhouse website.

In the 1990s, when the School District said the Dunster school would need to close due to low enrolment projections, locals rallied to have the school designated as a fine arts elementary

school — one of just two in the province. The school was nearly condemned permanently until the Dunster Fine Arts School Society bought the building from the School District, Taylor said.

That dedication to the schoolhouse has kept it as a thriving community hub to this day, she added.

“The community has taken it over, and it’s required a high level of volunteerism to do it,” she said. “We’ve done a lot of improvements to the building, and there’s still more to do with the place.”

The building may see a new cohort of students soon, Taylor added — the Rocky Mountain Forest Academy hopes to establish a nature school there, where children can participate in an

outdoor curriculum.

The Academy declined The Goat’s interview requests.

Resident Alaina Chapman said her children attended the school from 1995 onward.

She attended the reunion to look at old class photos, learn some history, and revisit fond memories.

“The Christmas plays were amazing — they always had elaborate costumes and these incredible storylines,” Chapman said. “It was a nice community. The big kids took care of the little kids. They’d help them put on their boots.”

Thelma Lewis, who attended the school in the 1950s, made the drive up from Calgary for the reunion. Her parents and siblings also attended the

school, which was a one-room building at the time.

Lewis fondly recalls a sense of community among the students, and described her teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, as wonderful.

“When we first started going to school, there was no bus that ran from Dunster up to the Croydon school. So my mom had an old car, and it had a sign on it that said ‘School Bus,’” Lewis laughed. “She used to pick all of us up and bring us to school and take us home.”

It was a different experience than students today might have, Lewis added — kids spent lots of time outside, were forbidden from writing with their left hands and rang a bell outside the school to announce the beginning of the day.

“It was fun,” she said of her time at the school. “It was different years ago... Things have changed so much now.”

The school may see more reunions in the future. Taylor says she hopes to attract even more alumni the next time around.

“I think this is the reunion before the really big reunion,” she said. “There’s a lot of people that were unable to come. I’d like to see us do this again in another four or five years and really get a critical mass.”

This story originally appeared in The Rocky Mountain Goat.

ABIGAIL POPPLE, LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

The Dunster school gym was plastered with old photos, news articles, and children’s artwork during the reunion.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Foundry gets set to launch latest branch in Burns Lake

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

A province-wide youth care service

called The Foundry is expected to open a new location in Burns Lake this fall at 686 McPhail Rd.

The Foundry provides support to all youth aged 12 to 24 across the province and gives critical access to mental health support, substance use support, social services, peer support and primary care.

The new Foundry in Burns Lake is expected to offer all these same services, with the support of Carrier Sekani Family Services, which is hosting the project and is one of many community partners providing support to the Foundry.

With an estimated project cost of $6.7 million, the initiative would not have been possible without support from community donors, including — but not limited to — the following:

• Indigenous Services Canada

• Northern Development Initiative

• Rio Tinto

• Artemis Gold

• Babine Forest Products

• Foundry Central

Currently, the project is near completion, with the Foundry needing to finish landscaping, order and install furniture, and put the final touches on the building before the fall opening.

Randi Mondor, director of primary health care at Carrier Sekani Family Services, has been working to establish the Foundry in Burns Lake and explains what it will provide to youth in the area.

“Primary care, where youth can just drop in and access services, has been really successful,” said Mondor. “The part where you don’t need to make an appointment is really appealing to youth. That’s been really successful. And then there are other programs such as peer support, where we hire a young youth, and then they offer support to another youth. Maybe that’s doing life skills or just waiting for them at an appointment or helping with resume building, helping with a driver’s licence — and that’s been really successful. Then there’s also Foundry Works, which is an employment program that provides resume building, some literacy training, interview training, and then training for certificates as well, such as FoodSafe or First Aid.”

One of the key reasons the Foundry is being established in Burns Lake is

the lack of centres and skill-building resources for youth in the village — leaving an important gap that these new services hope to fill.

“In Burns Lake, there is the Carrier Sekani Youth Services, but there’s not a ton of services that are just free and accessible,” said Mondor. “Where you can just walk in and be able to get assistance — such as tutoring, or a place to charge your phone, or a place to wash your clothing, or have a shower. At this time, there’s no drop-in centre for youth in the town….

“It keeps kids off the street. It keeps kids warm. It keeps kids connected. Helps build culture. It has all their needs under one roof. If a youth does need to see a doctor, or a nurse, or a nurse practitioner — there’s one there. If they are having some mental health (challenges), there’s a professional there to

assist them.”

In addition to these benefits, Mondor has personally seen increases in drug use, suicide and dropout rates when these services aren’t in place — along with a noticeable disconnect from culture and community.

Currently, as part of the opening process, Carrier Sekani is looking for a mental health therapist to work at the Burns Lake location.

They are also hoping the new centre may help attract healthcare practitioners over time.

“The lack of primary care services in Burns Lake is a high need,” said Mondor. “We’re hoping that with having this new building, perhaps we can attract a physician or a nurse practitioner who wants to work out of the centre — and then it helps the wait times at the hospital in Burns Lake. As you’ve probably seen, Burns Lake Hospital Emergency has had to close more than once this summer due to a lack of staff.”

Mondor also said she was extremely happy to work with the community of Burns Lake and mentioned that — following the success of this project — the Foundry will be opening another location in the North.

“We’re just really grateful that the Burns Lake community has welcomed us,” said Mondor. “It’s been great working with the six First Nations in the area. The fact that we did Foundry Burns Lake — it was so much fun that we decided to do it again. After Burns Lake is open, we’ll be focusing on Foundry Vanderhoof!”

Unsafe bridges force summer closure of Whiskers Point

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Motorists heading north on Highway 97 may have noticed big red “closed” signs for Whiskers Point Provincial Park, located about 130 kilometres north of Prince George near McLeod Lake. According to a letter sent to the District of Mackenzie council, the closure

is due to deteriorated bridges inside the park.

Dated July 4, the letter from assistant deputy minister Jim Standen of BC Environment and Parks was attached to the agenda for the council’s July 28 meeting.

“A routine inspection of the bridges in the fall of 2024 identified deterioration and potential risk to park visitors,” Standen wrote. “The engineer’s report

rated the bridges as not safe for use immediately after the inspection. The replacement cost for the bridges was significantly higher than the operating budget for the region.”

As the ministry recognizes the effect of the closure on the local economy, Standen noted that replacing the bridges has been placed high on its list of capital projects for 2025.

Initial surveys for the replacements have been completed, with design work underway and dates being set for installation.

Completion of the bridges is estimated to be finished before the end of September 2025.”

The ministry has stated in a report that the park is expected to reopen for the 2026 season.

CARRIER SEKANI FAMILY SERVICES PHOTO

The newest location of the Foundry youth service is under construction in Burns Lake.

What’s happening in PG

BC Northern Exhibition (BCNE) goes Thursday, Aug. 14 to Sunday, Aug. 17 at the Exhibition Grounds, hosted by the Prince George Agricultural and Historical Association. Along with West Coast Amusements and the Food Court there is a BCNE Trade Route Beer & Cider Festival and a BCNE/Spirit of the North fundraising Casino Night along with main stage performers and roaming acts including SuperDogs, Heritage Lane, Equine Events, 4H displays and showcases and old timey fair contests for Home Arts & Horticulture including woodworking, flowers, quilting, needlework and more. Tickets are free for children 11 and under, youth 12 to 17 are $5, adults 18 to 54 are $10 and 55+ are $5 except for Seniors Day on Aug. 14 and then it’s a toonie for seniors to get into the fair. For all the details visit www.bcne.ca/ and for advanced tickets visit www.showpass.com/s/events/ all/?search_string=bcne.

Big Rig Show & Shine goes Saturday, Aug. 16 noon to dark with a light show after dusk and Sunday, Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at PGARA Speedway. Food trucks on site, music and good vibes, logging trucks, heavy haulers, cranes and more. Bring the family and show your pride in your ride. This is a working truck show so whether your ride is shiny, dirty or just off a haul, be ready to light up the night. Let’s show Prince George the real power of the industry that keeps everything rolling. Pre-register your truck by emailing htrpilotservices@outlook.com – just $20 to register before Aug. 15 and $25 after. $2 admission for the public.

Three Ways of Writing Memoir goes Saturday, Aug. 16 at 1 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. Find out how to write your story. During the workshop explore how to write memoir as a poem, an essay, creative nonfiction, or a hybrid of all three.Try different genre conventions and celebrate your writing discoveries and successes. Bring your favourite pen or pencil along with a notebook to write in. To register

contact Al Rempel at magpie.ink@ hotmail.com.

Multiple myeloma meeting for patients, caregivers, family and friends goes Saturday, Aug. 16, 1-3 p.m., Commo Wealth Financial Building, 575 Victoria St. Support and answers to questions about Multiple myeloma will be provided. For more information,call Vivien Lougheed at 250-981-2618.

Farm to Table Dinner goes Wednesday, Aug. 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Wildflower Farm, 9295 Pooley Rd. Wildflower Farm and Baller Foods team up to offer a four-course tasting menu, curated using a variety of locally grown herbs, fruits, vegetables, honey, meats and more. There will be musical entertainment. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/ events/1386227525788828 and to register for the event call Lisa at 250-961-3519 or email wildflowerfarmpg@hotmail. com

CUPE Concert in the Park & Active Living Market at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park bandshell goes Friday, Aug. 22 from 5 to 9 p.m. Sponsored by

CUPE 1048 and 399 and presented by Mad Loon Productions, also explore recreation opportunities at the Active Living Market. Local organizations and businesses will be showcasing their programs, activities and special events, showcasing a diverse range of recreation options available in Prince George, from sports and fitness to arts, culture and volunteerism, there is something for everyone to discover. Food trucks on site.

