Issuu

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

SUPER BINGO

Virtual

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

WIN UP TO

$321,538

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 • 6:00PM $10,000 CASH

in 47 calls or less

THURSDAY, January 29th · 6:00 PM

Jackpot Game

www.treasurecovecasino.com

58307

00200

THURSDAY, January 15, 2026

CrossRoads fire: Arsonist pleads guilty ... Page 12

Seniors let council know how they feel Clubs visit city hall to protest decision to hold off on support MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Seniors brought chanting, drumming, cheers, marching, signs and conversation to city hall before council met Monday The gathering saw 18 members of the Spruce Capital Seniors’ Recreation Centre and the Hart Pioneer Centre holding a rally to protest council’s Dec. 15 decision to reject a proposal to split the city’s remaining $17,691 in contingency funds among five seniors’ centres. Council rejected the proposal in a six-to-three vote, citing concerns about setting a precedent that would allow non-profits to bypass the city’s grant process, as well as worries that the

funding would be a band-aid solution to a larger problem. Council instead voted in favour of spending up to $5,000 in contingency funding to facilitate a meeting between the centres to further discuss their longer-term needs, a decision that left seniors disappointed and frustrated. However, many at the rally said the decision was just the tip of the iceberg and highlighted larger issues facing seniors and seniors’ centres in the city. Shirley Morin, administrator for the Spruce Capital Seniors’ Recreation Centre, said many seniors in Prince George who visit her centre are struggling to make ends meet. “From the vote from December, where they turned us down, it has now snowballed into where we’re fighting for all of seniors’ rights now,” said Morin.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Seniors from local clubs’ walk through the city hall foyer chanting, ringing bells and drumming before Monday night’s council meeting.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

NEWS

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Councillors plan to re-introduce funding at budget talks CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “Which is housing, money, apartments, cars, losing their vehicles because they don’t have enough money to survive. Everything that seniors need — money, food, shelter — it’s gone beyond just our centres.” Morin said the structure of city grants means funding must go to specific programs and cannot be used for operational costs, which is where her centre is currently struggling. She described her reaction to learning the funds would not be distributed. “Anger, shock, disappointment — I totally felt let down and that we are like a hidden society,” said Morin. “Everybody just assumes that we are just going to continue doing what we’ve always done. They’re hardworking people. A lot of them out there are seniors who have been through a lot, and finances are tight.” Morin said she was extremely proud of the seniors who turned out and marched around city hall, but disappointed that other seniors’ centres were not represented at the rally. In the aftermath of council’s decision to withhold the funds, businesses such as Treasure Cove Casino donated to seniors’ centres in Prince George Donors also included city councillors Kyle Sampson and Ron Polillo. While Morin said she appreciated the donations, she added she wished councillors would spend more time interacting with seniors’ centres and listening to their concerns. “Mayor Simon Yu has come to my centre three times from the day of the vote to now,” said Morin. “He has stayed there for hours, drumming with my group. He was a big part of everything. He came and did what he said he would do. Ron Polillo walked in and did talk to us, which I was very thankful for. Kyle Sampson has never come to my centre. He e-transferred the money, but he didn’t come and see us. Cori Ramsay’s never reached out. Susan Scott has never reached out since the vote. They need to listen to what was said. Come and meet us, come and

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

City hall corporate services officer Ethan Anderson and Deputy corporate services officer Leslie Kellett meet with 18 seniors rallying in the foyer of city hall on Monday night.

talk to us. Come and see what we’re all about. They don’t, and they haven’t. They just don’t care — that’s what I feel. They don’t care that we’re just going to go away, but we’re not. We are going to stay rallied.” Another senior, Bea Mackay, a member of the Spruce Capital Seniors’ Recreation Centre, said she attended the rally to keep pressure on city council and ensure the issue stays in the spotlight. “Council needs to know that just because we’re seniors doesn’t mean we’re in the background,” said Mackay. “We will fight for every right and every grant we can get to keep operating. They offer so many things for seniors, and yet we’re left behind in the dark. I think it’s important to have a voice and let the city council know that we’re not going to sit back. We’re going to make noise, as we have tonight, and we will continue.” Lorraine Prouse, president of the Hart Pioneer Centre and one of the rally’s organizers, said she was also disappointed by council’s decision, particularly because her centre is privately owned and must pay out of pocket for maintenance, insurance and other expenses. She said the privately owned nature of the building often leaves the centre at a disadvantage when it comes to grant funding, something she hopes will change. “We’re all taxpayers, right? It’s taxpayers that pay for these grants,” said Prouse. “I’m a taxpayer and I pay my taxes, which go to other centres, but not ours. I think it should be equal

all around. So when that motion came forward to give $17,000-plus to one centre, I’m glad that the mayor changed his mind and said to divide it evenly. Sadly, it was defeated.” Prouse said the funding would likely have been used for snow removal, an essential expense for her centre. “I can only speak for our centre. We could have probably paid for the snow removal because just after the proposal was rejected, that snow came,” said Prouse. “It costs us money. Since Dec. 15, we have spent over $2,000 on snow clearing. Now we need to sand, which is another $100 or $200 to sand the parking lot.” During the rally, Coun. Ron Polillo, who voted against giving the centres the funds, spoke briefly with seniors about their concerns. Near the end of the rally, Coun. Trudy Klassen, who voted in favour of the funding, along with city staff and a corporate officer, spoke with seniors in the lobby of city hall. Staff encouraged seniors to submit written statements outlining their concerns to be read during the city’s annual regular council budget meeting on Jan. 26 and 28. Seniors also raised concerns with Klassen and city staff about a perceived conflict of interest involving councillor Susan Scott, who is a member of the Spruce Capital centre and two other seniors’ centres. Klassen said she intends to bring forward a motion during the budget process to help fund seniors’ centres in the community.

“We’ll address them during the budget meeting,” said Klassen. “Coun. (Brian) Skakun and I intend to bring forward that motion that we had discussed before — that we would want to take the contingency fund and allocate it to the seniors in some fashion, together with the idea of working with them to try to find ways that we can ensure increased, steady funding for their organizations.” Klassen said the proposal would be similar to one Yu introduced during the December meeting. “Every year council approves a contingency budget, which is meant to be used for one-time, last-minute efforts or when we need some funding,” said Klassen. “It’s like what Mayor Yu tried to do at the meeting in December, but that was turned down. Because we know that these concerns for the seniors’ centres are ongoing, that’s why Coun. Skakun and I want to bring it back up during the budget meeting.” Klassen said the issue resonated with many in Prince George and explained why she chose to speak with seniors at the rally. “I think it was just the spectacle of it,” said Klassen. “We say ‘yes’ to our contingency funding going to all kinds of things. We don’t always ask for a complete financial breakdown of all their expenses and budgets, and I think members of the seniors community found that a bit offensive, that it was part of the argument used. In my mind, it’s always good to go and listen to people and hear their concerns, and seniors are certainly in that group.” Klassen also said she appreciates the work seniors’ centres do in the community and the dedication of volunteers and staff who keep them running. “I think it’s just tough these days being a senior,” said Klassen. “Pensions have not increased at the same rate as inflation, so that’s a stress on them. With the baby boomer population, there are more seniors, and many are entering years when they’re not so healthy and are more shut in. Seniors’ centres provide a fabulous opportunity for them to get out and do some socialization.”

NEWS

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

Council closer to blacking out addresses on letters COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

After first mulling over the changes in late 2025, Prince George city council passed the first three readings of a bylaw amendment regarding residents submitting correspondence to council meetings on Monday, Jan. 12. At the Dec. 1, 2025 council meeting, corporate officer Ethan Anderson submitted a report stating that the number of people who are uncomfortable including their names and addresses in letters to council published in meeting agendas is increasing. Also increasing is the number of requests for city staff to remove or redact that information from old documents. The inclusion of letter-writers’ full street addresses is currently required under the council procedures’ bylaw. After discussing several options, council ultimately voted to direct city administration to draw up a bylaw amendment

FF D

requiring letter writers to only indicate whether they live inside or outside of city limits for most correspondence and include only their street name when discussing a land-use matter. Council also asked administration to include further changes requiring councillors to submit notices of motion at least six calendar days before the meeting at which they are introduced as well as a provision to waive that waiting periods if council grants unanimous consent. Coun. Tim Bennett said at the meeting he had concerns about the unanimous consent provision as it might not be fair to the public to speak on an item if they are expecting it to be discussed at the next meeting. He added that he hoped it would be a rare occurrence. Anderson said he agreed that it should be a rare, if never used, tool and that’s why a threshold of unanimous consent was proposed. Items discussed this way should be time sensitive, he

said. Coun. Cori Ramsay wondered if an acting mayor had the authority to present a mayor’s report. City manager Walter Babicz said that an acting mayor has all the authority and powers of the mayor while they are in that role. Coun. Kyle Sampson brought forward a motion calling on residents to provide their street name for all matters, not just land-use ones. Anderson said he wanted to come back with a revised amended bylaw to a future meeting and not update the text on the fly. Ramsay said that given the redaction requests that staff have had to deal with, she would like to see the bylaw work as originally proposed before adopting Sampson’s amendment. In response, Anderson said that it’s his intent to no longer redact old web pages once the procedures bylaw is changed. That, he said, means it will no longer

be intensive for staff no matter what direction is chosen. Sampson said he was still in favour of his proposal as rural users of city services should still have their thoughts considered by council but maybe not to the same degree as residents of the city itself. Coun. Garth Frizzell said there are some roads that are both in and outside of the city and said there could be an issue of verifying whether they are residents or not. Anderson said he couldn’t think of a way to do so that wouldn’t be burdensome. Sampson’s amended motion passed unanimously.

Vote summary

Council approves first three readings of an amendment to its procedures bylaw removing the requirement for letter writers to provide their full street address and require them only to identify their street name. Result: approved unanimously.

FACTORY DIRECT FURNITURE

3907 15TH AVE PG • 250.564-7333 • FDFPG.ca

50% OFF

POWER RECLINING SECTIONAL WITH LED LIGHTS AND WIRELESS SPEAKERS

.99 9 9 9 , 4 $ g re AVAILABLE IN BLACK OR GRAY Financing Available No Interest

No Down Payment Required No Payment till 2027

9 9 4 , 2 $

* IN STOCK-SAME DAY DELIVERY

DIRECT IMPORTER AND WHOLESALER

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

NEWS

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

RCMP offers briefing on city’s 2025 crime statistics COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The Prince George RCMP hit a fiveyear low in the number of files handled and a five-year high in the number of prisoners it dealt with in 2025, according to statistics presented to city council on Monday, Jan. 12. Presenting a year-in-review report on behalf of the detachment were officerin-charge Supt. Darin Rappel and Insp. Chris Riddle, whose slides contained a collection of crime- and policing-related statistics for 2025. In terms of files handled, the Prince George RCMP processed 42,531 in 2025. That’s a slight decrease from the 42,577 it handled in 2024 and a larger decrease from the 50,182 it handled in 2021. Rappel explained that those figures include both criminal and non-criminal increases. Another slide states that the detachment had 4,038 prisoners in 2025. It handled 3,853 in 2024, 2,950 in 2023, 2,639 in 2022 and 2,640 in 2021. This, he said, isn’t attributable to any specific trends other than an increase to enforcement and patrols in the downtown core. Rappel said the increase in 2024 was a result of the recriminalization of some public drug use after the decriminalization experiment. For charges forwarded to the Crown in 2025, there were 1,801. That’s the second-lowest in the last five years, with 1,928 in 2024, 1,680 in 2023, 1,993 in 2022 and 2,068 in 2021. Again, some of the increase after 2023 is due to the recriminalization of some public drug use. The 127 robbery charges forwarded to the Crown was the second-lowest number in the last five years. The 255 sex offences was a five-year high. 399 assault with a weapon or aggravated assault charges was the second-lowest amount since 2021. There were 986 assault charges, the third-lowest in the last five years. There’s no discernable trend, Rappel said, although there has been a 15 per cent increase in domestic violence that could in part be due to economic

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Prince George RCMP officers investigate after a shooting at a trailer parked at Moccasin Flats in March 2025.

factors like losses of jobs. When it comes to property offences, there were 991 mischief to property charges, 649 thefts, 510 break and enters and 234 vehicle thefts. Those all represented five year lows, except for vehicle thefts, which had the same number for both 2024 and 2025. The reinstatement of the “See Something, Say Somethingv” campaign to promote people reporting crimes to the police is partially due to the perception that crimes weren’t being reported to the police as frequently. Overall, the 4,867 property crime files in 2025 represented a five-year low. The 2,667 violent crime files are roughly in line with the amount seen in 2024 and 2023. There were 3,453 files related to other criminal code offences, the second-lowest amount in the last five years. Finally, there were 363 files related to offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the second-highest amount in the last five years. This is a 60 per cent increase, Rappel said, which is partially due to increased enforcement that has put police in greater contact with drug users. There were also 7,878 calls for service in downtown Prince George in 2025, lower than the 8,048 in 2024 and 8,397 in 2023, but higher than the 7,432 and

7,691 in 2021. While this is a downwards trend, Rappel said it’s still too high. With the Patricia Boulevard encampment having been closed and more and more services opening up, he expressed hope that the numbers would continue to improve. Discussing the types of crimes committed downtown, Rappel said many of the crimes are committed by intoxicated people without necessarily the intent to do so. The most commonly observed criminal offence in the downtown core was mischief, with 1,084 files. There are a lot of fires getting reported Rappel said, but most of them were for warming and not criminal in nature. He said a new zone has been created downtown with an officer dedicated to dealing with these issues. The recently-opened Indigenous Diversion Centre downtown, Riddle said, does not represent a “get out of jail free card.” Instead, it tries to balance the needs of people charged with crimes and their restitution to those they’ve harmed. So far, 29 cases have been referred to the centre from the court and 18 of them are still active with their programming. Several of these people have been referred to treatment for opioid use. While it can take months to get a

court case going, Riddle said the IDC sees people immediately. In 2026, he said they’re looking to expand the centre’s operating hours. Riddle talked about some other programs being carried out by the local detachment, including the HealthIM system designed to help people suffering from mental health or substance abuse crises and the Car 60 mental health response team. Rappel said there has been an increase in the number of missing persons calls, especially from group homes. He spoke of successful grant applications to the Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement (C-STEP) and Special Investigation and Targeted Enforcement (SITE) programs, which have brought in more than $400,000 to bolster local policing. The rollout of body-worn cameras, Riddle said, is continuing and the detachment is trialling several programs to help manage the evidence gathered by them. In this year’s city budget, he said, the RCMP are looking for spending enhancements to allow for municipal staff to take on more of the job of managing evidence from body-worn cameras. The RCMP are looking to continue its education programs with School District 57 and will bolster resources relating to the potential harms of both social media and artificial intelligence. The Standing Committee on Public Safety, Rappel said, has improved public knowledge and perception of social issues within the community. Speaking after the presentation, Mayor Simon Yu thanked the RCMP for attending all of the committee’s meetings and helping them better understand police operations in the community. Coun. Cori Ramsay asked about the presented statistics and where area they encompass. Rappel said it includes everything within city limits and some rural areas around the outskirts. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

NEWS

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

Domestic violence reports up, overall number of files down

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE She also brought up a recent presentation from the BC Crown Counsel Association to council in late 2025, in which a representative from the organization discussed the difficulty they had in sifting through the evidence presented to them. Rappel said that’s something they’re dealing with as well. There used to be no video to present to them and now there could be two or three and the difficulty is presenting it to Crown counsel in a digestible form. Ramsay asked about whether Rappel had any further information on the involuntary care facility promised by the provincial government in September last year or when bail reform promised by the federal government would go into effect — he indicated he did not. Coun. Brian Skakun asked about the cost of detaining prisoners given the increased number in 2025. Rappel said that they are reimbursed, but at a reduced amount that doesn’t cover all expenses. Coun. Garth Frizzell asked for more information on the “See Something, Say Something” campaign. Rappel said it had been effective so far. He said there had been some speculation that people are still being proactive but are posting about crimes they witness to social media rather than calling the police. Getting early information makes it much easier to manage cases in court, he said, urging people to call 911 if they see a crime in progress. Asked about the downtown security camera pilot project launched by

CITIZEN PHOTO BY COLIN SLARK

Prince George RCMP officer-in-charge Supt. Darin Rappel and Insp. Chris Riddle give a 2025 year-in-review presentation to Prince George city council at city hall on Monday, Jan. 12.

Downtown Prince George in late 2025, Rappel said he wasn’t aware of the police having received information from it but he anticipated it to be a helpful tool in the same vein as body-worn cameras. He added that artificial intelligence is helping to speed police work up and is offering a higher baseline of accuracy. Coun. Ron Polillo brought up the motion calling on city administration to look into establishing an auxiliary RCMP program in Prince George late in 2025 and asked Rappel whether he thought it would be helpful. The officer-in-charge said he started his career as an auxiliary officer and is familiar with the program. He said auxiliaries wouldn’t take an enforcement role and might prove onerous in that sworn officers would have to follow them around. For that reason, he said auxiliaries might be more helpful for smaller

WINTER SPECIAL CASH DRAWS Draws on Friday & Saturday January to March 2026

TWO WEEKLY WINNERS OF

$300

communities than cities the size of Prince George. Coun. Trudy Klassen asked about the two people in detox and one person waiting for treatment from the Indigenous diversion centre. Riddle said even one person getting into detox was a positive in his mind. Klassen wondered whether the city needs to advocate for more detox centres and treatment resources. On domestic violence, she asked about whether it was a result of more violent incidents or more reporting. Rappel indicated that it was his perception it was a result of more incidents. Coun. Tim Bennett said that council had approved the hiring of extra officers in the last couple of city budgets and asked whether the RCMP had been successful in filling them as well as reducing the workload placed on individual officers.

It has been helpful, Rappel said, in improving local problem-oriented policing programming. However, he said that the recent recruitment situation has been the worst he’s ever seen during his campaign and the local detachment has recently launched new initiatives. Part of the problem is that many officers look to move to larger centres rather than work in northern or rural areas like Prince George, Vanderhoof and Tsay Keh Dene Nation. Coun. Kyle Sampson said that while the statistics show a general decrease in crime, many people in Prince George continue to feel less safe. He asked how that can be addressed. Part of it comes from the lasting aftereffects of decriminalization and downtown drug use, Rappel said. Some arrests relating to drug use don’t end up leading to prosecution because those arrested are too intoxicated to understand their actions or follow through with their actions. Sampson followed up by asking how many downtown calls are related more to social disorder than crime. Riddle said about two-thirds of calls are related to social disorder and the last third to crime. At the end of the discussion, council unanimously passed a motion calling on the RCMP to present to council twice a year instead of once a year.

Vote summary

Council requests that the Prince George RCMP give a presentation twice a year instead of once a year: • Result: Approved unanimously

Visit Treasure Cove Casino to claim your free ballot!

! ! ! H S A C

More visits, more chances to win! Please see Guest Services for more details

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

NEWS

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Council amends stormwater bylaw to allow exemptions New utility levy begins in 2027 and will be phased in COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Prince George city council passed third reading of a revised bylaw at its Monday, Jan. 12, meeting that gives administration the power to exempt certain properties from the stormwater levy that will go into place starting next January. At the Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, council meeting, council approved the first three readings of the bylaw. Using data collected by a consulting firm, the hard surface area of each property in the city has been calculated as a way of determining the impact properties have on stormwater infrastructure. The average hard surface area for residential properties in the city was determined to be 304 square metres. That has been established as the base unit for the charge that will eventually be levied on property owners, with those with less hard surface area charged less and those with more charged more. The money collected through the stormwater utility will be used solely to maintain and improve related infrastructure, replacing the portion of property taxes that previously funded it. A report attached to the Monday, Jan. 12, meeting stated that after the Dec. 1 meeting, administration received feedback from property owners that led it to want to include an exemption to the fee for properties that do not benefit in any way from stormwater infrastructure. Administration will request that council rescind third reading of the original version of the bylaw and pass third reading with an amendment that includes an exemption for “all properties that are not in any way connected to any part of the stormwater system, or do not in any way benefit from any part of the stormwater system, as determined by the director.” These exempt properties will be determined through geographic

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

The funds collected through the city’s new stormwater utility levy will be used to maintain and improve related infrastructure.

information system programs, aerial photos and site visits ahead of Jan. 1, 2027. Speaking during the meeting, Coun. Brian Skakun asked what infrastructure is considered part of the stormwater system. Director of civic operations Blake McIntosh said it includes culverts, ditches, stormwater sewers and more. Skakun also asked what percentage of properties is estimated to be exempt. McIntosh said there is no estimate at this point. Property owners would have to pay a fee to have their property assessed for an exemption. McIntosh added that the fee is intended to limit the number of applications for exemptions. If there are a substantial number of appeals, Skakun asked, how will the shortfall in utility revenues be made up? Director of finance and IT services Kris Dalio said that if there were a large percentage of exemptions — which he

said should not be the case — the unit price charged to subject properties would have to be increased. Mayor Simon Yu wondered if provincial legislation on small-scale, multi-unit housing might impact the stormwater utility, as greater housing density could have deleterious effects on stormwater infrastructure. He asked whether the province had considered a program to compensate municipalities for this. Director of planning and buildings Deanna Wasnik said the city received a housing capacity grant in 2024, but it was aimed at paying for assessments of infrastructure and not the infrastructure itself. McIntosh pointed out that there are many existing pieces of stormwater infrastructure that need to be maintained, such as gravity mains and ditches. Coun. Cori Ramsay wondered whether, during freshet season, there might be properties that are not directly connected to stormwater infrastructure

but still require city resources to manage. McIntosh said the city has an interest in maintaining its assets regardless of location. Coun. Kyle Sampson argued that the utility would not increase residents’ tax burden and was simply moving money from one place to another to prioritize stormwater infrastructure. He said he would support the bylaw. Coun. Tim Bennett raised the incentive programs previously floated by council to give residents a break on the stormwater levy and asked whether the exemption would take their place. Dalio said administration is still working on creating incentives and plans to return with information for council to consider sometime in the late summer. Coun. Ron Polillo said council chose to phase in the levy to lessen the burden on property owners and said he would support the bylaw. Ultimately, council approved rescinding the previous third reading, amending the bylaw and passing third reading of the amended bylaw. If the bylaw receives fourth and final reading, the city will begin charging the stormwater levy in 2027 and phase it in to the full amount by 2029.

