Prince George Citizen July 24, 2025

THURSDAY, July 24, 2025

Dog show: Four days of furry family fun ... Page 23

Forging future frst responders

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Katie Gordon, the first female municipal firefighter in Prince George history, comes from a family of fire suppression professionals.

Her grandfather, Walter Black, served 30 years with the Kamloops Fire Department, and her father, Kevin Woodhouse, retired this year after a three-decade career with Prince George Fire Rescue.

So it was only natural that Gordon continued the family tradition.

An admitted adrenaline junkie, she has made a career out of first responder work.

careers as firefighters, paramedics or police officers is a priority for Katie Gordon.

Gordon began as an animal control officer and cruelty investigator for the BC SPCA, then joined the RCMP’s Indigenous policing program. She also served five years as a corrections officer at the adult and youth jails in Prince George, and worked as a bylaw officer in Ontario. In addition, she’s a sessional instructor in medical and fire safety at the Justice Institute of BC.

Her broad work background, combined with her physical fitness as a rugby player and coach, made her a

strong candidate when PGFR hired her in 2015.

On Thursday, July 17, the Yellowhead Rotary Club presented Gordon with the Paul Harris Fellow Award at its weekly luncheon at the Coast Inn of the North.

The honour recognized her efforts to make the community a better place.

Gordon spearheaded Adventures for First Responders, a career-day program for School District 57 students in Grades 10 to 12. The event simulates what it’s like to work as a firefighter, paramedic or police officer.

On May 3 at the John McInnis Centre, PGFR joined forces with the RCMP, BC Emergency Health Services and SD 57 to give students hands-on experience — from aiming a high-pressure fire hose to controlling severe bleeding and handcuffing a suspect.

The program is an offshoot of the Yellowhead Rotary’s Adventures With Healthcare, which once paired high school students with health-care workers for job-shadowing opportunities. Gordon participated in that program before it ended in 2019.

Prince George Fire Rescue crews battle a blaze at a Killoran Crescent apartment building on Thursday, May 22. Encouraging young people to consider

Gordon helps young people consider their career paths

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That’s where she met Yellowhead Rotary member Ron Davis, who helped her launch the first responder version and secured club support.

“You have people who maybe might not know what they want to be when they grow up, and first responders seems to be a great gateway,” said Gordon.

“BCEHS is doing a ton of recruitment right now. The RCMP is trying to bolster their numbers as well. So being able to capture that audience in Grade 12 means they can consider those career paths.”

Thirty students took part in the inaugural event, and Gordon expects even more will apply for the next session, set for Oct. 18.

“I was really lucky — when we formed the committee, I got to pull in my friends, and all of them are very passionate about their careers,” said Gordon. “They love their jobs as paramedics, and those are the people you want engaging with youth.”

Gordon sits on the board of Fire Service Women of BC and is involved with Camp Ignite, a program launched in 2011 to introduce girls to firefighting. Several alumnae have since joined

the profession. Taught exclusively by women, Camp Ignite has expanded from Vancouver to Vancouver Island and the Kootenays.

Gordon said she hopes to establish a similar camp in Prince George, with participation from the RCMP and BCEHS.

In recent years, the Prince George Fire Rescue service has hired three additional female firefighters, including a former tank operator with the Canadian Armed Forces. The department’s chief of communications and deputy chief of dispatch are also women.

“We still only make up about four per cent of the working population,” said Gordon. “But it’s really cool to see the Salmon Valley Volunteer Fire Department is 90 per cent women. I think you have to see it to be it, and before, that representation was lacking. Programs like Camp Ignite have opened that door — showing them they can do this.”

Gordon received her emergency medical responder (EMR) certification in 2004 and has taught the Justice Institute course since 2017.

In 2006, Prince George became the first city in BC where all municipal firefighters were trained to the EMR level or higher. That milestone was the result of then–fire chief John Lane’s push to improve medical training.

“Prince George was absolutely groundbreaking — having all their firefighters become paramedic-licensed in 2006. We were the first in the province to do that,” said Gordon.

“Now we’re seeing other departments start to take that on. There’s just such a demand.”

The city has added a firefighter training facility to its strategic plan. Gordon hopes that, if built, it will provide even more opportunities for students to explore careers in emergency services.

Fire closes scales

Signs of damage aren’t evident but the station was closed after a fire at the Hart Highway weigh scales on Saturday, July 19 caused about $75,000 in damages. Prince George Fire Rescue sent crews from four halls to the station at about 10 p.m. They found smoke coming from the building and a fire inside, which was quickly extinguished. There were no injuries.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY TED CLARKE

Prince George Fire Rescue firefighter Katie Gordon receives the Yellowhead Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Fellow award at a luncheon at the Coast Inn of the North on Thursday, July 17.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Tour De North cyclists ride in memory of Shane Kelly

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Dozens of Tour de North cyclists, local supporters, Prince George RCMP officers, BC Sheriffs and BC Emergency Health Services staff hit the road Sunday, July 20 for their first training ride without Shane Kelly.

Kelly died on July 10 from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run that had sent both him and a local RCMP officer to hospital.

“This ride is an important part of the healing process for Shane’s teammates as we carry forward with something he was truly passionate about: raising funds for children with cancer and supporting the families who face it,” said Laura Nelson, manager of Cops for Cancer.

The community also came out to show their support, with more than 200 people gathered at the Aquatic Centre to cheer on the riders as they departed.

In addition, about 50 local cyclists joined the Tour de North participants for approximately 10 kilometres. Among them were members of the Wheelin’ Warriors of the North, a local cycling group Kelly had belonged to. The group also raises funds for cancer research.

The Tour de North team travelled nearly 150 kilometres south along Highway 97 to Hixon and back, escorted by the RCMP, BC Emergency Health Services and BC Sheriffs.

Cpl. Jennifer Cooper of the Prince

George RCMP spoke to The Citizen about the emotional impact of the event on her colleagues and the broader community.

“It was definitely a moving event,” said Cooper. “We had incredible support from the community to come out and join with us. It was an emotional time for family and friends of Shane as well as his teammates, so we appreciate the support from the Prince George community.”

She said the RCMP was grateful for the opportunity to connect with the public and support a cause that touched so many.

“It’s bigger than just the RCMP family,” Cooper said. “It affected a lot

of us. We’re very grateful to have so many community riders with us this year. It’s nice to have people coming out and supporting the RCMP in one of our public events — something the public maybe doesn’t often see us involved in.

“It’s nice to show a bit more of the human side of the RCMP.”

Cooper added that the RCMP deeply appreciates the support shown to the cycling community, Tour de North and the Kelly family during such a difficult time.

Matthew Campbell, director of Cops for Cancer, spoke to The Citizen about what people shared about Kelly during the event.

“People will remember his encouragement, his ability to motivate people, his ability to always look on the positive side of life,” said Campbell. “There are so many stories people have shared about how he motivated them to be part of the team, to give it their all, to stay encouraged. He had a bright and vibrant personality that people were drawn to.”

Campbell said both riders and community members were filled with a mix of emotions — some celebrating Kelly’s life and his contributions to cancer research, while others were grieving the hole left by his passing.

Plans are already in motion to make Kelly’s memory a permanent part of future Tour de North events.

“The Tour de North team and the Canadian Cancer Society are looking for ways to honour him going forward,” said Campbell. “Possibly making the Tour de North golf tournament, which was held this year, an annual event named in his honour. Or naming areas at Camp Goodtimes after Shane, since that’s where this money goes — to help kids with cancer. We’re looking for ways to share his memory so that people can continue to remember all the good he did.”

Since Kelly’s passing, fundraising efforts have surpassed expectations. More than $122,000 had been raised under his name on the Tour de North website earlier this week.

Campbell said those funds will go directly to pediatric cancer research — a cause Kelly’s family has expressed a strong desire to support in his memory.

To donate to Kelly’s fund, visit: https://support.cancer.ca/site/TR?company_id=104949&pg=national_company

RCMP PHOTO

Community riders and Tour De North riders take part in a training ride in memory of fellow rider Shane Kelly, who died on July 10 after being hit by a truck while training on July 6.

Local family faces deportaton under new federal rules

One daughter has complex medical needs that can’t be met in the Philippines

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

A Prince George family is facing deportation and the loss of critical health care for their daughter due to recent changes to Canada’s immigration laws.

Charisma Isafre and Gandy Boy Rosales, along with their six children, have lived in Prince George for the past three years. But under new rules that came into effect on Jan. 21, the family is facing deportation by Dec. 10.

The federal regulations limit family open work permits to spouses of foreign workers in TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) category 0 or 1 occupations, or certain TEER 2 or 3 jobs linked to government priorities or sectors facing labour shortages.

This means that even if Gandy Boy is allowed to stay, his wife and children could be required to leave.

“It’s tough for immigrants. The rules are always changing and it just feels like we’re floating,” said Gandy Boy.

The change follows a 2024 announcement by the federal government outlining plans to reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada from 6.5 per cent of the total population to five per cent by 2026.

Caught in the middle of this policy shift, the Rosales family fears their fiveyear-old daughter, Princess, who has complex medical needs, could suffer a serious setback if they are forced to return to the Philippines.

Princess Rosales has cerebral palsy and arrived in Canada with little to no independent movement and no speech. Since July 2023, she has received support from the Child Development Centre (CDC) in Prince George and has made what therapists describe as significant progress.

“She went from a little girl who had no independent movement, couldn’t sit on her own, and had no preschool skills — she didn’t know her colours, numbers,

letters, nothing,” said Pat Hamilton, lead occupational therapist at the CDC.

“Now, after two years, she can move independently in a wheelchair or bumscoot on the floor. She knows all her colours, she can count, write her name, cut along a line — all the things a typical kindergarten student does. She can’t walk independently, but she’s got the wheelchair.”

Hamilton said losing access to these supports would be devastating for Princess.

“I think it’s a real crime,” she said. “This is a family that’s trying so hard. Both mom and dad work. The kids go to school. She’s made so many gains.

“If she goes back to the Philippines, she won’t be able to go to school. Children with disabilities there have to attend private school, and that school is in a different city. I think she has a real chance to grow into an independent, productive person. But back there, she’ll likely just stay at home.”

Charisma said her daughter is now

able to talk, move her arms, and is becoming less shy every day.

“She has everything,” said Charisma. “The government support for her so far is the best medical support I’ve seen in my 40 years of life. She has her wheelchair, an educational assistant at school, and therapy both at school and at home with the CDC. I’m so grateful — she has really improved.”

She added that the health-care system in the Philippines could not offer the same level of care, and paying out of pocket would be difficult or impossible.

“I’m especially worried for her because it’s a big difference,” said Charisma. “If you have kids like her back home, and you don’t have money, there is no care. Medical is not free for her.”

The Rosales family is currently seeking to appeal their deportation on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

“My family would be grateful if the government would allow us to become permanent residents with Princess’s

health issues in mind,” said Gandy Boy. Humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) applications are a last-resort option for people facing removal from Canada.