Touch a Truck goes Friday, Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Touch a Truck is back to wrap up the 2025 Summer Reading Club hosted by the Prince George Public Library. After exploring the Plaza, the public is invited inside to build their very own amazing cardboard vehicle and enjoy Disney’s Cars 2 movie. This is an all-ages event that’s free. Craft time goes from 2 to 2:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 2:30 p.m. in the Bob Harkins downtown branch of the library.

End of Summer Night Market goes Wednesday, Aug. 27 from 4 to 9 p.m. at CN Centre featuring local vendors, music and food trucks. Celebrate the

season’s end with delicious local eats, handmade crafts, vintage finds, and more. Whether shopping, snacking, or just soaking in the good vibes, there’s something for everyone. Bring friends and family and that end-of-summer spirit. Let’s make one last magical memory before the leaves start to fall. Free entry. All ages welcome.

Summer Art Monkeys goes every Wednesday until Aug. 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at Studio 2880, 2880-15th Ave., and presented by the Prince George & District Community Arts Council. Children will get to experience painting, sketching, working with clay and learning how to journal. For more information and to register visit www.studio2880. com/programs/youth-programs/ summer-arts.

Foodie Friday goes Aug. 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Canada Games Plaza. With lots of local vendors to pick from there will be something to satisfy every craving. Don’t miss this special seasonal foodie experience in Prince George.

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The rides are back, along with all the agricultural shows, carnival games, casino night, music, food and other fun at the BCNE, which runs Thursday through Sunday at the Exhibition Grounds.

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Seniors’ Paint Club goes Wednesday, Sept. 3, 10, 17, Oct. 1, 8, 15 and 22, presented by Prince George & District Community Arts Council, at Studio 2880 2880-15th Ave. in the Jack Bryan Room. Learn the skills of water colour painting with Lorri-Anne Mayley-Bell. This group is designed for those 55+ and is on the main floor. Each session is $25 each. Register today, space is limited. For more information visit https://www. studio2880.com/programs/art-classes

Prince George Fall Fruit Festival hosted by the Prince George Food Hub goes Thursday, Sept. 4 to Sunday, Sept. 7 and is looking for volunteers to gather fruit from across the community to reduce food waste, connect people with locally-grown food and reduce bear attractants. Sign up to volunteer, help with transport or register your tree to be picked by calling 250-561-7327 or email eatgleaningabundance@gmail. com.

Seniors’ Paint Club goes Thursday, Sept. 4, 11, 18, Oct. 2, 9, 16 and 23, presented by Prince George & District Community Arts Council, from noon to 2 p.m. at Studio 2880 2880-15th Ave. in the Jack Bryan Room. Learn the skills of acrylic painting with Marilyn Schmaus. This group is designed for those 55+ and is on the main floor. Each session is $25 each. Register today, space is limited. For more information visit www. studio2880.com/programs/art-classes

Crossroads Summer Street Party goes Saturday, Sept. 6 from 5 p.m. to midnight at Crossroads Brewing & Distillery, 508 George St. This is a 19+ event featuring craft beverages, live music, yard games and house made food. Dead Sexy, Code Blue, Big Fancy and the Fly Smackers will perform. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.ca/e/ crossroads-summer-street-fest.

35th annual Parkinson Super Walk 2025 goes Saturday, Sept. 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park Picnic area. Funds raised support Parkinson Society BC’s

life-changing programs and services for people affected by Parkinson’s disease. To register or donate visit www.support.parkinson.bc.ca.

Ranjit Bawa Folk Star Canada Tour goes Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. at CN Centre. A prominent Punjabi singer, actor and songwriter, Ranjit is known for infusing traditional Punjabi music with a modern twist, making his songs appealing to a broad audience. Ranjit’s live performances are known for their energy and stage presence. Tickets are available at www.cncentre.ca/events-tickets/ ranjit-bawa-folk-star-canada-tour.

2025 Great Northwest Fibre Fest goes Sunday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ramada, 444 George St. A Celebration of Fibre will see more than two dozen vendors on site — beautiful hand-dyed yarn, accessories for finished projects, tools to make crafting more fun, project bags to store and tote those works in progress and an assortment of crafted items from other makers. Bring a project and visit with fellow crafters, have a snack break, get a coffee or cold drink, a light lunch or tasty treat. For more information visit https://www. greatnwfibrefest.ca/

Free Food Preservation Workshops go every Thursday and is presented by PG Aboriginal Business Development Centre, 1200 LaSalle Avenue. Want to learn how to make jam or pickle fresh veggies? No experience is needed. Just bring your curiosity. Participants will learn jam-making and vegetable pickling step by step. All supplies are provided and everything made will be shared among participants to take home. Building community skills, one jar at a time. RSVP by calling Cheryl Doering at 250-562-6325 to register.

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

provided. This event is in partnership with Great Northwest Fibre Fest. Myeloma Support Group goes every third Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Commonwealth Financial, 575 Victoria St. Everyone is welcome who has been diagnosed, those who are caregivers, family members and friends. Wheelchair accessible parking at the back of the building. For more information call Viv Lougheed at 250-981-2618.

Parkinson Support Group meetings are the 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.

Willow River Farmers Market and Junk in the Trunk goes every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Willow River Hall, 55 Willow Avenue in Willow River, about 30 minutes east of Prince George, until Sept. 28. There are local crafts and homemade goods including jams and preserves, concession, music and family fun. Everyone is welcome to attend. Trivia Night at Nancy O’s goes every other Wednesday at 8 p.m., 1261 Third Ave. There are three rounds per game, each round has five themed questions and five music questions. Book a spot by calling ahead at 250-562-8066.

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

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Happy days in Hixon

It’s the only parade in BC that shuts down a major highway ... and it’s worth it for the annual Hixon Fall Fair, which took over the community last Friday and Saturday

Hixon Community Association treasurer Pat Suter’s own float celebrated Helen Cruise, 92, a longtime Hixon resident who now lives in Prince George.

The parade through the Highway 97 community south of Prince George included plenty of floats, followed by crafts and games for kids, live music and more. It’s the first fair since substantial renovations were made to Hixon’s community hall.

PHOTOS BY PAT SUTER

SuperWalk will raise funds and awareness on Sept. 6

Selen Alpay shares his experience after Parkinson’s diagnosis

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Parkinson’s disease wasn’t even a blip on the radar when Selen Alpay was diagnosed.

His symptoms were masked by other health issues that caused such pain it diminished everything else.

“About four years ago I was experiencing some horrible back pain, and I was told I’d had scoliosis for the last 50 years, if you can imagine,” Alpay said.

“And I have severe degenerative disc disease on top of all that, so that caused me a lot of pain. There isn’t a surgeon in North America that will operate on me because of the severity of the curve in my spine. There was talk about having to replace all the vertebrae in my back during a 12-hour surgery. It’s like a bridge — you have to have a place to fasten the top and bottom — but in my back there’s no place to secure it. So they can’t operate, and they didn’t think I would survive the surgery anyways.”

One of Alpay’s dearest friends, Michael “Pinball” Clemons, helped him connect with a neurosurgeon in Toronto.

“At first they were giving me injections in my back to help ease the pain,” Alpay said.

“And that worked for a little while, but then they hardly made a dent in my pain level. So the last time I saw a neurosurgeon to talk about surgery, he said, ‘I don’t think your only problem is your back pain. You have symptoms that indicate Parkinson’s,’ and I said, ‘What?’”

There were underlying symptoms on top of the pain that made everything

“I started to feel better, I walked better — the shuffling still happens when I’m really, really tired,” Alpay explained.

“And I feel like I’m tipping over at times, and I’m not sure what would happen if I actually fell. There are days when I think I can run, and then there are days where I can barely walk. So that can become really frustrating. But I am a happy-go-lucky guy, so I try really hard not to get in my head about it. I have so many good people around me who give me lots of positive reinforcement. And you know what? To be honest with you, people are the best medicine for this thing — for anything — but especially this thing.”

Alpay told his story during the launch of the SuperWalk that took place on Tuesday, Aug. 12 at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park.

Alpay will help raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s disease during the Prince George Parkinson SuperWalk, which takes place on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park.

This fundraiser for Parkinson Society BC will help continue to grow its programs and services, expand advocacy efforts, invest in innovative research, and bring hope to the approximately 17,500 people in BC living with Parkinson’s disease.

worse.

“A year ago I couldn’t walk,” Alpay said.

“Today, I am walking much better, and that’s because of an amazing naturopath I found in Toronto — again, because of Pinball Clemons. The naturopath helped correct my spine a little bit so that my vertebrae are not touching anymore, so I don’t have that horrendous pain. But I have this shuffling walk that’s happening, especially when I get tired, and my handwriting is horrible. I used to have lovely handwriting for a guy — now it looks like a doctor’s handwriting.

“So we didn’t know what that was all about. My doctor called the clinic

in Vancouver and was able to speak to a neurologist. They said there aren’t any clinical ways to prove you have Parkinson’s — it’s all symptomatic. And this neurologist said, ‘You have all the symptoms for Parkinson’s, and we’d still like to see you, but the waiting list is terribly long.’ So they put me on meds for Parkinson’s that allowed me to walk better. Sometimes when I’m really tired I have tremors in my hands, but it’s not very evident ongoing. My voice peters out throughout the day. I don’t speak loud enough, and my wife, Anita, gives me sh*t all the time.”

He’s been taking the meds for more than a year now and was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s in January.

Parkinson’s is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder caused by a loss of the cells that produce dopamine in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra.

Symptoms listed on the Parkinson Society BC website include:

• Resting tremor — Repetitive shaking movements occurring in the arms and/or legs at rest. (Tremors are the first symptom to appear in about 70 per cent of people with Parkinson’s.)

• Rigidity — Increased stiffness in muscles and joints

• Bradykinesia — Slowness of movement, including all actions, such as walking and writing

• Lack of coordination — Postural impairment or loss of balance

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Last year Prince Shirley Bond and Gina Beddome, of the Prince George Parkinson’s Support Group, inspired the gathered walkers Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park Pavilion before heading out to walk around the park for the Parkinson’s SuperWalk. This year’s SuperWalk will take place on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park.