Vote summary

Council rescinds third reading of the stormwater utility bylaw. Result: Passed unanimously. Council amends the stormwater utility bylaw to add an exemption for properties not benefiting from the stormwater system. • In favour: Ramsay, Polillo, Frizzell, Bennett and Sampson • Against: Yu, Skakun and Klassen Result: Passed five to three, with Coun. Susan Scott absent. Council passes third reading of the stormwater utility bylaw, amended to include an exemption process for properties not benefiting from the stormwater system. • In favour: Ramsay, Polillo, Frizzell, Bennett and Sampson • Against: Yu, Skakun and Klassen Result: Passed five to three, with Coun. Susan Scott absent

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

NEWS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

Heritage commission recommends new kind of signs With the old markers showing their age, the city is looking for an upgrade COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The Prince George Heritage Commission floated a new idea for how the city’s aging interpretive signs should be replaced during its first meeting of 2026. On Thursday, Jan. 8, commission member Saransh Tiku proposed to his colleagues that instead of the more traditional signs with printed information encased within plastic, the city should instead have the information painted onto glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles. Tiku said that Portugal and Spain have a history of using glazed ceramic tiles known as azulejos to tell stories and give directions on public architecture. After pigments are painted onto the tiles, they are fired and glazed. Tiku said that the colours would not be meaningfully affected by ultraviolet sunlight and the lack of a plastic layer would mean that the signs won’t yellow or cloud over time. He suggested that the tile-based signs could be mounted directly onto the exterior walls of heritage buildings, into sidewalks or onto free-standing metal frames. Though he was still waiting for some manufacturers to come back with estimates, Tiku said his research indicated the cost per sign would be in the neighbourhood of $1,400 to $1,500, below the $1,700 budget set by the city for sign replacements. The more signs ordered at once, the greater the cost savings, council will hear. On top of being more durable, Tiku said, he thought that wall-mounting the signs might make them more social media friendly and more desirable by property owners as a result. That, he said, could lead to sponsorship or

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

The city’s heritage signs, like this one at Cottonwood Island Park, are showing their age and are due for replacement.

funding opportunities. Ideally, Tiku said the tiles would be manufactured in Canada. As an alternative, he said the city could also consider acquiring interpretive signs from Kalitec, a company with offices in Ontario, Quebec and Florida. That company has signs used across British Columbia, including at Mount Robson Provincial Park. While they align more closely with what other entities in the province have purchased and might be a safer choice, Tiku argued that they wouldn’t be as attention grabbing and that they’d likely last longer than Prince George’s current signs, but they wouldn’t be as durable as the tiles. Tiku handed out a proposal package featuring artificial intelligence-generated mock ups of what the tile-based signs could look like. During discussion over Tiku’s proposal, there was general excitement and interest from the rest of commissioners. However, some expressed concern over the extra costs incurred digging up and repairing sidewalks while installing the signs. Though the tiles might be durable, one member said, they might not hold up well to being scraped by shovels and having salt or gravel applied to them

during the winter. Besides that, sidewalk-mounted signs are liable to be covered by snow for much of the year.

Another member said that the signs shown in the mock-ups looked a bit big. Tiku said he was envisioning two-foot by three-foot signs for his proposal, but they could be made smaller. The commission voted unanimously to request that city council direct administration to procure the tile-based signs to replace existing heritage signs, subject to funding for the project being approved in Prince George’s 2026 budget. It also voted unanimously to request that council direct administration to enter a procurement process for the signs, which should be exterior rated, frost resistant, capable of being installed in different ways and meeting durability, climate and maintenance standards. Finally, a motion was approved asking council to direct city staff to return a report on the estimated cost and feasibility of installing tile-based heritage signs.

Join the Select Committee for Arts, Culture and Heritage Grants Are you passionate about arts, culture and heritage in your community? Here’s your chance to make a difference. Apply to serve on the Select Committee for Arts, Culture and Heritage Grants. The committee meets once a year to review applications to the Arts, Culture and Heritage Grant program that supports projects across the Regional District. Five members of the public will be appointed to serve on this committee. The application deadline is Monday January 26.

Find more information at rdffg.ca

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

OPINION

Here’s a clear sign of city decision-making done right KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

An example of good governance occurred last week, one that council could learn from. What unfolded at the Prince George Heritage Commission’s first meeting of 2026 is a near-textbook example of how the city is supposed to work. A real problem was clearly identified: Prince George’s aging heritage markers are worn out, unattractive, increasingly impractical and in some cases a hazard. Many are faded to the point of being hard to read. Others sit knee-high to most adults, making them hard to notice and awkward to look at if you do. In some locations, they create obstacles for snow removal crews and maintenance equipment. In short, the signs fail at their most basic purpose: telling the city’s stories clearly and safely. Rather than defaulting to a routine replacement with slightly newer versions of the same flawed design, the commission heard an innovative proposal. Commission member Saransh Tiku suggested replacing the city’s interpretive signage with information painted onto glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles, inspired by a type used in Portugal and Spain. The idea would solve several problems at once. Because the pigments are fired and glazed into the tiles, the colours won’t degrade under ultraviolet sunlight. Without a plastic layer, the signs won’t yellow, cloud or warp over

time. Durability matters in our climate, where freeze-thaw cycles are relentless, so this approach offered a long-lasting alternative to the city’s current signage. And then there’s the sensible finances at play here. Tiku’s preliminary research suggested a cost of roughly $1,400 to $1,500 per sign, which is below the $1,700-per-sign budget already set by the city. He also noted that bulk orders could further reduce costs, and that wall-mounted signs might appeal to property owners and open the door to sponsorship or partnerships. He even flagged a preference for Canadian manufacturing, keeping economic benefits closer to home. Then came the most important part of the process: thoughtful scrutiny. The commission members — none of whom are members of council — didn’t simply applaud or reject the idea and move on. They identified potential problems early, before committing to one solution. Tiku had suggested that some signs could be mounted on exterior walls or set into sidewalks. Sidewalk-mounted signage, it was noted, makes little sense in Prince George’s climate. Anything embedded at ground level is liable to be buried under snow for months at a time, scraped by shovels, damaged by plows, or cracked after its first winter of frost heave and shifting soil. Digging up sidewalks also introduces additional costs and disruption that may outweigh the benefits. These are valid concerns. Others questioned the size of the

CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE IMAGE

This AI-generated image was shown to the city’s Heritage Commission as an example of what new signs could look like.

mockups and raised practical concerns about maintenance, salt, gravel and long-term wear. Tiku responded openly, noting that dimensions could change and that installation methods were flexible. He also acknowledged the more conventional alternative, similar to what has been used, was available from Kalitec — a company already supplying durable interpretive signs across British Columbia — while still making the case

that tile-based signs could be more distinctive, longer-lasting and more visually compelling. The outcome was not blind enthusiasm or reflexive rejection, but consensus shaped by respectful discussion. The commission unanimously agreed to ask council to explore the tile-based option further — not to rubber-stamp it, but to test it. They requested a procurement process that emphasizes frost resistance, climate suitability, multiple installation options such as standalone or attached to a building and long-term durability. They also asked city staff to return with a report on feasibility and costs before any final decision is made. This is exactly how good civic decisions are built: identify a problem, invite creative thinking from people with knowledge, analyze the risks and refine the plan until it fits local realities. Better signs wouldn’t just replace old ones. They would also create opportunities to tell new, overdue stories about Prince George people, places and events. There’s another plus: If done well, sturdy, highly visible heritage signage could become part of the broader improvements to celebrate the history of Prince George while improving the trail systems — something that has been called for repeatedly. Process matters. Our Heritage Commission just showed us how it’s done. Those looking to serve on our next elected council should take note. editor@pgcitizen.ca

OFFICE (8:30a - 4:30p) 505 Fourth Avenue Prince George, B.C. V2L 3H2 We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada.

FRONT DESK AND CLASSIFIED frontdesk@pgcitizen.ca 250-562-2441

Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

NEWS AND SPORTS news@pgcitizen.ca Cameron Stolz Owner / Publisher

Terresa Randall-Stolz Owner

Kennedy Gordon Managing Editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR editor@pgcitizen.ca OWNER / PUBLISHER owner@pgcitizen.ca

Letters to the editor are welcome. The maximum length is 300 words. Letters may be subject to editing for length, clarity, grammar, spelling and legalities prior to publication. Please include your daytime contact information.

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

OPINION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

‘Without SHINE, a lot of seniors would really struggle’ The program helps older adults navigate issues with housing MALHAR R. KENDURKAR Guest Columnist

Half of BC seniors live on after-tax income of less than $35,000 a year; 20 per cent of BC senior households spend 44 per cent of their income on rent. It’s no wonder, then, that so many older citizens are facing financial crises and being forced to choose between paying their rent and putting food on the table. SHINE BC is helping older adults navigate difficult housing situations and ensuring seniors are registered for all the financial benefits they are eligible for. Seniors Housing Information and Navigation Ease (SHINE) is a provincial program funded by the Ministry of Health and led by the Seniors Services Society of BC. In Northern BC, the program operates out of two communities: Prince George and Terrace. The Prince George Council of Seniors joined the SHINE partnership in 2021. Jenine Bortolon is the society’s seniors housing navigator. Before she took on this position, she had never imagined there could be seniors who are homeless. She says the job has really opened her eyes. “I help seniors with many things; you never know what people will need when they walk in our doors,” said Jenine. “I assist with federal form applications, filling in housing applications, showing seniors how to search for rentals online, helping clients access food banks.” With a low vacancy rate and high rents in the private market, Jenine worries for clients on fixed incomes. “I see a lot of seniors who have been living in the same place for a long time who are being given eviction notices. They pay next to nothing compared to today’s rents; owners want them out

KINDEL MEDIA/PEXELS PHOTO

Seniors Housing Information and Navigation Ease (SHINE) is a provincial program funded by the Ministry of Health and led by the Seniors Services Society of BC.

so they increase the rent. Rents in new builds can run anywhere from $1,600 to $2,200 a month, which may be as much as they receive from their pensions. I’ve met with seniors who are living in cars because they can’t afford to rent. I’ve managed to reconnect some of them with their families, but others don’t have family anymore. I encourage them to consider having a roommate to share the costs. But there are risks if you get someone who takes advantage of you.” Jenine sees the value being part of the SHINE partnership brings to Prince George.

“I’ve been told many times, ‘I don’t know how I would have found a place without you,’” she said. “I’ve been called an angel many times. This program is definitely an essential service; without SHINE, a lot of seniors would really struggle. There’s a huge need for more affordable housing for seniors; if things don’t change soon, I foresee seniors’ homelessness will rise immensely.” In Northwest BC, the situation isn’t any better. Troy Peters is the associate director of support services for the Terrace and District Community Services Society, SHINE’s partner in that city. His

organization joined the partnership in July 2025. “Seniors here had been falling through the cracks; the SHINE model is keeping them off the streets,” said Troy. “Being able to provide services that help seniors navigate the system is vital. Ensuring they’re getting all the money they’re entitled to can help them stay housed. And it’s a lot easier to keep housing rather than try to find new housing.” Troy sees seniors in Terrace living in apartments and trailers; some couch surf. Renovictions account for some of the low-income seniors who are at risk of homelessness. Rents are increasing, particularly with a low vacancy rate that is under increasing pressure as nearby Kitimat enjoys an economic boom. “There are lots of places being built,” said Troy, “but in a recent new apartment building, rent for a one-bedroom was $2,200 a month. The early-bird rate for a new two-bedroom was $3,300. That’s what’s being developed ... those are Vancouver prices.” Advocating for seniors is a passion for Troy, and he sees SHINE as an important way to do this. “Housing for seniors is so important; it really upsets me that people who have contributed most of their lives reach a stage where they seemingly get left out. I think that, as a country, we need to do better for people who are struggling and not able to navigate the system. That’s where our strength as a country needs to be.” “Housing navigation supports need to be accessible to all low-income seniors who are homeless or who are at risk of becoming homeless,” said SSSBC CEO Alison Silgardo. “SHINE is an important part of the continuum of services available to support seniors, and it is our sincere wish to expand the program to other parts of the province.” Malhar R. Kendurkar is the executive director of the Prince George Council of Seniors.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

OPINION Editorial: Councillors are asking you to buy their plane tickets

Of course councillors Cori Ramsay, Ron Polillo, Susan Scott, Garth Frizzell and Kyle Sampson want additional funds for travel. These are the epitome of self importance, egotistical councillors we have. They dwell on their on their own gain and benefits, rather that the good for the community. Ramsay feels it is just common practice and a given to raise taxes every year. but won’t help seniors.

Prince George RCMP had five-year low in files handled in 2025

Editorial: Our mission statement for this municipal election year

There was an article not so long ago about how people are reporting crimes on Facebook and the RCMP asked them to also report crimes to them. I suspect people have lost faith in the system and just don’t bother anymore. Decades ago, I witnessed a theft. I got called as a witness. Accused didn’t show the first day. Showed second day, got slap on the wrist. I learned then, see nothing, say nothing. I know, terrible attitude.

The Citizen is BACK. Bravo. We haven’t had any thing like this in a long time

Drew Kerr

Some properties could be exempt from Prince George’s new ‘rain tax’

But a councillor is not to initiate a travel meeting.

Here we go! Now the city is getting into the reckless tax business like first the federal government and then the provincial government. By that I mean, if there is a problem! Just create a new tax and forever increase that tax until you have milked it dry. I guess we can all wait until the next election to voice our displeasure. But the problem is that every time a new election comes around we hear all the right things from the candidates. But after the elections the victors instantly forget what they said and instantly turn stupid and the only thing they come up with is new taxes and tax increases. This particular addition has quickly become the worst addition of zero solutions to anything I have seen in my 40 years in this city.

Milton Mahoney

Szeplakly

Polillo will just follow the dog as the tail wags it. Frizzell consistently wants to table motions for a later date. Hoping it will go away and will be to late for resolution. Of course Sampson wants extra funding for travel. This would allow him to enhance selfcentered networking. They all have the same motive, self importance and arrogant. The mayor is the only paid fulltime position, councillors are not. The mayor may delegate a councillor to attend a meeting in his stead.

Randy Flavel Editorial: Our mission statement for this municipal election year Having run in the 2022 civic election as a candidate, I am looking forward to the P.G. Citizen doing a good job on covering all the new candidates and interviewing the incumbents for the October election. Candidates and incumbents need to have the opportunity to answer “civic questions” and more over be “researched and studied” on the position they are running for, we can no longer afford to “let it slide” in civic politics. It’s clear a new council needs to be formed from the “worker bees” of our community, those who will demand accountability and transparency from all levels of civic operations moving forward. Council and mayor must run the city. Administration is only there to do the paperwork and ensure the will of council is followed. Let’s see where this all goes from here. John Zukowski

Share your views on our stories at pgcitizen.ca

Editorial: Our mission statement for this municipal election year Thank you, P.G. Citizen for covering our community! I wonder: maybe we have such extreme and weird policies in government these days because the “activist” types are more likely to be involved in politics and voting … and that those activists tend to be more extreme and pigeon-holed into narrow ideological positions. Maybe municipal voting should be done at property tax payment time and that your payment comes with voting papers, and isn’t accepted as “paid” until your vote is registered. That would certainly change some things. DD22

Prince George’s New Year’s baby: Stormy Shaw I am often reluctant to donate to charity, for a host of reasons. But hearing stories like this one, makes me want to donate. Its hard enough having a medical problem and having to go all the way to Vancouver, let alone figure out lodging and food and what not, which may be expenses many are not prepared for. Glad Ronald McDonald House is helping parents with sick kids, get through tough times! Good luck to little Stormy and her family! Zangief

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

NEWS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

Clare planning to run for BC Conservative leadership First-time MLA wants to replace John Rustad as Opposition leader COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

A Prince George MLA is planning to enter the race to replace John Rustad as the leader of the Conservative Party of BC. In a Tuesday, Jan. 7 phone interview, Prince George-North Cariboo Conservative MLA Sheldon Clare told The Citizen that he is planning an official campaign launch within the next couple of weeks. “I think I can make a difference,” said Clare, a former College of New Caledonia instructor and rookie MLA first elected in 2024. “I’ve had some people contact me about running who seemed enthusiastic that I am needed and I’m pretty sure I have skills to offer this province right now.” Rustad, the MLA for Nechako Lakes, resigned in early December after months of caucus turmoil that saw two other MLAs ejected from caucus and three others resign. A little more than a year earlier, Rustad had led the BC Conservatives to within three seats of a majority government after taking over the party. “John’s a great guy and I think he deserves all the accolades for everything he accomplished,” Clare said. “He and (wife) Kim made a lot of sacrifices to get the party to where it was, but at some point you reach an area where you’re not able to go further and that’s what I think happened with John.” Currently, Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford is serving as the party’s interim leader. On Jan. 3, the party appointed a 10-person leadership election organizing committee to create rules for and to oversee the race to replace Rustad. Members include former Conservative Party of Canada president Scott Lamb, Conservative Party of BC president Aisha Estey and Skeena MLA Claire Rattee.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

MLA Sheldon Clare, Prince George-North Cariboo, takes part in Canada Day in the Park on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Clare plans to run for the leadership of the provincial Conservative party.

Clare voiced his support for the committee, saying that after the party received criticism in the previous year for its handling of leadership issues, it represents a group of people dedicated to making sure a transparent process is in place. The first candidate to officially launch their campaign was Warren Hamm, a Rossland-based businessman. Yuri Fulmer, an Australian-born businessman who currently serves as chancellor of Capilano University in North Vancouver, was the second to announce their candidacy. Langley-Abbotsford MLA Harman Bhangu and Kamloops-Centre MLA Peter Milobar have both said they are considering runs as well but have yet to formally launch their campaigns. The party has a lot of skilled members, Clare said, and the new leader will need to put them in positions where

they can maximize their efforts to hold the governing NDP government accountable. Asked if he would focus his campaign more on fiscal or cultural issues, Clare said he planned to release policy statements alongside his official launch that will address that question. “I’ve got a number of ideas that I think are significant and would make a big difference and would be in direct contrast to what the NDP has been doing and allowed to have happen for the last several years.” He added that like Rustad before him, he wants to bring a northern perspective to the leadership race, saying that Northern BC is where the money is made and the Lower Mainland is where the money is spent. However, Clare seemed to rule out wanting to bring the MLAs who left the party both willingly or unwillingly back

into the fold. “I think that creates a lot of different issues,” he said. “I think the caucus has to decide whether or not it’s willing to bring people back … the others chose to leave and some have gone on to form other parties. I think when someone does that, that presents a particular challenge that’s difficult to overcome.” Reached by phone later in the day, Prince George-Mackenzie Conservative MLA Kiel Giddens voiced confidence in the organizing committee. “I think the party has appointed a lot of experienced people to that job,” he said. “I know Scott Lamb well, who’s the chair of the (leadership committee). He’s a lawyer and former president of the Conservative Party of Canada. He’s been through this before, he’s capable and he’s appointed some very capable people to work alongside him. “A lot of those folks are lawyers and technical experts who can help run a process, including the rules and procedures needed to have a fair and transparent process.” He said that Rattee’s role on the committee had been a joint decision between Halford and the party’s leadership to appoint a caucus representative. He said he was glad someone from Northern BC was on the committee to represent the region’s interests. In late December, Giddens said he had been approached by people interested in having him run for the leadership, but had decided against it. As for Clare’s candidacy, he said his Prince George colleague has done a good job locally and he’s interested in seeing whether he can get his message out to the whole province. However, he said he isn’t going to endorse any candidate until the slate further develops.“I firmly believe we’re electing the next potential premier of the province, so it’s an exciting process,” Giddens said. “I am going to speak to the candidates as they come forward. I know that a couple are at the early stages of their launch of their campaigns and I’d like to talk to everyone.”

NEWS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Arsonist pleads guilty to setting $1.8M CrossRoads fire

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Firefighters direct a stream of water into Crossroads Brewing and Distillery as they fight the fire Friday, September 5, 2025 at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and George Street. BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Richard Alex Gordon Titchener pleaded guilty as charged on Monday, Jan. 12 to lighting the fire that destroyed CrossRoads Brewing and Distillery in downtown Prince George. Titchener will return to Prince George

Provincial Court on April 7 to schedule a sentencing hearing. Justice Ronald Tindale ordered a pre-sentencing report and psychiatric assessment of Titchener, 57. The maximum prison sentence under the Criminal Code for arson (damage to property) is 14 years. Crown prosecutor Rodney Withall 26013GC0

told court that Prince George Fire Department received a call just before 3 a.m. on Sept. 5 about the fire at 508 George Street. Video evidence led to the guilty plea. Specifically, the nearby Keg Restaurant’s surveillance camera in the back alley captured images of Titchener igniting cardboard and causing the blaze.