These applications consider whether the applicant or their family would suffer undue hardship or face a unique situation if forced to leave.

H&C cases are assessed individually and are often complex and difficult to navigate.

Although the family is hoping to stay in Canada, they are preparing for the possibility of returning to the Philippines.

“We understand. I always say I understand,” said Charisma. “The government is thinking about what’s best for the country. But we’re still hoping — hoping for something better.

“If we actually go home, I just want to say thank you to all the people here in Prince George. We are so grateful for them. Especially at the CDC. They have helped a lot.”

CITIZEN PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER

Gandy Boy Rosales and Charisma Isafre, with their daughter Princess Rosales, are facing deportation along with their five other children.

Recycling back at Vanway, McBride transfer statons

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Within the first three days of recycling services returning to the Vanway Regional Transfer Station, enough material had been collected to fill 27 mega bags, the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George’s board of directors heard at its Thursday, July 17 meeting.

At the end of May 2024, the regional district’s contract for recycling services with Cascades Recovery ended, meaning that residents could no longer drop their recyclables off at transfer stations or the Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill.

Last fall, the district and Recycle BC entered into an agreement to return recycling services to the Quinn Street Regional Recycling Depot in Prince George as well as transfer stations in Mackenzie and Valemount.

At the beginning of July this year, a principal recycling depot was installed at the Vanway transfer station and a satellite depot was put at a transfer station in McBride.

“I think they’ve done two loadouts already of that site,” said Laura Zapotichny, the regional district’s general manager of environmental services.

“McBride also is ready for a pickup. It’s pretty incredible in these locations that people have come back. They’ve embraced it. We’re really excited, we will be bringing a report forward this fall with some of those first-year number.

There is revenue that is being generated and there are significant diversion numbers.”

Director Dannielle Alan (Robson Valley-Canoe) said residents from Dome Creek to Dunster have been eagerly anticipating the return of recycling services and she thanked them for their patience and advocacy in re-establishing them.

Also at the meeting, the board voted to award a contract for fibre recycling bin hauling services at rural transfer station in the regional district to Environmental 360 Solutions Central Interior Ltd. at an estimated cost of $15,327 a month before tax.

This contract will service cardboard and mixed paper bins to the transfer stations at Cummings Road, Dunster, West Lake, Hixon, Chief Lake, Willow River, Shelley, Berman Lake and Buckhorn as well as cardboard compactor bins in Mackenzie, Valemount and McBride.

In McBride, the Regional Transfer Station at 500 Northeast Frontage Rd. operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Wednesdays. Weekend hours are shorter, with the facility open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Vanway Regional Transfer Station, located at 6556 Broddy Rd., maintains daily hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Residents should check with each facility for accepted materials and any holiday closures.

RDFFG PHOTO

Residents line up to drop off recyclables at the Vanway Regional Transfer Station after a Recycle BC depot opened at the site in early July.

Regional district board briefed on landslides, fooding

Report by the Fraser Basin Council and BGC Engineering identi es potential hazards

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George has a better understanding of flood and landslide risks within its borders after receiving a comprehensive report at the Thursday, July 17 board of directors meeting.

The report was created by the Fraser Basin Council and BGC Engineering in partnership with the municipalities within the regional district as well as Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and McLeod Lake Indian Band.

Work on the report started in 2023 and serves as Phase 1 of a larger risk and disaster management project for the regional district. Funding for the report was provided by the Union of BC Municipalities.

It assesses hazards relating to steep creeks, landslides and floods, assesses various assets’ exposure to those hazards and making recommendations on how to consider how climate change could affect them when making future emergency management, mitigation planning, and policy development decisions.

Presenting on the report were FBC’s Kim Menounos and Scott Brown, who were present in the board room, and BGC’s Kris Holm, who presented remotely from North Vancouver.

Within the regional district’s settled areas, the report said 271 alluvial fans, 1,232 past and present landslide locations and more than 2,700 square kilometres of floodplains were identified. Alluvial fans are triangular landforms at the outlets of steep creeks made up of debris and sediment which can cause that material to flood after long or intense rainfall. Debris floods are typically more damaging than clear-water floods.

Holm said that landslides occur on steep mountain slopes, but surprisingly

also on gentler slopes. Areas with slopes with 30 per cent or higher grades are “assumed to have credible potential for landslide initiation,” the report said.

“They initiate either in earth materials and soils or sometimes in bedrock,” Holm said. “they may move quite quickly, faster than anyone could run. In other cases, they move only millimetres per year.”

He pointed to the Willets Creek landslide in 2020 near McBride, which was small in size but triggered debris flows that travelled downstream and created problems for developments.

The floodplains identified in the report, Holm said, are only those located on watersheds at least 10 square kilometres in size.

In these areas, they looked at their hydrology and the chance that they might have a greater than expected flow in any given year and how that might affect the nearby hydraulics that measure potential flood discharges and where flood waters might flow.

This, he said, is a first step in regulating land development in these areas and created flood construction level maps for them.

Using data collected on these potential hazards and the locations of various assets like homes and infrastructure, FBC and BGC created a dataset that can be referred to when the regional district and its partners make future decisions.

For example, one slide from the presentation showed a screenshot from a

map of lower College Heights. Overlaid on the map are potential hazards like soil slides in the areas closest to the Fraser River.

Included in the 224-page report are information about hazards in all parts of the regional district, a list of previous flood and landslide events, various maps and recommendations on how to proceed going forward.

As might be expected, the parts of the regional district with the most landslide areas are along mountain ranges and the Robson Valley.

Phase 2 of the project, starting this year and funded by the UBCM, will incorporate heat and drought into the types of hazards considered as well as review the partners’ existing hazard management policies. It’s expected to be worked on through 2027.

Though Phase 1 and in Phase 2, Menounos said FBC has served and will continue to serve as a co-ordinator on behalf of the regional district and the project partners. On top of that, the council will work on public communications for the project, providing the public with information sheets and diagrams explaining the process.

Director Dannielle Alan (Robson Valley-Canoe) said that with 10 mountain ranges and innumerable valleys in BC, it’s impossible to eliminate all risks but knowing about them is important.

CENTRAL CARIBOO SEARCH AND RESCUE PHOTO

A landslide along the Chilcotin River in 2024 prompted evacuation orders due to “immediate danger to life and safety” from flooding triggered by the slide.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY COLIN SLARK

Kim Menounos and Scott Brown of the Fraser Basin Council present to the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George’s board of directors on Thursday, July 17.

Light industrial park under constructon near PGARA

A new light industrial park is under construction on Highway 16 east of Prince George, near the PGARA Speedway.

Last year, Prince George city council approved the rezoning of a 8.8-hectare portion of the property from C5: Visitor Commercial to M1: Light Industrial at 3737 Highway 16 East to facilitate the construction of a seven-lot light industrial subdivision.

The property owner, Teare Creek Contractors, also applied for the discharge of a restrictive covenant that restricted the industrial uses of another six-hectare portion of the land to vehicle sales, service and storage.

Both sections of the property are north of Highway 16 near the intersection with Old Cariboo Highway. The property was subdivided and re-zoned when the former Ritchie Bros. auctioneers site was being developed back in 2002.

A letter from engineering firm Stantec to the city’s planning department dated April 16, 2024 said the original intent was to relocate NR Motors on

the southern, smaller part of the parcel and build an RV park and campground on the northern end, neither of which happened.

“The M1 Light Industrial zone provides for a relatively broad mix of business and light industrial uses,” the Stantec letter said.

“While it is difficult to speculate

which of these uses specifically would be developed upon completion of subdivision, the general intent of subdividing into relatively large lot sizes is to provide for the uses that typically require larger yard space for storage of vehicles, equipment, or materials.”

A report from city staff presented to

council last September said that the property “has remained vacant and undeveloped in the past apart from the storage and sorting of logs in 2006. The surrounding land uses include a mixture of light industrial, outdoor recreation and undeveloped lands.”

“The adjacent light industrial lands at 1434 Old Cariboo Highway have been used for outdoor storage and recently as a staging area for BC Wildfire Operations.”

A public hearing on removing the covenant was held during the Oct. 21, 2024 council meeting, where a resident of Old Cariboo Highway expressed concerns about whether the property had adequate drainage.

A bylaw removing the covenant was then given final and unanimously approval at the Nov. 14 city council meeting and then final approval of the rezoning bylaw was granted at the Nov. 18, 2024 meeting.

In recent months, construction on the site has been visible from the highway. Though The Citizen ran into Teare Creek owner Dan Sindia at the site in late May and took photos of him, he has since been unavailable for an interview to discuss the project.

Cariboo Gold receives $450M investment for Wells project

The

mine is expected to produce 1.89 million ounces over 10 years

Staff

Osisko Development Corp. has announced it has secured a US$450-million project loan facility through a new strategic partnership with Appian Capital.

Construction of the Cariboo Gold Project is expected to begin in the second half of 2025, with initial production anticipated in the latter half of 2027. The mine is planned for construction in the District of Wells, near Barkerville, and is expected to contribute to the

region’s long-standing history of gold extraction.

A feasibility study completed in April 2025 projects the mine will produce 1.89 million ounces of gold over a 10-year lifespan.

“We are delighted to welcome Appian as a new cornerstone investor, which is a significant endorsement of the Cariboo Gold Project and a major milestone in advancing it towards a construction decision,” said Sean Roosen, chair and CEO, in a press release.

“Having recently completed an updated feasibility study for the project, the US$450-million facility represents a key financing commitment and allows us to maintain momentum towards a formal investment decision.”

The new credit facility is expected to enhance financial flexibility as Cariboo Gold enters its pre-construction phase.

An initial draw of US$100 million will fund a 13,000-metre infill drill campaign intended to further de-risk the project’s mine planning assumptions and support pre-construction and construction activities.

An additional $25-million term loan with the National Bank of Canada, maturing in October 2025, will be repaid through the new investment.

Subsequent draws amounting to US$350 million are expected to be accessed in up to four additional tranches.

These will be available for up to 36 months following the initial draw and

are contingent on the completion of certain pre-construction milestones and conditions. These include infill drilling, procurement, underground development and operational readiness planning.

“The Cariboo Gold Project perfectly aligns with Appian’s disciplined, technically driven investment strategy,” said Michael W. Scherb, founder and CEO of Appian.

“It is situated in a stable jurisdiction, boasts a robust existing minerals base with clear upside potential, and is being led by an experienced management team.

“The project also holds permits that will enable near-term progress to production.”

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

Dan Sindia of Teare Creek Contractors Ltd. talks to The Citizen at the site of a planned new light industrial park on Highway 16 near the Old Cariboo Highway intersection on Wednesday, May 28.

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen

OPINION

Once again, council opts for optcs, not acton

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

In yet another move that appears to be more about posturing than progress, our city council has approved the use of $2,500 from its contingency fund to host a “social services connector” event later this year.

The motion, tabled by councillors Kyle Sampson and Brian Skakun (who are usually at odds, making this an unusual team-up), is being peddled as a well-meaning attempt to bring together local social service organizations and foster collaboration.