Alpay

A mix of weather in the forecast

Kayakers paddle down the Nechako River near Nechako Riverside Park, having just passed under the Foothills Bridge, on Saturday, Aug. 9. Rain and showers are expected through the weekend, with daytime highs near 18 C and precipitation tapering off by Monday. Friday and Saturday bring a 60 per cent chance of rain, with up to 10 millimetres possible. Sunday remains wet with a risk of thunderstorms overnight. Conditions begin to improve Monday, with a mix of sun and clouds and highs near 19 C. Mainly sunny skies return Tuesday through Thursday, with temperatures steady around 21 or 22 C and minimal chance of rain. Clear nights and light winds will bring lows near 11 C.

Parkinson’s support group wants to establish new clinic

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

“We really want to create a high awareness level about the SuperWalk and Parkinson’s, for sure,” Alpay said.

“I think last year they raised about $8,000, and we want to get that number way higher this year.”

The Prince George Parkinson Group, under Serena Sanghera’s guidance, is advocating to establish a Movement Disorders Clinic in Prince George to serve those with mobility issues in Northern BC.

“There’s a Movement Disorders Clinic in Kelowna, Vancouver and even on the Island, but the lonely Northerners are left without once again,” Alpay said.

“So it would be our hope — even if we can’t get brick and mortar up here, which would be great — even to have a mobile unit come up to the North three or four times a year so that the people

in Prince George who are afflicted with Parkinson’s can be looked at would help.”

Gina Beddome, who lost her husband Barry in 2023 after a 20-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, has been involved with the Prince George Parkinson Group for the last 15 years and organizes the walk.

“That’s the thing with Parkinson’s — we all know someone with cancer or someone affected by cancer, but not many people know someone with Parkinson’s disease,” Beddome said, speaking about the struggles of raising awareness for the cause.

There are about 65 members of the local group.

“The SuperWalk is important to me because every organization needs money to function, and this is the primary fundraiser for Parkinson Society BC. It provides the much-needed

services to the groups and those with Parkinson’s, funds research and support — and this is how they operate — through the funds raised by the SuperWalks across the province,” Beddome said.

“They get no government funding.”

During the SuperWalk, the Telus Ambassadors will be hosting a hot dog cart.

“And the Prince George Parkinson Group will get 100 per cent of those proceeds,” Beddome said.

“It makes me feel good to be able to help with the SuperWalk — not just for the funds raised but to bring awareness of Parkinson’s disease and what those who are dealing with it are going through. There’s not many people who know someone with Parkinson’s, so people don’t know what they go through as they battle this disease, and they don’t see how it affects the

families. So to be able to ease the fight against Parkinson’s — to support that — is a good feeling.”

For the Prince George SuperWalk, Alpay is putting a team together, and Shirley Bond, former MLA and volunteer extraordinaire, is helping with that.

“Because I pretty much do anything Shirley tells me to, she’s naming the team Selen’s Squad. And if you join our team, you will be presented with a T-shirt that says Selen’s Squad on one side and Shakin’ Not Stirred on the other — and I like that,” Alpay laughed about the reference to one of the symptoms of Parkinson’s, which is shaky hands. “Hey, I make a mean martini! If you can laugh about it, you’re doing OK.”

For more information or to register visit https://support.parkinson.bc.ca/ SuperWalkPrinceGeorge.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

How The Amazing Race Canada came to Prince George

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Take the untraveled road in your own community, you’ll never know what you’ll find.

That’s the advice executive producer Mark Lysakowski of The Amazing Race Canada offered during an interview with The Citizen.

“That’s how we come up with the show,” Lysakowski said, who is also the showrunner.

“We say ‘hey, let’s go over here and see what happens.’”

The Amazing Race Canada came to Prince George in May to film the fifth episode in season 11. It aired Tuesday, Aug. 12.

The double whammy is that there is a Prince George duo in the race, siblings Grace Dove and Joe Syme, who viewers will see compete in their home town in the episode.

This issue of The Citizen went to press before the episode aired. If you missed the show, read our recap at www. princegeorgecitizen.com.

The Amazing Race Canada is a CTV summer series that challenges teams of two to race across the country — and sometimes beyond — to complete physical and mental challenges in pursuit of a grand prize of $250,000 courtesy of FUZE Iced Tea, a trip around the world and two 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS vehicles.

The Amazing Race Canada is hosted by skeleton bobsled Olympic gold medalist Jon Montgomery and based on the popular U.S. version.

“The Amazing Race Canada has been on the air for a long time so it’s nice to go to places that are excited about us,” Lysakowski said.

“I spend a lot of time looking at my map of Canada and I’ve always known of Prince George and I’ve been very aware of Northern BC because our first foray into Northern BC was Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii.”

Lysakowski said he’s had a long history with BC Tourism and especially with Northern BC Tourism.

“While it took until season 11 to get to

Prince George, I always knew we’d get there,” Lysakowski said.

“I was like ‘I wanna know more about Prince George’ and people said it was a regional hub and there are a lot of cool things there. So it was exciting to finally get to Prince George.”

There are several locations in Prince George that are showcased and picking and choosing those sites to feature in the show becomes quite the process, Lysakowski added.

An episode producer is assigned to each show and for the Prince George episode that was Ann Camilleri.

“She passed away shortly after we finished filming the season so we dedicated the whole season to her memory,” Lysakowski said. “Ann produced that particular episode and during the process she talked to the tourism people, she talked to the city, she met with people and she got on the ground and she figured things out and then we look at what are the best things. So it’s really these producers who are very determined and creative and I will remember Ann for the rest of my life. She produced three episodes this season. She had a way of finding things and she would run

“It’s a beautiful vista,” Lysakowski said.

The iconic Prince George Cutbanks were also considered as a location to be featured during the show but it was difficult to access, Lysakowski added.

“Jon got up there but moving the racers up there was a whole thing,” Lykowski said.

into so-and-so at the café and she would say ‘oh, what about this?’ There was a whole process to it and that’s how you find out what’s happening in Prince George and that’s how things come to be.”

In addition to a large crew that travels with the show, The Amazing Race Canada hired about 40 or 50 Prince George residents to help, Lysakowski added.

“To me the Prince George episode is kind of like a classic Race episode where the racers land, do their thing and hit the pit stop,” Lysakowski said.

“It’s a classic original Race episode that’s tried and true, which people love and it just sees a really competitive group of racers fighting for that mat (at the end of that leg of the race) and we are coming out of a non-elimination episode so the stakes are high. What my thing is about Prince George is the rugged beauty of the landscape. I love geography, which is fitting that I do this show.”

Lysakowski talked about going up to Connaught Hill Park which was scouted in winter so he really had no idea what it would look like when they got there in the spring.

“I was fascinated by that location. But we get into a lot of forestry stories and to me geography is the most interesting. Aside from the welcoming people and we felt so welcomed. When we were at the Aquatic Centre we saw a lot of locals there having a great time and it was packed. What surprised me the most is just how active and fit everyone is in Prince George. When we were scouting up at the university the sport centre was bumpin’ on a Tuesday night. Everyone was there, the parking lot was full and I’m like ‘what’s going on?’ And this is just what people do. People are out doing things. They’re not sitting at home trying to stay warm. So good for you!”

Lysakowski said besides the Canadian landscape he loves meeting the people at all the locations.

“There’s the tourism story and Mr. PG is heavily placed in the show and I’m happy to do that story but I also want to know what people do when they’re not at work and what do they do for work?” Lysakowski said.

“Because The race is not just about promoting tourism, it’s about the people,” he said.

“I grew up reading Richard Scarry’s book What Do People Do All Day? So to me The Race is to represent the whole of the country. There’s the university, the wheelchair badminton, the sport centre, the Aquatic Centre — it needs to be a full-rounded experience because the show itself from the racers to the challenges to the locations needs to represent the country as a whole and that’s our philosophy. To me it’s telling the story of a community and that’s how we come up with the locations and challenges.”

AMAZING RACE CANADA PHOTO

Jon Montgomery, host of The Amazing Race Canada, is seen here with Mr. PG, when the CTV summer series landed in Prince George for a leg of the race in episode 5 in May.

Engage Sport North shines on CTV reality series

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

She thought it was a scam.

Sarah Saunders, executive director of Engage Sport North, thought she was being messed with when The Amazing Race Canada first reached out to see if they could work together for a segment of a show that was taking place in Prince George.

“They originally contacted Rob Stiles, a member of our team,” Saunders said.

Stiles oversees the para sport programming and Northern Adapted Sport Association under the umbrella of Engage Sport North, a non-profit organization that supports athletes, coaches, officials, educators, parents and sport leaders in Northern BC.

“It was a very vague email — we thought it was a scam — it said ‘a national TV show is going to come to your town’ and we’re like ‘yeah, sure,’” Saunders laughed, recalling the skepticism about the legitimacy of the initial email inquiries.

“We kind of brushed them off at first. And then they were persistent and finally they did spill the beans as to what the show was and then we thought ‘OK, this sounds kind of legit!’”

So once the emailers said they were from The Amazing Race Canada, that’s when they started planning, Stiles added.

“They contacted our para sports because the show really likes to highlight accessibility and inclusivity and all those kinds of things and of course that’s what we’re all about,” Saunders said.

and Sarah

During the most recent previews of episode 5 showcasing the summer series on CTV there are glimpses of what’s to come featuring Prince George and the local competitors, Grace Dove and Joe Syme.

If you don’t blink during the commercial you see a flash of the Northern Sport Centre where people are playing an adaptive game of para badminton.

“Yeah, so they hadn’t done para badminton before and that’s one of the programs that we offer, particularly for those athletes with disabilities all over Northern BC,” Saunders said.

“They contacted us to say ‘hey, do you want to be part of this thing we want to do?’ and we said ‘yes, we’ll help out!’”

So Engage Sport North gathered a bunch of people together to be part of

the day, including Engage Sport North staff and friends of Engage Sport North and local community members who wanted to participate in the para badminton activities, she added.