“He then slides it into a little cubbyhole of the building where there was a heat air exhaust vent there, which caused people who are homeless to congregate in that area to try to stay warm,” Withall said while describing the video to Tindale. “(After) a short period of time, we can see the fire flare up. Mr. Titchener at that point does appear to try to put some form of liquid on the fire. It could be argued that the fire flared up fast or larger than Mr. Titchener anticipated, and he is putting liquid onto those flames, however unsuccessful. Ultimately, the building catches fire and the entire structure is consumed in a fairly short period of time, causing loss to the building.” Damage from the fire was estimated at $1.8 million and put 50 people out of work. On Sept. 16, CrossRoads owner Daryl Leiski told a Prince George city council committee meeting on public safety that he wants to rebuild, but not downtown due to crime. 26013GC0

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

NEWS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

Public safety minister talks bail reform with businesses The idea came after last year’s Safe Streets Rally at the CN Centre COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Canada’s federal minister of public safety visited Prince George on Tuesday, Jan. 6 to meet with representatives of local businesses and advocacy groups as they continue to push for change in response to street disorder and crimes. A media release from Downtown Prince George (DPG) and the Prince George Chamber of Commerce sent out on Wednesday, Jan. 7 said they gave Gary Anandasangaree a letter thanking the federal government for its proposed legislation on bail reform and offering suggestions on how to improve it. Bill C-14, if it is passed by Parliament, would make bail laws stricter in the case of repeat and violent offenders as well as crimes relating to organized crime while also toughening sentences for serious and violent crimes. It has passed first and second readings in the House of Commons and is now waiting to be discussed by the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Speaking with The Citizen later that day, DPG executive director Chrisie Berry said that the meeting with Anandasangaree had taken less than a month to set up. After last October’s Safe Streets Rally at the CN Centre, Berry said, one of the calls to action was to reach out to people who are empowered to make changes at all levels of government. “The meeting with the minister went very well,” she said. “We definitely felt like he really cared to understand what was going on and we talked a lot about Bill C-14 … we had some suggestions on how to make it a little more robust and he was happy to take those away.” A follow-up letter sent to the minister after the meeting emphasized the organizations’ desire for the federal

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Prince George RCMP take a person into custody after an incident in 2024. Downtown business owners met with federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to talk about bail reform and other safety issues.

government to reduce costs for Canadians and improving public safety, workforce retention and economic resilience. As both organizations are members of the BC-based Save Our Streets Coalition, the letter also echoed several of its advocacy items, including calling on the federal government not to renew BC’s drug decriminalization pilot program, creating a distinct criminal offence for organized retail crime and using federal health transfers to incentivize the creation of addiction and mental health care services in the provinces. Berry said that many of the items in their advocacy letter were brought up by people who attended the October rally. The press release sent out on Jan. 7 had a quote from chamber executive director Neil Godbout — The Citizen’s former managing editor — saying that the organizations also sent a letter to Premier David Eby in December asking

for a meeting with him and were still waiting for an answer. Berry said it would be “wonderful” to meet with the premier during the upcoming 2026 BC Natural Resources Forum scheduled to take place in Prince George from Jan. 20 to 22. Just before Christmas, DPG sent out a release saying that its security camera pilot project was almost ready to go online. Berry confirmed that the system is now up and running, though the RCMP hadn’t requested any footage from it yet. “The way that it works is that unless the RCMP is requesting footage, it’s just there,” she said. “It sits on the server for a period of time but it’s not something that we’re pulling regularly and watching. It really is meant to help the RCMP with any kind of investigations that they might need.” In an email, Anandasangaree’s press secretary Simon Lafortune offered more

information on the meeting. He said it “focused on community safety and the federal government’s ongoing work with provinces and territories to strengthen Canada’s bail system through Bill C-14, which will also introduce tougher sentences and penalties for repeat and violent offenders.” “The minister also heard directly from local leaders and business owners about their ongoing concerns and the public safety challenges that they face, reiterating the government’s commitment to working collaboratively with British Columbia and municipalities to keep communities safe,” Lafortune wrote. He added that in late November, the minister hosted a summit in Surrey between the provincial government, municipal leaders and law enforcement aimed at addressing the extortion crisis that has been going on in that city’s South Asian community.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

CRIME NOTES More than $40M recovered through Crime Stoppers tips

Over the more than four decades since Northern Crime Stoppers was founded, $40,200,639 in property, drugs and guns have been recovered from 30 communities through tips from the public, the organization announced on Tuesday, Jan. 6. In 2025 alone, the following was retrieved thanks to 980 tips from northern residents: • Property recovered in 2025: $222,000 • Drugs seized in 2025: $43,590 • Cash recovered in 2025: $14,000 • Total recovered in 2025: $279,590 Northern Crime Stoppers has also raised nearly $11,000 from its spring and fall events in 2025, such as the Community Shred It event, which will be hosted this year on April 25. The organization is also looking for new members to join its society and executive board. For more information,

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

visit https://www.northernbccrimestoppers.ca/. To submit an anonymous tip, call 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or submit a tip through the website.

RCMP renews search for local woman missing for two years

Two years after her disappearance, Prince George RCMP are appealing to the public for more information on the disappearance of Prince George resident Billy-Jo Mindel. Mindel was originally reported missing on Jan 9, 2024, after not being seen or heard from since Jan 2, 2024, which family and friends stated was unusual behaviour. “We have received many tips from the public in the past two years, unfortunately, none of which have provided us with a clear indication of what happened to Billy-Jo or where she was last known to be,” states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP. “Her family is deeply concerned for her well-being and are appealing to anyone with

NOTICE OF MEETING

2026 Budget Deliberations The Board of Directors start 2026 budget deliberations on Friday January 16, 2026 at 9 am. Budget details are in the Committee of the Whole agenda available on rdffg.ca. Individuals and organizations can provide comments on this budget by: • addressing the Board of Directors at the January 16 meeting (register in advance at 250-960-4444 or 1-800-667-1959) • emailing budget@rdffg.bc.ca Registrations or emailed comments must be received by January 15 at 4:30 pm.

NEWS

RCMP PHOTO

Billy-Jo Mindel was reported missing in 2024. She has distinctive tattoos on her face and hands.

information that could help us locate Billy-Jo to please come forward.” Mindel would now be 38 years old. She is described as: • Caucasian female • 170 cm (5’7”) • 10 kg (154 lb) • Blue eyes • Brown hair • Tattoo near right eye of her initials • Tattoo of a feather near left eye • Tattoo on her left hand of the words “family, hope, faith” • Tattoo on her right forearm of a scorpion • Tattoo on left side of neck (unknown image) At the time of her disappearance, Mindel was known to frequent downtown Prince George and was residing in a commercial dwelling unit on the 600 block of Dominion Street. If anyone has any information on her whereabouts or any information relating to her disappearance RCMP ask that you contact an investigator by calling the Prince George RCMP non-emergency line at 250-561-3300 or else contact Northern BC Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 and quote file number 2024-829.

Police ask for dashcam footage after person spotted near bridge

Prince George RCMP are looking for a person spotted near the guard rail on the south side of the Simon Fraser Bridge on Sunday, Dec. 28. Police say the person was wearing dark clothing and had a backpack when seen near Highway 97 and Ferry Avenue shortly before 10:30 a.m. When officers arrived, the person was

gone. RCMP, Prince George Fire Rescue and Prince George Search and Rescue searched the area but found no trace of the person. “It is unclear if the pedestrian was picked up by a vehicle or if they jumped over the side of the bridge,” stated Const. Jenna Moore, media relations officer with the Prince George RCMP. “Currently, we are looking to speak with any witnesses who were in the area between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. We are asking for anyone who was driving by during this time and has dash camera video that would have captured any movement on the bridge to call the Prince George RCMP non-emergency line. Any information to help advance this investigation would be appreciated.” The non-emergency line is 250-561-3300.

Damage, theft of equipment at area logging claim

Prince George RCMP are asking residents to report any sightings of stolen logging equipment taken between Christmas and New Year’s. Police were called to a logging claim along the Beaver Forest Service Road on Jan. 2. The owner of the claim reported losses of tens of thousands of dollars due to theft and damage to the property. RCMP say the incident occurred sometime between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2. “Much of what was stolen was hand tools and two-way radios,” stated Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer with the Prince George RCMP. “However, the largest and most unique item stolen was a harvester head that was physically cut off a piece of machinery. A photo of the item is available on our website and social media for reference.” Harvester heads are very specific and very large pieces of equipment, which RCMP hope will help it be tracked down. Police also note the item will show damage from its forceful removal. Investigators are asking the public to be on the lookout for anything matching its description and are requesting that anyone with information about the stolen equipment contact their local police department. The investigation is ongoing.

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

NEWS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

Hitchhiker pleads guilty to 2001 rest-stop manslaughter Victim’s daughter speaks after killer brought in from U.S. BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The daughter of U.S. Second World War veteran James Curtis Hamrick, killed by a hitchhiker near Hixon in 2001, told a BC Supreme Court judge in Prince George that her family remains “trapped in unresolved trauma” after more than 24 years. Candyce Tracy delivered an emotional victim impact statement by phone at the Jan. 9 sentencing of James Daniel Morgan, 65, after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Justice Ronald Tindale gave Morgan a one-day sentence. Morgan had been charged with first-degree murder in June 2002, after he confessed early that year to RCMP officers who interviewed him in a jail near San Francisco. Morgan will not be free anytime soon. If ever. At the end of the long-awaited hearing in room 307, Morgan waived his right to appeal, so that he can be returned as soon as possible to a Colorado prison. He is in the middle of a 48-year sentence for a second-degree murder committed in a Denver hotel room. “My son and I live with daily reminders of what was stolen, a future with a loving parent, a grandparent and emotional stability and peace,” Tracy told Tindale. “We hope the legal process will finally acknowledge the depth of this loss. Closure is essential to our healing. As the surviving family, we seek resolution, not just for ourselves, but because the dead cannot speak.” Hamrick packed up and set out from Anchorage on Sept. 8, 2001, with his poodle, Muffy, hoping to reach Arizona a week later so he could live with his daughter and undergo back surgery. He spotted Morgan hitchhiking in the rain in Tok, Alaska, and felt sorry for him. On Sept. 10, 2001, however, Morganbludgeoned 74-year-old Hamrick at the

Woodpecker Rest Area near Hixon, tossed him down an embankment, stole his cash and pickup truck and trailer. Morgan returned to the U.S. via Blaine, Wash., on a Greyhound bus the day after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the East Coast, using a Washington State driver’s licence in the name of Daniel Walter Schmidt. He bought clothes, drugs and a used car with Hamrick’s money, but eventually surrendered to police in Sacramento, Calif. Court heard that Morgan is eligible for parole in Colorado but has not applied. Defence lawyer Jason LeBlond said his client suffers from heart problems, can only stand for a few minutes at a time, and needed a wheelchair while in custody in Prince George. When given the chance to address the court, Morgan was brief. “I’m so sorry,” Morgan said, his voice quivering. “I wish I had more than that. I’m just so sorry.” Earlier, Tindale heard an agreed statement of facts from Crown prosecutor Tyler Bauman. In 2006, the Crown sought Morgan’s extradition from the U.S., but the U.S. was under no obligation to send Morgan north until he served his Colorado sentence in full. In 2024, Canada made an application for temporary surrender. There was evidence to support the first-degree murder charge, but the Crown and defence reached a plea bargain. “This is a true joint submission where there’s been considerable negotiation and an acknowledgement by the Crown that the delay application would have been difficult to defend,” Tindale said. Both parties agreed that a sentence of eight years for manslaughter with a hammer would have been fit if Morgan had been returned to Canada in 2006, when the sentence could have been concurrent to the Colorado sentence. “The parties acknowledge that the court cannot impose a concurrent sentence retroactively and they do not ask that Mr. Morgan be given credit for his time served in Colorado,” Tindale said. Tindale considered Morgan’s Colorado sentence as a collateral

GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE

An American traveller was killed by a man he’d picked up in Alaska during a break at the Woodpecker Rest Stop, located between Prince George and Hixon, in September 2001.

consequence and said the aggravating factors outweighed the mitigating. Morgan’s hammer attack on the defenceless and elderly Hamrick was unprovoked, brutal and callous, and it had considerable impact on Hamrick’s family. In Morgan’s favour were his confession after being taken into custody in the U.S., his desire to resolve the BC charge since 2017, the guilty plea, and his steps behind bars to rehabilitate himself. “In this case, it is likely Mr. Morgan will die before he finishes his sentence in Colorado,” Tindale said.

Court heard some new details. Morgan believes he was born in Anahim Lake, BC, and that he was the victim of childhood sexual abuse. Also, the location near Boston Bar where he discarded some of Hamrick’s personal effects was the Australian Rest Stop. The location where Hamrick’s pickup truck was found on Sept. 15, 2001, was outside 122 Powell Street in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, mere steps from the Bryan Adams-owned Warehouse Studio and 400 metres from where the Vancouver Police Department headquarters were at the time.

1685 3rd Ave. Prince George, BC

250-563-6637 www.booksandcompany.ca

THE ARROGANT WORMS!

Live at ArtSpace Tickets 40 $

above Books and Company

Thursday March 12th @ 7:30PM

+gst

Available to purchase at Books & Company starting Thursday January 15th.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

NEWS

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Canada Post shop steward guilty of sexual assault Judge critical of work environment while acquitting man of three other charges BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A BC Supreme Court judge convicted a former Canada Post shop steward in Prince George of one of two sexual assault charges Jan. 6 but acquitted him of both criminal harassment charges. Justice Dev Dley found the Crown proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Aaron David Paul Brandly sexually assaulted a co-worker at Station B by touching her buttocks and breasts without consent. Brandly admitted during testimony Nov. 20 and 21 that he may have used inappropriate language but denied sexually assaulting the complainants or causing them to fear for their safety. He said he was simply joking around with workplace buddies. One of the women worked at the depot from August 2017 to August 2024, the other from January 2022 to August 2024. They both accused Brandly of constant assault and harassment, including vulgar remarks “about camel toes, asking the complainants to smell his fingers, pull his penis, writing vulgar

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER

The Canada Post depot on 15th Avenue at Nicholson Street was the scene of a sexual assault that led to the conviction of an employee there.

messages on their vehicles,” Dley said. Dley said 54-year-old Brandly “attempted to portray himself as a respectful and sensitive co-worker. He was anything but.” Instead, Brandly’s behaviour was not horseplay, and there was no air of reality to the defence argument that Brandly had an honest but mistaken belief the women consented. “Mr. Brandly poked his fingers into her buttocks in the female area. That is consistent with his sexually charged comments, ‘I know you like it’ or ‘you know you like it’,” Dley said. “I’m also convinced that Mr. Brandly came from behind (the victim) and put his arms across her breasts and said ‘oh those felt good’. That is consistent with the whole of the evidence.” Dley said there were “simply too

many frailties” in the first complainant’s evidence to cause him to have a reasonable doubt about the other sexual assault charge. While it is not uncommon for a victim of sexual assault to refrain from making a complaint in a timely manner, the working environment at the station lent itself to complaints without hesitation. For example, the woman filed a grievance against a supervisor who failed to wish her good morning. She did not act as quickly against Brandly. “Failing to file a grievance or complaint earlier is not determinative, but in these unique circumstances, it is a factor to consider,” Dley said. Despite Brandly’s unpleasant or unsavoury comments, Dley found the Crown did not prove the criminal harassment charges beyond a

reasonable doubt. “Mr. Brandly’s conduct can be described as churlish and vulgar, even petty and childish,” Dley said. “However, it does not rise to the level of criminality.” For criminal harassment to be proven, Dley said the comments or conduct must be of a nature that causes the complainants to fear for their safety. “I cannot come to that conclusion,” Dley said. “To say that there were safety concerns would be stretching the meaning of Mr. Brandly’s words within the context of the surrounding circumstances.” For one of the women, Dley said there were inconsistencies and concerns about her evidence. At times, it was difficult to discern whether she was complaining about Brandly specifically or the unhealthy, toxic work environment generally. Allegations were made to co-workers and management about bullying, favouritism and backstabbing. Grievances appeared to be the norm at Station B. However, Dley did not accept that grievances were not pursued against Brandly out of fear of retaliation or because of his position as a shop steward who handled grievances. Dley ordered a pre-sentence report on Brandly and set March 16 to schedule a sentencing date.

Sex offender admits to failing to register on national list BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Prince George Provincial Court judge sentenced a convicted sex offender to 26 days’ time served Jan. 7 after he pleaded guilty to failing to report his whereabouts to the RCMP. In October 2016, a judge added Jack Junior Girroir to the national sex offender registry after he was convicted of two counts of sexual assault. The requirement was upgraded to a lifetime registration in 2022. Girroir was required to report to an

RCMP detachment within seven days of his release in February 2024 but failed to do so. He finally registered in March 2025 and must re-register in March 2026. He spent 17 days in custody, for which Judge David Simpkin gave him 26 days’ credit under the time-and-a-half rule. Girroir, 40, is a member of the Lake Babine Nation. His defence lawyer, Kimi Aimetz, said he “does understand that he just needs to check in with the RCMP and provide any information he has, even if that is

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

A sex offender ordered to report to an RCMP detachment within seven days of his release in February 2024 but failed to do so.

staying at a shelter.” Aimetz said her client struggles with mental health issues, fetal alcohol

syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. “You have to report again pretty soon,” Simpkin said. “But, ultimately, it’s your obligation to make sure you comply with the requirements of the registration.” The Canadian sex offender registry is a national system established under the Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) to track individuals convicted of sexual offenses. Police use it to monitor offenders and to assist as they conduct investigations.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Lawyers-Ranch Project Thesis Gold Inc. proposes to develop a gold and silver mine located 275 km northeast of Smithers that is anticipated to produce 5.1 million tonnes of ore per year for 14 to 20 years.

Share your thoughts The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) are holding a public comment period on Thesis Gold Inc.’s initial project description from

January 13 to February 12, 2026

Online Information Sessions

To register, visit:

January 22 | 5:00-6:30 pm PST January 29 | 12:00-1:30 pm PST

French virtual information session available upon request.

engage.eao.gov.bc.ca/LawyersRanch-EE

Learn more about the project and tell us what is important to you: Visit the federal assessment page at iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/90103 or visit the provincial engagement page at engage.eao.gov.bc.ca/LawyersRanch-EE

IAAC and the EAO are working cooperatively on the initial phase of the project’s review. A summary of the Initial Project Description, in English or French, as well as information on how to apply for participant funding is available on canada.ca/ciar (reference number 90103). Comments received will support the preparation of a joint Summary of Issues and Engagement document. The proponent will provide a response which IAAC will consider in its decision on whether a federal impact assessment is required. Comments only need to be submitted once to either IAAC or the EAO to be considered by both agencies. Comments are considered public and will be published online. Feedback sent to IAAC may be submitted in English or French. To submit a comment, you can visit either of the following websites: • The Environmental Assessment Office at engage.eao.gov.bc.ca/LawyersRanch-EE. You may also submit comments to EAO by mail - Lawyers-Ranch Project, PO box 9426, Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, B.C. V8W 9V1. • The Canadian Impact Assessment Registry at canada.ca/ciar (reference number 90103). Participants who wish to provide their input in a different format can contact IAAC by writing to LawyersRanch@iaac-aeic.gc.ca. Substitution Request The Government of British Columbia has requested that if a federal impact assessment is warranted, the EAO conduct the project’s impact assessment on behalf of IAAC, meeting both federal and provincial legislative requirements. IAAC is seeking your comments via canada.ca/ciar. For media inquiries on the federal process contact media@iaac-aeic.gc.ca and on the B.C. process contact ENVmedia@gov.bc.ca.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

NEWS

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Time served, fine and driving ban after man fled

COURT NOTES Probation, community service for teen liquor thief

A 16-year-old girl pleaded guilty Jan. 7 in Prince George Provincial Court to stealing a bottle of liquor from Liquor on 5th last winter. The girl, whose identity is protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was identified by someone she had worked with after a store surveillance camera image was posted online. The court heard that the girl entered the store with another female, grabbed a bottle of liquor from the front counter and spoke briefly to a store employee. She ran out with the other female, who carried three bottles, while two others held the door open. Judge David Simpkin sentenced the girl, who lives under Ministry of Children and Family Development care, to a three-month conditional discharge, during which she must report to a probation officer and complete 10 hours of community work service by April 7. She must not go within 10 metres of the private liquor store.

Probation sentence for Winners/HomeSense theft

A 50-year-old man was given a suspended sentence and one year of probation Jan. 5 after pleading guilty in Prince George Provincial Court to shoplifting from Winners/HomeSense. Crown and defence lawyers jointly proposed the sentence for Dean Manuel Dasilva to Judge Cassandra Malfair. On Dec. 13, 2024, Prince George RCMP were called about a theft in progress at the Pine Centre Mall store at 3:41 p.m. A store loss prevention officer reported that a man had filled a shopping basket with merchandise, left it in the front entrance, exited and re-entered to snatch the basket. A police officer at the scene saw a male matching Dasilva’s description depart on a bicycle. During a chase, Dasilva dropped the unpaid merchandise. An officer eventually stopped and arrested him. The value of the goods was $241.94, including a jacket, sweater, backpack and two packs of underwear.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Criminal cases in Prince George are handled in the city’s downtown courthouse.

Dasilva was stranded in Prince George while trying to reconnect with one of his sisters. Court heard the Indigenous man continues to be traumatized by his mother’s death from cancer when he was 12 and his brother’s fatal drug overdose 11 years later. He has 14 years of experience as a driller but has struggled with drugs and lost his job during the pandemic.

House arrest, curfew and probation for shoplifter

House arrest for 45 days, a curfew for the next 45 days and then a year on probation were ordered for a repeat shoplifter. Harvey Jerome Leon Chingee, 39, pleaded guilty Jan. 7 in Prince George Provincial Court to theft under $5,000. An RCMP officer arrested Chingee June 12, 2025, for stealing $64.98 worth of earphones, pants and a hair straightener from Winners/HomeSense. Lawyers for the Crown and defence jointly proposed the sentence, which allows Chingee to leave during the house arrest period three days a week for two hours each day to tend to personal business. The curfew will last from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. An employee of the Pine Centre Mall store called police to report a theft in progress. Chingee wore an all-black short skirt and carried two reusable bags while concealing merchandise, then left the store and stood at a bus stop. An officer in the area recognized Chingee, who goes by the name Dakota. Chingee was arrested and the

merchandise returned to the store. Judge David Simpkin received a copy of Chingee’s 13-page criminal record summary, which dates back to 2005. It includes seven theft convictions. The member of the McLeod Lake Indian Band is a former Moccasin Flats homeless camp resident who now lives in social housing and has been on a methadone treatment program for a year. Simpkin said Chingee must not possess or consume alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant, except prescribed medication, and must stay away from all Winners/HomeSense and Marshalls stores in BC.