But that’s not what it is. It isn’t a serious investment in the social safety net. It’s a bureaucratic barbecue that happens to be happening a little more than a year before our next municipal election.

This event is being pitched as a way to “build bridges” and break down “silos” among NGOs, non-profits and government agencies. But is that really what’s needed most in Prince George right now?

Social services in this city are under enormous strain. Agencies supporting people in crisis — whether that is homelessness, addiction, or mental health issues — are stretched to their limits providing outreach, counselling, housing, and harm reduction.

Every dollar counts. Spending $2,500 on an informal meet-and-greet is not just tone-deaf; it’s a misuse of public funds.

We’re not disputing the importance of co-ordination among service providers. But are councillors seriously arguing that what’s holding back this sector is the lack of a city-hosted barbecue?

Social workers, case managers and outreach workers don’t need a meetand-greet with burgers, hot dogs, and name tags. They need funding, staffing, and structural support. The people these agencies are assisting need

supportive facilities to address addiction and mental health.

The City of Prince George has held meaningful and well-funded discussions with the social service agencies in the past.

The two most recent were the Select Committee on a Healthy City Framework in 2018 and Designing a Way to Evaluate Safety, Cleanliness, and Inclusion in Downtown Prince George in 2022.

If council really wants to help, it would be putting its political capital — not taxpayer dollars — into lobbying the provincial government instead of hosting feel-good events.

This seems to be the new playbook for our city councillors looking to start their municipal campaigns early.

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OPINION

LETTERS EDITOR to the

That was an amazing effort by Special Olympics BC volunteers

A huge loud shout of deep appreciative thanks to the many amazing people who stepped up to help host the Games.

From the bus drivers, volunteers at the pool, meal servers at the college (awesome meals , so tasty), plus so many more.

The way you welcomed us, assisting athletes on/off the buses, always smiles on your faces when we arrived for meals when we arrived hungry, tired, and exhausted.

Heartfelt thanks to the Swim BC volunteer who took the time to find my daughter to say how highly she thought of her. It just warmed my heart beyond belief.

Great memories, new friends made, it was amazing.

Good luck in your 2030 bid. You deserve it!

Dorothy Franson

Assistant swim coach

Chilliwack

City-owned pools seem too new to require so many repairs

I am a patron of the Prince George Aquatic Centre, and have been hearing rumors about the pending renovations for the centre.

Apparently, the new pool downtown

has serious issues and will have to be closed to repair them.

In order to have at least one pool open, the Aquatic Centre will stay open and not be renovated until the downtown pool has been fixed.

I wonder if the $40-million-plus has already been borrowed for the renovations of the Aquatic Centre? Will this money now be used to fix the downtown pool, requiring another loan to renovate the Aquatic Centre?

I find it very concerning that the Aquatic Centre is only 25 years old and already requires such extensive renovations.

Will the budget for upkeep be $2 million per year?

Cindy Frechette Prince George

Change the way we plant before we change the way we cut

Re: James Steidle’s column of June 20, Logging Walker Creek area makes no sense

Substantial portions of the Walker were logged in the 1980s due to a spruce bark beetle infestation. The infestation was ended by an unusual sub-zero cold snap in the autumn of 1985.

Now the beetles are coming back. The older the tree, the more vulnerable it is to beetles. Should we just let them die and rot or burn in place?

Plantation thinning is not a viable option. When nature seeds an area after a fire, the young trees grow back thick. As the new forest grows to maturity, the weaker trees die off. This kind of stand

can be thinned before the trees reach full size.

But we don’t re-plant like that after logging. Perhaps we should, but instead we plant at the optimum spacing for a mature stand — no excess stems to thin. As well, much of the pine in the plantations was killed off by the pine beetles — even less to thin.

Freya Logging does a great job. I’ve seen some of their work but it wasn’t in a plantation.

For decades, people have been saying we should do what Sweden does. I don’t think they know what Sweden does. Only two per cent of their forests could be considered primary forest. The rest has all been clearcut logged at least once.

Forest practices in Sweden are based on the desire to extract as much money as possible from their forests. Most forested land there is privately owned, much of it in small holdings.

Clearcutting is mandatory, even on private land. They plant much thicker stands than we do with the intention of thinning as the trees grow to maturity. They thin at least once, sometimes as many as five times before the final cut that must be clearcut.

If we want to change the way we harvest trees, we have to start by changing the way we plant and only then, as those trees grow, can we change.

Art Betke

Prince George

Councillors aren’t elected to raise their own profles

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

As we wrote about last week, a similarly vague and glossy motion is coming to the next council meeting to hold a “retail crime forum.” Like this barbecue initiative, it is short on substance and long on optics — another low-cost, high-visibility opportunity for councillors to align themselves with popular causes without having to deliver on any real long-term solutions.

Both motions affect city staff who are being tasked to divert time and

attention from their existing work to make these events happen. This administrative time isn’t free. Every hour spent organizing a barbecue or a “forum” is an hour not spent on urgent civic needs.

Even worse, the report notes that the extent of staff time required remains uncertain, which is an alarming lack of clarity for an idea that’s already been greenlit.

Let’s call this what it is: a vanity project.

Prince George needs solutions, not

stunts. Our community members living on the margins don’t benefit from council-hosted networking events. They benefit from frontline services that meet their basic needs, services that are crying out for more resources.

Councillors need to be lobbying the province to step up and meet its obligations to our community.

The City of Prince George does not have the mandate, and our taxpayers don’t have the funds, to solve this problem.

Instead of patting themselves on

the back with barbecues and photo ops, councillors should be fighting to redirect every available dollar into the programs that are doing the hard, often invisible work.

Councillors aren’t elected to raise their own profiles. They’re elected to make our community better, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone in the city.

We residents of Prince George deserve leadership that puts our community above posturing.

Have your say on this with a letter to the editor: editor@pgcitizen.ca.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

During the opening ceremonies of Special Olympics BC Summer Games twins Rosy and Victoria Hogan share in the joy at CN Centre in Prince George on Thursday, July 10.

OPINION

BC changes rules to ease licencing requirements for healthcare

I am in my second half of my 60s and so is my family doctor. He seems to be working so hard to manage all the patients he has and accumulated when some of us were transferred to him from our previous doctors who left for some reason or another.

I am relatively healthy, but there are things cropping up that are new and sometimes a bit scary to navigate and I am constantly wondering how long this grey-haired older man who takes care of my medical questions and needs is going to be around?

This is the issue that worries me the most, and I wonder how we are meant to get through the challenging years without someone who has a reasonable familiarity with my history. And my 30-something adult son who has some complex medical needs — who is going to be on hand to help him along his medical path?

We all pay for this medical service system thoughout our lifetimes, and too many are being shortchanged in the worst possible way.

HJMSPG

Prince George editorial: New anti-crime motion? Campaigning, not governing

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result, this is no different than the last town hall meeting.

Folks thought that standing up and voicing concerns over the state of our community would result in some form of action.

Result? Nothing, other than some taxpayer fees paid out for sound equipment, a guest host and some other lease expenses for the venue.

This will be much the same, it will get local folks riled up and annoyed with the lack of action.

However, it will be a media feast as they always are, making a couple of councillors appear as they “care” about the community.

As Kennedy has pointed out, this is more “showboating” than actually working the issues in the correct venues to find solutions.

Prince George editorial: New anti-crime motion? Campaigning, not governing

The most effective thing mayor and council can do is apply pressure and shine a spotlight on the federal and provincial levels of government which actually have the power to make meaningful changes to the justice system.

Be loud and consistent.

If a building burns down or blows up, don’t try to pretend that things are looking up. Point the finger at those responsible, make ‘em sweat.

PGLocal

Editorial: Better trails are the connection Prince George needs

For anyone like myself that has spent any time in a real cycling city it’s an easy choice. Anyone against better cycling infrastructure just hasn’t seen it.

In a well designed city, cycling is faster, more convenient, and far more pleasant than driving. Not to mention far, far cheaper for the city, as the reduced vehicle traffic on roads means lower maintenance costs long term.

‘Fentanyl czar’ describes why the drug has taken hold the way it has

Tough talk, but I’ll believe it when they stop throwing out cases because of police “misconduct” and throwing criminals back out on the street same day. Other first world countries have harsh prison sentences for these types of criminals, but as usual Canada lags behind and struggles to keep up.

“You squeeze the side of a balloon on one side, it’s going to pop out on another. You focus on what happens at the border, it will impact on what happens on Main Street,” said Brosseau, who toured ground zero of Canada’s fentanyl crisis, the Downtown Eastside, with Vancouver Police officers on June 16.”

Good cycling infrastructure is just good policy.

SpencerLGI

I encourage the other councillors to vote against this for several reasons, we already know the issues, we already have committees trying to find resolutions and advocating to the appropriate bodies.

This is optically and logically a bad idea.

All this means to me, is any action by our fentanyl Tzar, will be swiftly countered by organized crime. Which if history shows us anything, is the most realistic outcome.

Hopefully Mr. Brosseau actually accomplishes something worthwhile, so it’s only his title thats a joke, before his revolving door of careers swings around again and he becomes the minister of moon walking.

Zangief Share your

John Zukowski

Mayor’s engineering disciplinary hearing postponed

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Prince George Mayor Simon Yu’s disciplinary hearing before the Engineers and Geoscientists Association of BC (EGBC) in Vancouver, which was meant to begin last week, has been postponed.

Yu, a structural engineer who registered in 1990, had been cited for professional misconduct last September and was to face a panel July 18 and Aug. 7-8. He denies the allegations and has vowed to “vigorously defend” himself.

The EGBC website now lists the matter against Yu for dates “to be determined.”

Dave Pinton, EGBC’s associate director of communications, called the delay “strictly procedural,” but did not provide an estimate for the new schedule. EGBC publishes citations 30 days in advance of a hearing.

Yu is accused of committing professional misconduct contrary to a

provincial statute, the Professional Governance Act, and for breaching the EGBC bylaws and code of ethics.

Yu supported a building permit application in 2021 to the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako for an addition to an existing cabin at Cluculz Lake. But EGBC said he did not have sufficient geotechnical engineering expertise to deem a retaining wall and slope safe. He is also accused of failing to keep records of his work on the project.

“Any geotechnical engineer or structural engineer should be able to design a simple little wall like that based on the knowledge they have received in university,” Yu told The Citizen’s Colin Slark in June. “I have done third-, fourthand fifth-year university (courses) on geotechnical studies.”

The 2022-elected Yu’s company is Simon and Co. Structural Engineers. His registration shows an Oct. 1-10, 2023 suspension for failure to comply with reporting requirements.

City to review councillors’ pay

Looking for a new hobby this Summer?

The City of Prince George is gearing up to review compensation received by its elected officials after city council approved the creations of an advisory committee at its July 14 meeting. Every four years, the city is required to carry out a review of pay, benefits and expense reimburses for the mayor and councillors.

This review must be completed by June 30, 2026. However, since there is a municipal election on Oct. 17, 2026, city administration recommended that the review be carried out this fall and its finding be presented to council either this December or in January 2026.