“So we just advertised it as that because we weren’t allowed to say anything so we just got everyone together and then on the day they were told what we’d be doing and then the staff of the show took over,” Saunders explained.

“They had ideas around what the competition would be, the format and we just took our direction from that.”

Saunders along with Rob Stiles were on hand to offer successful The Amazing Race Canada competitors their next clue during the show.

“I guess I didn’t really have a whole lot of context because I hadn’t watched

the show a lot so I kinda just did what they said and got the opportunity to be part of it. You tend to get excited when you’re in that atmosphere and so they told me this was my role and told me what to do and I did what they said. It was really cool for our organization to be involved. We’re just a little regional not-for-profit and it was kinda cool to be on national TV.”

Engage Sport North is part of the national sport system.

“And that’s why they reached out to us,” Saunders said.

“We play a role in the whole body of sport in Canada through our connections with the Canadian Sport Institute and we are tasked with delivering sport in Northern BC.”

Looking back at the experience, Saunders said it was really quite impressive how The Amazing Race Canada approaches a shoot.

“The people were super nice and it was amazing how many people were involved in making a thing like that happen,” Saunders said.

“There were so many camera people and they had GoPros on every corner of the badminton net. They even had a drone taking footage. It was actually kind of amazing to see how many people make a thing like that happen — maybe I’m just naïve — but there’s an army of people there and they were very good to our volunteers and it was fun to work with them all. It was a long day but it was really fun.”

For more information about Engage Sport North’s services visit https:// engagesportnorth.com/

Local team competes on home turf in latest episode

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Dove is a Canadian Screen Award nominated actor who appeared in The Revenant as Leonardo DiCaprio’s wife; Alaska Daily, a television series with Hilary Swank and in How It Ends with Forest Whitaker, as well as the movie and television series Bones of Crows Dove lives in Vancouver now but was

born and raised in Prince George.

Grace’s brother Joe Syme is a diamond driller from Prince George.

“And of course, Grace and Joe are from Prince George, they know the city, so they got to go down memory lane,”

Lysakowski said.

“In the episode I think you’ll see their experience in Prince George hit close to home in a good way.”

Lysakowski said he was getting on his pseudo-soap box as the interview with The Citizen concluded.

“In the current world that we live in I always encourage people that if you can get out there and explore Canada,” he said.

“It doesn’t have to be coast-to-coastto-coast because that’s something not everyone can do — but go out and

explore your community, try things differently and I think people in Prince George do, so I’m not making much of a preach there but I find in Toronto I don’t explore the city as much as I should. You don’t have to get on a plane, just go for a drive and explore the community you live in and you will be surprised by what you’re going to find. We live in the most beautiful place in the world. Enjoy it.”

AMAZING RACE CANADA PHOTO

Rob Stiles

Saunders of Engage Sport North and Northern Adapted Sport Association, were on The Amazing Race Canada at the Northern Sport Centre where contestants were put to an adaptive badminton challenge.

Adult literacy programs aim to give people a step up

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

One essential learning tool in Prince George has received $25,000 to ensure its programs continue running smoothly.

The Learning Circle Literacy Program, operated by the Native Friendship Centre, was one of dozens of literacy programs funded by the BC government this month.

The program provides the following services to the Prince George community:

• One-to-one tutorial sessions

• Pre-prep GED sessions

• Lending library

• Basic computer training

• Educational workshops

• Tutor training

The province stated it invests $3.4 million annually in literacy programs through the Community Adult Literacy Program. The program operates on a two-year cycle, with 2025–26 funding supporting the first year of the 2025–27 cycle.

The province considers this program essential, as it delivers basic literacy education to adults, families and Indigenous communities — helping people gain life skills, access better jobs, pursue further education and participate more actively in their communities.

The Community Adult Literacy Program now supports 96 literacy programs delivered by 67 providers in 204 BC communities — a 55 per cent increase from 132 communities in 2024–25.

Sheryl Elgie, employment and training team lead and one of the coordinators of the Learning Circle Literacy Program, spoke to The Citizen about what the program offers to the Prince George community.

“We have many different projects with the Learning Circle Literacy Program,” said Elgie. “This funding helps our facilitator recruit tutors. Our tutors are all volunteers. Generally speaking, our tutors have been students from UNBC, but we have tutors who tutor mathematics, English and science. We have a

diverse group of tutors.

“Our tutors help students from elementary school age all the way up to folks who are wanting additional help to learn to read and write — so we have elders as well.”

According to the BC government, 45.9 per cent of adults across the province are reading at Level 2 or below. A Level 1 score indicates difficulty with basic literacy, while Level 3 is considered the minimum required to cope with everyday life.

Elgie said programs like this are critical to filling literacy gaps in the North.

“There’s a huge gap in literacy in Prince George — especially in adult learning,” said Elgie. “Especially since John McInnis is no longer doing the Grade 12 upgrading for students anymore. I do realize that people can go to college, but there is definitely a gap still…

“We are closing it with our tutors and providing those supports because many of our elders in the community are unable to have access, and they have difficulties with computer literacy. We really feel that gap in a large way for our community — especially with literacy around technology. A lot of the upgrading has to be done online now. For our students, they very much struggle with that online learning.”

Elgie has seen many students thrive during her time with the Learning Circle

Literacy Program.

“We have a lot of success stories around our students — who have picked up or succeeded and have been able to go to college from the online training that they’ve gotten through us. We’re able to fill in that stepping stone for them.”

In addition to teaching reading, writing and computer usage, the Learning Circle Literacy Program also incorporates cultural literacy for people in Prince George.

“We’ve had elders come in and share language during the making of ribbon skirts,” said Elgie. “We believe that’s part of literacy — and it helps with the

loss of language we see in Indigenous communities.

“We also have story sharing. We had just recently started, in the spring, an Indigenous women’s story-sharing circle — where elders, Indigenous women in the community, and women in the community as a whole, we just had a sharing circle where they were free to share their stories or stories from their culture.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Native Friendship Centre’s Learning Circle Literacy Program, or in volunteering, visit:

https://volunteerpg.com/listings/ learning-circle-literacy-program/

NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE PHOTO

The Learning Circle Litearcy Program hosts readings from Indigenous authors as part of its program.

NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE PHOTO

This is one of the crafts made by beading and language circles as part of the Cultural Literacy Program at the Native Friendship Centre.

Retred doctor uses woodworking to support Ukraine

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Woodworking has always been a part of his life.

His dad had a shop, all five of his brothers have shops, and he’s always had a shop, too.

Dr. Laurie Cook, a retired Prince George family physician, has turned his woodworking skills into a fundraising project for Ukraine’s military efforts against Russia.

He started the project in March 2022 and has contributed more than $40,000 to the cause.

Ulysses, a poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, expresses why Cook does what he does.

“Old age hath yet his honour and his toil;

Death closes all: but something ere the end,

Some work of noble note, may yet be done.”

“I like making these things, but then I don’t know what to do with them. They accumulate and get in the way. And why Ukraine? Because the bully is beating up the little kid,” Cook said.

Cook creates dining room tables, coffee tables, benches, bed frames and charcuterie boards.

Some pieces feature inlays, others have live edges, and some are made from whole slabs of local birch and Douglas fir.

Rustically practical, Cook’s pieces are visually striking — but like many artists, he has an overly critical eye when it comes to his own work.

Coffee tables made from Douglas fir sit in his basement.

He used an iron stain that darkened the wood but, to his eye, left an unappealing patchiness that not even two hours of sanding could fix.

Despite his misgivings, it’s a beautiful piece.

“With Douglas fir, you never know what the iron stain is going to do — except for one thing that’s consistent — and that is that the sapwood is always lighter than the hardwood,” Cook said.

“And everything is branded Slava

Ukraini — For Ukraine.”

Cook is quick to point out that out-ofpocket expenses — like $100 coffee-table legs — are his cost to bear.

“So if this coffee table gets a $750 donation, then all $750 will go to Ukraine,” he said.

To expand his creativity, Cook has started adding inlays to the already beautiful wood pieces, often depicting waterways.

“As most water bodies in this province have gold in them, now some of my pieces have gold in them,” Cook said.

Cook worked as a family physician in Prince George for 35 years and recently retired. He now assists orthopedic surgeons a couple of days a week, he said.

His charcuterie boards are all made with birch.

“I drill holes in all of them because I know a lot of people store them vertically,” Cook said.

There’s a variety of boards in different colours.

“There’s a bit of a story to that,” he said.

“When birch gets big, it tends to rot in the centre. And in the early, early stages of rot, you get some colour. At different stages, you get different patterns.”

Cook logs the wood himself and said birch is a challenge to work with.

He is asking $90 for a charcuterie board — a price some people find high.

“But I’ve got to find the tree, cut it down, take it to my sawmill, cut it up — and then I have to spend a year drying it. Birch has some bad habits. As it’s drying, it tends to twist, cup, split and do all kinds of other things, so there’s a certain amount of waste,” Cook said.

He is currently working on a dining room table that has undergone preliminary sanding, and he plans to try something new with this piece.

“For the first time, I will be using a kind of oil-wax called Odie’s Oil instead of epoxy — to see how it turns out,” Cook said, placing an experienced hand on the wood.

Cook’s woodworking roots trace back to his father, George Cook, a general surgeon in Nova Scotia.

“My dad grew up on a small farm, and when he got back from the war, he got into carpentry. Then he decided he was going to apply to vet school — but getting into vet school then, and now, is very difficult. So he was turned down. He said, ‘All right, I’ll go to medical school,’ and they said, ‘Sure,’” Cook

laughed.

“It was easier to be a doctor than a vet.”

His father loved land and eventually acquired 900 acres, which he developed into a productive maple syrup operation.

“He had 25,000 trees under tap, so he made and sold maple syrup for probably 30 years as a sideline,” Cook said. All six sons of George Cook are woodworkers, and each has a piece of equipment from their dad’s shop. Cook got the jointer — a machine he still uses to this day.