Guilty plea for cocaine trafficker caught by undercover cop

A man pleaded guilty Jan. 6 in Prince George Provincial Court to trafficking more than a kilogram of cocaine in 2024. Galen George Mackenzie Primeau, 31, appeared before Judge Martin Nadon and admitted to four transactions between Aug. 16 and Oct. 26, 2024, with an undercover police officer. The amount of cocaine he sold totalled 1.2 kilograms. The court heard that the Prince George RCMP began a drug trafficking investigation in November 2023, which led to a series of undercover purchases. Primeau’s co-accused, Nicholas Kristian Taylor, 35, is scheduled for arraignment Jan. 20. He is also charged with offences in Vancouver and Richmond. Nadon ordered pre-sentence reports, including an analysis of Primeau’s Indigenous heritage, and set March 10 as Primeau’s next appearance.

A Prince George Provincial Court judge sentenced a man to 134 days’ time served after he pleaded guilty Jan. 7 to fleeing from a police officer and driving while prohibited. Crown prosecutor Astitwa Thapa said Jason Matthew Ryan Farquhar would probably have received only a Motor Vehicle Act violation ticket for broken taillights Jan. 2, 2025. “He turned a simple traffic stop into a dangerous incident when he met with an accident,” Thapa told the court. “Thankfully, he was not injured and the passenger in his car was safe.” Judge David Simpkin agreed with the Crown and defence proposal of 120 days’ time served for flight from police and 14 days’ time served for driving while prohibited. Farquhar had served 89 days in custody, which qualified him for time-and-a-half credit. Farquhar, 35, is a member of the Blueberry River First Nations. Simpkin also banned Farquhar from driving for a year and required him to pay a $500 fine and a $75 victim surcharge by Jan. 6, 2027.

Man pleads guilty to driving while suspended

A 22-year-old Prince George man pleaded guilty Jan. 7 in Prince George Provincial Court to driving while suspended under the Motor Vehicle Act. Judge David Simpkin agreed with a joint Crown and defence proposal and gave Fredrick Peter Nelson the minimum sentence of a $500 fine and a one-year driving ban. A Prince George RCMP officer caught Nelson driving 138 km/h in a 100 km/h zone May 18, 2025, on Highway 97 in Buckhorn. Nelson admitted his licence was suspended and said he was going to Hixon to get his phone. The officer confirmed that Nelson was both the registered owner of the vehicle and a licensed driver under a 90-day administrative ban for impaired driving. Nelson failed a breathalyzer test but was not charged. Court reporting by Bob Mackin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

NEWS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

Crown wants RCMP constable jailed for six months Const. Arthur Dalman was found guilty of obstruction of justice for telling a bystander to delete arrest video BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The junior Prince George RCMP officer who directed a witness to delete a smartphone video the night an Indigenous man died in police custody in 2017 should be jailed for six months for obstruction of justice, according to a Crown prosecutor. But the defence lawyer for Arthur Dalman, 33, said he should instead receive a conditional discharge because it took five and a half years for him to be charged and tried. “Obstruction is a serious offence deserving of serious sanction,” Crown prosecutor Cory Lo told Judge Michael Fortino at the Monday, Jan. 12 sentencing hearing in Prince George Provincial Court. Dale Culver, a 35-year-old Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en man, was violently arrested July 18, 2017, after a call about someone on a bicycle casing vehicles on 10th Avenue between Central Street West and Commercial Crescent. In July 2024, Judge Adrian Brooks found Dalman guilty. Lo told Fortino that Dalman snatched the smartphone from the hand of witness Kevin Moe. When Moe pulled it away, Dalman threatened to arrest him for obstruction and take the phone as evidence if he did not delete the file. “Const. Dalman did testify and his account was rejected,” Lo said. “It was not believed nor did it raise a reasonable doubt. The court found that Const. Dalman lied in his testimony to the court.” Defence lawyer Danielle Ching McNamee said Dalman’s sentencing was not about the tragic death of Culver, a father and valued member of his community. “Mr. Dalman arrived on scene following Mr. Culver’s placement in the back

of a police cruiser,” Ching McNamee said. “So Mr. Dalman did not see any previous interaction between members and Mr. Culver. He had no dealings at all.” Ching McNamee said it was Dalman’s first attendance at a high-priority “10-33” call — the distress signal an officer uses when his or her life is in danger. “The interaction between Mr. Dalman and Mr. Moe took place within minutes, and the findings at trial show there was no evidentiary value captured in the video recording that Mr. Moe deleted,” Ching McNamee said. She said her client has suffered an exacerbation of post-traumatic stress disorder and is likely to lose his job, which should be considered mitigating circumstances. “He could have learned early on in his career from this mistake, moved forward with it, and quite possibly still be a flourishing ERT member, giving back to his community as a police officer,” Ching McNamee said. Lilly Speed, Culver’s daughter, gave a victim impact statement that said her father was killed because he was an Indigenous man on a bike in the wrong place at the wrong time. Her father’s death went largely unnoticed until after the 2020 killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis, which sparked continent-wide protests and riots. “Dale Culver and George Floyd were both killed in very similar circumstances,” Speed said. “ “My dad’s case suddenly became a lot more important to the public. My family and I took the opportunity to make what happened to my dad as public as possible.” She also expressed regret about the lack of accountability. In early 2024, the BC Prosecution Service stayed manslaughter charges against Const. Paul Ste-Marie and Const. Jean Francois Monette and an obstruction of justice charge against Const. Clarence Alexander MacDonald. The only other officer charged, Sgt. Bayani (Jon) Eusebio Cruz, was tried at the same time as Dalman and found not guilty of obstruction of justice.

Dalman also addressed the court, saying the length of time it took for the trial to occur put his career in limbo, harmed his reputation and caused severe stress for his family and himself. He said he was even subject to “a highly credible death threat” after the RCMP’s Real Time Intelligence Centre identified online chatter naming him. Individuals were allegedly seeking his home address through hacked property databases and “expressed intent to ambush myself and others involved in this incident as we travel to and from work.” Dalman said an unmarked police vehicle was stationed outside his home around the clock, panic alarms were installed in his house, emergency fobs with panic buttons were issued to his family to trigger a police response, and he was authorized to carry his RCMP-issued pistol while off duty. “These measures significantly heightened an already elevated state of

My family and I took the opportunity to make what happened to my dad as public as possible.” hyper-vigilance,” Dalman said. At the same time, he continued working with the emergency response team and on general duty, often for 80 to 90 hours per week. But the incident ultimately derailed his dream of being a full-time emergency response team member. He is now pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice. Fortino was expected to reserve decision when the hearing concluded on Tuesday, Jan. 13, after this edition of The Citizen went to press.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

BUSINESS

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

New depots in place to collect waste oil, antifreeze COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George has had its infrastructure for collecting used oil improved at two facilities in Prince George with the help of a non-profit. On Thursday, Jan. 8, Interchange Recycling announced in a media release that the Vanway Regional Transfer Station and Quinn Street Regional Recycling Depot had received 10-foot sea containers bearing a 2,200-litre tank and two drums to collect the used oil and antifreeze. Interchange refers to itself as “he notfor-profit organization responsible for collecting and recycling used motor oil, oil filters, oil containers, used antifreeze, and antifreeze containers in British Columbia.” The organization’s director of operations, Jenn Robson, said in the release that it is making it simple for British Columbians to protect the environment. “Used oil and antifreeze are 100 per cent recyclable, and these collection sites are the essential defence perimeter actively protecting our land and water,” Robson said. Graham Thornton, an environmental services program analyst for the regional district, said the upgrades are an investment in long-term sustainability.

INTERCHANGE RECYCLING PHOTO

Representatives from Interchange Recycling show off used oil collection infrastructure at the Vanway Regional Transfer Station in Prince George in an undated photo.

“By enhancing two of our key sites, we’re making it easier and more convenient for residents to keep waste out of landfills and do the right thing for the environment,” he said. Reached by email, a co-ordinator for the public relations firm that sent out the release said the locations have been collecting used oil since 2013 but would only say that the new infrastructure had been in place since “the second half of 2025.”

According to the release, Interchange collected 47,717,447 litres of used oil in 2025. Used oil, it said, can be re-refined into lubricating oil or used as an input for manufacturing and energy products. Used antifreeze can be refined into new antifreeze. Oil filters can be processed to remove their metal content, which can then be used for items like wire, nails and rebar. Containers for used oil and antifreeze

can be recycled into new containers, drainage tiles and parking curbs. Interchange’s website also lists recycling stations in Prince George at several automotive-related businesses, the Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill and the Cummings Road Regional Transfer Station. Used oil and antifreeze can also be dropped off at regional district transfer stations in Valemount, McBride and Mackenzie.

Skeena Sawmills has its forest licence transfer quashed BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A BC Supreme Court judge has set aside the Minister of Forests’ approval of the Skeena Sawmills forest licence transfer to a numbered company owned by the Kitsumkamlum First Nation. The Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs applied for judicial review because the licence area of the Terrace-based company includes land claimed by the Gitanyow. Kitsumkalum does not

have aboriginal right to harvest in the area. In a Jan. 7 decision, Justice Matthew Kirchner agreed with the nine hereditary chiefs that the province failed in its legal duty to consult and accommodate Gitanyow when it approved the licence transfer to 1355387 B.C. Ltd. “The matter must be reconsidered by the Minister following proper consultation in accordance with these reasons,” Kirchner ruled. The matter will be returned to the Minister to reconsider after proper

consultation, Kirchner said, “assuming Kitsumkalum still wishes to pursue the approval of the licence transfer.” Skeena Sawmills was offered for sale by a court-appointed receiver after the company’s 2023 bankruptcy. Kirchner found it unnecessary to consider the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) in this case, because neither materially impacted the depth of consultation required. “I agree with the province that this

case can be decided based on the Crown’s constitutional duty to consult and, where indicated, accommodate as set out in the Haida [case] and the jurisprudence that has followed it,” Kirchner said. In December, a 2-1 B.C. Court of Appeal ruling against BC’s Gold Commissioner said DRIPA is legally enforceable. Gitxaala successfully challenged the legality of the online registry for mineral claims on Crown land before consulting the affected First Nation.

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

REGIONAL

Judge orders man to stop writing to court registry BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A man described as persistent but polite sent more than 1,600 letters to the Smithers court registry over three years and disobeyed repeated requests to stop. But, in a Nov. 24 oral decision, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Jasmin Ahmad ordered that Wayne Kelly Stronks may only file a document in accordance with court rules or specific direction of the court. Otherwise, Ahmad authorized registry workers to disregard correspondence from Stronks. Ahmad said Stronks will not be deprived access to justice or the ability to maintain or defend a claim in court, but staff will be spared from his nuisance. “The burden on court resources caused by Mr. Stronks’s conduct is clear,” Ahmad said in the ruling, published Jan. 5. “The fact that Mr. Stronks continues to send voluminous correspondence despite written requests that he refrain from doing so highlights his disregard for the disruption he continues to cause.” The letters, addressed to judges,

registry staff and sheriffs, did not appear to have any purpose other than to waste staff time. Stronks was not aggressive or confrontational, but repeated letters did appear to be “threatening or, at least, concerning.” “As counsel for the (Attorney General of BC) suggests, the nonsensical nature of the communications is very much akin to the types of organized pseudo-legal commercial arguments consistently rejected by the courts,” Ahmad said. Stronks did not appear at a hearing on Oct. 28. An affidavit filed by Smithers court manager Jessica Rysavy described the legalistic letters to the registry under titles such as Non-Negotiable Notice of Acceptance, a Notice of Dishonour, a Notice of Repentance of Sins for Cause, a Notice of and Rescission of Requisition - General for Cause, and a Certificate of Dishonour. Rysavy claimed the bulk deliveries took her between two hours to three days to review and process, thus distracting her from serving the public or other duties. Ahmad said the volume and nature of the correspondence far exceeds the registry’s daily volume of five pieces of regular mail, five faxes and 30 emails from the public and lawyers.

Former MLA doesn’t rule out return ED HITCHINS

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

FORT ST. JOHN — The former Peace River North MLA has discussed becoming a Conservative candidate in the next election, but nothing is decided. Dan Davies, a native of Fort St. John, is now a lobbyist. Formerly serving with the BC United party, he ran as an independent in the 2024 provincial election but lost to then-Conservative candidate Jordan Kealy. Kealy then left the party in March 2025 after MLA Dallas Brodie was

ejected over comments regarding residential schools. “Politics is addicting,” said Davies to Energeticcity.ca. “The political field is also changing quick, and I’ve never said no to getting back.” He said he’s watching the Conservative leadership race closely. “I said on election night that this chapter is closed,” he said. “I’m in a chapter now in building a firm in business. My next chapter, it’s not been written yet, but I’ve never said no to politics.” This story originally appeared on energeticcity.ca.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

starting soon! PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN’S

PG AUC ION Get ready to start bidding, you’ll be glad you bid!

Y R A U R FEB

2 2 12 Don’t Miss Out On Great Deals! Bid early, bid often.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

COMMUNITY

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

What’s happening in PG SMArt (Saturday Morning Art) Series runs until March 7 at 10 .m. at Two Rivers Gallery. For children five to seven years old to celebrate self expression on the weekend with art class. Learn new ways to make, play and imagine. Painting, sculpture, and many more creative adventures await. Join Facilitator Chad on a time travelling journey of art through the ages. Learn about the Renaissance, Pop Art and other really fun art movements through different mediums. Cost is $190 for eight sessions. No class on Jan. 31. To register visit tworiversgallery.ca/programs/ smart-5-7 Golden Girls, The Laughs Continue presented by Murray & Peter goes Saturday, Jan. 17 at 3 p.m. at CN Centre. The Golden Girls are back in an all-new 18+ only show and giving you a chance to relive the heartfelt hilarity of four ladies who never stopped being your friends. Don’t miss this show that’s played New York, Boston and Chicago - and is now coming to Prince George. For more information and tickets visit www.ticketsnorth.ca/ event/golden-girls-the-laughs-continue/ princegeorge Daytime Clubbing goes Saturday, Jan. 17 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Ignite Nightclub, 1232 Third Ave. Step into a time machine of retro beats and feel-good nostalgia during an unforgettable daytime party in Prince George, packed with the biggest 80s & 90s anthems. A friendly, upbeat atmosphere designed for fun. For more information and tickets visit www.fatsoma.com/ daytime-clubbing-prince-george Highbush Caribou and The Goomahs goes Saturday, Jan. 17 at 9 p.m. at Legion 43 PG, 101-1116 Sixth Avenue. Join Northwest coastal spooky surf band Highbush Caribou for a night with local alt. rock outfit The Goomahs. From a dark foggy coastal forest party to the distant New York garage party of the early 2000s, the music will pull you into wildly different landscapes. Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 presale at madloon.ca/tickets

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Vance Nevada applies a submission hold to Jude Dawkins while referee Chris King officiates a Primetime Wrestling match in 2024. Nevada returns to the ring one last time at the end of January.

Queer Clothing Swap and Sewing Workshop goes Sunday, Jan. 18 from 1 to 4 pm. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. Presented by Northern BC Queer Connection Society this event welcomes everyone to explore, experiment and express their style judgment-free. Discover how to adapt clothing to celebrate every body type and unique sense of style. Share unused clothes with others. Find treasures to take home and clothing donations are always appreciated. We also offer support and guidance to help you transform your clothes. Whether you find a piece here or bring your own, we have sewing machines, supplies, and a space ready to help you bring your vision to life. If you’re inspired to share your own sewing knowledge, feel free to bring your machine and mentor along the way. Entrance is by suggested $5 donation. Robbie Burns Night goes Saturday, Jan. 24 at 5:39 p.m. at The Coast, 770 Brunswick Ave. Prince George’s annual celebration of Scottish culture is a fundraising dinner for the Prince George Symphony Orchestra.

Highland dance, Scottish fiddling, dinner, dancing, auctions, and more! Welcoming performances by PG Old Time Fiddlers and Excalibur Theatre Arts. For more information and tickets visit www.tickets.pgso.com/tickets/ robbie-burns-night-2026 Rachel Therrien’s Latin Jazz Project goes Saturday, Jan. 24 at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. Therrien’s Latin Jazz Project is the result of her postgraduate studies at the Instituto Superior de Arte, in Havana, and is also informed by her many musical experiences in Latin America and the Caribbean. With this exceptional ensemble, she offers a festive repertoire featuring original works and Afro-Latin jazz classics. From salsa to danzón and rumba to chachacha, Rachel and her band of virtuosos invite you to groove to the lively rhythms of Cuba, Mexico, Colombia, and Haiti. For more information and tickets visit www.knoxcentre.ca/event/ rachel-therrien BC Old Time Fiddlers’ Dance goes Saturday, Jan. 24 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Senior Activity Centre, 425 Brunswick. Live fiddle music is featured for

polkas, waltzes, two-steps, barn dances and called group dances. A great family event. Prizes and ice cream bar snacks included. Coffee, water, pop and chips available by donation. Everyone is welcome. Tickets at the door are only $10 for adults, children with parents are free. The OFFspring: Supercharged Worldwide in 2026 goes Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at CN Centre. OFFspring invite you to Come Out and Play. Selling more than 45 million records and winning 16 different awards, The Offspring are one of the best selling and most successful punk rock bands of all time. Special guest Bad Religion will start the evening’s entertainment. For more information and tickets visit www.ticketsnorth.ca/event/ offspring-supercharged-worldwide-2026 Seeds to Start Now Mini Course goes Wednesday, Jan. 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Studio 2880, 2880-15th Ave. This course will cover everything from perennials to microgreens that you can start now with a simple set up. Cost is $10 per person. Pre-register to attend. Email wildflowerfarmpg@hotmail.com or text 250-961-3519. Discover Tchaikovsky Passion and Fate goes Saturday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. at Vanier Hall, 2901 Griffiths Ave. Maestro Michael Hall’s unique multimedia experience pulls back the curtain on Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony — a perfect storm of fate and passion! Great for first timers and seasoned fans alike. For more information and tickets visit www.tickets.pgso.com/tickets/ discover-tchaikovsky Live Pro Wrestling goes Friday, Jan. 30 and Saturday, Jan. 31 from 5:45 to 9:15 p.m. at the Prince George Civic Centre, 808 Canada Games Plaza. Presented by Primetime Entertainment and features many great bouts including Vance Nevada’s last match ever. For tickets and more information visit https://www.ticketseller.ca/ live-pro-westling CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Cold Snap Music Festival Sonic-Subterranean goes Friday, Feb. 6 at 10 p.m. at the Legion 43 PG, 1110 Sixth Ave. The event features artists Rich Aucoin, Kayla Williams & The Yacht Daddies and special guest. Experience a high-energy journey combining multi-sensory spectacle with glitter-drenched, retro-grooves. This night promises an immersive performance where theatrical visuals meet infectious yacht-pop swagger, channeling the best of the 70s and 80s soft rock. Expect driving synths, pulsing rhythms, and slick, soulful vocals delivering irresistibly catchy hooks. It’s an interactive, feel-good party that blends modern flair with nostalgic good vibes. Tickets are $25 each and are available at www.coldsnapfestival.tickit.ca/sonicsubterranean 2026 Northern BC Rapid Chess Tournament (CFC Rated) goes Saturday, Feb. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Great White Toys Comics Games, Spruceland Shopping Centre 795 Central St. W. Format is Six Round Swiss in 1 open section. Entry fee is $25 until Jan. 31. For all the details and to register visit NorthernBCRapidChessTournament Rural Roots, Coldsnap Music Festival show goes Sunday, Feb. 8 at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave at 7 p.m. includes performances from Pharis & Jason Romero, Sarah Jane Scouten and The Bentalls. Expect songs that draw on Canadiana and old-time genres, weaving stories of rural life, love and resilience with conviction and delicacy. For more information and tickets visit www.coldsnapfestival.tickit.ca/ ruralroots Iceman Prince George goes Sunday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. Experience winter in Prince George during the annual Prince George Iceman. This multi-sport event brings together winter pursuits, showcasing the city’s great recreation facilities. It’s a race for everyone from beginner to elite athletes and offers solo and relay team categories. The event is

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Iceman Prince George returns Sunday, Feb. 8. The annual event combines skiing, skating, running and swimming.

spectator-friendly, with many opportunities to cheer on participants at the Otway Nordic Centre, the Outdoor Ice Oval and the pool. Ages 16 plus do an 8km ski, 10km run, 5km skate, 5km run and 800m swim. Ages 10-15 do a 4km ski, 5km run, 3 km skate, 5km run and 400m swim. Coffee with the Curator goes Sunday, Feb. 8 at 1p.m at Two Rivers Gallery, 725 Canada Games Way. Meet Curator Ehsan Mohammadi, learn about new exhibitions and chat about artworks and programs over coffee and donuts. Ask questions, offer opinions and add your voice. Pre-register online www.tworiversgallery.ca/events/ coffee-with-the-curator Cupcake & Glam Event goes Wednesday, Feb. 25 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Northwood Plaza Hotel & Banquet Hall, 2280 John Hart Hwy. This third annual fun-filled ladies night is full of fashion, shopping, prizes and contests and is presented by Madison Avenue Fashions and Style You Up. Ticket gets you a swag bag, entry into door prizes and a trip to the cupcake bar. Must be in attendance to win prizes. Shop 12 curated local small businesses. There’s a fashion show, beauty demos, lingerie show and stiletto contest. Must be 19 to attend. Tickets available at Madison Ave Fashions or Style You Up salon. BC Old Time Fiddlers’ Dance goes Saturday, Feb. 28 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Senior Activity Centre, 425 Brunswick. Live fiddle music is featured for polkas, waltzes, two-steps, barn dances and called group dances. A great family

event. Prizes and ice cream bar snacks included. Coffee, water, pop and chips available by donation. Everyone is welcome. Tickets at the door are $10 for adults, children with parents are free. Canadian Cancer Society is looking for Wheels of Hope drivers who make a significant impact on the lives of those battling cancer. By providing crucial transportation to treatment appointments volunteers offer not only a ride but also a supportive presence. This role involves flexible scheduling, confirming travel arrangements, ensuring client safety while adhering to CCS policies. CCS will provide training as volunteers join a dedicated team of more than 1600 drivers. Commit to a minimum of half a day to one day per week and be part of a mission to support and uplift those in need. For more information contact Wheels of Hope at 1-800-939-3333 or email volunteer@cancer.ca or visit www.cancer. ca//living-with-cancer/how-we-can-help/ cancer-travel-and-accommodation-services-bc Craft & Chat at the main branch of the Prince George Public Library goes every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the magazine corner, second floor, where fibre artists are invited to bring their latest projects to share, vent frustrations, brag about successes, get and give help and join in lively discussions. Snacks provided. This event is in partnership with Great Northwest Fibre Fest. Myeloma Support Group goes every third Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Commonwealth Financial, 575 Victoria

St. Everyone is welcome who has been diagnosed, those who are caregivers, family members and friends. Wheelchair accessible parking at the back of the building. For more information call Viv Lougheed at 250-981-2618. Parkinson Support Group meetings are the first Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Drive. Meetings are informal and are for sharing information about slowing down the progression of PD. There are guest speakers, special events and biweekly exercise sessions and positive social interaction. Use lower parking lot beside ball diamond to access the seniors centre. Chronic Condition Support Group takes place the first Tuesday of every month from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Nechako Branch of the Prince George Public Library, 6547 John Hart Hwy. This is a community social group where people with any chronic condition can come together to socialize, connect and learn from each other. Free drop-in event. Trivia Night at Nancy O’s goes every other Wednesday at 8 p.m., 1261 Third Ave. There are three rounds per game, each round has five themed questions and five music questions. There’s something for everyone. The winning team gets a custom Nancy O’s Trivia trophy and a round of drinks, their photo on the wall that goes into the winners’ book after two weeks. Those caught cheating will be publicly shamed and labelled as cheaters — good wholesome fun. Book a spot by calling ahead at 250-562-8066. Open Mic at Nancy O’s goes every other Wednesday from 8 to 11 p.m. Open mic is hosted by Danny Bell and friends. Come on down and share songs, poetry, dance, stories, and anything else you can think to do on stage. All are welcome. If you’ve got an event coming up email us at news@pgcitizen.ca to offer details including name of the event, the date, time and location, ticket price and where to get them and a little bit about what’s happening, too. LOCF

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

Take a look back at

COMMUNITY

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

PG of the past ABOVE: The old Parkwood Place, with the hospital in the background. While these photos are undated, longtime residents will be able to figure out when they were taken. BELOW: Here’s Mr. PG in his old spot at Highway 97 and Highway 16.