As part of this effort, the formation of an independent committee and terms of reference for that committee were approved on July 14.

The terms of reference direct the committee to compare Prince George’s

compensation for elected officials to other communities in BC like Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Kelowna, Saanich, Langley, Delta, Kamloops, the District of North Vancouver, Nanaimo and Victoria.

Beyond pay, the committee will also consider officials’ per diems, expenses, health benefits, technology allowance and other methods of council remuneration.

The committee will have five members “diverse backgrounds selected from the community.” As an advisory committee, it will be chaired by a member of the public.

Current city staff are ineligible to serve on the committee.

A timeline laid out in the staff report states that recruitment advertising will take place between July 15 and Aug. 12, with the application deadline set for Aug. 12 at 5 p.m.

Council will consider applicants and appoint committee members at its Monday, Aug. 18 meeting.

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CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Prince George Mayor Simon Yu intends to ‘vigorously defend’ himself against allegations of professional misconduct leveled by the Engineers and Geoscientists Association of BC.

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Local CUPW president slams forced Canada Post vote

Postal

workers will be able to vote until Aug. 1

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Canada Post union members will face a significant decision that started Monday.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), which represents more than 50,000 members across the country, is voting on what their employer, Canada Post, is calling its “best and final” offer.

Voting will take place from July 21 to Aug. 1. The offer includes a 13 per cent wage increase over four years, a $1,000 signing bonus for full-time employees, and other proposed benefits.

However, CUPW members in Prince George plan to overwhelmingly reject the offer, according to Nicole Chouinard, president of the Prince George local union.

“A ‘no’ vote is really the only option for us — both for ourselves and for the labour movement in this country as a whole,” said Chouinard.

“If we voted yes, even if we agreed with it, we would be sending a message to the federal government that they can intervene and step on our Charter rights and disregard the labour movement. That’s not OK under any circumstances.

“The National Executive Board recommends what they feel is in our best interest, and they are saying this is not in our best interest. For Canada Post and the government to say we should have to vote on it is borderline criminal.”

Chouinard said the Government of Canada has interfered in the bargaining process, particularly through delays stemming from a recent Industrial Inquiry Commission (IIC) report, which caused a strike pause in December.

“The government intervention and the sheer amount of time the negotiating process has been delayed is a primary frustration,” she said. “We waited six months for the IIC report after our strike was paused in December. That

was a non-binding report that didn’t change anything. Then we were told we would be forced into a vote on a deal our union does not recommend. The process leading up to Monday has been six weeks of waiting.”

Chouinard said the delays appear designed to erode worker morale.

“It’s been financially hard. It’s been mentally and emotionally wearing,” she said. “The delays since we were forced back to work in December have worn us down even more.

“If we’re being honest, I believe that was Canada Post’s intention. They are trying to wear down workers so that ratifying any agreement — even a poor one — seems like relief. That is completely unjust.”

In response, CUPW has implemented an overtime ban — an action that, according to Chouinard, hasn’t been met with resistance in Prince George.

“At the end of the day, overtime is nice if you can get it, and we certainly have members who could use the extra money,” she said. “But this offer would essentially end overtime anyway. So either way, we’re not working overtime.”

While job action is not the preferred outcome, Chouinard said a strike may be the only way to secure a fair deal.

“It is unfortunate and it does feel unfair — especially considering both versions of the Liberal government said they wouldn’t get involved, and then did,” she said. “The union doesn’t want to strike. We’ve never wanted to strike. But when your employer keeps walking away from the table, you end up with no other option.

“Moving forward, we’re optimistic this is going to be a strong no vote.”

CUPW members in Prince George represent a cross-section of Canada Post operations, meaning any delays, negotiations or job action could affect a wide variety of workers.

“We have rural and suburban mail carriers, letter carriers, plant workers and retail staff,” Chouinard said.

“This deal will hit letter carriers the hardest.

“They’re trying to take away our route ownership. They want us to show up each day and, based on mail volumes, walk twice as far as yesterday or cover

an entirely different neighbourhood. That’s not sustainable.

“This offer contains language that sets a precedent. In the next round of bargaining, it could affect another group of workers, and so on.”

Chouinard said she feels disheartened and disrespected by her employer.

“I pride myself on going to work, doing a good job and going home. I had no idea how hard this would be,” she said. “I’ve never been through negotiations before — I was hired after the last collective agreement. It’s very disheartening. It feels like Canada Post doesn’t respect me.

“At the end of the day, it’s the workers who keep Canada Post running. We’re the reason it makes money. And it doesn’t feel like they have any respect for that.”

Despite her frustration, Chouinard said she remains open to negotiations.

“I always say at the end of any conversation: the union wants to return to the table and bargain a fair collective agreement in good faith. That’s all we’ve ever wanted, and that’s all we want moving forward.”

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Canada Post workers could be on the picket line again if the latest offer is rejected in a vote that began Monday.

Regional district to buy two new pickup trucks locally

The board also opened bids for McBride

land ll work

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George’s board of directors approved the purchase of two pickup trucks and opened bids for maintenance work at a landfill west of McBride at its Thursday, July 18 meeting.

A contract worth $115,896 before taxes was awarded to Prince George’s Wood Wheaton Supercentre for two four-wheel pickup trucks.

General manager of environmental services Laura Zapotichny explained that the last time the regional district was looking to buy vehicles like this, there was only a single bidder located outside of the area.

This time around, there were four

bids including local suppliers. Other bids came from Northland Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, Prince George Ford and Driving Force Fleet Solutions.

The Wood Wheaton bid was the lowest.

“We had put forward the option for lease return vehicles, hoping that would be a little bit more inexpensive for us,” she said. “But we’re getting new vehicles for the best price and this is significantly under budget for what we put forward for this price.”

While the country of origin is not considered in the regional district’s

Fund invests $760,000 in Spruce City Stadium and Freeman Park

service lives.

This year, residents of Prince George will see upgrades to Spruce City Stadium and Freeman Park. The improvements will focus on replacing and upgrading field lighting at the stadium.

The work is being funded in part by the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF), which will contribute an estimated $760,000 toward the total project budget of $950,000.

The initiative stems from the City of Prince George’s 2018 ball diamond and sports field strategy, which aims to refurbish several sports facilities annually.

The city said most outdoor recreation facilities in Prince George were developed in the 1970s and ’80s by local sports groups and are now nearing, or have reached, the end of their

In 2024, the CCBF also supported several other outdoor recreation initiatives in the city. The parks and solid waste division used $760,000 from the fund, toward a total project budget of $950,000, to upgrade facilities and promote continued outdoor recreation.

Improvements included:

• Installing two new dugouts at Gyro Park

• Installing two new dugouts and two bleacher pads at Harry Loder Park

• Installing two new dugouts and two bleacher pads at Freeman Park

• Installing two bleacher pads and a connection path at Ron Wiley Field

Since 2024, the CCBF has contributed more than $4.25 million to projects in Prince George.

procurement policies, Zapotichny said one of them was mainly built in Canada and the other mainly built in Mexico.

A report written by district staff said that the trucks will be used to perform routine field and liability inspections, maintenance, snow plowing, sanding and supervision at regional transfer stations.

The purchase will allow the district to transfer a 2014 Dodge pickup truck to the Valemount Regional Transfer Station and replace a 2017 GMC truck that was transferred to the Mackenzie Regional Transfer Station from the

Foothills landfill.

The contract was approved unanimously by the directors.

Two tender processes were opened for the Legrand Regional Landfill, one for logging services and the other for compaction and cover services. This landfill only accepts demolition, construction and land clearing waste from transfer stations in McBride and Valemount.

For the logging contract, a report from staff said that as materials at the landfill are compacted, soil is required to cover the waste to meet regulatory requirements.

The soil typically comes from onsite burrow pits, but the current area is running out of materials.

Earlier this year, the report said, the provincial Ministry of Forests granted a license to cut trees to facilitate a new burrow pit.

The board of directors’ next meeting is on Thursday, Aug. 21.

Three local dealers entered bids to supply new trucks for the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, unlike the last time, the board heard at a recent meeting.

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

City, Tourism PG studying public event safety report

Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy in Vancouver leads to six new recommendations

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Both the City of Prince George and Tourism Prince George are looking to incorporate recommendations from a provincial inquiry into the tragic LapuLapu Day attack in Vancouver in April.

On April 26, a motorist drove into a crowd of people at the Filipino community event, killing 11 people.

In the wake of that event, the province commissioned former BC Supreme Court chief justice Christopher Hinkson to create a report on improving safety for community events going forward.

Published on June 26, the report proposed six major recommendations:

1. All public events in BC, regardless of size, should be supported by a risk assessment

2. Jurisdictional oversight should be clarified for event hosting

3. A centralized hub should be created to provide training and resources to help with event safety planning

4. The province should consider targeted assistance to help with the safety and security costs of community events

5. Better collaboration is needed with emergency services to address safety considerations

6. The province should collect information and feedback after events to identify areas for improvement

Speaking to The Citizen on Friday, July 18, the City of Prince George’s manager of event services, Debbie Heywood, said the city had already started to review its event safety policies after the attack and before the study was launched.

“It was just such a tragic event and just to see how close in proximity it was to us and the things that we were coming up with for the summer events, a lot more outdoor events, we really needed to start wrapping our minds around it,”

Heywood said.

That work included working with the Prince George RCMP, Prince George Fire Rescue, the city’s transportation department and bylaw services to create a checklist or template for safety at city-run events that can also be shared with organizers who host events at civic parks or facilities.

While Heywood said the city has always done risk assessments for events, the April tragedy made it open its mind about other possibilities.

Once the report was issued, Heywood said it reassured city staff that they were on the right track with because it drew from similar references and templates they had come across.

Getting a centralized hub for event safety resources, she said, would be “amazing.

“The more similar centralized information that we can provide to organizers that are doing the same things in different communities across the province, we can just learn more from each other,” Heywood said. Sometimes, she said, they have to point out risks and mitigating factors that event organizers haven’t considered and this might take some of the burden off the city’s plate to educate people on the topic.

The previous Saturday, some of the

new considerations were put into action as the downtown events for the annual pride parade, the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games, the Nanguz ‘An container market and Community Arts Days were all held at once.

While one event might not have necessitated turning the Dominion Street and Seventh Avenue into a fourway stop instead of a signalled intersection, the combination of all three at once led the city to put that in action with so many people in a small area.

“The biggest one was the transportation piece,” Heywood said of the report’s findings. “Having so many people in that smaller area and how we can keep everyone safe.”

Heywood said the group planning the transportation of Special Olympics athletes and the organizers of the pride parade worked together to make sure they didn’t get in each other’s way.

As well, the city, Tourism Prince George and the Two Rivers Gallery all co-ordinated their security efforts and contributed to the costs.

Going forward, Heywood said the city wants to meet with a few different groups to show off their safety checklist and whether it meets their needs.

Tourism Prince George director of business and destination development Carmen Herman told The Citizen in an

interview that the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy really hit home as she used to live in the area where it happened.