“I’m going to guess that jointer is probably 60 years old, if not 70,” Cook said with a smile.

“I put it on a pallet and had it trucked across the country.”

Cook came to Prince George in 1973.

“In Nova Scotia, it’s hard to find a tree that you could make a telephone pole out of, and it’s hard to find a river that you can canoe — except in the spring,” he said of the move across the country.

“So I came out west because I wanted to see where big trees grew and big rivers flowed.”

To contact Cook about his wood projects, email lauriecook1949@gmail.com.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHRISTINE DALGLEISH

Dr. Laurie Cook, a retired physician, is using his woodworking skills to raise funds for the Ukraine war effort.

Non-proft defending against invasive plant species

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

When you think about environmental damage and its causes and effects, the first thing that comes to mind most likely isn’t plants.

However, the economic damage caused by invasive plant species every year in the North is incredible — with an estimated $139 million lost in BC from 2008 to 2020 and an estimated $50 million annually due to damages to agriculture alone in recent years.

The Northwest Invasive Plant Council (NWIPC) is a local non-profit organization looking to curb both the environmental and economic damage caused by invasive species across the North.

Kiara Mills, education and outreach assistant, spoke to The Citizen about what the organization has been doing in regard to invasive plant education in the area.

“This year, we wanted to make an effort to go out to some of the communities in our region,” said Mills. “Our region is quite large. It’s basically from the Alberta border all the way to the coast, and then all the way to the Yukon border, except for the Peace area. It’s been easy to get Prince George-focused, just because that’s where two out of three of our staff are from. We’ve been trying to take our education booth and go to farmers’ markets and events in other places in the region, so that’s one thing that we’re doing this summer.”

Besides education, the NWIPC also works with local contractors and land managers in problem areas across the North to reduce the influence of invasive plants.

The NWIPC currently lists the North’s most invasive and harmful plants that they categorize as tagged for early detection and rapid response.

This list is extensive — with 24 species listed in the Prince George area alone — some of which are listed below:

• Baby’s breath

• Bighead knapweed

• Blueweed

• Bohemian knotweed

• Chilean tarweed

• Common bugloss

• Field scabious

• Garden yellow loosestrife

• Greater knapweed

• Green foxtail

• Kochia

• Large yellow loosestrife

• Meadow knapweed

• Purple loosestrife

• Queen Anne’s lace/Wild carrot

• Russian knapweed

However, the early detection and rapid response list is just one of many. There are also high-priority and low-priority lists, which in total contain 51 different species just in the Prince George area alone.

Mills explained a few areas where

over that area, and because they do so well and they reproduce so well — and a lot of them don’t need as many nutrients as native plants do — they will just outcompete the native species. The native species will not be able to grow in those areas, and this just reduces the biodiversity. So all of those native species are no longer available to grazers and browsers that would otherwise be coming into those areas and using them.”

Mills told The Citizen what locals can do if they see these plants growing in their gardens or out and about — and how to properly dispose of them.

“We have a hotline that you can call in and let us know that they’re around,” said Mills. “We also have information sheets and stuff available through the Invasive Species Council of BC on invasive plant management.

“If it’s on your property, some of them you can pull and then just dispose of them properly. They can’t be composted, because then they can just continue to spread. If people are going out removing them, if they are just put in trash bags and then sent to the landfill, that’s where they have the least chance of spreading.” She added that cleaning equipment is also essential to reducing the spread of these plants, as hiking gear or mountain bikes are often known to track invasive plants back to cities and towns.

Mills also shared more ways locals can help out at NWIPC.

these plants can thrive.

“They love the sides of roads and ditches and stuff, right? Because it’s really easy to be spread through vehicles moving through,” said Mills. “I’ve heard of some common tansy sites in Cottonwood Park, and then we have some management sites in Rainbow Park currently for mountain bluebell. They’re kind of everywhere!”

If left to their own devices, these species can ruin the development of native flora and fauna in the area — sometimes permanently.

“Disturbed sites are big spreaders,” said Mills. “Most of them do well in disturbed ground. Then they will just take

“Volunteers sign up for some stuff that would be available through upcoming events,” said Mills. “Then we also have what’s called the Community Invasive Plant Pull. People can get in contact with us to help organize, and then they just have to find a site for invasive plants, get people together, get insurance for it, and then if they’re based in Prince George, we can come out and help out — and maybe even have some support there with information and stuff. Then they can get a $250 honorarium for that, so that’s another program that we’ve been trying to get off the ground.”

To sign up for an invasive plant pull or to learn more, visit the NWIPC’s website at: https://nwipc.org/about-us/projects/ community-weed-pulls

NWIPC PHOTOS

ABOVE: Common Tansy is one of the invasive plants listed as a high priority in the region.

BELOW: Marshplume thistle is also listed among local invasive plant species.

Throwback Thursday: Week of August 14

Aug. 14, 2013: Team Japan JX-Enoes lined up for the opening ceremonies at the 2013 World Baseball Challenge at Citizen Field. In addition to Japan and the host Team Canada, countries represented included the U.S., Cuba and Chinese Taipei. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVID MAH

Aug. 15, 1955: The youngest person to be part of an Alpine Club of Canada climb of the 12,792-foot (3,900 metres) Mount Robson was Prince George’s Penelope Godfrey, the 17-year-old daughter of a mountaineering city couple, Mr. and Mrs. D.D. Godfrey, 1995 12th Avenue. With her in the photo is the oldest climber on the trek, Prof. N. Basset of Reading University in England. Penelope Godfrey, a UBC nursing student, was accompanied by her parents on the trip, which ended before the group made the summit because of weather. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Aug. 15, 1973: Barbara Foot pointed to the former residential area of what’s now Cottonwood Island Park on a 3D model as the city started taking steps to turn the 250-acre island into a nature park and wildlife sanctuary. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVE MILNE

Aug. 12, 1993: Two-month-old camel Camelia was one of the animals in The Citizen’s petting zoo at the Prince George Exhibition. Camelia was being led by Leslie Allgrove, 14, in back, with Katie Wheat, 7, and Hayley Migvar, 5, holding the bottle. Camelia weighed 150 pounds and had doubled in size in the month before this photo was taken; she was expected to stand eight feet tall and weigh a tonne when fully grown.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVE MILNE

Beatng wildfre smoke at a DIY air cleaner workshop

PAULA TAIT Northern Health

Northerners are no strangers to wildfire smoke. Each summer, many of our communities face weeks or even months of hazy skies and poor air quality. In our changing climate, we are seeing wildfires happening more often, they’re more extreme, and wildfire seasons are lasting longer.

Last August, a group of Prince George residents gathered to take air quality into their own hands — literally. At the Elder Citizens Recreation Association (ECRA), elder community members came together to learn how to build their own DIY air cleaners, a simple yet effective tool for improving indoor air quality during smoky periods.

The DIY air cleaner solution DIY air cleaners are a cost-effective way to improve indoor air quality during wildfire season. These simple devices consist of a box fan, a MERV-13 furnace filter, and some cardboard or tape to secure the filter to the fan. When running, the fan pulls air through the filter, trapping harmful smoke particles and circulating cleaner air back into the room.

Building your own air cleaner can cost less than $50, making it an accessible option for many households. It’s especially valuable for older adults, babies, children, people with respiratory or other chronic health conditions, and those who may not have access to or be able to afford commercial air purifiers. Workshop participants learned how to assemble these cleaners step-by-step, gaining a practical skill to protect their health during smoky periods.

Planning the first workshop

Simon Fraser University (SFU) and BC Lung Foundation’s BREATHE Project (Building Resilience to Emerging Airborne Threats and Heat Events) is a community-based initiative that teaches community leaders and members how to build DIY air cleaners to improve their indoor air quality. SFU contacted Northern Health (NH)’s Population

and Public Health teams about DIY air cleaner workshops in June 2024, recognizing the need in the North. Northern Health acknowledged the value in such an opportunity right away and asked the Prince George Air Improvement Roundtable (PGAIR) to be a part of this great initiative, since the group has existing relationships and works to increase awareness and knowledge about air quality in the community and beyond.

Collaborating with partners amplified the collective effort. Event organizers recognized if one pilot workshop was completed, it could be a jumping off point for more workshops across the North. NH and PGAIR began securing funding and exploring options for a pilot

schedules and ensuring broad community participation.

Senior attendees worked together in small groups, guided by knowledgeable volunteers.

As they assembled their air cleaners, the room filled with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.

The diverse group of participants highlighted the widespread interest in practical solutions for air quality issues. Many expressed how empowering it felt to create something that could protect their health and the health of their loved ones.

The hands-on approach allowed participants to leave with not just knowledge, but a functional air cleaner and the confidence to use it effectively during future wildfire smoke events.

Impact and mental health benefits

The DIY air cleaner workshop did more than just provide practical skills; it fostered a sense of community resilience. In the wake of COVID-19 isolation, it offered a valuable opportunity for social connection.

Participants and presenters shared stories, swapped tips, and formed new friendships while working towards a common goal.

workshop on short notice — the sooner the better.

With local connections and availabilities explored, organizers landed on partnering with the Elder Citizen’s Recreation Association (ECRA) since the older adult population is one of the more susceptible groups to smoke exposure and the facility is very accessible. Organizers had two weeks to round up participants by the time the details were sorted.

Community workshop experience

On August 27, 2024, the ECRA in Prince George buzzed with activity as community members gathered for this unique workshop. Two sessions were offered, accommodating different

This collaborative atmosphere had tangible mental health benefits. The workshop empowered community members to take control of their indoor air quality, reducing anxiety about future wildfire seasons. It also highlighted the importance of community support when facing environmental challenges.

For many, the experience went beyond building an air cleaner. It was about building confidence, connections, and a shared sense of preparedness for whatever smoky skies may bring.

Practical tips and considerations

Workshop participants learned essential safety tips for their DIY air cleaners. Proper placement is crucial: use the device on a hard surface, at least four feet from walls or furniture.