ABOVE: Remember the Weiner King? This is outside what’s now the Ramada, with the old PG Hotel across George Street. City Hall, in the background, is largely unchanged. ABOVE: The Outrigger — famous across North America — was still operating when this was taken. BELOW: An icy winter morning downtown, with the old Bay store at right.

Photos from the Facebook page Lost BC

ABOVE: The Pine Centre has had a bit of a facelift since this photo was taken. RIGHT: With Queensway in the foreground, this shot offers a look at the old A&W on Fifth Avenue.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

COMMUNITY

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Saying goodbye to Wes Mitchell with the sound of drums Hundreds turn out for tribute to the late community advocate CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Shock and disbelief, heartbreak and sorrow were written all over about 400 faces of those who gathered at UHNBC Thursday night to honour a beloved Prince George community booster. Wesley Mitchell, cofounder of the UHNBC Drummers Group, died suddenly on Wednesday, Jan. 7. “Please bring your drums and your heart as we drum Wesley Mitchell home,” Drummer Gwen Suter posted on the drummers group Facebook page when she announced Mitchell’s passing earlier on Thursday. “Wes had great vision to drum at hospital for all frontline workers, all staff, patients and families many years ago and still the UHNBC Drummers go and drum for the people at 6 p.m. every Monday evening. Fly high Wes.” Mitchell first came onto the community’s radar when he and Elder Ivan Paquette started drumming at the hospital’s parking lot at the beginning of the pandemic. Mitchell and Paquette drummed for 47 days straight to support the healthcare workers and the patients inside the hospital when the COVID-19 quarantine was first announced and then continued every Monday night during the supper hour to let everyone at the hospital know they were not forgotten — rain or shine, snowstorm or frigid temperatures. The group quickly grew and several members of the group continue that tradition even now. Cofounder of the drum group Paquette recalled how he and Mitchell first came together. They met under the UHNBC Main Entrance sign. “When we met and chatted about how we could support everyone at the hospital during the quarantine we looked up — because you always have to look up — and a white dove appeared out of

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

About 400 people attended a memorial in honour of Wesley Mitchell at UHNBC on Thursday, Jan. 8.

nowhere,” Paquette recalled fondly. He said he and Mitchell knew they were on the right path as they decided to support healthcare workers doing the toughest job and the patients who needed them with the beat of the drum, a reflection of the heartbeat of the community. Mitchell often shared the details of his journey in recovery and spoke openly about his 20-year struggle that took nine detox stays and attendance in 10 treatment centres before he finally kicked his drug and alcohol addiction in 2017, as he described in an interview in January 2022. Mitchell was a community booster like no other, making each and every resident of Prince George feel seen and heard as only he could. “He loved unconditionally and it didn’t matter who you were, you were loved by Wes,” Cathy Furgason, Mitchell’s mother, said during the Thursday night gathering to honour her son. During the event Furgason used the drum Mitchell had gifted her while the crowd sang his favourite songs. “This gathering makes me feel really good — I can see how loved he was,” Furgason said as she looked around at the crowd at the hospital’s parking lot.

“We’d like to thank everyone for coming out for our family,” Mitchell’s niece, Soraya Mallette, said as she stood beside Furgason. “We never imagined how many people would come out for him.” Mitchell was such a dynamic individual, said Steven Dubas, Mitchell’s friend and a photographer who joined the drumming group early on. “He touched so many people and he was so inspiring to people. He was so giving. He gave his love, he gave his compassion. He gave everything he had and he was always there for everyone.” Dubas paused to take a breath when the drum beat began for The Bear Song. “The Bear Song is Wes’s favourite song,” Dubas said. “A Spirit Bear is a healing bear.” During the celebration of Mitchell’s life so many expressed their grief through song and so very many tears. As the drums kept the heartbeat going for Mitchell, which was something he always said, it was a time of reflection. “Over the course of my time in public office there are people who cross your path and while you may not have similar experiences in your life you can recognize people who make a difference and Wesley was one of those people,”

former MLA Shirley Bond said, holding the drum Mitchell had gifted her. “We met at many community events and he taught us about his culture and his heritage and he wasn’t afraid to admit his life was a challenging one and I am just thankful that there are people here tonight who are paying their respects to a person who is visible and a significant presence in our community.” The UHNBC Drummers Group soon made their way over to the Youtsh Treatment Centre to drum in Mitchell’s memory there too, because the youth were always important to him, especially those struggling with addiction. “The drumbeat is medicine and we want to bring Indigenous culture, bring love, to these youth,” Mitchell said in an interview in July 2024 at the Youth Treatment Centre when four drums were gifted there to support healing. “The drum is a connection to the Creator and our ancestors and it is very important for our youth to have the opportunity to have a sense of healing and clarity. The feeling of the drumbeat not only vibrates through your body but throughout the space that we share and then we are able to connect with each other.”

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

It’s time to nominate people who make a difference TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Do you know somebody who has gone above and beyond in an effort to make this community a better place? Perhaps you know of an unsung hero who provides a service that benefits everybody in the province who should be recognized. It could be coach of your kid’s baseball team who goes that extra mile for the players or maybe a teacher whose dedication to the well-being of students should be showcased. If you have somebody in mind who meets that criteria, the province wants to hear from you. BC’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport will be accepting applications for the Order of British Columbia, the highest award can extend to the people of this province. The Order of BC recognizes outstanding achievement, excellence or

GOVERNMENT OF BC PHOTO

Since the Order of BC award was established in 1989, 530 people have been appointed.

distinction by a former or current BC resident whose contributions benefit the province and elsewhere. “This is a chance to celebrate excellence at every level — provincial, national and international — by lifting up the British Columbians whose work inspires us, strengthens our communities and reflects the rich diversity of our province,” said Lieut.-Gov. Wendy Cocchia, chancellor of the Order of BC.

GoFundMe campaign launched for man battling liver disease CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Shelly LeBreton, a Prince George social worker who has spent her career helping others, is now asking for the community’s help for her husband, Greg, who was diagnosed with liver cancer in an advanced stage due to a genetic disorder causing cirrhosis. Shelley and Greg have been married for 27 years and are longtime members of the community. “Mr. Greg was a healthy man, living life large,” Shelly said in her GoFundMe post. “Never even visited a doctor in over 30 years! You can imagine how surprised he/we were to learn, with his first trip ever to emergency on Jan. 2, 2025, that he was in late-stage cirrhosis with the only option being a transplant. So many questions. So here it started, a

basically non-drinker, no drugs, cleanlife-living person is suddenly thrust into a journey nobody wants.” Greg continually experiences extreme fluid buildup in his abdomen because of the hardening of his liver and has more than nine litres or more of fluid removed on a weekly basis. Because he is so ill Greg has been unable to work for the last year, which has put pressure on Shelly and Greg’s finances as they use up their savings to cope. Greg has been accepted to receive a transplant and is waiting for the call. The expenses for everything an illness like this brings is daunting and when they get word he is to become a transplant recipient it means an expensive three- to five-month stay in Vancouver post-surgery. To get all the details and to donate visit www.gofundme.com/f/ mr-greg-needs-your-help

“By bringing forward a nomination for the Order of British Columbia, we shine a light on the remarkable stories and accomplishments that build a proud and strong province.” The province is also accepting nominees for the Medal of Good Citizenship, which recognizes selfless voluntary community service. It honours individuals whose selfless volunteerism, generosity and contributions have had a positive effect on their community. The Medal of Good Citizenship is also open to youth (ages 15-25) nominees, as well as posthumous award candidates. “We all know people whose quiet generosity and everyday acts of compassion make our communities stronger,” said Anne Kang, minister of tourism, arts, culture and sports, chair of the Medal of Good Citizenship selection committee. “These individuals are truly deserving of our appreciation. I encourage everyone to nominate a remarkable person

in their community so we can honour those whose kindness, service and dedication uplift the places we call home.” The deadline to submit applications for either award is April 7. Since the Order of BC was established in 1989, 530 people have been appointed. This is the 11th year of the BC Medal of Good Citizenship program. In the past decade, 193 people, two communities and one group have been honoured for their outstanding contributions. To submit a nomination for the Order of British Columbia, go to www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/celebrating-british-columbia/ honours-and-awards/order-of-bc/ submitting-nomination. To submit a nomination for the Medal of Good Citizenship, go to www2. gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/ celebrating-british-columbia/honoursand-awards/medal-good-citizenship/ submitting-nomination.

Come up for your free tour today! Open 7 days a week No annual contract Corporate, spouse, teen rates and more Members get 3 hours free parking

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

COMMUNITY

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

UHNBC PHOTO

Data gathered from Northern wolves over the past 15 years will be the basis of a new study being carried out by a team that includes a UHNBC researcher.

UNBC researcher studying wolf population renewal MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

In the North Cariboo, populations have been historically declining, leading to wolves being hunted by local rural communities to reduce predation pressure. However, Jamie Gorrell and his team are concerned about the possible effects these hunting programs may have had on the northern wolf population over the past 15 years. Thanks to the support of a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Alliance Grant, a Mitacs Accelerate Indigenous Pathways Grant and a Nunavut General Monitoring Plan Grant, Gorrell’s team and partners will be using 15 Gorrell years of data and samples collected by Indigenous and resident hunters. “I think this is a really neat example and demonstration of the ability to work with those local communities,” said Gorrell, an associate professor of ecosystem science and management at the University of Northern British Columbia. “Rather than the scientists coming in from out of town and controlling and dictating how science is done,

this is going to be collaboration with those local communities in the north, and then the idea is that that knowledge stays there, is shared with them and they can then use that to directly implement or improve the way they’re doing things. If they continue to manage wolves in the future, will they be able to improve how they do so based on the feedback from our research? So have real on-the-ground change or improvements rather than just scientific discoveries that go into a journal that only scientists read.” Indigenous governments, territorial governments, hunters and trappers organizations and renewable resource boards will also help Gorrell’s team better understand the impact of wolf control programs on wolves and caribou. Called the Dìga Project (“diga” means ‘wolf’ in the language of the Dogrib people), Gorrell and his co-leads Tim Jardine and Emily Jenkins, both from the University of Saskatchewan, Abbey Wilson and Naima Jutha, both from the Government of the Northwest Territories, and Malik Awan from the Government of Nunavut, will examine what wolves eat, track parasites and pathogens, and analyze genetics to understand population diversity, disease resistance and the implications this may have on both wolf and caribou populations. “We haven’t looked at the impact on the wolves themselves,” said Gorrell. “We don’t know what these controls are

doing to them besides reducing their population size. Does that reduce or improve their health? Imagine if you’ve got a disease or a parasite that’s moving through the population and you reduce the number of individuals. Does that also reduce interaction rates so that the disease doesn’t spread as quickly through the population? Or does it change what prey species they feed on because the pack is smaller now? Maybe they can’t go after as big of prey, or they split up more. Or maybe because the landscape opens up, they actually travel more because there’s less territoriality. Then maybe we see more movement or more breeding, with impacts on mixing genetics. These are all things we have no idea about because we’ve never really focused on them.” Gorrell said data such as the amount of fat, signs of disease or parasites, age, sex and the specific prey animals the wolves have been feeding on, among other data, will inform the results of the study. “We’ve got some data, we’ve got some samples, and what we’re doing now is we’ve got a bunch of people together, we’ve got a bunch of money organized, and we’re actually going to go in and use all of that existing data, analyze those existing samples, to do one big study across the last 15 years,” said Gorrell. “There’s really a neat way of leveraging those samples that has never existed before. A project this size has never really been able to exist before

because it’s not something you can just go do in one or two years. You need many years of samples or data available, and then we put it all together.” Researchers will also be looking into data on how parasites and other communicable diseases spread from wolves to caribou and back again, as well as the possible dangers of those diseases spreading to human populations or pets. As well, researchers will examine wolf DNA and genetic profiles of wolf populations to determine how genetic diversity increases or decreases after large population declines. With nearly $500,000 in research funding from Mitacs, NSERC and the Nunavut General Monitoring Plan, the project will also support training. “This is really special that everybody’s thought our proposal has merit, is valuable and is worth taxpayer dollars,” said Gorrell. “It shows the importance of answering these kinds of questions for wildlife management anywhere in Canada. “This is really important, especially in the north, where the climate is warming faster than anywhere else in Canada right now,” he said. “The changes in the environment and the changes in the land are potentially going to be the most extreme. If we can start to study how this is happening up there, maybe that adds another element or dimension to what we’re doing, so we can bring that knowledge back down south as well.”

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

Unhoused in Prince George: A senior shares his story

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

From April to November, Jenine Bortolon, a Prince George Council of Seniors housing navigator, saw 207 seniors accessing her services at the Seniors Resource Centre, including 27 unhoused seniors. There were 99 seniors at risk of losing their homes for reasons such as increasing rent, not getting along with family members they were residing with, or forgetting to pay their rent (because forgetfulness comes with aging for some people), while others were under threat of eviction. Bortolon was able to preserve housing for 13 of those at risk, and 23 of the 27 homeless seniors found housing with her assistance — so far, because she is not giving up on the other four. Three of her housing clients have come forward to share very different stories of what it is like to be unhoused as a senior in Prince George. Rick and Karen Sandbach were living in a home they were renting from their son when they made the decision to go on the waiting list for seniors housing. They had been on the list for about 10 months when Karen got sick in 2019. Not a month later, Karen passed away from organ failure due to underlying health issues. They had been married for 48 years. “That changed my life instantly,” Sandbach said. He is now 75 years old. “We had planned on doing a lot of camping that year — more so than we’d ever done — so I thought I should keep up with our traditions and spent the whole summer at local lakes.” When Sandbach’s son sold the house and moved away for work, Sandbach couch-surfed, staying with friends and relatives during the winter, he explained. He continued to camp in the summer. “But in all kinds of weather in a tent lakeside, it wasn’t easy,” Sandbach said. “And over time things happened and I kept that up right up until this fall. I knew I couldn’t handle it — my

body started to tell me it’s not going to happen this winter, so I decided to rent a place in town.” That is when Bortolon stepped in, offering Sandbach a financial boost from the Seniors Emergency Fund, which was created with earnings from Miracle Theatre’s annual production and placed in trust at the Prince George Community Foundation, where it was established as an endowment fund. Seniors in Prince George who are facing urgent and unexpected financial hardship can apply for this one-time emergency fund. Sandbach knows he is not the only senior struggling to afford a place. Over the years, he has seen many seniors camping at remote lakes around Prince George for the same reason. Spending summer after summer near lakes, while other seniors set up camp along forestry roads, Sandbach said forest ministry staff will let people stay for two weeks at a time before telling them to move on. “I have found that I have encountered many seniors who really have no place to go,” Sandbach said. There are many seniors Sandbach met during his summer camping times who cannot afford housing and are living in their vans, he added. “There’s one man whose medications are so expensive they take up most of his income,” Sandbach said. “So he just can’t afford housing, so he lives out in the bush west of town by himself with a dog, and he’s over 70 years old.” It was not easy for Sandbach growing up with 15 siblings and alcoholic parents. His father was a violent man who often attacked his own children, Sandbach included. It was only thanks to his oldest sister that the children learned to forage in the bush for what was safe to eat, and Sandbach carried that knowledge with him throughout his life. As an adult, Sandbach worked as an equipment operator and in sawmills. Being homeless was certainly not part of his plan. “Because of the way I grew up, I treat people the way I want to be treated,”

I feel like they let me fall through the cracks along with all the other seniors who are living in tents and camping trailers.”

Sandbach reflected. “That’s my philosophy.” Sandbach said he does not think the housing situation for some seniors is fair. “I look at it this way, we worked our whole life for what we have — I started working at 16 years old and paid a lot of taxes to the government, and now it feels like they don’t care what happens to me and all the other seniors who are

struggling,” Sandbach said. “I feel like they let me fall through the cracks along with all the other seniors who are living in tents and camping trailers. It’s all good and well when you’re not a senior, but once you’re a senior they don’t care anymore. I really feel like that’s the truth.” Sandbach said that at one time during his career he was the president of his union and felt it was important to speak up for those who were not comfortable doing so, which is why he decided to share his story now. “So the government will do something to help us.” After he reached out to Bortolon and accessed the Seniors Emergency Fund, Sandbach has now found a place to live year-round in Prince George. “I am happy to say I am really comfortable with where I am at,” Sandbach said. “But there’s more that needs to be done for seniors.”

Saturday, January 24, 2026 Coast Prince George Hotel 5:30pm

SPECIAL EVENT

An unforgettable celebration of Scottish culture, with music, entertainment, dinner, auctions, and dancing!

Robbie Burns Night pgso.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

COMMUNITY

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

The Goomahs are riding a surf rock wave through PG MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

When you think of the Prince George music scene, you usually do not think of the Beach Boys or the Smiths. However, a relatively new band on the scene, the Goomahs, is hoping to bring a little of that warm sound, and much more, to the cold north. Composed of bassist Steve Moleski, singer Sean Kilcullen, guitarist Spencer Kimpton and drummer Adrian Macri, the Goomahs named their band after the Italian-American slang for a mistress, a meaning they learned after watching The Sopranos, a favourite of the band. The band was initially formed when Kilcullen and Kimpton met as co-workers and began to jam together. After some time, Macri, a friend of Kilcullen’s, returned to Prince George from Vancouver and joined their sessions. After that, the band began to take shape, eventually bringing Moleski into the group thanks to mutual friends in the Prince George music scene. “It just sort of slowly happened,” said Macri. “I moved my drum set up from Vancouver and then we set that up in Spencer’s garage. And once that was set up, it kind of felt like the dominoes started to fall. We started writing music together. We had a bass player. Steve came on a little later, and we started writing a lot of music fast.” The Goomahs blend styles from a myriad of genres and artists, including surf rock, alt rock and rock, and take inspiration from artists like Arcade Fire, Mac DeMarco, the Smiths and the Strokes. They are a unique blend of their inspirations and their own personal takes on the genre. They effectively mix genre conventions with their own style to create a memorable sound. Their music can range from slow, thoughtful and melodic to upbeat and grungy, and it transitions well between the two. The Goomahs’ sound is very reverby, pulsating and well mixed, allowing each member’s musical talents to shine through their songs’ melodies.

GOOMAHS PHOTO

The Goomahs perform a show at Deadfall Brewing. The band has a gig Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Prince George Legion along with Highbush Caribou.

One of the band’s intentions was to bring its unique sound to Prince George, whose music scene is often dominated by punk, metal and country. “I think that we did identify that there’s a bit of a lack of variety in that genre in town,” said Macri. “I mean, nothing against metal bands, but there are a lot of metal bands in town. And we thought that there would be an opportunity for us to get a lot of exposure if we did something a little different that Prince George hasn’t seen before.” Kilcullen added that growing up in Prince George and being close to the music scene made him want to share what inspired him musically with people in town. “I just remember growing up here and just the few times I’d be involved in the scene, it was metal or punk metal and then obviously country or folk. That is definitely dominant here, which is, of course, fine. But it’s more so just the music that at least I’m inspired by and listen to, which is more of an indie alternative, rock kind of thing.” In their little over a year as a band in Prince George, the Goomahs have already gained a few fans and turned some heads.

“My mother-in-law was wearing her Goomahs shirt just out and about,” said Kimpton. “She was at a store and the checkout clerk, who was in her early to mid-20s, said, ‘Oh, the Goomahs are my favourite band.’” So far, the band has played shows at venues such as Omineca Arts Centre, the Legion and Deadfall Brewing. Their latest show at Deadfall remains a highlight for the band, as they had an opportunity to experiment during their performance. “The fun part about that gig was that because we needed to fill so much time, we started playing our same songs just in a different style,” said Macri. “We would take a fast song and make it slow, or a slow song and play it fast. Then we started to realize maybe these songs sound better faster or slower, and now we’re sort of reconsidering some of our existing songs and changing the style. That space gave us the freedom to be creative like that, because they were just like, play whatever you’d like. By the end of the show, we were playing lullabies that John sings to his daughter.” Despite their differences in genre conventions, the Goomahs have been

embraced by the Prince George scene and have even opened for a metal band’s album release show. “We actually had a metal band reach out to us and we opened for Brainium and Infectious,” said Moleski. “We opened, looked in the crowd and there were a whole bunch of people with blood running down their faces and goth makeup all dancing to our music, and it was very interesting.” Currently, the band has two songs available on Spotify, House Phone and Magazine, and plans to record and release more once they get a break in their busy schedules. “We’re trying to record, but we’re all busy, have day jobs and are trying to do the DIY musician thing,” said Kimpton. “It’s taken a while to get music out there, but we’ve got a list of songs ready to go to record, so hopefully we’ll speed up the process and start releasing them.” The Goomahs and fellow surf rockers Highbush Caribou will be playing the Prince George Legion on Friday, Jan. 17. Tickets will be available at madloon.ca/ tickets. To listen to their music, find them on Spotify.