While the organization has safety planning procedures in place for events like the Nanguz ‘An container market, she said there’s always an opportunity to improve and re-evaluate them.

Like Heywood, she said she would also be interested in a centralized hub for safety planning training and resources, especially for organizing groups with fewer resources who could use a template to follow so they don’t miss any important details.

She also said that funding to help with security costs for events would be a great help for Prince George’s smaller and volunteer-run organizations looking to run groups out of passion.

“Security costs are expensive,” Herman said. “For many groups that we talk to that want to put on events that we support, we often get approached for our thoughts on security costs and if we can help offset it. Frankly, putting on events are really expensive so if you have these extra safety precautions that are very important, then your event becomes more expense and that might result in a group deciding it’s not the best fit for them.”

PLEASE SEE ‘REPORT’ ON NEXT PAGE

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

The annual Pride Parade is one of the many major events that brings hundreds or thousands of people together in Prince George.

Young ofender pleads guity in 2023 swarming case

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A judge in Prince George Provincial Court sentenced a young offender on July 16 to a one-year conditional discharge after she pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily harm in a 2023 attack on another girl.

Neither the guilty girl nor victim can be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The guilty girl will have no criminal record if she successfully completes probation.

Judge Cassandra Malfair said she admitted to luring the 12-year-old victim to Lorne Park on Sept. 24, 2023 and participating in a swarming.

Court heard that the victim was pulled to the ground by her hair and repeatedly kicked while another girl recorded a video of the attack for posting on a social media site.

“As if the assault were not bad

A pair of Apple Airpod headphones, which sell for between $120 and $300, were stolen from a girl during a swarming attack in 2023.

enough,” Malfair said. “Which would be incredibly re-victimizing for the victim.”

The victim suffered bruising, scratching, a bloodied nose and injuries to her teeth. She was also diagnosed with a concussion.

“While she was incapacitated, one of the youth stole her AirPods (earphones) and $15,” Malfair said.

The victim reported the incident to the Prince George RCMP on the same

Report could mean stronger collaboraton: Tourism PG

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

As the Lapu-Lapu Day attack involved a vehicle, much of the report focuses on addressing the threat posed to events by vehicles.

“One consistent theme from the commission’s consultations with expert event planners and safety professionals is that vehicles and pedestrians should not mix, and every effort must be made to avoid moving traffic in areas where pedestrians are located,” the report said.

Herman pointed to the bike valet program Tourism PG partnered with Downtown Prince George on where people attending downtown events can get to the area on their bicycle and then have it kept safe until they’re ready to go as one example of reducing vehicular traffic around events.

“Continuing to look at initiatives like that are really important to Tourism Prince George, better transit options in terms of biking and walkability is really important to us.”

In the future, Herman said, the report being released is a good opportunity for Tourism PG to build stronger partnerships in the city and collaborate on safety.

“Basically, the goal is to ensure our events remain welcoming, inclusive and safe for everybody,” she said.

Reached by email, Downtown Prince George executive director Chrisie Berry said they didn’t have any comment on the report at this time except that going forward, they will use vehicles in addition to regular road barricades to block of traffic when possible at their events going forward.

evening. She told police that a girl had spread rumours that she had sex with a boy from school.

That girl approached her at Pine Centre Mall in the afternoon of Sept. 24, 2023, told her their disagreement was “water under the bridge,” and invited her to hang out.

The victim told police she felt pressured, but went anyway to the park where another two girls arrived.

Drinking took place before she was suddenly surrounded by four girls and attacked.

Crown and defence lawyers jointly proposed the conditional discharge for the girl, who had no criminal record and pleaded guilty.

A pre-sentencing report analyzing the impacts of the guilty girl’s Indigenous heritage said she had some family dysfunction and exposure to sexual abuse and substance abuse. Malfair called it “somewhat concerning” that she did not initially seem troubled by the offence she committed.

Malfair ordered her to have no communication or contact with the victim, except as permitted by the youth worker for the purpose of a restorative justice program and apology to the victim. Malfair said the victim and her family asked for the restorative justice program.

“You’re very fortunate your victim is so understanding,” Malfair told her.

TOYS • COMICS • GAMES

Two months in jail for trucker for crash that killed child

The accused took part in proceedings via video from India

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A trucker found guilty under the Motor Vehicle Act for driving without due care and attention in a crash that killed a four-year-old boy before Christmas in 2021 was sentenced July 14 to 60 days in jail.

Manpreet Dhaliwal, born in 1986, must also pay $1,840 in fines and $30,000 in restitution to the parents of Nate Peebles.

The start of his jail term, however, is unknown. Twice Dhaliwal disobeyed Judge Michael Brecknell’s orders to appear in person at Prince George Provincial Court.

He instead watched via webconference from India, because his lawyer said he is caring for his mother suffering from sepsis.

Brecknell issued a warrant for Dhaliwal’s arrest upon return to Canada, but stopped short of declaring that he had absconded from justice.

Brecknell said four members of the Peebles family from Alberta were travelling to Prince George to celebrate Christmas on Dec. 21, 2021 in an extended Dodge Ram pickup truck.

Dhaliwal was going the opposite direction in a Volvo tractor unit pulling an empty freight trailer, when the crash happened near Crescent Spur.

Nate succumbed to his injuries and father Peter was seriously injured. Mother Erika and sister Grace suffered lesser injuries.

“Nothing in this decision will return a young child to his family,” Brecknell said.

“Nothing in this decision will properly address the enduring grief the family has and will continue to experience. Nothing in this decision will alleviate the guilt felt by the person whose actions bring him before the court for sentencing. The purpose of this decision is to impose a just and appropriate sentence.”

Brecknell found Dhaliwal guilty on two counts of driving without due care and attention last October after a fourday trial last August.

The Crown proved beyond reasonable doubt that Dhaliwal drove without regard for the safety of others and the crash was avoidable.

“Mr. Dhaliwal was a professional driver and owed a higher duty of care to others on the road. He was driving inappropriately for road and weather conditions, he was driving into an area that is notorious for accidents and the collision caused Nate’s death,” Brecknell said.

“The mitigating factors include that Mr. Dhaliwal has no criminal driving

medical costs, loss of work and opportunity and Nate’s funeral in Edmonton.

Brecknell received several victims’ impact statements, including one from Nate’s sister, who feels sad and lonely without her younger brother, and Nate’s grandparents, who feel responsible for the Peebles travelling to visit them.

“Christmas will always be a joyless time, and they will never ask other family members to travel during that season,” Brecknell said.

Brecknell said he did not have confidence the sentence would be a strong deterrent, “unless it was brought to the attention of the public in general and professional drivers in particular.” He also acknowledged the Crown determined the charge, based on substantial likelihood of conviction and public interest.

“Whenever there is a death arising from the actions of another party, the family of the deceased, and the public in general, rightly consider it to be very tragic and serious. However, it is important to reiterate that Mr. Dhaliwal was charged with and was convicted of a regulatory, as opposed to a criminal, offence.”

record. He’s taken rehabilitative driving courses even prior to trial and he remained at the scene of the collision and co-operated fully with the RCMP.”

Brecknell sentenced Dhaliwal to the first count and stayed the other, due to a court rule against convicting someone on a second charge stemming from the same circumstances. Brecknell left Dhaliwal’s driving prohibition for the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles to decide.

Dhaliwal has more than two years, until July 31, 2027, to pay the fine. Beginning Sept. 1, 2027, he must pay at least $300 a month directly to the Peebles.

The restitution is a fraction of the $218,551.44 they sought for replacement of their vehicle, compensation for

Crown prosecutor Tyson Gamble unsuccessfully urged Brecknell to declare that Dhaliwal had absconded, because he had “absented himself” when he bought a plane ticket and left the country.

Defence lawyer Sukh Kalkat argued his client had been “psychologically destroyed” and his mother needs a fulltime caregiver at this time.

As Dhaliwal looked into the camera, his mouth not seen on screen, Kalkat said Dhaliwal is eager to return to Alberta to work as a local delivery driver in order to support his daughter, pay a mortgage and the restitution to the Peebles.

“There may well be an argument to be made that Mr. Dhaliwal should be found in contempt in the face of the court, for not following the court’s directions. But that’s neither before me today nor something I need to decide today,” Brecknell said.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

A four-year-old boy died in a collision near Crescent Spur in 2021. The driver’s case was heard July 14 in Prince George court.

Disobeying judges lands drunk-driving thief behind bars

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Associate Chief Judge of the Provincial Court sentenced a 44-yearold man to more than five months in jail on July 18 in Prince George after he pleaded guilty to seven offences.

Judge Paul Dohm sentenced Steven Russell Vankoughnett for flight from police, possession of stolen property over $5,000, impaired driving, two counts of driving while prohibited and two breaches of his release order.

Court heard about Vankoughnett’s three incidents this year.

First, on Jan. 25, he led Prince George RCMP on a chase while he drove a white older model pickup truck that had been stolen two days earlier. Vankoughnett was already banned from driving at the time of the offence.

On April 17 in Dawson Creek, police found him in the passenger seat of a

A local man was in court July 18 to deal with charges stemming from three separate incidents this year.

vehicle. Vankoughnett was supposed to be serving house arrest at the time.

Then, on May 12 in Chetwynd, police received a report of a van that had crossed the centre line on the highway, hit a shoulder and almost hit the ditch multiple times.

Police eventually stopped the vehicle, but Vankoughnett fled. He gave two breath samples over the legal limit for alcohol impairment. At the time, Vankoughnett was under both house arrest and a driving prohibition.

Vankoughnett’s lawyer said the Dawson Creek-born and raised man did not finish Grade 12 but has worked for 22

Police seek eyewitness to two incidents of assault, one fatal

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Prince George RCMP are asking for local help in finding an eyewitness to two assaults, with one leading to a death.

The RCMP investigation began in the early morning of July 4 when a witness reported seeing a man get hit over the head with a baseball bat near the 100 block of George Street.

When police officers arrived on the scene, neither the alleged victim or the alleged assailant was there.

Police were then called to the same area two hours later for a report of a man who had collapsed on the ground. The man was transported to the hospital, but he did not survive his injuries.

“Surveillance from this initial investigation shows a man wearing a black jacket, white T-shirt and black pants

get assaulted by another man wearing a black, long-sleeved shirt and jeans. We are looking to speak with anyone who may have witnessed this event or who knows who the victim or suspect are,” stated Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP.

Police investigators have reason to believe that the deceased may have been the victim of a second assault that is related to the initial investigation.

Prince George RCMP are looking to speak with anyone who knows what happened to see the deceased man in the two hours between the initial assault and him being located unconscious on the street.

If you have any information about this or any other criminal offence, please contact the Prince George RCMP at (250)561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-8477.

years in gravel crushing.

“He has an untreated, out-of-control alcohol addiction,” lawyer David Jenkins Jr. told Dohm.

Dohm noted Vankoughnett’s guilty plea, some remorse and a desire to change his ways.