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTOS

Some of the many DIY air cleaners made by Prince George residents during last summer’s BREATHE project event.

Driving equity: car seat initatve supports families

Ensuring children can travel with parents for medical trips shouldn’t be an obstacle

FIONA MACPHERSON Northern Health

When Sarah Wheeler, a Northern Health (NH) social worker at the University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC), raised concerns about a gap in care for Northern families, NH and Spirit of the North (SOTN) Healthcare Foundation took action.

Many families who rely on the NH Connections transportation program to travel to and from care centres often face a straightforward but serious challenge: limited access to safe, appropriate car seats for their infants and young children.

Travelling for health care purposes isn’t a vacation. It can be stressful — and the last thing someone wants to have to think about are the little details, like having to bring their own car seats.

Those making long journeys, frequently travelling great distances between hospitals and their home communities, including many returning from

Fiona MacPherson, regional manager, NH Health Transportation Services & Partnership Programs, Sarah Wheeler, NH social worker, and Aimee Cassie, CEO of Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, are part of an initiative to make sure Northern families have access to safe car seats.

BC Children’s Hospital, often are already navigating complex medical, logistical, and sometimes financial barriers.

Ensuring their small children and newborns can travel with them appropriately should not be another obstacle.

After Sarah flagged this need, Aimee Cassie, CEO of the SOTN, jumped in to offer support.

Thanks to their generosity and in partnership with West Coast Kids, who provided the car seats at a generous discount, the following were supplied for use on the Connections coaches:

• Six stage 1 car seats

• Six stage 2/3 car seats

• 12 car seat travel bags

The good news and support didn’t stop there. Pacific Western Charters, a key transportation partner, installed car seat anchors, ensuring all NH Connections coaches are equipped with seat belts to properly secure the new equipment.

This initiative represents a meaningful step toward safer, more fulsome health care transportation for families across Northern BC.

It provides peace of mind for parents — especially those whose infants may require extended NICU care or pediatric treatment in Vancouver — and ensures they can return home with their children safely and comfortably.

A big thank you to SOTN, West Coast Kids, and Pacific Western Charters for their support with this initiative!

People want practcal solutons for air quality issues

cleaners fact sheet at www.bccdc.ca.

For maximum effectiveness during wildfire events, close windows and use the cleaner in frequently occupied rooms.

Regular maintenance is key. Replace filters when visibly dirty, typically every 3-6 months. Remember, these cleaners are for temporary use during poor air quality events and don’t address gaseous pollutants.

Different designs offer various benefits: cube designs (with four filters) clean air faster but are more expensive and noisier.

To learn more about DIY air cleaners, please visit BCCDC’s Do-It-Yourself air

The BREATHE Project website has a workshop guide at bclung.ca.

The DIY air cleaner workshop exemplifies Northern BC’s community spirit when facing environmental challenges. By empowering residents with practical skills, we’re hoping to build a more resilient region.

This year, there are more workshops being rolled out across the NH region with support from the BREATHE project coordinators. We look forward to learning more about how this program can grow into more communities in Northern Health.

We are grateful to PGAIR, Northern Health, SFU, BC Lung Foundation’s

BREATHE project, and the Prince George Elder Citizens Recreation Association for the time, expertise, and supportive funding they contributed towards making this event a success.

Host your own workshop

Here are some considerations for planning an air cleaner workshop:

• Explore potential funding sources prior to planning an event (e.g. local businesses, charities, municipal governments, etc.), as some opportunities need approval months in advance

• Secure venue or host details (e.g. contract or insurance details) and workshop supplies as soon

as possible

• Develop a communications plan and provide at least one month to advertise.

• Use a variety of communication methods and don’t be afraid to get out in the community (farmer’s markets, churches, thrift stores, etc.) to share posters or pamphlets (with permission)

• Consider logistics for participant registrations, supplies, storage, transportation, and workshop support

It’s great to have a few more people to help with these tasks.

Some participants may need an extra hand.

Local Sports Best swimmers and divers in BC here to compete

Pisces Swim Club taking on challegers after record-setting performances at Cariboo Regionals

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Prince George has welcomed about 6,000 athletes, coaches, family members and supporters this week as the BC Summer Swimming Association (BCSSA) Provincial Championships are hosted at the Prince George Aquatic Centre.

The Pisces Swim Club is fresh off the Cariboo Regional Championships qualifying event and scored an impressive 2,379 points out of a total of 5,173 points awarded across all clubs.

With approximately 46 per cent of the points awarded to one club, the Pisces swimmers were confident heading into the BCSSA.

Several club members of all ages also set new regional records, which are listed below:

Archer Barnes – Division 5

50 Fly – 29.44

200 Freestyle Relay – 1:58.81 (also a club record)

Emma Watson – Division 8

200-metre individual medley – 2:39.08

100 Back – 1:12.84

100 Breast – 1:21.22

200 Medley Relay – 2:10.50 — relay team includes J. Murguly, J. Guillet, S. Maritsas

200 Freestyle Relay – 1:53.31 — relay team includes S. Maritsas, J. Murguly, J. Guillet

Justine Guillet – Division 8

50 Free – 26.67

100 Fly – 1:13.26

50 Fly – 30.91

100 Free – 1:00.47

Jocelyn Murguly – Division 6

50 Free – 28.50

Finn Boyle

200 Medley Relay – 2:01.24 — relay team includes N. Oviatt, C. Watson, T. Chingee

200 Freestyle Relay – 1:47.72 — relay

Ben MacPherson, 14, of North Vancouver tumbles through the air while taking part in a diving competition at the BC Summer Swimming Association Provincial Championship meet held at the Aquatic Centre Monday, Aug. 11.

team includes C. Watson, N. Oviatt, T. Chingee

Hudson Marjoribanks – Division 1

100 individual medley – 1:35.54

50 Fly – 44.30

Annika St. Jean – Division 2

200 Medley Relay – 3:06.71 — relay team includes C. Enemark, E.

McWhinnie, F.C. Fabillar

In addition to the new regional records, Justine Guillet, Jocelyn Murguly and Archer Barnes came in first for their divisions across the entire province for the 50 Free, 100 Breast and 50 Free events, respectively.

The Citizen caught up with the proud

medal winners from the Pisces Swim Club following their regional victories. Hudson Marjoribanks, despite his young age, is one of the top contenders for his division and was surprised by his accomplishment.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

More than 6,000 swimmers, coaches and supporters in PG

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

“I broke the record for the fly,” he said. “I was kind of surprised because I went in with a 48 and I came out with a 44.”

When it comes to the BCSSA, Marjoribanks is confident in his chances of bringing home the gold.

“I’m mostly excited and kind of nervous,” he said. “There are a lot of fast people down south. I have a chance at medalling. I’m top eight in the province for everything, so I’ve got a pretty good shot at medalling.”

Archer Barnes, who came in first in the province for 50 Free and set a regional record for his 50 Fly, is also excited to attend Provincials and had good things to say about his fellow swimmers.

“I’ve been to Provincials before, so I’m not too scared, but it’s going to be a little bit different having it in Prince George with everyone watching,” said Barnes. “I’m hopefully looking to drop some time and also just hang out with my friends. We’ve got a really good community here and it’s just fun all the time.”

Jocelyn Murguly also shared Barnes’ sentiment about the community that surrounds the swim club.

“It’s honestly amazing,” said Murguly. “I love having the team community because we all work together and push each other, and I find that I train harder, I train better when I’m training with my friends and teammates. We just push each other and we all want each other to succeed and do well.”

She also told The Citizen that one of the biggest parts of Provincials for her is getting to meet swimmers from other parts of the province.

“The whole atmosphere of Provincials — just how there’s going to be so many swimmers here. I’m excited for everything that comes along with it,” Murguly said.

“Just the social aspect of meeting new people and new swimmers, and getting to talk to people from different places. I love cheering on my teammates. It’s probably one of my favourite things — just to watch other people race.”

Pisces Swim Club coach Ian Williams, who also competed in Division 8 and

set a regional record for the 200 Medley Relay and the 200 Freestyle Relay, has seen his athletes come a long way since he started coaching.

“I mostly cover the teenagers now,” said Williams. “But when I came back in 2018, it was just me coaching for the first little while, and some of those swimmers that were eight-year-olds and seven-year-olds are now some of my older swimmers. It’s really cool seeing them through from being children to being adults now. It’s cool just watching them grow up right before your eyes.

“It goes by pretty quickly, and I try to take in those moments and realize how far they’ve come. Also with my coaches now — the older swimmers that are getting into coaching — getting them to really remember these moments and remember the kids improving, so that five, ten years down the road they’ll know where they came from.”

He also spoke about his approach to coaching and the values he tries to instil in his swimmers.

“My philosophy really lies in having fun before being competitive,” said Williams. “I want to keep as many swimmers in the sport as I can. I want them to have a good relationship with the sport and want to continue until they’re adults and can swim on their own. It starts there — just being a fun coach, making sure that we’re not too hard on the kids, but hard when we need to be. Trying to get them to unlock another level of work ethic and responsibility, while making sure they’re having fun and building connections with other swimmers.”

Williams is also confident in his team’s chances at BCSSA.

“Normally, we haven’t been really competitive at Provincials in the past,” said Williams. “Outside of a couple of summers here and there doing really well. So for us to go into Provincials now, having multiple medal chances and just people making the finals is really cool. I think we’ll put on a good showing for our region. It’s something that we haven’t always had in the past, but we’re heading in that direction of .being one of the teams to beat.”

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

The judges display their score after each dive to have it tallied during competition at the BC Summer Swimming Association Provincial Championship meet at the Aquatic Centre Monday, Aug. 11.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER

Pisces Swim Club members hold their medals and gold cap from the Cariboo Regionals. From left are Archer Barnes, Finn Boyle, Hudson Marjoribanks, Jocelyn Murguly, Hudson Meier, Ian Williams, Annika st Jean, Justine Guillet and Emma Watson gather on Thursday, Aug. 7 in Prince George. Not in the picture: Colby Watson.