COMMUNITY

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

Expect a cool mix of music and more as Icejams return MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Coldsnap organizers are bringing back their well-loved Icejams for Coldsnap 2026. These are free mini-concerts along with workshops and hands-on, education-based sessions led by Coldsnap musicians. Icejams will kick off at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at the Omineca Arts Centre with a songwriting workshop led by Linda McRae, aimed at helping creators of all levels find their voice. The following day at noon, Thursday, Feb. 4 the Brunswick Senior Centre will host Aleksi Campagne’s modern indiefolk fiddle-singing. The next Icejam will take place a few hours later at 5 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre and will feature Cariboo-raised artist Sam Tudor. Friday’s music starts at noon with a cozy, “stripped-down” performance

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHRISTINE DALGLEISH

The Oots n’ Oots from Kelowna entertain the audience at the Prince George Public Library during a previous year’s Icejams series.

and Q&A by FONTINE at the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum. Next up is a Celtic Jam led by Brianna Lizotte, Morgan Toney, and Scott Duncan, where local musicians are encouraged to bring their own instruments to jam along, hosted at the Heritage Hall of the Knox Performance Centre at 3 p.m. Friday will wrap up with a storytelling folk performance by Alberta’s Arts Ambassador and Coldsnap alum John

Registration to open for 2026-27 kindergarten, specialty programs MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

School District 57 (SD57) is about to open kindergarten registration for children whose fifth birthday will fall on or before Dec 31, 2026. Parents with children fitting these criteria can register beginning Jan. 28. The school district is also hosting information sessions to help better acquaint parents who are considering sending their children to schools with specialized programs like French immersion or to schools with an Indigenous focus. SD57 will offer information sessions for the following programs in the list below: • Polaris Montessori Elementary – Montessori Choice Program: Jan. 14, 6 p.m., learning commons • Spruceland Community School of

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Parents can learn more about École College Heights Elementary’s French Immersion Choice Program on Jan. 20.

•

• • •

the Arts – Arts Choice Program: Jan. 19, 4 p.m., learning commons École College Heights Elementary – French Immersion Choice Program: Jan. 20, 2:40 p.m., room 202 École Heather Park Elementary – French Immersion Choice Program: Jan. 20, 6 p.m., library École Lac des Bois – French Immersion Choice Program: Jan. 22, 5 p.m., library Nusdeh Yoh Elementary – Aboriginal Choice Program: Jan. 22, 5 p.m., meals room

Wort Hannam back at Omineca at 5 p.m. Coldsnap organizers promise that Saturday will be a celebration of rhythm and movement, starting with a family-friendly “Bookworm Boogie” at the Prince George Public Library (888 Canada Games Way) featuring children’s artist Beppie. Locals who love the blues are then invited to head to Omineca at noon to watch Jesse Roper and Garret T.

Willie trade songs and styles in a casual workshop. At 3 p.m. on Saturday, organizers are offering a historic Coldsnap first: a community Square Dance in Heritage Hall at Knox Performance Centre at 3 p.m. with Juno winners Pharis and Jason Romero. Attendees are invited to head back to Omineca at 5 p.m. for a high-energy, nostalgic set by Kayla Williams and The Yacht Daddies. On Sunday, Feb. 8, at noon, locals are invited to focus on the power of connection through song. Sarah Jane Scouten will lead a harmony-singing workshop at Omineca, teaching attendees how to sing by ear in the folk tradition. Coldsnap 2026 concludes with an Acoustic in the Round session at Knox Performance Centre, bringing Linda McRae, Aladean Kheroufi and friends together for the finale. A full schedule of Coldsnap events is available at the following link: https:// www.coldsnapfestival.com/

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Throwback Thursday: Week of January 15

Jan. 15, 1985: Stewart Dillabough, 10, took a few bowling pointers from Shannon Jenzen, 12, in preparation for the Bowl for Millions event running Feb. 2-9 that year. The goal was to raise $40,000 for Big BrothersBig Sisters. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY BROCK GABLE

Jan. 13, 2014: Skip Kesa Van Osch reacted with shock after winning the 2014 Scotties BC Women’s Curling Championship at the Prince George Golf and Country Club. Van Osch was a 22-year-old Victoria curling rookie when she and Stephanie Baier (third), Jessie Sanderson (second) and Carley Sandwith (lead) knocked six-time BC champ Kelly Scott of Kelowna out to advance to the national Scott Tournament of Hearts in Montreal, where they were knocked out during round-robin competition. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVID MAH

6,000

Jan. 16, 1967: A photo of architect Des Parker putting the finishing touches on a detailed model of “the future of Prince George” was featured on the front page. The miniature, which was unveiled later that day by the Downtown Business Association, showed how Third Avenue looked at the time with a proposed “Centrum,” which included turning part of Third into a covered mall and connecting it to Parkwood Place by monorail. The plan (clearly) never happened. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVE LOOY

Jan. 14, 2000: An animated Kathy Owen kept kids from the Panda Bear Preschool entertained with a story at the Prince George Public Library. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVE MILNE

600

MINI SUPER BINGO

JACKPOT $5,000 cash plus $1,000 Slot Free Play

300

Regular Games

Double Win Regular games

1,000

$200 Slot Free Plays X 5 Draws

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17TH 6:00 PM Evening Bingo

Know your limit, play within it.

L.O.C.F.

HEALTH

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

Grant will pay tuition for CNC dental assistant students TERESA BENNETT Northern Health

The College of New Caledonia (CNC) is announcing that the eight students enrolled in its Dental Assistant Certificate Program will have their full tuition and supplies covered for the duration of their 10-month program. This is thanks to funding through the Community Workforce Response Grant (CWRG), which is provided by the Government of Canada and province and was secured by the BC Dental Association. The association then selected CNC as a partner institution. The BC Dental Association stated that it used this grant to address staff shortages in the dental industry and remove financial barriers for those who may be learning in more remote communities, such as Prince George. “BCDA is pleased to partner with the College of New Caledonia as part of our ongoing commitment to address dental

staff shortages and create opportunities for those who need them most,” said Dr. Jilliam Belbin, president of the BC Dental Association, in a press release. “This initiative focuses on supporting vulnerable and underrepresented students, particularly in rural and remote communities, to pursue dental education and join a health-care workforce in critical demand. Through this grant, we’ve been able to remove barriers and open doors for students who might otherwise be left behind.” CNC emphasized that several colleges throughout the province were eligible, making this opportunity even more meaningful for the eight students affected. “There were several colleges that could have received this funding, so being selected is an amazing opportunity for our students,” said Cyndi Lewis, dental assisting faculty and coordinator, in the press release. “I can’t imagine the feelings they have knowing their tuition

Riding in with plenty of smiles

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO

Residents of Laurier Manor Assisted Living enjoy a lively visit from Desert Hills Ranch staff in September, complete with fresh produce, music and dancing. Representatives of the Ashcroft-based food supply company regularly visit longterm care homes in Northern BC to support residents.

is covered. Everyone carries their own stresses and life circumstances, and removing the financial burden is life-changing. It allows them to focus on their studies, aim for their best grades, and still have the space to live their post-secondary lives — to spend time with family, be present and breathe.” Students in the program have stated that it has helped take financial stress off them, allowing them to focus on their studies and easing pressure on their families and supporters. “I graduated in 2024 and have always had support from my parents,” said Avery Cassidy, a student in the Dental Assistant Certificate Program, in the press release. “The best part of this grant is taking that financial pressure off them. I used to commute from Quesnel every weekend at 6 a.m. while working, and I knew that juggling school and work again would be tough. This funding gives me the chance to further my education without that burden.”

CNC PHOTO

The College of New Caledonia’s Dental Assistant Certificate Program’s Katrina (left) and Avery (right) are among the students who will benefit from a new grant.

The Prince George Citizen

right to your inbox. Scan the QR Code to find out how!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Local Sports Cross-country champ: Fast skis and a fine-tuned engine Otway Nordic Centre hosts Teck BC Cup TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

In Formula One racing, a great pit crew can be the podium difference-maker. That inside edge on technical matters also applies to cross-country ski racing. Fast skis produce quick times, and Harry Isaacs had his in perfect tune with the warm temperatures and slick snow conditions, which helped him climb to the high spot on the medal podium Sunday at the Tech BC Cup No. 1 cross-country mass start freestyle race at Otway Nordic Centre on the weekend. The 13-year-old Caledonia Nordic Ski Club member cranked his way to a gold medal in the U14 B2 category after nearly 10 minutes of sprinting over two 1.7-kilometre laps, following on the heels of his silver-medal finish Saturday in the classic technique race. Caledonia wax tech Graeme Moore had a busy weekend prepping the skis of 52 club skiers, and he earned rave reviews from Isaacs after he cruised into the stadium finish in his race Sunday. “It was really good, I felt really fast, the skis were fast,” said Isaacs. Twelve-year-old Ryker Ulansky of Telemark Nordics of Kelowna was the only U14 racer to beat Isaacs, who clocked 9:45.2 on the 3.4 km course, 11 seconds behind Ulansky, who is in the younger B1 category. Thirteen-year-old Janek Vipler of Hollyburn Nordics (Vancouver) was 17 seconds quicker and edged Isaacs for top spot in the classic race on Saturday. “I like to skate (freestyle skiing) better, it’s faster and I’m better at it,” said Isaacs, who said he came close to losing control more than once on the scaryfast slopes. “The downhills are fast, it’s hard, I like the uphills more,” he said. “It’s hard on the turns, it’s pretty icy if you cut it

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Harry Isaacs, competing in the U14 Boys 2x1.7km makes his way to the finish line in first place at Otway Nordic Centre Sunday, Jan. 11.

sharp. I just love skiing fast.” Thirty-two racers entered the U14 mass start race Sunday and Isaacs, because of his high season point standing, started near the front of the field, so it was pretty much clear sailing once he got out of the stadium. He kept Ulansky in sight most of the race and made one pass on the course to get ahead of Vipler. Isaacs is no stranger to podium finishes in either technique and he’s among five Caledonia skiers selected for the Zone 8 team that will compete at the BC Winter Games in Rossland, Feb. 25-March 1. He was the top-ranked skier at the Winter Games trials. Isaacs has been skiing almost from the day he learned to walk. He said he was “like one or two” when his dad, Mark, first got him on skis. He also loves mountain biking and excels in soccer and cross-country running, finishing

third in his age group in the zone championship last fall. His dad races in biathlon and “he’s fast,” according to Harry. Harry began shooting targets this season and qualified for the BC Games biathlon team but wants to focus on cross-country skiing. Alistair Bell, Willem Grose, Isla Witso and Amelia Legut-Petersen are the other Caledonia skiers on the Zone 8 cross-country team. The event is open to athletes born in either 2012 or 2013. They’ll have two events on the Teck BC Cup series to prepare for BC Games. They’ll be in Salmon Arm for BC Cup No. 2, Feb. 7-8, then will travel to Whistler for the Teck BC Championships Feb. 20-22. Also on the competition calendar is the Canadian championships in Mont Ste. Anne, Que., March 9-14. Caledonia skier Maisie Hoehn, 14, placed third in the U16 G1 girls 3 x 1.7

km freestyle race Sunday, behind gold medalist Kavita Dhillon of Nechako Nordics (Vanderhoof) and second-place Regan Miller of Revelstoke. “It was amazing, the wax team did an awesome job on our skis – the skis are super-awesome,” said Hoehn, who was fourth in her category in the classic race Saturday. “The course was awesome. On training days the hills were really washed out, but it was really good today. Night Rider was holding up pretty well. “We do more skating for biathlon, but I love classic racing.” Hoehn made the Zone 8 biathlon team for BC Winter Games along with Caledonia clubmate Gwen Ditto, and they will be in Whistler later this week for the youth/junior world championship biathlon trials. SEE ‘BC CUP’ ON NEXT PAGE

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

SPORTS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

Spruce Kings send Langley back down the river Langley Rivermen goalie Maverick Avent watches as the puck bounces off a goal post as defenseman Frederic Deschenes stops Spruce Kings forward Michael Denney from pushing for the rebound at Kopar Memorial Arena Friday, Jan. 9. Tai Ushio and Marcus Lougheed each collected a goal and an assist and Ryder Green stopped all 23 shots he faced to lead the Spruce Kings to a 4-0 win In front of a crowd of 949 at Kopar Memorial Arena. Friday is Indigenous Night at the rink, presented by Four Rivers Co-Op, and the Spruce Kings will be wearing special jerseys to commemorate the event. Fans who want to attend can go online or buy tickets at the Kings’ office at Kopar. CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

BC Cup brings the best cross-country skiers to PG CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Hoehn’s 16-year-old sister Natalie raced in the U18 G1 classic 2 x 2.5 km race Saturday and finished 14th – her first race since she broke both patellas (kneecaps) at an off-season training camp. Amelia Moore of Bulkley Valley (Smithers) was first across the line in the U16 race and claimed gold both days in the older G2 age category. She’s raced at Otway several times and says the trails are challenging but not intimidating like some of the mountain runs at Whistler and Canmore. “I really like the courses because they’re not super-steep, they’re flat and steep at the same time and you can pace well around the whole thing,” said the 15-year-old Moore, part of the BC Development Team. “The first lap I wasn’t planning on going that hard, but I did and I got a good lead and I tried holding the gap and it worked out.

“I like skating better for downhills because you’re more stable with your boots, but I like classic more for distance,” she said. The U18, U20, U23, senior men and masters men were all grouped together in a 73-skier mass start race Sunday, and after four 2.5 km loops there wasn’t much that separated 18-year-old Axel Hostyn of the Black Jack Ski Club (Rossland) from his 16-year-old brother Lex in the mad dash for the finish. They each posted the same time — 26:56.7 — but Axel thought he crossed the line slightly ahead of his younger brother and let out a big “Yah” as he collapsed to the snow in exhaustion. He and Lex each left with gold medals as age-category winners. “That’s the first time we’ve gone 1-2 in anything,” said Axel. “I got him, I think, but we’ll have to look at the results. It was very close. “We had some really strong guys out there pushing, Anton Malin and Mark

Shapavalov, and Lex was right in there, and I was hanging on the whole way. I didn’t think I was going to be able to hold to them, and there was a point I was dropped a few metres, but I caught back on and just stuck in the draft for the last lap. “Coming over the top of the last hill it was Mark and Lex and me, and we just got the draft on the last hill and that’s how we were both able to get out in front.” Lex said it didn’t matter which Hostyn won; he was just glad to share the moment with his big brother. “He was a little bit off at one point and he just caught back up, and it was so awesome to see him right there,” said Lex. “There’s no rivalry when you’re 1-2.” Their Black Jack coaches are George Grey and Dave Wood, the former Caledonia coach who went on to coach the national and Olympic teams. UNBC civil engineering student Tanner McCloskey of Caledonia finished

just behind the lead pack and was second in his U20 category, clocking 27:11.8. “I tried to keep pace with the lead group and draft with them in the downhills and the flats to gain energy and I did a push, but everyone pushed with me and I got caught behind,” said McConkey. “I tried catching them on the top of the last lap but couldn’t quite catch them on the downhills because I didn’t get the draft.” McConkey, 18, was fourth overall in the classic race, won by UNBC student Gavin Chatterton. McConkey snapped a pole in that race and had to get it replaced twice. He’ll be in Canmore in two weekends for world junior cross-country trials and also plans to compete at nationals in Quebec in March. BC Cup No. 1 drew more than 300 ski racers to Prince George. Full results of BC Cup No. 1 are available on the website.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

SPORTS

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Silvertips extend Cougars’ losing streak to seven games TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Nobody could accuse the Prince George Cougars of going down without a fight. They made it interesting in the late stages of their game against the Everett Silvertips Sunday afternoon at CN Centre but could not prevent the inevitable result — a 6-4 Silvertips’ win that extended the Cougars’ losing streak to seven games. Jaxsin Vaughan scored two goals and Matius Vanhanaen had a goal and an assist to stoke the Silvertips’ offence. Kooper Gizowski scored twice in a losing effort. In a wild third period, the Cougars erased a two-goal deficit, scoring twice on the power play, to tie the game 4-4. Jett Lajoie got it started and was standing in front of the Everett net when he redirected Kaeson Fisher’s shot from the circle in to the net — the first point for Fisher since joining the Cats in a trade from Everett on Thursday, Jan. 8. The Silvertips got that one back when Rhys Jamieson cashed on a 2-on-1 chance with a shot that sailed on over the blocker of goalie Joshua Ravensbergen. Trailing 4-2, Riley Ashe took the puck to the Everett goal and tried a backhander that was stopped by goalie Raiden LeGall, but the Cougar winger got his own rebound and swatted it in to collect his fourth goal with 5:16 gone in the period. Less than four minutes later the Cougars went back to work on the power play and Kooper Gizowski scored his second of the game. The 20-year-old sniper dragged the puck into a better shooting position in the slot before he lifted a wrister in for his team-leading 20th goal to knot the score at four apiece with 11 minutes to play. At that point, the Cougar fans in the crowd of 3,692 had to be thinking, maybe this is where their team finally gets to deep-six its losing ways and end a slump that’s brought 10 losses in their last 11 games. No such luck. A minute after Gizowski tied it up,

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Cougars goalie Josh Ravensbergen prepares to stop a shot from Silvertips forward Rhys Jamieson at CN Centre Saturday, Jan. 10. The teams faced off again Sunday, Jan. 11.

Everett defenceman Kayd Reudig took advantage of a screen in front of Ravensbergen and snapped in his 11th goal of the season to restore the Everett lead. Jaxsin Vaughan ended the suspense with an empty-net goal with 1:15 left, his second goal of the game. “We haven’t been our best lately but the third period we came out with a little more intensity and kind of showed we can get out of this slump and we want to win,” said Gizowski. “We go out and get our power play and tie it 4-4 and just the next shift we have to be ready. Little mistakes happen and that’s what’s costing us this losing streak. We have a big stretch coming this weekend with division teams and if we get back to our game we’re going to like the way we’re playing and we’re going to get the points we need. I’m not too worried about our team, we’re not going to go winless for the rest of the year, we’re going to figure it out with a good week of practice.” Cougars head coach and general manager Mark Lamb liked the effort and urgency his team showed in the late stages and the physicality that got them going in the second period ,but

he knows his team is still misfiring and making glaring errors at critical times and he aims to tune that up this week in practice, badly needed to teach team strategies to four new players acquired last week. “We need to practice and we need to get rest,” said Lamb. “We’ve had one practice since before Christmas. We’re team that can get up and down the ice and we’re not (doing that), it’s very noticeable. We’re short a quart, we had a lot of sickness and we don’t have our skating legs and the only place to find that is practice. We’ve got a real good week ahead of us to have some real good practice. “That’s the best team in the league. We’ve won games playing as good as we did tonight, but we’re not going to win games playing like that, we just need a bit more. But the positives we seen, the aggressiveness, the sticking up for each other, those are positive signs.” The Cougars’ record crumbled to 23-16-2-0, still good for second place in the division, but that’s become more tenuous with third-place Kelowna now just three points behind the Cougars. The division-leading Penticton Vees

hold a seven-point bulge over Prince George. A three-goal second period from the Silvertips nearly put the game out of reach for the Cougars. Vanhanen, Landon DuPont and Vaughan all found the net in behind Joshua Ravensbergen. Just like Saturday’s game, the first-period outcome favoured the Cougars. The Cats special teams have been topshelf all season and they leaned on their penalty killing and power play to get out of the first period leading 1-0. After killing off two minor penalties the PG boys made the most of their first power-play chance and it was a carbon-copy of the goal they scored in Saturday’s 4-1 loss to the Silvertips. Carson Carels slid the puck over to Gizowski, standing in his wheelhouse in the right circle and he got his full might into a one-timer that pound the top corner of the net behind Raiden LeGall. That came at 15:54. The Silvertips went on their third power play late in the period, after DuPont led stuck out his leg and went knee-on-knee with Cougars winger Terik Parascak with 1:33 left in the period, staggering the Cougars leading pointgetter to the ice. Carels and Artemii Anisimov stuck up for their teammate and both got sent off for roughing, along with Everett defenceman Brek Liske. The Cougars fans disagreed with the non-call on DuPont for his dangerous hit and let the referees know it. They successfully killed off that penalty but it took two sharp saves from Ravensbergen at the end of the period to hold the Silvertips off the scoreboard. In the second period, the Silvertips took control. They had four shots on goal to start the period when their top scoring line connected for the tying goal. Ethan Bear beat Carels to a loose puck on the side boards in the Cougar end and chipped the puck over to Kayde Ruedig, who spotted Vanhanen all alone on a 2-on- 1. Vanhanen, who played for Finland at the world junior tournament, made no mistake batting the puck in, 3:22 into the period. SEE ‘WIN’ ON NEXT PAGE

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

SPORTS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

Cougars shuffle the deck before WHL trade deadline TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

The Prince George Cougars have filled their quota of 20-year-olds after acquiring forward Dawson Seitz from the Wenatchee Wild on Thursday, Jan. 8 in exchange for an eighth-round selection in the 2029 WHL Prospects Draft. Seitz brings championship pedigree, having played for the Edmonton Oil Kings in 2021-22, the year they won the Ed Chynoweth Trophy as WHL champions. Listed at six-foot-two, 192 pounds, the native of Medicine Hat, Alta., collected 35 goals and 72 points in 233 regular-season WHL games and also has played in 21 playoff games. Seitz has played 22 games for the Wild this season, recording four goals and seven assists, and is coming off a 17-goal, 32-point season with Wenatchee in 2024-25, when he served as one of the Wild’s assistant captains. He played two full seasons with the Oil Kings and had two goals in 15 playoff games during their run to the title in 2022. “We are thrilled to add the experience Dawson brings into our lineup,”

EVERETT SILVERTIPS PHOTO

The Cougars picked up 18-year-old defenseman Kaeson Fisher in a trade Wednesday, Jan. 7 from the Everett Silvertips.

said Cougars head coach and general manager Mark Lamb. “He has a winning pedigree, he can skate and he has an excellent shot.” In another trade Thursday, Jan. 8, the Cougars acquired 2008-born forward Koy Funk from the Calgary Hitmen for a third-round draft choice in 2028. Funk is a six-foot-two, 194-pound native of Portage la Prairie, Man., picked in the second round (77th overall) in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft. He put up two goals and four assists in 21 games this season for the Hitmen, including Saturday’s game against the Cougars at

CN Centre. A product of RINK Academy in Winnipeg, Funk played in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League last season. In 37 games with the Portage Terriers, he had 14 goals and 20 assists for 34 points. Jan. 8 was Funk’s 18th birthday. An hour after the deadline, the Cougars announced they’ve added 19-year-old defenceman Tyrone Sobry from the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for a 2026 ninth-round pick and a 2029 fourth-round pick. The six-foot-two, 192-pound Sobry started his WHL career with the Prince

Albert Raiders, the team that drafted him in the ninth round in 2021. He had one assist in four games with the Raiders and put up three goals and seven points in 29 games with the Blades, also scoring three goals and six points in a five-game stint with the Humboldt Broncos of the SJHL. Earlier Jan. 8, the Cougars traded 17-year-old defenceman Eli Johnson to the Penticton Vees for a sixth-round pick in the 2027 WHL Prospects Draft. Johnson, a six-foot, 195-pound native of Regina, had six assists in 24 games with the Cougars. Chosen by the Cougars in the seventh round of the 2023 Prospects Draft, Johnson played last season for the Regina Pat Canadians, who went on to win the national U18 triple-A title. Moving Johnson clears a spot in the lineup for 18-year-old Kaeson Fisher, acquired Jan. 7 by the Cougars from the Everett Silvertips in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2027. Fisher has been playing this season in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League for the Winkler Flyers and in 29 games he has a goal and 24 assists.