He accepted the joint Crown and defence proposal for a 290-day sentence plus 30 months probation.

“It adequately addresses the circumstances and the relevant sentencing principles,” Dohm said.

Dohm gave Vankoughnett credit for time served in custody before the hearing, leaving 161 days left, plus 30

months probation.

Conditions include no possession of alcohol, illegal drugs or intoxicating substances, except he can drink in his residence.

Vankoughnett is banned from driving for five years under the Motor Vehicle Act.

A five-year ban on driving under the Criminal Code begins after his release from jail. He must not be drunk in public and must stay away from any licensed establishment that sells or serves alcohol to anyone aged 19 and up. He must also attend a treatment program, as directed by a probation officer.

“Mr. Vankoughnett,” Dohm said, “the message I give to you is: I know you have an issue with alcohol, but never mix driving with alcohol. Do not drive anytime in the next five years. That’s your biggest concern for everybody. So, do not do that. I wish you the best dealing with your alcoholism and your treatment.”

PG resource consultants acquire archaeological frm

Combined, the two companies bring together a unique mix of disciplines

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

TDB Consultants Inc., a leading land resource management firm based in Prince George, has acquired NorCan Consulting Ltd., an archaeology and heritage consulting company serving Western Canada. The acquisition was finalized in June 2025.

Both consulting firms have been established leaders in their respective fields — resource management and archaeological consulting — across northern British Columbia.

The acquisition aims to expand the companies’ service offerings to more diverse areas, while remaining rooted in the strong local relationships built over the past 35 years with First Nations, government agencies and industry partners.

Dick Mynen, CGS, president and CEO of TDB Consultants Inc., and Normand Canuel, president and senior archaeologist at NorCan, have each worked in the field for more than 30 years. Their firms have long shared similar foundations, clients and values.

Those clients include, but are not limited to, the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, Canfor, Dunkley Lumber, Lakeland Mills and the provincial government.

“This new partnership means nothing but good things for the North,” said Mynen. “Among the benefits are a greater local presence with no interruptions to current service, a ‘one-stop shop’ combining archaeological assessments, land management, forestry and geomatics, and continued growth for our staff.”

Canuel spoke with The Citizen about why this was the right time to partner with TDB.

“The quickest way for me to say anything is I’m turning 70 next week,” said Canuel. “My goal for the past four or five years has been to find another company to either partner with or to take over

NorCan — one that values the team I’ve built, operates in a similar field, and isn’t a direct competitor.

“Knowing what TDB does, and knowing what we’ve done at NorCan, the combination is a great opportunity. We’re not competing — we can collaborate on multiple contracts. We’ll stay independent, but work together.”

Mynen added that the benefits go beyond the companies themselves.

“I think it will provide stability in the sector,” he said. “We’re here for the long term, both TDB and NorCan. We continue to believe in the North and its ongoing resource developments. This partnership strengthens existing capacity and provides security for workers in a turbulent time.”

The firms bring together a unique mix of disciplines including archaeology, mining, energy, renewables, geomatics, forest management and cultural heritage.

“There’s a growing need for integrated management,” said Canuel. “Whether it’s environmental studies, road or rail development, timber cruising or archaeology, it’s all interconnected. Even for a subdivision, you need comprehensive knowledge.

“Combining our forces is a real positive. It gives NorCan staff the chance to learn about forestry and infrastructure, and it helps forestry and land managers understand the importance of protecting cultural and archaeological resources.”

Mynen said the integration of services also benefits clients.

“We’re all about adding value,” he said. “This merger allows us to do that through logistics improvements and by strengthening NorthCan’s already impressive management team. Their deep experience and industry commitment made the partnership a natural fit. We believe this will bring measurable value to our clients.”

Although the partnership is still in its early stages, clients can already expect to see expanded services.

“We’re working alongside other groups, including First Nations, to find new ways of managing resources as a team,” said Canuel. “It’s a long process, but with both companies bringing

different strengths and opportunities, we’re positioned to offer even more to prospective clients — especially as the landscape shifts with increased Indigenous involvement.”

Mynen said he is optimistic not only for the future of the companies, but for the entire region.

“These are exciting times, not just for us but for all of northern BC,” he said.

“It’s always been an exciting industry, but now it feels even better.”

Canuel echoed that sentiment and said the combined company is ready to grow.

“One thing our clients and the community should know is that our quality isn’t going to change,” he said. “We’re growing, and we’re only going to get better.”

Normand Canuel (left) and Dick Mynen (right) have been working together with similar clients for more than 30 years. Now their companies will become one as Canuel retires.

NORCAN PHOTO

Staff at Norcan conduct an archaeological dig and consultation

More compressor statons coming for Coastal GasLink

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

TC Energy is working to clean up its operations along its Coastal GasLink pipeline sending liquified natural gas out to Kitimat, but Phase 2 of the project could see another compressor station built near Bear Lake if approved.

At the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George’s Thursday, July 18 board of directors’ meeting, Tamara Trevelyan, Heather Desarmia and Carolyn Clifton from TC Anergy gave a progress update on the pipeline and its potential future expansion.

Coastal GasLink stretches about 670 kilometres from roughly the halfway point between Chetwynd and Dawson Creek, northeast of Prince George, to near Kitimat.

It currently has capacity to ship 2.1 billion cubic feet of LNG per day, with future expansions potentially raising the total to five billion cubic feet.

In August 2024, the pipeline became fully operational, sending natural gas to the LNG Canada facility near Kitimat. That facility loaded its first shipment onto a vessel in late June.

In the last year, Trevelyan said, operations in Fraser-Fort George has focused around final cleanup and reclamation work with around 500 workers based out of a workforce accommodation site called Parsnip Lodge, located near the Parsnip River northeast of Bear Lake.

“Once that work was completed, both the prime contractor and our workforce accommodations were demobilized from the area,” she said.

“Machine cleanup took place along our right-of-way as well as cleanup of our temporary workspace and our ancillary sites. We decommissioned our access roads that our project personnel used throughout the constriction of the projection, as well as activities focused on restoring the land as close to its original state as possible.”

Along the length of the pipeline, workers also have been conducting monthly checks on each valve, responding to BC One calls and installing signage. As gas flows through the pipeline, friction slows it and drops the pressure. To compensate for that, compressor stations are needed to repressurize the pipeline along the route.

To deliver more gas out west to support the potential Indigenous-owned Cedar LNG project, also near Kitimat, a compressor station will be built in the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George near Mt. Bracey around 198 kilometres northeast of Prince George.

“That compressor station will power the transportation of an additional 0.4 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas to the Cedar project,” Trevelyan said.

“The compressor station requires a footprint of approximately 19 hectares of Crown land … and it will consist of three 31,000 kilowatt natural gas-fired turbo compressor units.”

Mobilization and early work for this station started last July, preparation started this May and construction started in June. It’s expected to go into service in 2028.

A potential Phase 2 of Coastal GasLink

would see an increase in the pipeline’s capacity without building any additional line due to the addition of six more compressor stations.

One of those stations would be near Raccoon Lake, northwest of Prince George, and another would be at Clear Creek, just west of Vanderhoof.

“The current focus and development work to assess the full potential of phase two includes scope refinements, engineering, permitting requirements, financial analysis and engagement with both Indigenous and local communities,” Trevelyan said.

Director Art Kaehn (Woodpecker-Hixon) asked whether TC Energy has plans to engage with various fire departments along the line. Trevelyan said departments in Prince George and Kitimat are both updated regularly, but they are starting to engage more with others.

Man loses appeal of fne for mining without a permit

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Environmental Appeal Board upheld an $8,000 fine on July 10 and dismissed an appeal from a placer miner who did not have a permit to mine on his private property.

Brad Cox, a delegate of the Chief Inspector of Mines, fined Reginald Parr $8,000 in November 2022. A Senior Inspector of Mines visited the claim

near Manson Creek in September 2019 and observed multiple excavations, a large pond connected to water lines and a pump, small settling ponds, a large berm and two excavators on site.

Parr held a permit for a portion of the Crown land north of his private land boundary, but not for his own property, contrary to the Mines Act. He applied for a permit amendment that came through in June 2020.

Parr appealed Cox’s decision on

the basis that the inspector observed landscaping, not mining, activities. He believed he did not need a permit, so he asked for the determination to be rescinded and the fine cancelled.

But Panel Chair Cynthia Lu presided over a May 21 online hearing and determined Parr was mining.

Parr had testified that it was an “honest mistake” for him to use his personal property, but did not provide evidence or make arguments about

the reasonableness of the monetary penalty.

“The appellant confirmed during the hearing that he put material sourced from his property through the wash plant, used water from the ponds on the property to operate the wash plant, and produced some gold as a result,” said Lu’s decision.

On a balance of probabilities, Lu ruled, Parr was engaged in mining activities.

On June 30, a milestone was achieved with Canada’s first shipment of LNG from Kitimat, made possible by Coastal GasLink.

Northern BC First Natons meet with PM Carney

ANDIE MOLLINS Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Regional Chief Terry Teegee of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) is cautiously optimistic following the First Nations Major Projects Summit.

In the afternoon of Wednesday, July 16 and all day Thursday, July 17, Prime Minister Mark Carney met with First Nation representatives from across the country in Gatineau, Que. to discuss Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act. The bill received Royal Assent on June 26, 2025, less than a month after it was tabled by the federal government on June 6. The provisions of the bill, as well as its rapid progress through parliament and into law, has been the centre of much controversy, especially as it pertains to Indigenous Peoples’ rights in Canada.

“I think it’s important to get this legislation right,” Teegee said in an interview with Black Press Media. As it stands, Teegee and many other First Nation leaders across Canada feel Bill C-5 falls short of the federal government’s commitment to the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP).

“What it boils down to is free, prior and informed consent,” Teegee said. Though Carney has said the legislation will help build a stronger Canadian economy while also respecting Indigenous rights, Teegee said actions speak louder than words.

“Without adequate protections, First Nations will bear the burden of this hastily developed, opportunistic plan to fast-track potentially devastating projects over First Nations territories,” Teegee said in a BCAFN press release calling on Canada to stand in unity with First Nations.

In a perfect world, Teegee would like to see the legislation repealed and brought back to the drawing table. Alternatively, he hopes to at least see amendments made to the legislation. A main concern he raised was the legislation’s definition of “projects of national interest,” for which the federal

review and approval process can be streamlined through Bill C-5. He wants to see a definition which includes First Nations’ aspirations.

“We believe reconciliation should be of national interest,” Teegee said. The infrastructure in First Nation communities, such as housing and drinking water, should also be considered projects of national interest, he said.

“All I can see is more public litigation and protests,” said the regional chief about what will happen if the One Canadian Economy Act remains unchanged.

Teegee expressed an appreciation for Carney’s commitment to being present through the whole summit and taking questions from attending First Nation representatives.

“He had aspirations for UNDRIP to be

organizations and other representatives attended the First Nations Major Projects Summit.

Carney took the opportunity to discuss how the new legislation is designed to grow Canada’s economy and “contribute to greater prosperity for Indigenous communities,” reads a news release on the prime minister’s website.