Province’s best in PG for lacrosse

Scamp Transport Devils Andrew Schwab’s shot is blocked by Mission Cedar Kings goalie Devon Winter during their Glen “Moose” Scott Invitational BC Senior ‘C’ Lacrosse Provincials game at Kin 1 Saturday, Aug. 9. Prince George hosted senior C lacrosse action on the weekend at Kin 1 and 2 with the Glen “Moose” Scott Invitational Provincial Championship, featuring eight teams including the Prince George Assault and the defending PGSLA champions Scamp Transport Devils. Also competing were two-time defending champs Kelowna and Port Coquitlam. Final results were not available when The Citizen went to press.

PG Cougars, Spruce Kings announce player signings

CITIZEN STAFF

The Prince George Spruce Kings have added experience to their blue line, announcing the commitment of 2006born defenceman Fraser Leonard for the 2025-26 BC Hockey League season.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Leonard, from Cochrane, Alta., spent last season with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, where he recorded three assists over 36 games. In total, Leonard has 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in 95 career WHL appearances with Calgary, Saskatoon and Prince George.

“I’m really looking forward to getting to Prince George and joining the Spruce Kings, and meeting new management and teammates,” he said. “I think it will be an awesome year with a great team and a few familiar faces I know. I’m looking forward to meeting all the Spruce Kings fans.”

Cougars

bring in Russian forward

The Prince George Cougars have signed forward Dmitri Yakutsenak to a WHL scholarship and development agreement.

Yakutsena was selected 49th overall by the Cougars in the 2025 WHL Import Draft.

A 2007-born forward from Yaroslavl, Russia, spent the 2024-25 season with the Loko Yaroslavl program, where he impressed with 17 points (nine goals, eight assists) in 39 games. At 6’1” and 201 pounds, the right-handed forward is known for his combination of size,

skating ability, and skill.

“Dmitri is a strong-skating forward with excellent puck skills and sharp offensive instincts,” said Bob Simmonds, the Cougars’ director of player personnel. “He’s confident with the puck on his stick, and we expect him to be a great fit with our forward group, adding an exciting offensive spark to the team.”

Ukrainian goalie heads to PG

The Prince George Cougars officially signed their second-round pick from the 2025 CHL Import Draft to a scholarship and development agreement on Monday, Aug. 11.

Goaltender Alexander Levshyn, a six-foot-three native of Kharkiv, Ukraine, was the 110th overall pick in the July 2 draft.

In the 2024-25 season, Levshyn played for the Toronto Patriots of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, racking up a 23-win season, a goals-against-average of 2.43 and a save percentage of .935.

He’s also played for Ukraine’s U20 national team, winning all five games he played at the 2025 IIHF U20 Division 1B World Championship, and attended the Vancouver Canucks’ development camp earlier this summer.

“Signing with the Prince George Cougars for the upcoming season is very exciting,” Levshyn said in a release. “It’s an incredible honour to be selected in the WHL, and especially meaningful to join a club with such a rich history and passionate fan base.”

PRINCE GEORGE SPRUCE KINGS PHOTO

The Prince George Spruce Kings have announced the commitment of 2006-born defenceman Fraser Leonard of Cochrane, Alta. for the 2025-2026 season.

UNBC women’s Timberwolves add German keeper

CITIZEN STAFF

The UNBC Timberwolves women’s soccer program has made a major addition ahead of the 2025 Canada West season.

Head coach Neil Sedgwick announced on Saturday that German-born goalkeeper Johanna Rathke of Bremen, Germany, has committed to the Timberwolves. Rathke, a 5-foot-11 keeper, arrives in Prince George after playing last season with TSV Jahn Calden — a third-division team that competed in southern Germany.

She will also begin her Master’s degree in biochemistry at the University of Northern British Columbia.

“I think I can bring experience to the team,” said Rathke, who has played soccer since the age of 10. “For college soccer, I’m an older player and from a soccer skills side, I’m not afraid. I hope that I can help this team.”

Rathke has played in various leagues and cities over the years. Her highlights include winning two regional championships in Bremen and reaching the

Super Trucks light sparks at PGARA

Dean Braham (76) slides down the front straight wall trailing sparks in the Canadian Super Trucks “A” Heat of the PGARA Invitational Saturday, Aug. 9 at PGARA Speedway. In Aug., PGARA action continues with races showcasing North American Big Rigs alongside local classes on Aug. 22 and 23. The popular Hit to Pass event follows on Aug. 30 and 31. The season wraps up with the Championship Finale on Saturday, Sept. 13, featuring all racing classes.

second round of the national DFB-Pokal competition, where she played against Mainz 05 at Bruchweg Stadium.

“We are excited about Johanna joining us,” said Sedgwick. “She brings a great deal of experience in the goal and has already fit in well with the team. As a graduate student, Johanna

brings maturity and a calmness. We are delighted that she has become a Timberwolf.”

Rathke said her early interactions with Sedgwick and the rest of the Timberwolves squad have been overwhelmingly positive.

“Neil seems to be really passionate

about what he’s doing,” she said. “He gives you good feelings as a new player. I feel very welcomed by him and the entire team — even if I’m from another continent.”

Off the field, Rathke boasts an impressive academic résumé. She was awarded the Deutschlandstipendium and Niedersachsenstipendium scholarships during her undergraduate studies. She also earned a poster prize for her presentation of her bachelor’s thesis at the international 76th Mosbacher Kolloquium.

She is a proud member of the Hans Rigel Foundation for her project work in biology and has competed nationally in the Biology Olympiads.

As the Timberwolves prepare for their home opener on Aug. 22, Rathke and her teammates are training hard for what promises to be an exciting Canada West season.

“Playing as a team, fighting together and making memories on the field — and next to it — is amazing,” said Rathke. “I enjoy soccer because it provides balance and a break from academics and studying.”

UNBC PHOTO

Johanna Rathke from Bremen, Germany joins the UNBC Timberwolves women’s soccer team this season.

Life Events

Alec McLeod

February 5, 1944 - August 4, 2025

The McLeod Family sadly announces Alec’s passing.

He will be missed by his loving wife Diane, his two sons, co (Ti any), Mark (Gabrielle) and his grandchildren; shley, arah, mily, mma, and Jackson.

He will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, boatng and shing and for his handyman skills that he used to help out many people.

No service by his request.

Gordon

Ira Grant

Gordon Ira Grant, born September 20, 1938, in Myrtle, Ontario, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, in Prince George, Britsh Columbia, at the age of 86.

He is fondly remembered by his wife, Marianna Lisk; his sons, Paul Grant and John (Nora) Tedesco; stepdaughters Terry Lee Orendorf and Heidy (Brain) Barbie; grandson Colby Grant; as well as several other grandchildren.

In accordance with Gordon’s wishes, no service will be held.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

Frederick Joseph Colliss eptember , June ,

Frederick Joseph Colliss passed away peacefully on June , , a er a short but courageous ba le with cancer.

He is survived by daughter Ila, stepdaughter Michelle (Barclay) and stepson Bill (Tarra); grandchildren Nickolas (Hael), Jared, Liam rebin. He is also survived by his siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and his furry friend Groot.

celebraton of life will be held on ugust , , at the Courtyard Marrio Prince George at am.

In lieu of owers, donatons to the Prince George Hospice Palliatve Care ociety or the Canadian Cancer ociety would be greatly appreciated.

Sandra Phyllis Teegee

February 13, 1963 - August 4, 2025

Sandra Phyllis Teegee, Hereditary Chief Adiks Nox Nok - Laxgibu/Wolf Clan 62 years passed peacefully to be with her ancestors and her father William Teegee; nephew Noah ain uslien Teegee and Miranda Loyie-Silva on Monday 4th August, 2025 with her beloved Family and Friends by her side: Her son, Kalan Teegee, her newly wedded husband Cyril Dean Prince, her precious grandchildren William and Meadow Teegee; her daughter in law Christna Boivin-Teegee; her mother Sarah Teegee, Siblings

Eva Francis Oulete October 8, ugust ,

With broken hearts we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law and friend.

The last of her siblings, we did not expect her to leave us so suddenly. She will be deeply mourned by her daughter Theresa and daughter Trena (Dan), their families and the families of her deceased daughter, Tracy and son, Darryl and grandson, Keegan.

he is predeceased by her husband, Martn ( ).

To live in the hearts of those we love is to never die. Nipawapamin Kihchi-Manitow.

Funeral Services were held at Sacred Heart Cathedral Cathedral. Many thanks to those that a ended.

those who have touched our lives

Sekani Forest Products

PUBLIC NOTICE: FOREST OPERATION MAP REVIEW CANADIAN FOREST PRODUCTS LTD.

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NORVER HOLDING NORTHERN LOG SCALING HIRING

Seeking a Licensed Log Scaler for our operatons in the Prince George Forest District.

Full-tme positon whose dutes will include;

• Perform hand scaling by manually measuring log volumes.

• Oversee the weighing and recording of log loads.

• Enter data for both scaling and weighing processes and submit required informaton to the Ministry of Forests (MOF) and company databases.

Candidates should possess at least basic computer skills and be comfortable with data entry related to scaling, weighing log loads, and submitng required informaton to the Ministry of Forests and company systems. Previous experience with data management is an asset.

While not strictly required, candidates with at least one to two years of relevant experience are preferred.

We offer compettve wages (startng at $33 per hour, depending on experience). We provide ongoing training opportunites and a supportve team environment to help you succeed in your role.

To apply, please send your resume and cover leter to [evrtbogg@gmail.com] or contact Tom Evert at 250-613-9778 for more informaton.

Newly Updated • ECE run • Licenced Daycare. From 36 months to kindergarten. Great Government subsidy: Parents pay only $387/month full-tme.