Win means Everett now leads the league at 31-5-2-1 CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Everett continued to build up the shot advantage and the Silvertips were on their fourth power play eight minutes into the period when Bear set up DuPont for a point-shot bullet that found the back of the net for a 2-1 Everett lead at the 8:22 mark. On the ensuing face-off, Silvertips tough guy Clarke Schaefer nailed Carels with an exuberant hit into boards at the Everett bench. Artemii Anisimov, Carels’s defence partner, took exception and cross-checked Schaefer and they dropped the gloves and scrapped briefly while two other fights broke out around them. The Cougars drew the extra penalty and held off the league’s No. 5 power play. They also generated a great shorthanded chance when Parascak,

the Cougars’ second-leading pointgetter, took off on his third breakaway of the weekend. Unfortunately for the Cougars the puck skipped off Parascak’s stick just as he got into shooting range around LeGall. The rough stuff seemed to energize the Cougars and they were showing signs of life when Everett winger Vaughan got to a loose puck at the side of the Cougars’ cage and while spinning he batted the puck out of the air into the net for his 11th goal to put his team ahead 3-1 with 17:25 gone in the period. The Silvertips improved their league-leading record to 31-5-2-1 and left Prince George feeling good about their efforts to put together back to back wins at CN Centre against a team that led the BC Division for nearly three months. “They’re a very skilled team but I

think, when we’re at our best we have them every night,” said Ashe, who would love another shot at the Silvertips in the playoffs. “Given what we have in our room when we’re at our best I think we can come out on top when it really matters most. “I think the main thing we have to do is buy into the system and you saw flashes of that tonight, we had good moments and bad moments, but I think we’re right on the cusp of breaking free from this slump. We’re not first place right now but I think we can get back to that spot.” Silvertips head coach Steve Hamilton didn’t like seeing the Prince George power play score three goals in five chances but was otherwise pleased with how his team prevented the Cougars from completing their comeback. “Five-on-five we played pretty well,

our penalty-killing was horrendous, I mean, how many times do you have to get beat on the same play, so it was disappointing that way,” said Hamilton. “But we fought back and we found a way, so that was positive. We’re playing well and we’ve been a good road team all year. This is definitely not an easy place to play. For the most part, other than the power plays, I thought we defended well and we didn’t give up a whole ton five-on-five.” LOOSE PUCKS: Twelve of the Cougars’ next 13 games are against BC Division opponents … RW Dawson Seitz played his first game for the Cougars since getting traded from Wenatchee and was in the starting lineup on a line with Lee Shurgot and Dmitri Yakutsenak … Ashe showed good chemistry playing the right side on a line with C Townes Kozicky and newcomer LW Koy Funk.

33 88

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

SPORTS

PPR RIIN NC CEE G GEEO ORRG GEE C CIITTIIZZEENN

Burke is back: Hockey great returns to PG Prince George biathlete competes in Europe

He’ll speak at the UNBC Timberwolves’ Legacy Night Jan. 28 TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Brian Burke is coming back to Prince George. Fourteen months after he entertained the crowd gathered for the record-setting 10th annual UNBC Timberwolves Legacy Night fundraising dinner, the former NHL executive is returning to the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre for the 11th annual event on Wednesday, Jan 28. Burke will join retired NHL defenceman and Prince George Cougars minority owners Eric Brewer and Dan Hamhuis in a panel discussion to share some of their stories of the professional hockey world. “I’m excited to be back in Prince George for the 11th annual UNBC Timberwolves Legacy Night,” said Burke. “It’s a privilege to host the panel and talk international hockey with Dan Hamhuis and Eric Brewer.” Burke was the featured guest of the most recent Legacy Night gathering, Nov. 20, 2024, which raised a record $230,000. All that money was used to fund student awards to recruit student-athletes to UNBC’s male and female soccer and basketball teams. “Community support isn’t optional — it matters,” said Burke, a Harvard Law School graduate. “Legacy Night is about showing up and backing the student-athletes of UNBC and celebrating their accomplishments in sport and in the classroom. That’s exactly what we’ll do on January 28 in Prince George.” Burke started out as a player agent and went on to become general manager of the Hartford Whalers, Vancouver Canucks, Anaheim Ducks (a team he helped win the Stanley Cup in 2007) and Toronto Maple Leafs, also serving as the Calgary Flames director of hockey operations. Now 70, Burke is executive director of the Professional Women’s Hockey League Players Association.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Brian Burke tells stories of his NHL career at the 10th Annual Timberwolves Legacy Dinner at the Civic Centre on Nov. 20, 2024. Burke is coming back to the 11th annual Legacy Night on Jan. 28, 2026.

With the NHL taking a two-week break to allow its top players to compete in the Olympics in Italy, Burke will have lots to discuss with Brewer and Hamhius, both of whom won Olympic gold for Canada. Brewer, 46, played 1,009 NHL games over a17-year career from 1998-2015 with the New York Islanders, Edmonton, St. Louis, Anaheim, and Toronto. He represented Canada eight times internationally, won three world championships (2003, 2004, 2007) and the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. Hamhuis, 43, played 1,148 NHL games in 16 seasons from 2003-20 with Nashville, Vancouver and Dallas. He’s a

two-time world champion (2007, 2015) who won gold at the 2014 Olympics and represented Canada 10 times in international tournaments. Prior to the panel discussion with Burke, Brewer and Hamhuis, Phil Pritchard, vice-president of the Hockey Hall of Fame will provide a keynote address. Known as the Keeper of the Cup, Pritchard will share his knowledge of the Stanley Cup and its history and will be bringing the Four Nations Cup that made its debut last February as a replacement for the all-star game. Connor McDavid scored the overtime winner for Canada to lock up a 3-2 win.

Canadian biathlete Nadia Moser raced to a career-best 19th place finish Thursday, Jan. 8 in the IBU World Cup women’s 7.5-kilometre sprint in Oberhof, Germany. The 28-year-old native of Whitehorse, Yukon hit nine of 10 targets in two shooting bouts and finished the course in 23 minutes 23.3 seconds, 1:23 off the winning pace of 22:00.6 set by gold medalist Elvira Oeberg of Sweden, who shot clean. Suvi Minkkinen of Finland (0-0, +21.1) and Julia Simon of France (0-0, +23.6), were second and third respectively. Meanwhile, at the IBU Cup women’s 12.5 km short individual race Thursday, Jan. 8 in Arber, Germany, 21-year-old Moira Green of Prince George was the top Canadian, finishing 54th. Green had just four misses in four shooting bouts. (0-1-1-2) and ended up 7:20.4 behind gold medalist Sophie Chaveau of France (0-0-0-0) who completed the course in 36:31.0. Anna Hedstrom of Sweden won silver (0-0-0-0, +59.9) and bronze went to Emma Nilsson of Sweden (0-0-0-0, +1:33.7). Emily Dickson of Burns Lake finished 73rd (0-1-004, +8:28.6) and Gillian Gowling of Whistler was 78th (1-1-1-2, +8:55.4). In the men’s 15km short individual race in Arber, Sivert Gerhardsen of Norway claimed gold (0-0-1-0) in 4:04.0, ahead of silver medalist Emilien Claude of France (0-0-1-0, +50.8) and Vetle Paulsen of Norway (0-2-1-0, +1:17.3). Matthew Strum of Canmore was 563rd (1-1-1-1, +5:49.9), Haldan Borglum of Calgary was 82nd (0-3-2-1, +7:09.4), Francis Gauthier of Sherbrooke, Que., was 102nd (2-1-2-1, +9:10.9) and Jasper Fleming of Edmonton was 103rd (2-2-2-4, +9:28.9).

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

SPORTS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

PG’s Carolina Hiller-Donnelly qualifies for Olympics TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Prince George long-track speed skater Carolina Hiller always dreamed of becoming an Olympian. That childhood ambition, which started its slow burn years ago when she was cutting long-blade strides with the Prince Blizzard Speed Skating Club, is about to be realized in less than a month when she competes in the Winter Olympics in Milano, Italy. The 28-year-old Hiller-Donnelly clinched her Olympic team spot last week at the Olympic Skate-Off in Quebec City from Jan. 3 to 6. She will be part of an eight-woman, seven-man Canadian team skating on the long-track oval in Milano, scheduled to race the 1,000-metre event Feb. 9 and the 500-metre on Feb. 15. “I knew when I crossed the line in the 500 (at trials) I was in,” said Hiller. “For the 1,000, I had to wait. Only eight girls can qualify for the team, but we have three positions per distance, so they built a matrix and it’s based on priority of how well we performed in the fall World Cups.” The official announcement of the Canadian team is set for Thursday, Jan. 15, at joint events in Calgary and Toronto. “I’m so excited about it,” she said. “When I was a kid, it was always a dream. I loved watching the Olympics growing up.” It almost didn’t happen. Four years ago, Hiller-Donnelly contemplated quitting speed skating. She had lost her national funding and thought she had reached the peak of her career. But her mom thought otherwise and talked her out of it, convincing her daughter to stick around for at least one more Olympic cycle. “I was ready to retire,” she said. “I had thought I’d reached my potential and I was OK with that, but my mom was the one who really pushed for it. She said I should try one more year and see what happens. She knew from back then, she said, ‘You need to keep going, see what’s there.’ Now here we are, four

DAVE HOLLAND/SPEED SKATING CANADA PHOTO

Carolina Hiller-Donnelly skates in the 500m women’s race during the ISU Speed Skating World Cup No. 2 at the Olympic Oval in Calgary on Nov. 22.

years later.” In 2022, Hiller-Donnelly broke away from the national team and began training with sprint coach Kevin Crockett with the Olympic Oval Elite Pathways Program at the University of Calgary. The initial payoff came in the 2022-23 season when she started winning World Cup team sprints with Ivanie Blondin and Brooklyn McDougall. It culminated in March 2023 when they became world champions. “Immediately when I started working with my new coach, they were able to instill some confidence in me in my skating,” she said. “They knew from the get-go I was going to the Olympics. The trust they had in me was paramount and I was able to trust myself and be courageous on the ice.” Hiller lost her No. 1 fan and her goodluck charm in late March when her mother, Ariadne de Hollness Hiller, died after a lengthy battle with cancer. She skipped world championships so she could return to Prince George to be with her mom in the last three weeks of her life. She was her rock, especially on race

days, always there for her in person when it was possible to attend races in North America and always the first to text her when she finished her race. “I had a rough start to the year,” said Hiller-Donnelly. “I feel like losing my mom in March, it took me awhile to feel comfortable racing again. She was such a big part of my race days and my rituals and the texts she would send me. The first weekend of racing was in August and it just went terribly. I was way off my times. It was so hard emotionally to be there. “Then every race got a bit better. I qualified for the fall World Cups. That first race in Salt Lake was really tough, but I was really proud of myself. I bounced back the next day in the next 500 and every race after that I’ve built on it and I felt so much better and stronger. I was able to finish the fall World Cups with an 11th-place finish in A Group in Hamar, Norway. It was such a reassurance and I just feel so ready for the Olympics now.” The 11th-place result she posted Dec. 12 is close to the career-best ninth-place

finish she recorded last year on the World Cup tour. Unfortunately for Hiller-Donnelly, the team sprint is not an Olympic event. Otherwise, she likely would have three events on her Olympic calendar. Newly married last June to Ben Donnelly, who skated for Canada at the 2018 Olympics, the couple lives in Calgary, where she has been based since 2016. Carolina graduated a year ago from the University of Calgary with a degree in kinesiology. Hiller-Donnelly leaves for Italy on Feb. 2, which will give her time to get used to the ice in Milano. She plans to attend the opening ceremony Friday, Feb. 6. “I’m really happy I get to race twice there,” she said. “We’ll do the 1,000 first, which is kind of a prep race for the 500, since the 500 is really my jam, just to get used to the crowd and the environment.” The last time she was involved in a multisport event was in her Prince George hometown at the 2015 Canada Winter Games. But after just one race on the outdoor oval at Exhibition Park, the long-track events had to be moved to indoor ice in Fort St. John due to abnormally warm weather, and Hiller-Donnelly was denied the chance to experience watching and participating in events outside her chosen sport. She will get that opportunity in Italy. “The Olympics are a little spread out in Milan and Cortina,” she said. “We’re going to be in Milan, so we’ll be with hockey, figure skating and short-track speed skating, so that will be really fun to be in that environment.” Her husband Ben and a dozen other members of her fan club plan to be in Italy to watch her races. Both are scheduled for late afternoon in Milan and will be broadcast live to Prince George around 6 or 7 a.m. Canada has won 42 Olympic medals in long-track speed skating and has more than 150 world championship medals, so just making the team bodes well for Hiller-Donnelly’s success. “It is hard to make our team. It’s the best of the best, really,” she said.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

REPAIRS + UPGRADES

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

TOYS • COMICS • GAMES

For the Best Selection of Comics in town Spruceland Shopping Centre

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

ACROSS 1 Post-WWII alliance 5 Life story 8 Quick kiss 12 Challenger’s words 14 Oklahoma tribe 15 Misses an opportunity

16 Without acting 17 Prattle 18 Contacts, e.g. 20 Vowel group 23 “-- Misbehavin’ “ 24 Japanese noodle 25 Anthology 28 Pvt.’s superior

29 To the third power 30 Green shade 32 Cruised in style 34 Furnace fuel 35 Region (Abbr.) 36 Natural talents 37 Nap 40 Extinct bird

41 “Hulk” star Bana 42 Distributes 47 “Smallville” girl 48 Coffee bar order 49 Org. 50 Two, in Toledo 51 Campus VIP

DOWN 1 Zilch 2 Hubbub 3 Prof’s aides 4 Salem’s state 5 Invitation initials 6 Debtor’s letters 7 Summarized 8 Unspecified travel destination

9 LAX postings 10 Natalie or Nat 11 Piano pieces? 13 Isaac’s eldest 19 Author Bagnold 20 Ger. neighbor 21 Jittery 22 Speck 23 Fossil resin 25 Incensed

26 Atop 27 Bicycle part 29 Guitarist Atkins 31 Gore and Pacino 33 MD’s diagnostic order 34 Stopped 36 Dutch word for “farmer” 37 Actress Ward

38 401(k) relatives 39 Drei minus zwei 40 Star athletes, briefly 43 Equi44 Sugary suffix 45 Mex. neighbor 46 Great weight

WIN UP TO

LEARN TO PLAY FREE PLAY

FREE BINGO 101 Play 11:00 AM Bingo on Mondays & Tuesdays and get a second bonus terminal

Free Play prizes are not redeemable for cash. Limited seats available. Management reserves the right to modify or cancel the promotion at any time.

MONDAY & TUESDAY 2:30PM

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Life Events ith hear elt sorrow, we announce the passing of Steve, a devoted husband, father, born and raised in rince eorge. A longtime local businessman, Steve served as a City of rince eorge councilor from 1981 to 1990. redeceased by his father rank, mother Anna, and brothers eter and rank Jr. He is survived by his beloved wife loria of 6 years, their two sons, Ronald and Jerry and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

e hen intich

May 24, 1939 - December 23, 2025

onations may be made to the Hospice Society in lieu of flowers. A Celebration of Life will be held May 2 , 2026.

David Kjell Hoagland

April 7, 1993 - December 17, 2025

Christopher Paul Trudeau

November, 9, 1981

ecember 10, 2025

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Chris on December 10, 2025. Chris lived life to the fullest, he loved to snowmobile and quad with his son Deklyn and driving many miles with his co-pilot Roxy. Chris is survived by his son, Deklyn Trudeau; mother, Peggy Whalen; step father, Brian Whalen; and brother, Brandon Trudeau. He was predeceased by his father, Gordon Trudeau; paternal grandparents Maurice and Clara Trudeau; and maternal grandparents, William Edsall and Patricia Kersey. Celebration of Chris s life will be Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Hartland aptist Church, 6599 ri wood Rd, Prince George, BC. All are welcome to join the family a er the service for light refreshments. “Until our next ride, dad. I love you”

t is with tears in our eyes we tell you that our David lost his life to diabetes, that started when he was in Grade One. He named is baby brother Steven after his best friend at daycare. “Mom & Dad it’s going to be a boy and we’re going to name him Steven”, so we did. He would join sports teams, not to be good at soccer, judo, karate, volleyball or snowboarding, but just to be with his friends. We stopped for dish soap one day at Mohawk I said “Don’t get Sunlight as aunt Karin is allergic to it”, and he looked back at me and said “Why, is she a vampire!?” He came home one day & said “Mom, I paid $100 and got my high school diploma, my work experience gave me additional credits! Then he went to The Vancouver Art Institute at the age of 20. Living in Vancouver for 6 months showed him that PG was home for him. His kid was his Shepherd/Ridgeback Bowen who loved to go for walks at Ginters’. He has always been a big gamer & went to Vegas to a Magic Con Tournament with Sid, Jon, Jordan, Scott & Tyler & had the best time ever. Dave leaves behind his Dad (Mark Hoagland) and Mom (Trine Helsoe), younger brother Steven

Hoagland, uncle John Hoagland, auntie Candee (Gary) Goyer, cousin Derrick (Kim) & family, cousin Shane Gauthier, Tom, Pam, auntie Karin Helsoe, auntie Janice Helsoe (Bryan), cousin Randi (Tyler) Paige & Finlay. He leaves behind many, many friends. Predeceased by Grampa Roy Hoagland & Gramma Eileen Hoagland who David loved to visit because they both smoked, auntie Darlene Gauthier, baby Jared Goyer, Grampa Kjell Helsoe and Gramma Bernice Helsoe, Uncle Gord Helsoe. We would like to thank RN Ken & all the staff at the Emergency & ICU dept., for the care you gave Dave, you are healthcare heroes. Memorial service will be held Sunday July 26, 2026 on the farm at 4679 Old Summit Lake Rd at 1PM. We will place David’s ashes below a stained glass window with his information on it.

I’m a Gamer, I’m a friend, I spill things, I’m a hugger!

Michelle Lynne Albinati

July 12, 1967 - January 2, 2026 Michelle Albinati lived a full life of 58 years. Her last moments were with her dearest canine companion, Rosie. She will be lovingly remembered by her children Jennifer Kiem and Lloyd Nordin, parents Henrietta and Louis Albinati, brother Marcel Albinati and his wife Rosa, her playful grandsons, and family and friends near and far. She had an intense passion for hockey, whether watching her nephews on the ice or bantering with her family in friendly competition. Michelle will be remembered for her endless kindness, profound generosity, sly sense of humour, willingness to listen and give solace, and selflessness when helping others, whether strangers or friends. Her eye to see the beauty in the world around her will be deeply missed. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

LIFE EVENTS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

Walter Braaten

March 14, 1931 - January , 2026 Sharon E. Clark

December 18, 1949 - December 31 2025 It is with deep sadness that the family of Sharon E. Clark announce her sudden passing on December 31, 2025, at the age of 76.

The family of Walter Braaten is saddened to announce his passing at the age of 94, on January 5, 2026 in Kelowna, B.C.

Sharon is survived by her daughter Sheila Hiltz (Bill Hiltz), granddaughters Kayla Hiltz (Liam Walsh), and Chelsea Hiltz, as well as great grandchildren Lucas Walsh and Kinley Walsh. She also leaves behind many cherished family members and friends.

Walter was born on March 14, 1931 in Ponteix, Sask., to parents Ingvald and Ingeborg Braaten. He was the 10th of 11 children.