“It’s time to build big projects that will transform and connect our economy,” Carney said in the release, adding that shared leadership with Indigenous Peoples is central to the task. “Working in partnership, we can seize this opportunity and build lasting prosperity for generations.”

The federal government is putting new measures in place to facilitate Indigenous partnership on major projects, including creating an Indigenous Advisory Council comprised of First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Modern Treaty and Self-Government representatives. The council is intended to work closely with Canada’s new Major Federal Projects Office to ensure Indigenous perspectives and priorities are involved in the “nation-building” projects.

followed,” Teegee said about Carney’s vision for Bill C-5. “But, in the end, I think a lot of First Nations in the room, including myself, have trust issues from what has happened,” nodding to instances of project development across the country when First Nations have pushed for greater consultation, such as the Mount Polley mine in south-central British Columbia which was the site of a tailings dam breach in 2014.

“How is Mark Carney going to really enact free, prior and informed consent within the legislation,” Teegee asked. Perhaps, he went on, this is just a start. The next step, he said, is for Carney to get out, visit and engage with First Nations across the country.

Over 250 First Nation leaders, regional

As well, the federal government is introducing $40 million in new funding streams to facilitate Indigenous participation and is doubling the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program to help Indigenous communities “gain full equity ownership in major nation-building projects.”

Tim Hodgson, Canada’s minister of energy and natural resources, said partnerships with First Nations is a key part of the work towards strengthening Canada’s economy and with that, the country’s sovereignty.

“It’s clear: if we are serious about retooling our economy, then reconciliation must be front and centre, not just at today’s summit, but in perpetuity,” Hodgson said in news release.

Carney is expected to meet with the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee and with Métis leadership separately to advance discussions.

This story originally appeared in The Williams Lake Tribune

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Regional Chief Terry Teegee of the BC Assembly of First Nations (seen speaking at an event in Prince George in 2021) says litigations and protests will likely continue without amendments to the One Canadian Economy Act.

Search teams welcome new satellite-to-mobile service

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Beginning last week, Rogers’ new Satellite-to-Mobile service has entered its beta phase and is available free of charge to all Canadians.

The trial phase of Satellite-to-Mobile will initially allow text messaging and text-to-911 south of the 58th parallel. Support for other apps, data and voice services — including 911 voice calls — will be added soon, Rogers states.

Effectively, the new program can turn a regular cellphone into a satellite phone, with coverage spanning approximately 5.4 million square kilometres in Canada.

According to Rogers, the service uses low-Earth orbit satellites through a partnership with SpaceX and Lynk Global. As long as users can see the sky, they can connect to the satellite network.

Among the strongest supporters of the beta launch are search and rescue organizations, who anticipate improved emergency communication through the service.

Chris Mushumanski, president of the BC Search and Rescue Association, told The Citizen the service will be instrumental in helping search and rescue teams.

“The ground search and rescue member volunteers and groups across the entirety of BC welcome this announcement and see it as a big step forward for improving communications,” said Mushumanski.

“There are two angles that we see improving. First, anyone who needs assistance from authorities — whether someone is lost and needs police, or injured and needs to contact BC. Emergency Health Services — will now be able to get help much quicker. Historically, you would have needed an additional device. Now, with your cellphone, you can call 911 and activate those services faster.

“Second, for search and rescue members out in the field during a search or evacuation — like in wildfires or floods — this allows them to communicate

The new Satellite-to-Mobile service will cover approximately the light red area of the map. The dark red area has 5G coverage.

more effectively with base.”

Mushumanski, who is based in Vanderhoof, has extensive experience in the North and has seen first-hand how geography can complicate emergency response.

“Looking at the geography of northern British Columbia, you’re talking about vast areas with no cellphone coverage whatsoever,” he said.

“Think of the Highway of Tears, or people who’ve gone missing in very remote areas.

“The length of time it takes for someone to notice a person is missing, then launch a search — that hampers our ability to respond quickly. Now, with cellphones in almost everyone’s pockets, people can call for help and we can pinpoint their location much faster.”

Mushumanski said the early response from first responders has been very positive, with strong interest already visible on social media.

However, he cautioned that the technology isn’t foolproof.

“I think it’s always important to remember that our phones are susceptible,” he said. “They’re battery-powered, so this won’t help if your phone is dead. Also, I’m not sure how well it will work with older phones. Folks should test their devices before heading into the

After that, the service will be included at no additional cost for customers on the Rogers Ultimate Plan, which costs $85 per month. It will also be available to all Canadians for $15/month.

The beta will be available on the following devices:

• iPhone 13 (all models – Rogers customers only)

• iPhone 14, 15 and 16 (all models)

• Samsung Galaxy S25 (including Plus, Ultra and Edge)

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 (available July 22, 2025)

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 (available July 22, 2025)

• Motorola Razr 2025

• Motorola Razr Ultra 2025

• Motorola Razr+ 2024

• Motorola Edge 2025

backcountry, and always have a backup plan.”

The beta is available until October.

Canadians participating in the beta will receive a $5 monthly discount for the first 12 months.

To sign up for the beta trial, visit: rogers.com/mobility/satellite

What’s happening in PG

I Ache For My Ancestors goes Friday, July 25 at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. An immersive show that flips what you thought you knew. Turns out the history you ignored isn’t only hers — it’s yours too. This is an immersive experience of song, story, and poetic imagery. Spanning the colonial era from the 70s to today, three women rise in defiance, confronting violence with presence and silence with sound. Their voices ripple through time, each one a living act of resistance. Rooted in the long struggle against colonization and assimilation, this performance opens a space for reflection, resonance, and shared emotion. For tickets visit www.eventbrite. com/e/i-ache-for-my-ancestors-tickets.

Potter Paint Night goes Friday, July 25 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Hunniford Gardens, 8845 Aquarius Road. Join Three Mad Potters for a delightful evening. Start with a bare-naked pottery mug (five styles available) and your raw creativity. Roxie and Colleen will lead you in painting a one-of-a-kind mug. Once completed, mugs will be taken back to the Three Mad Potters studio to finish the glazing process and fire them in the kiln. In 2-4 weeks mugs will be available for pick-up. Cost is $110 plus tax. Sign up by calling 250-967-4325.

Leo D.E Johnson and Simbiyez

Wilson live at the PG Legion goes Friday, July 25 at 9 p.m. at 1110 Sixth Ave. Leo D.E Johnson’s music is a transcendent blend of Spiritual Soul and Galactic Gospel infused with gritty West Coast Grunge and a Rock ‘n’ Roll. They fearlessly push musical boundaries as a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ Trans rights and racial equality. Simbiyez Wilson is a multifaceted artist whose creative spirit knows no bounds and is a force to be reckoned with in every facet of music-making. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Tickets at www.madloon.ca/tickets/p/ leo-de-johnson-and-simbiyez-wilson.

Horizons 2025 Flood Gate and Keeper featuring The Burden goes Saturday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m., Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. Progressive Metalcore

band from Kelowna: Floodgate along with Keeper, a post-hardcore band from Williams Lake, will be playing an all-ages show. Local Post-Hardcore band, The Burden, will be supporting them. Don’t miss your chance to see this deadly triple line up for only $20 at the door.

PG Ghostly Walk goes Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 from 7 to 8 p.m. and 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. downtown Prince George. Do you know which building still has a husband and wife keeping a watchful eye on their store? Which restaurant has a beautiful and very friendly woman still reaching out to residents? You will once you join us and experience PG Ghostly Walks. For tickets visit www.pgghostlywalks.com/ book-online.

Northern Lights Winery 10 Year

July 26 and Sunday, July 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Huble Homestead. Explore the historic site as you search for hidden, and not so hidden, objects to complete your list. Get out and enjoy the July sun and the fresh air during this fun and inexpensive day that’s perfect for seasoned seekers or first-time explorers. Huble Homestead Historic Site is a 30-minute drive north of Prince George on Mitchell Road. For more information visit www.hublehomestead. ca/scavenger2.

Anniversary Celebration goes Saturday, July 26 at 6 p.m at the Winery, 745 Prince George Pulpmill Rd. Celebrate a decade of sipping, sharing and making memories at Northern Lights Winery. The event will feature interactive wine tastings, a DJ dance party, exclusive giveaways, and so much more. For more information and tickets that are online only visit www. eventbrite.ca/e/northern-lights-winerys-10-year-anniversarytickets.

Peace Motocross Association Round 7 Motocross Races go Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 at Prince George Motocross Park, 28100 Blackwater Rd. Racing starts at noon Saturday and 9 a.m on Sunday. For all the details visit www.facebook.com/ events/1442088580149742.

Scavenger Weekend goes Saturday,

July Queer Brunch goes Sunday, July 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at OM Pizza Bar Café,1970 Ospika Blvd. S. Looking for the queer community in Prince George? Come join us at brunch. Brunch is a mix-and-mingle event that provides a welcoming space to 2SLGBTQIA+ people and allies. We meet in a relaxed and safe atmosphere for people to make new friends and reconnect. This is a 19+ venue. Minors welcome to attend with a legal guardian.

Sunflower Festival goes Thursday, July 31 at 10 a.m. to Monday, Sept. 1 at Northern Lights Estate Winery Foreman Farms, 1965 Foreman Rd. Photo stations, friendly farm animals, drinks and snack at Bloom Café, live music every Friday and Saturday, Kids’ Days and Artisan Craft classes, u-cut sunflower specials on Thursdays. For more information and tickets that are online only visit www.northernlightswinery.ca/ sunflower-fest.

Movie Night in the Orchard – 10 Things I Hate About You goes Friday, Aug. 1 at 9:30 p.m. at Northern Lights Estate Winery, 745 Prince George Pulpmill Road at the Orchard View Amphitheatre across from the Winery. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, bug spray, and some warm layers. Come early to secure a parking spot, set up your perfect viewing spot, grab snacks & drinks from our concession stand. Cash, debit & credit accepted. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.eventbrite. ca/e/movie-night-in-the-orchard-10things-i-hate-about-you-tickets.

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HANDOUT PHOTO

Leo D.E Johnson (pictured) and Simbiyez Wilson perform at the PG Legion on Friday, July 25 at 9 p.m.

Dog show coming to the Agriplex over next four days

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Prince George Kennel Club will host its 19th annual dog show from July 24 to 27.

The four-day event will take place at the Prince George Agriplex, next to the CN Centre.

The competition will showcase a wide variety of dog breeds and feature categories including conformation (July 24 to 27), rally and obedience trials (July 26 to 27), and junior handling (July 26 to 27).

Organizer and Prince George Kennel Club member Selene Maxwell spoke with The Citizen about what attendees can expect.

“We had full stands in 2023,” said Maxwell. “Last year, we didn’t have as many spectators, but they’re welcome to come. They’re welcome to cheer on their favourite breed, see their friends and family compete, walk around and

see the dogs in their benching setup. Maxwell emphasized the time and effort trainers put into preparing their dogs for the show.