Dr., Hart Hwy. babyducksearlylearning@outlook.com check out our facebook page

LAND ACT: NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR DISPOSITIONS OF CROWN LAND

Ta e notce that WPD Renewable Energy 7 Incorporated, from Victoria, , has applied to the Ministry of Water, and and esource tewardship, mineca egion, for

An Investgatve Licence for Windpower purposes situated on rovincial rown land located west of Tudyah a e, , described as nsurveyed rown and in the vicinity of Tudyah a e, ariboo istrict, containing appro imately 891 hectares.

The and File for this applicaton is 7410362.

An Investgatve Licence for Windpower purposes situated on rovincial rown land outhwest of aton rm on Williston eservoir, , described as nsurveyed rown and in the vicinity of aton iver, ariboo istrict, containing appro imately 557 hectares.

The and File for this applicaton is 7410363.

Writen comments concerning these applicatons should be directed to Lauren Wheeler, uthori atons pecialist, Ministry of Water, and and esource tewardship, mineca egion at 5th Floor 99 eorge treet, rince eorge, 2 1 5, or lauren.wheeler@gov.bc.ca omments will be received by Ministry of Water, and and esource tewardship, mineca egion up to eptember 21, 2025. Ministry of Water, and and esource tewardship, mineca egion may not be able to consider comments received a er this date. lease visit the website at htps://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca for more informaton.

e advised that any response to this advertsement will be considered part of the public record. ccess to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of nformaton (F request. isit htp://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofnformaton to learn more about F submissions.

hard copy M showing the locaton and e tent of the applicaton areas may be acquired by emailing the uthori atons pecialist named above.

LAND ACT: NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR DISPOSITIONS OF CROWN LAND

Ta e notce that WPD Renewable Energy 7 Incorporated, from Victoria, , has applied to the Ministry of Water, and and esource tewardship, mineca egion, for

An Investgatve Licence for Windpower purposes situated on rovincial rown land located southeast of ear a e, , described as nsurveyed rown and in the vicinity of roo ed iver ar , together with part of istrict ot 296 , ariboo istrict, containing appro imately 819 hectares. The and File for this applicaton is 7410364

An Investgatve Licence for Windpower purposes situated on rovincial rown land located southeast of ear a e, , described as nsurveyed rown and in the vicinity of Mc wan a e, ariboo istrict, containing appro imately 2609 hectares. The and File for this applicaton is 7410365.

Writen comments concerning these applicatons should be directed to Susan Spears, uthori atons pecialist, Ministry of Water, and and esource tewardship, mineca egion at 5th Floor 99 eorge treet, rince eorge, 2 1 5, or susan.spears@gov.bc.ca omments will be received by Ministry of Water, and and esource tewardship, mineca egion up to eptember 21, 2025. Ministry of Water, and and esource tewardship, mineca egion may not be able to consider comments received a er this date. lease visit the website at htps://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca for more informaton.

e advised that any response to this advertsement will be considered part of the public record. ccess to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of nformaton (F request.

isit htp://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofnformaton to learn more about F submissions.

hard copy M showing the locaton and e tent of the applicaton areas may be acquired by emailing the uthori atons pecialist named above.

1. Where did Depeche Mode get its name?

2. Name the group that released “Candy Girl” in 1963.

3. Which female artist released “Saving All My Love for You”?

4. Who wrote and released “Just Like a Woman”?

Answers

1. From a French fashion magazine. The translation meant “fashion update” or “hurried fashion.” Their rst No. 1 single was “People Are People” in Germany in 1984.

1. Which group released “Rag Doll”?

11, 2024

2. The Four Seasons. Several songs with girl names as titles were released in 1963: “Denise,” “Ruby Baby,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “Donna, the Prima Donna,” as well as many more.

2. Name the artist who wrote and released “Dreamy Eyes.”

3. Whitney Houston, in 1985. The song was Houston’s rst to top the Hot 100 chart, and she won a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal for her performance.

3. Which group released “GreenEyed Lady”?

4. Who wrote and released “Cracklin’ Rosie”?

4. Bob Dylan, in 1966. The album version was twice as long as the single, at 4 minutes 53 seconds.

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.”

* On Aug. 25, 1921, Franklin D. Roosevelt was diagnosed with polio -- also known as infantile paralysis because it usually strikes much younger people -- at the age of 39. He never regained the full use of his legs.

* On Aug. 26, 1936, suffragist Susan B. Anthony’s likeness appeared on a U.S. postage stamp that soon sparked some

• On Nov. 11, 1831, Nat Turner, an American slave and educated minister who believed that he’d been chosen by God to lead his people into freedom, was hanged in Jerusalem, Virginia, for leading a revolt with 75 followers through Southampton County, killing about 60 white people.

• On Nov. 12, 1969, investigative journalist Seymour Hersh revealed the extent of the U.S. Army’s charges against 1st Lt. William L. Calley at My Lai, Vietnam, in a cable picked up by more than 30 newspapers, saying that “The Army says he [Calley] deliberately murdered at least 109 Vietnamese civilians during a searchand-destroy mission in March 1968, in a Viet Cong stronghold known as ‘Pinkville.’”

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Your honesty might upset some people. But you inevitably win more admirers for having the courage to tell the truth when others are more likely to scramble for cover.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your eforts to defend your project begin to show favorable results. You should soon be able to win over even the most determined detractors who had lined up against it.

• 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.”

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You win praise for your selfess eforts in a very difcult situaton. But be careful not to allow your generous nature to be exploited by those who have their own agenda.

• 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.

• On Nov. 17, 1903, the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party split into two factions: the majority Bolsheviks and minority Mensheviks. The

controversy: While some critics claimed it was an election-year ploy for women’s votes, others insisted that it showed a cigarette in her lips.

* On Aug. 27, 1967, Beatles manager Brian Epstein was found dead from an accidental overdose of Carbrital, a drug used to treat insomnia. A “scared” John Lennon later said that “I knew that we were in trouble then. I didn’t really have any misconceptions about our ability to do anything other than play music.”

* On Aug. 28, 1987, the Arcadia, Florida, home of Richard, Robert and Randy Ray burned down in what was almost certainly

an act of arson. The three young siblings, who were not at home at the time, had already faced severe discrimination due to their HIV status in an era in which the virus was still largely considered a “gay disease.”

* On Aug. 29, 1914, the Women’s Defence Relief Corps was formed in Britain. Women’s rights organizations in Britain at first opposed the country’s entrance into the war, but reversed that position after recognizing the war effort’s potential to gain advancement for British women on the home front.

* On Aug. 30, 2006, the California State

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A trusted colleague sheds light on a recent spate of puzzling workplace situatons. This should give you the informaton you need to bring the mater to your superior’s atenton.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) A shif in workplace management could be helpful for talented LEOs and LEOnas who have been waitng to have their accomplishments rewarded by receptve leadership.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A misunderstanding between you and someone you care for should be corrected immediately. This relatonship is too important to lose over a bruised ego.

Senate passed the Global Warming Solutions Act, which made California the first state to place caps on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, including those found in automobile emissions.

* On Aug. 31, 1888, prostitute Mary Ann Nichols, the first known victim of a London serial killer called “Jack the Ripper,” was found murdered and mutilated in the city’s Whitechapel district. In 1892, with no leads found and no more murders recorded, the Ripper file was officially closed, but criminologists, historians and amateur sleuths still debate his true identity to this day.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A welcome piece of good news helps clear the air in a family situaton. A job-related incident also eases as more informaton provides a clearer focus on the problem.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21)

Quick acton to heal bruised feelings pays of in a big way. Now you’ll be able to move forward with your plans without a problem holding you back.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Your creatvity combined with a positve attude should give you a considerable edge in fnding a way to get around the negatvity you’ve run into.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A sudden streak of stubbornness could cause some problems. Try to be more open to helpful suggestons and more fexible in making needed changes.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Now that a special relatonship appears to be well and truly restored, you can spend more tme dealing with some long-needed workplace changes.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A new opportunity sounds promising, but watch out for any conditons that might be atached. Before making a decision, ask that each opportunity be explained in detail.

Homes & Living

Fun Picnic Ideas for Kids

Planning a picnic for kids is all about turning a simple meal into an adventure. The key is to engage their senses and spark their imagination, making the experience more than just eating outdoors. Here are some fun picnic ideas to get you started.

First, consider the theme. A “Teddy Bear’s Picnic” is a timeless classic. Invite each child to bring their favorite stuffed animal, and set up a special blanket for the bears to “sit” on. You can pack bear-shaped sandwiches, honeyflavored snacks, and a small thermos of milk to complete the theme. Another fun idea is a “Superhero Picnic.” Encourage kids to come dressed as their favorite hero and pack “power” snacks like granola bars, fruit skewers,

door starts here

and water bottles with superhero labels. You can even set up a simple scavenger hunt for “villain” clues or “hidden treasure” (small toys or stickers) around the picnic area.

The food itself can be part of the fun. Finger foods are always a hit with kids and are easy to pack and eat. Think mini-quiches, chicken nuggets, or bite-sized meatballs. Cutting sandwiches into fun shapes using cookie cutters (stars, dinosaurs, or hearts) can make a simple meal feel special. For a creative dessert, pack individual fruit cups with a variety of colorful fruits and a small dollop of whipped cream. Let the kids build their own fruit parfait. Don’t forget the drinks—reusable water bottles or small juice boxes are perfect for

preventing spills.

Entertainment is crucial for a successful kids’ picnic. Bring a large, durable blanket that can double as a play surface. Pack a few simple games that don’t require much equipment, like a frisbee, a ball for catch, or bubbles. A small craft kit with colored pencils and paper can keep them entertained while they wait for food. A storytelling session is another great idea. You can bring a favorite book or make up a story together, with each person adding a sentence.

Finally, remember the essentials. A comfortable and waterproof picnic blanket is a must. Pack plenty of wet wipes for sticky hands and faces, and a small first-aid kit for any minor scrapes.

Sunscreen and hats are also important for a sunny day. By combining creative themes, kid-friendly food, and engaging activities, you can transform a simple picnic into a magical day for everyone involved.