Sharon was a devout Christian and has now been reunited with God

Ruby Jocelyn Caroline Sandberg (née Hardisty)

July 30, 1941 - December 23, 2025 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Ruby Jocelyn Caroline Sandberg (née Hardisty), on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the age of 84. Her passing comes only weeks after that of her devoted husband of 64 years, Harold Sandberg Sr., leaving an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who loved her. Ruby will be deeply missed by her children Joanne Burgess (Jeff), Annette Altoft, Jacqui Lloy, Harold Sandberg (Sara), and Jeffery Sandberg (Tania); her cherished grandchildren Justin, Nicole (Ryan), Mitchell, Lynden, and Brieah; her great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her grandson Carlos (Tito) Veloso, her parents Donald and Agnes Hardisty, and her siblings. Ruby will be lovingly remembered by her friends and especially by the West Hart congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, who held a special place in her heart. Born in Selkirk, Manitoba, Ruby’s adventurous spirit led her across Canada before settling in Prince George, BC, where she and Harold raised their family. Known for her warmth and hospitality, Ruby welcomed more than fifteen families into her home over the years. She delighted in simple joys— especially picnics—and was famous for her chili and bannock. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 17, at 11:00 a.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 6720 Dagg Rd, Prince George, BC, followed by a gathering at the Prince George Conference & Civic Centre from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

From Ponteix, the family later moved a short distance to “The North Farm” in Neville, Sask. And it was there, at the age of 10, that Walter began his life as an entrepreneur. The farmland in Neville was perfect for potatoes. So, young Walter started growing his own spuds and selling them to a restaurant in nearby Swift Current. By the time he was 16, he was ready to head out on his own. He helped the family plant one last crop, and then, with a cardboard suitcase from one of his older brothers and $20 from his father, he travelled southwest to Yale, B.C. rom the atlands, to the mountains and cliff-sides of the Fraser Canyon, Walter quickly adjusted to his new surroundings. Before long, he got a job picking cherries. Being a prairie boy, fresh fruit was something new to him, so he probably ate the same number of cherries as he put in his bucket each day. His employers once joked that they should have weighed him before he went out picking so they would have known how much to charge him for his appetite. After a year in ale, Walter moved to ictoria for a short stint. While there, he caught on with Stolberg Mill Construction and was put in charge of building dry sheds. He already had carpentry skills and an eye for precision, so he was a good fit for the position. He continued to learn on the job, and carpentry would become a lifelong passion. After three months in

Victoria, Walter went back to Saskatchewan. He moved to Swift Current and teamed up with a brother-in-law Colburn for some work with the local school district. The district was interested in hiring Walter as a full-time carpenter but couldn’t meet his salary e pectations. So, he was on the move again, this time to Prince George, B.C. By now, it was the Cold War days of the early 1950s, and one of Walter’s first obs was with Dawson and Hall Construction, helping to build a United States Air orce radar station at Baldy Hughes, southwest of the growing city. Walter then got an opportunity to work as a foreman with De ell Construction and, being single and free to travel, he happily took charge of a lot of the company’s out-of-town pro ects. And that’s when his life changed. While on a job building a gas station to the north of Prince George at McLeod Lake, he met a young lady by the name of Betty McKay, who hailed from Barrhead, Alta. Walter and Betty were married in the fall of 1958. In 1967, they welcomed a son, Brent. Walter remained with Dezell Construction until 1970. After a short stay in Kelowna as a homebuilder, he resumed his career with Dezell in 1971, this time as co-owner with Betty. Walter and Betty stepped up to run the company after the passing of both Garvin Dezell and business partner Bert Braaten (one of Walter’s older brothers). Walter and Betty took De ell Construction through the boom years of the 1970s and were the faces of the operation until they retired in 19 6. During his years at Dezell, Walter had a hand in several major construction pro ects in Prince George and throughout the north of BC. He was the first contractor

in Tumbler Ridge, where he built a B.C. Hydro substation in 19 1. Walter was proud to be able to complete construction of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in under nine months. Smart, savvy and willing to share his knowledge, Walter enjoyed partnering with others to get them started in business. One of these was NC Contractors (A division of North Caribou Building Products) with Gary Witt. Working and providing for his family was always important to Walter. But he also appreciated his downtime this included traveling the world with Betty and en oying winters in warmer climates. Curling was another joy for Walter – both playing and watching on TV. He also loved to listen to live music, and boy, could he dance. Walter was also famous for his dry sense of humour. With his Norwegian heritage, Walter was a charter member of the Sons of Norway lodge in Prince George. Walter will be remembered as kind, loyal, honest, caring, fair, genuine, sincere and trustworthy. He was a true gentleman. Walter was predeceased by his parents, Ingvald and Ingeborg, and by all but one of his siblings. Walter lost his wife, Betty, on March 1, 2012, after 4 years of marriage. Walter is survived by his son, Brent (Sandi), granddaughter Emily, brother, Vern, numerous nieces and nephews, and his partner, dear Ada. At this time, Walter’s family has chosen to honour his memory privately. To those who knew him, we invite you to raise a toast in his name, and to make a donation to the charity of your choice.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

Classifieds

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Booking deadline: Friday noon Approval deadline: Monday at noon

frontdesk@pgcitizen.ca 250.562.2441

Baby Ducks Early Learning Centre

1. Name the group that released “Heart of Glass.” 2. Who released “The Boys Are Back in Town”? 3. Which group released “The Boy from New York City”?

NEW SPOTS AVAILABLE PUBLIC NOTICE FOREST OPERATIONS MAP REVIEW PUBLIC NOTICE

From 36 months to kindergarten. 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803 Great Government subsidy: Parents pay only $387/month full-time. CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.

FOREST OPERATIONS MAP REVIEW

Carrier Lumber Ltd., invites the public to review 257 its Forest Operations Maps (FOM ID: 2874) which blic to review its Forest Operations Maps (FOM 1628) which provides FLASHBACKdevelopment #12345_20241111 plans within the Prince provides development plans within theID: Prince George ministered Timber from the Prince George Natural Resource District. The FOM(s) have been prepared in accordance Supply Area and administered from the Prince FOR RELEASE NOV. 11, 2024within the next three s Act and describe planned forDistrict. CuttingThe Permit andhave Road Permit development George areas Natural Resource FOM(s) been prepared in accordance with Forest andcomment period, which starts July 11, 2024 and mments on the FOM(s) at any point during thethe review and By Mick Harper Range Practices Act and describe areas planned for Cutting Permit and Road Permit development within the next three years. The public may provide blic review and comment submissions online the following website address: comments on the FOM(s) at any pointat during the 4247 Estavilla Dr., Hart Hwy. or https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects#publicNotices review and comment period, which starts babyducksearlylearning@outlook.com January 15, 2026 and ends February 13, 2026. check out our facebook comment of FOM(s) can be completed, by appointment to ensure a Carrier Lumber woodlands staffpage member The FOM(s) is accessible for public review and cations during regular office hours (8:30 am to 4:00 pm): FOR SALE comment submissions online at the following website Double Mattress, Ironman address: Forest Operations Map (gov.bc.ca) or

Call

ge BC V2N 5S5

(Celliant Fibre Technology) 250.562.2441 https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/publicprojects#publicNotices Includes ad ustable bed bmitted by mail to the above address or by phone at (250) 563-9271frame or by email at fom.pg@carrierlumber.ca (only 2 years old) to place your Alternatively, in-person review and comment of cellent condition FOM(s) can be completed, by appointment to ensure As ing 2800 o.b.o. Classified Ad a Carrier Lumber woodlands staff member will be Ph: 778-349-4839 available, at the following locations during regular office hours (8:30 am to 4:00 pm): 4722 Continental Way, Prince George BC V2N 5S5

FREE PALLETS

FOM(s) comments may also be submitted by mail to the above address or by phone at (250) 563-9271 or by email at fom.pg@carrierlumber.ca

Pallets for pick-up every Thursday. Call 250.562.2441 for availability.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY GROW YOUR BUSINESS Call 250.562.2441 to book your space now.

RENOVATIONS

BUYING CASH 4 COINS! Buying coin collections, bullion, gold, silver, platinum, nuggets, jewelry, sterling silver+++

Todd 250-864-3521

1. Which group released “Rag Answers Doll”? 2. Name the artist who wrote and released “Dreamy Eyes.” 3. Which group released “Green-It was their first No. 1 single. 1. Blondie, in 1979. Eyed Lady”? The into the Grammy Hall of 4. Whosong wrote andwas releasedinducted “Cracklin’ Rosie”? Fame insong 2015, andthisRolling Stone ranked the song 5. Name the that contains lyric: “If I could pick of alllist of 500 greatest songs of all as No. 138takeinmytheir the girls I’ve ever known, Then I’d come and in pick 2021. you out to be my very time own.” Answers 2. Thin Lizzy,in in 1. The Four Seasons, 1964.1976. The With the group being Irish, song spent two weeks at the top of the it’s not surprising the song topped the chart Hot 100 chart and reached No. 1 that in Canada as well. in Ireland. 2. Johnny Tillotson, in 1958. The song was his first single and made it on to the Hot 100 chart. Tillotson 3. The Admore Libs, in the 1964. A year later, the Beach penned several hits over years, including “Poetry in Motion.” Boys would release an answer song, “The Girl from 3. Sugarloaf, in 1970. A few years ago an old tape was found of the New York City.” group’s live performance in 1975. It was remastered and turned into a vinyl album titled “Sugarloaf Live 1975.” It’s available online. 4. Neil Diamond, in 1970. 5. “Never Be Anyone Else But You,” by Ricky Nelson, in 1959. Nelson’s song has been covered by several artists, including internationally, over the years. The song has recently been used in a TV commercial for chicken noodle soup.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

Updated • ECE run • Licenced Daycare. FROMNewly KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE,

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

PLEASE RECYCL THIS NEWSPAP

BOOST YOUR AD ADD A PHOTO FOR SALE

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

* On Jan. 26, 1875, a gang of men likely by11, Pinkerton Detective • Onled Nov. 1831, Nat Turner, an Agency staff, mistakenly believed American slavewho and educated minister who he’d been chosen by that believed outlawsthat Frank and Jesse James God lead up his in people freedom, weretoholed their into family home, was hanged in Jerusalem, Virginia, raided the house, leaving their mother, for leading a revolt with 75 followers Zerelda James, permanently maimed through Southampton County, killing and their 9-year-old about 60 white people.half-brother, • 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 ARIES 21 30 to newspapers, April 19) Romantic up by (March more than saying thatare “The Army says he [Calley] aspects high at this time for single deliberately murdered at least 109 Lambs who are looking for love. Warm Vietnamese civilians searchand fuzzy feelings areduring also ata enhanced and-destroy mission in March 1968, levels for Rams and Ewes who are in in a Viet Cong stronghold known as paired relationships. ‘Pinkville.’” • On Nov. 13, 1979, Philadelphia TAURUS (AprilDarryl 20 to Dawkins May 20) This 76ers center leaped week favors what Taureans dote Bill on over Kansas City Kings forward for a and memorable --Robinzine namely, love money.slam Lookdunk for that meaningful shattered the fiberglass for backmore relationships both board. and His pairs, equally comsingles as memorable well as an improved ment on outlook. the move, which was not his financial last and the sound of which spectators likened to a bomb going off: “It wasn’t GEMINI (Maything 21 totoJune 20)itAllwas a really a safe do, but lingering shreds of a recent Darryl Dawkins thing to do.” bout with boredom are 14, dissipated as you Frank eagerly • On Nov. 1882, outlaw accept a challenging offer. “Buckskin” Leslie shot and Your killedpositive Billy “The Kid” Claiborne, hadyou pub-in mood persuades otherswho to join liclyventure. challenged him, in Tombstone, this 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 Bolsheviks went on to become the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

Archie Samuel, dead from an exploded flare meant to flush the brothers out. * On Jan. 27, 1970, John Lennon composed and recorded “Instant Karma,” his third solo single prior to the Beatles’ official breakup, in one day. Though he remarked that he “wrote it for breakfast, recorded it for lunch, and we’re putting it out for dinner,” the song was actually released to the public almost two weeks later. * On Jan. 28, 1777, poet, playwright and British General John Burgoyne

submitted a plan to the British government that would isolate New England from the other colonies, which involved an invasion of 8,000 British troops from Canada moving south through New York and taking the Americans by surprise. Its failure that autumn launched severe criticism, and soon after Burgoyne retired from active service. * On Jan. 29, 1929, The Seeing Eye, America’s first school designed to train guide dogs for the visually impaired, opened in Tennessee. For

the benefit of skeptical reporters, co-founder Morris Frank showcased his own dog, Buddy, on busy New York streets. * On Jan. 30, 1994, American speed skater Dan Jansen set a new world record of 35.76 at the World Sprint Championships in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. * On Jan. 31, 1961, a chimp named Ham became the first hominid in space, after a 16.5-minute suborbital flight, paving the way for the first human in space three months later.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You might need validation for a possible solution to a situation that involves someone close to you. Consider asking a trusted friend or relative to help you with this problem.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A loved one’s health problem could, once again, make demands on your time and attention. But this time, make some demands of your own, and insist that others pitch in and help.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Working with a trusted colleague could open your mind to exploring some considerations that you previously dismissed. Meanwhile, the weekend brings news from a loved one.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Investigate carefully before agreeing to assist a friend or colleague with a personal problem. There might be hidden factors that could emerge later on, which will create problems for you.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) This is a good time for the traditionally staid SCORPIOn to plan adjustments in your day-to-day schedules. Be more flexible and allow for more impromptu, off-the-cuff actions.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Resolving a recent problem leaves you in a good position to strengthen your influence on how things get done. But continue to encourage ideas and suggestions from others.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Your decision to work with an associate rather than go it alone, as you first proposed, brings an unexpected bonus. Be careful not to be judgmental. Allow for free and open discussion.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Avoid creating unnecessary fuss over a situation that you don’t approve of. If it’s going to work, it will do so despite your objections. If it fails, it will do so without a push from you.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A new friend suggests an interesting opportunity, but check it out before you snap at it. It might be a good deal for some people, but it might not work in helping you reach your goals.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Homes & Living

Interior Design Colours for 2026: Warmth, Depth, and Nature’s Influence

As the world moves into 2026, interior design colours are evolving into a palette that balances serenity with expressive richness. After years of cool minimalism and stark whites, designers are shifting toward earthconnected tones, soulful hues, and colour stories that feel intentional, comforting, and timeless. At the broadest level, earthy vibrancy is shaping the year’s aesthetic. Rich ochres, olive greens, muddy blues, and deep plums bring warmth and nuanced energy to interiors, creating spaces that feel grounded yet alive. These nature-inspired tones play well with organic materials like wood, stone, and bronze, strengthening the connection between interiors and

the natural world. One of the most talked-about picks for 2026 is Pantone’s Colour of the Year, “Cloud Dancer” — a luminous off-white that embodies fresh beginnings and serenity. While subtle, this neutral acts as a soothing backdrop that supports richer colours layered on top, from jewel tones to muddy greens. Alongside calming neutrals, designers are embracing deep, moodier shades that bring personality to living spaces. Chocolate brown, terracotta, and walnut tones offer warmth and richness, especially when paired with brass or amber accents. These hues create cozy atmospheres, perfect for living rooms, dining

ENERGY REALTY

CENTURY 21 From First Homes ENERGY REALTY

to Next Chapters From First Homes I’m Here for you to–Next Chapters – I’m Here for you

areas, and bedrooms seeking a sense of comfort and depth. Greens remain a major influence in 2026. Designers favour forest and eucalyptus shades — deeper and more organic than pastel greens — for walls, cabinetry, and feature elements, reinforcing biophilic design and wellness-oriented living. For those who want colour with energy, unexpected accents like “Sour Lime” (a vivid green-yellow) or dusty sunset corals introduce bold personality without overwhelming a space. These are best used in moderation — as accent walls, textiles, or décor pieces — to balance vibrancy with the year’s overall calm aesthetic. Overall, 2026’s palette is about

warm complexity blending serene neutrals with expressive colours that feel timeless, connected to nature, and emotionally resonant.

SNOW REMOVAL:

Residential • Apartments • Commercial • Industrial No site is too big or too small. We have the equipment to get the job done! Snowplowing • Haul Away • Hand Shoveling • Sanding

I know that real estate is about much more than houses — it’s about people, trust, and I know that realsellestate is about helping families their long-time family much home or find the place— they’ll more than houses it’scall about people, their nexthelping home. trust, and families sell their long-

time family home or find the place they’ll call their next home.

As I begin chapter two, I’m bringing that experience and dedication to every client I work with.

DON GOWAN

LETS CONNECT:

778.349.4026 don.gowan@century21.ca

YOUR TRUSTED ADVISOR FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE YOUR TRUSTED ADVISOR FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Landscaping Ltd. Russ Hill • 250.563.7062

Landscaping Company

Favourite Landscaping Company

Voted Prince George’s best Landscaping Company for the past five years!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

Finding Homes for Families

Your Real Estate Needs are my Priority! Karen Thompson

independently owned & operated northernbcproperties.com

250-981-2008

250-612-8326

One Stop for all your Mortgage or Real Estate Needs:

We’re Always Looking for Listings!

7136 Hillu Rd $698,000 MLS # R3054184

250-565-1200 www.nolastairs.com

Aggie Thompson

RE/MAX Core Realty

I am a licensed Realtor© and Mortgage Broker since 1992. With my knowledge & experience, I can assist you make good decisions.

FIXED RATE MORTGAGES

3.7

4.14

as slow as

#1204-1501 Queensway 37729 Upper Fraser Rd $113,500 New Price $485,000 MLS # R3039278 MLS # R2931714

OPC

D L O S 454 S. Ogilvie St $525,000 MLS # R3054873

VARIABLE RATE MORTGAGES

5 year term

OPC

Now is a good time to get into the market whether you’re buying or selling.* *rate subject to change

596 Harper St $623,000 MLS # R3056863

4118-4122 1st Ave $465,000 MLS # R R3055075

Every office is independently owned and operated

Aspire Realty

Property & Strata Management

1625 – 4th Ave Prince George • 9-5 Monday to Friday

Call to obtain an application and book and appointment to view. 250-596-8150 ext.4 rlpaspirepropertymanagement.ca or email rlpaspirerentals@gmail.com for more info o kins d he da n beds baths tar ng at beds baths tar ng at nderground par ing and utside ar ing based on availability aundry in unit

Each office individually owned and operated

1819 th e

sh nit eds ath aundry o street par ing nc u li es

rene oad u incl bds bth aundry pper unit incl ar

edwood t u l bedroo s bath nits

e ha e o

e s o ering areas in

egert oad

beds bath l incl hared aundry in uilding treet par ing

and eds ath oin aundry in building o street par ing op loor unit

esne

erra e

rns ake

a emo nt

ride

u l beds bath aundry in unit o tr par ing

ar er t nit p ed ath iddle nit shared laundry a or d oin aundry in uilding eds bath hetw nd and awson reek

1827 th e

u l beds bath aundry in unit o treet par ing

All the Best for 2026!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

250-562-6228 Mike Hurrell Realtor® P.R.E.C. Managing Broker 250-981-3100 10 yrs MLS Sales Award Winner 2007, 2009-2022

Matt Petkau Realtor® 250-617-8179

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN

out .95% FULL SERVICE MLS LISTING* Check full listing SERVICE information FREE FULL AT A at MARKET FAIR PRICE MaxSave.ca EVALUATION ®

*No extra costs, No upfront fees - Full Service MLS Listing at just 1.95% of sale price if Buyer unrepresented OR represented by Listing Realtor Subject to Minimum of $6,495 OR 2.95% if buyer represented by another Realtor subject to minimum of $7,495.

Zaviery Dodd Realtor® 250-649-8097

MLS# R3050510

2845 VISTA RIDGE DR.- City Services R3049220 - $159,900

MLS# R3053625

7170 GUELPH PL. $449,900

479 DORNBIERER $449,900

9147 NORTH KELLY RD. $499,999

MLS# C8073664

MLS# R3041191

824 GILLET ST., $359,900

686 DOUGLAS ST., $360,000

MLS# R3051667

MLS# R3077500

7788 THOMPSON DR., $580,000 MLS# R3061922

2502 LAURENTIAN PL., $769,900

MLS# R3061187

D SOLCT IN O

MLS# R3043869

D SOLCT IN O

4602 GANNET RD $190,000 MLS# C8068791

D SOL V O IN N

7346 BEAR RD $389,900 MLS# R3074495

SOLD SOLD

ING

D PEN

SOLD

42 RESIDENTIAL LOTS STARTING AT $250,000

1917 SPRUCE ST., $659,000

18745 TROUT RD., $740,000

MLS# R2985052

MLS# C8073032

MLS# R3062657

393 CARNEY ST., $1,100,000

8487 PETER RD. $289,900

D SOLEC IN D

#115-4393 COWART RD., $620,000

16685 CHIEF LAKE RD $849,900

Western Properties

D SOL N IN JA

MLS# R3054343

#11-5164 HART HWY $299,900

MLS# R3044388

MLS# R3046873

Linda Stacey Property Manager 250-562-6228

Lot 1, $219,900 - 1.2 Acres R2837615 Lot 2, $219,900 - 1.13 Acres R2837574 MLS# R3046088 Lot 3, $219,900 - 1.06 Acres R2837575 Lot 4, $219,900 - 1.06 Acres R2837578 Lot 5, $219,900 - 1.06 Acres R2837583 Lot 6, $219,900 - 1.06 Acres 10315 GLENMARY RD R2837586 $395,000 Lot 7, $199,900 - 1.06 Acres R2837601 MLS# R3071827 Lot 8, $189,900 $174,900 R2837609 Lot 9, $219,900 - 1.06 Acres R2837613 Lot 10, $219,900 - 1.06 Acres R2837615

LOT 2 COLUMBIA RD  4.15 AC R3029704 - $395,000

D SOLCT IN O

288 N NICHOLSON ST., $424,900

Joy Paul Realtor® 778-681-8474

***All Lots fully City Serviced, 0% Financing available O.A.C for Licensed Builders, Cash Discounts available.*** Located on Western Rd.

D SOLCT IN O

169 AITKEN CRES $419,000

Amit Luthra Realtor® 250-981-9090

MLS# R3046955

D SOLEC IN D LOT B MIWORTH RD., R3029674 $119,900

Grace Purdey Realtor® 250-612-2238

D SOLEC IN D

3900 15MILE RD., $1,407,700

FOR SALE

LOTS START AT $230,000 WITH VIEW AND GREENBELT LOTS AVAILABLE..

PRE-REGISTER AT www.TynerRidgeEstates.ca