What’s happening in Prince George in the weeks ahead

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Kitten & Board Games goes Saturday, Aug. 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 3 Goblins Games, 200-356 George St. It’s a fundraiser and adoption event for the Prince George Humane society where participants can play games and pet kitties. Entry fee is a voluntary donation of either cash or needed supplies for the Prince George Humane Society. Even if you’re not into board games you are welcome to attend as kitten adoption is also an option. The list of needed items include cat and kitten kibble, cat and kitten wet food, clay litter, stainless steel cat bowls, cat toys (especially ones with handles), kongs for dogs, printer paper, XL garbage bags, paper towel, leashes and laundry detergent. Donations accepted all day.

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.

Willow River Farmers Market and Junk in the Trunk goes every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Willow River Hall, 55 Willow Avenue in Willow River, about 30 minutes east of Prince George, until Sept. 28. There are local crafts and homemade goods including jams and preserves, concession, music and family fun. Everyone is welcome to attend.

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

puppy. There are veteran classes for dogs over seven years old. There are also altered classes, so if your dog has been neutered, you can show them in an altered class.

When asked what she hopes to bring to the Prince George community through the event, Maxwell said it’s all about showcasing the club’s passion for dogs.

“Our love of dogs of all sizes, all different temperaments,” she said. “They’re bred for all different purposes. Everybody who shows their dog loves their dog. They’re all members of the family. And it’s fun — it’s really fun. Kids love it.

“There are hours and hours and hours of training,” she said. “People even show their puppies. You can show a baby puppy — like a six-month-old

“On Saturday and Sunday at lunchtime — usually from noon to 1 p.m. — we have junior handling. I have friends with, you know, 10-year-olds, and they’re going to go into a ring with a dog and compete against other kids in their age group.”

Parking and admission will be free for all attendees.

The Prince George Citzen right to your inbox.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Handler Joey Deen of Calgary prepares Mahihkan, a three-year-old samoyed, prior to competition at the 2024 Prince George Kennel Clubs All Breed Dog Show at the Agriplex. The show returns Thursday through Sunday.

ABOVE: Cathy Wickes (top), Rosalee Brown-Stillwell, 2, and her brother Wesley, nine months, get their picture taken.

BELOW: Kinsley Wilson, 2, enjoys leaping from a hopper-ball onto an inflatable pad on the grass. Look for more photos at www.princegeorgecitizen.com

ABOVE: Kids enjoy some parachute fun at Huble Homestead’s Kids’ Carnival Sunday, July 20. The day also included a magic show with William the Conjurer, balloon creations from Huggleberry, Creative Space on the Homestead with Two Rivers Gallery and animals from the PG Mobile Petting Zoo.

Old-fashioned

FUN

Huble Homestead hosted a sunny Sunday Kids’ Carnival, with families enjoying traditional outdoor games (and some with a modern twist). Learn more about the historic site at www.hublehomestead.ca.

ABOVE: Caden Chow, 5, takes part in some of the carnival games.

RIGHT: Landon Blundell tries out a pair of stilts.

BELOW: All aboard! The Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum brings in the Cottonwood Railway so that rides were available for all.

Reviving an endangered language through gaming

The new game is available on the Roblox platform

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

There are currently only about 1,800 Michif speakers in the world, according to a 2021 study by Statistics Canada. The language is listed as endangered, and experts warn the number of fluent speakers may now be fewer than 1,000.

But one Métis video game developer is working to change that — using an unconventional approach to connect with a new generation.

Josh Nilson, founder of East Side Games and co-founder of Miskwa Games and MétisLife, is using the popular gaming platform Roblox to teach Michif through a new game called Michif RP. Roblox, a platform with more than 202 million monthly users, is the second-largest gaming platform in the world. Much of its success comes from the fact that the majority of its content is user-generated, allowing players to build and host their own game worlds with unique rules and themes.

Nilson has developed Michif RPas a way to teach both youth and adults the Michif language — starting with the Northern Michif dialect.

“With Roblox, you can get started right away,” said Nilson in an interview with The Citizen.

“They just need a laptop or a phone and an email address. The barrier to entry is really low. People don’t need a lot of tools — it’s all there for collaboration and creation.”

Michif RP currently focuses on Northern Michif but aims to expand to include additional dialects and Indigenous languages as the game grows.

“We’re focusing on Northern Michif,” said Nilson. “It has fewer than 200 speakers, and it’s a very difficult language if you’ve never heard it before. My generation and the one above us didn’t really speak it — we were labelled the forgotten generation.

Players begin their time in the Roblox game Michif RP at this fort. The

culture and the Michif language.

“When you take away someone’s language, that’s how you colonize them. So we’re trying to take that back.

Traditional language apps and books aren’t always engaging, and you might not retain what you learn. But kids learn by playing.”

Nilson said the first phase of the game already includes three to four hours of content, with plans for more.

“In Phase 2, we’re going to build out more storytelling and interactivity so people can play even more,” he said. “My vision is — wouldn’t it be great if not only could people play this game, but every museum in BC and across Turtle Island had a tablet where people could learn the language?

“We’re starting with Northern Michif, but we’d like to expand to Southern Michif and eventually other First Nations languages and communities. What began as a language-learning app is also becoming a tool to learn about culture.”

In Michif RP, players begin the game by speaking with Amelia Douglas, a

Métis matriarch in BC. She guides players through the first section of the game, set in a traditional fort.

Players can learn Michif by taking part in in-game activities such as horse riding, earning badges and completing quests — all designed to make language learning interactive and memorable.

Nilson said the project is deeply personal, representing a way for him and others to reconnect with a cultural

identity that was often inaccessible.

“It’s our language,” he said. “I think it’s a really good reconnection to our past. We weren’t brought up in households that spoke it, but it’s still our language.

“It’s important for young people to be exposed to the fact that as Indigenous people, we do have our own languages. This is just another tool to explore that — and to start having conversations with kids.”

MISKWA GAMES IMAGE

game is designed to help players learn about Métis

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Josh Nilson found success in tech via the video game industry. Now he wants to help other Indigenous people follow that path.

Good Caws Crow Rescue gives injured bird a leg up

3D printing comes to the rescue for Siren, a bird that was hit by a vehicle

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Good Caws Crow Rescue Society, a local non-profit animal rescue in Prince George, has a new resident with a unique challenge.

Siren, a young magpie rescued by Good Caws, suffered injuries believed to have been caused by a vehicle. Her leg healed improperly, prompting a local veterinarian to recommend amputation.

Fortunately, the community has stepped up in a creative way to help rehabilitate the bird.

“I’ve had a whole bunch of local people reach out with 3D printers,” said Dayna Slater, founder of Good Caws. “A couple of them do designing and make their own things, so they’re sitting on standby. We have to get the surgery done first. She has to survive the surgery. Then, when the swelling goes down, we have to take measurements of her legs so we know how big to make the prosthetic. We also have to make room for padding because we don’t want her to get sore from it.”

Slater said she was inspired to explore a 3D-printed prosthetic after doing some research online.

“I just had the idea — can we make bird prosthetics?” she said. “I started looking it up and found some zoos that have done it for various birds. There are even people on Etsy who 3D print them for parrots and other species. I looked up designs because I know where the amputation will happen, and it seems very doable now, thanks to 3D printing.”

Due to the extent of Siren’s injuries, she will remain a permanent resident at Good Caws. The organization is now seeking donations to cover the cost of her surgery and a new enclosure.

“We’ve been getting some generous donations,” said Slater. “We have to build her own enclosure since she’s going to be a permanent resident.

Eventually, it’d be nice to house her with our other two ambassador birds, but that’ll take time — it took a year for our crow and raven to get used to each other.”

Slater said the veterinary bill alone is a little over $1,400, with additional costs for medication, checkups and the custom enclosure, which is expected to cost around $2,000.

“That’s why we only have three large enclosures,” she said. “You have to buy so much stuff for them.”

So far, the Prince George community has donated about $1,200 toward Siren’s care. Slater said local support has been a cornerstone of Good Caws’ success.

“Whenever we need help, people step up,” she said. “There’s been a lot of interest and a lot of people who want to volunteer. Any events we host almost always sell out.”

That support has helped Good Caws grow from caring for 10 birds to more

than 25. Slater said public awareness of the organization has also grown. Where she once received only occasional calls for help, she now receives more than 10 per day.

“A lot of the calls are just talking people through what’s happening with birds,” she said. “Like, ‘Oh, it’s a fledgling and it can’t fly. What do I do?’ And I have to explain that’s normal. Birds don’t fly straight from the nest — they spend a week or two on the ground learning to perch, hide and be fed by their parents before they gain flight. It’s a process.”

She said people have even reached out from other countries.

“I’ve had calls from the U.K., from Australia, looking for advice,” she said. “And I’ve had to say, ‘You know I’m in Canada, right?’”

Good Caws continues to grow, accepting more birds and offering educational programs at local museums. Slater said the next step is fundraising and

expanding the organization’s permits.

“We’re thinking of new ways to fundraise, but we all have full-time jobs on top of this,” she said. “It’s hard to balance time and make things happen.”

She hopes to expand their permits to care for other species, such as gulls, which are federally protected.

“I want to build an enclosure and be able to keep them longer if they need more time before release,” she said. “In general, I just want to improve. I want to help the public understand and coexist with these animals.”

She said many birds arrive at Good Caws with pellet gun injuries.

“It’s horrible,” she said. “There’s another way to do this — a way that doesn’t involve cruelty.”

Those interested in donating can e-transfer or send PayPal funds to goodcaws@outlook.com. Donations can also be made directly to the Good Caws account at Birchwood Veterinary Hospital.

GOOD CAWS RESCUE PHOTO

Siren is photographed after being rescued by Good Caws. One of the bird’s legs was severely injured.

Local man, 78, talks about how measles afected his life

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

A 78-year-old Prince George resident says he felt compelled to speak out after hearing about the growing number of measles cases being reported across Canada.

As of July 14, 2025, there were 3,822 confirmed measles cases nationwide, according to the Government of Canada’s health website.

Barry Bertrand, who had measles as a child, reached out to The Citizen to share how the illness permanently changed the course of his life.

Bertrand was 12, about to turn 13, in 1960. At the time, he lived in Victoria and was enrolled in an advanced placement program at school due to his academic performance. But after contracting measles, everything changed.

“I went from getting great grades to not even being able to recognize the kids I grew up with,” said Bertrand. “My memory was gone — I couldn’t retain anything.”

Bertrand said it all began while he was doing his paper route.

“I caught a really bad cold while I was out collecting money,” he said. “Next thing you know, I ended up in a coma.”

His mother put him to bed, and when she tried to wake him up the next morning, she couldn’t.

“She called the ambulance. I was in a coma for 14 days.”

Doctors diagnosed Bertrand with measles-related encephalitis — a swelling of the brain that can lead to serious,

lasting complications.

“You don’t just wake up from a coma and you’re normal again,” he said. “I spent three months in the hospital. I had to learn how to walk again. I don’t think they knew too much about it back then, and there wasn’t much treatment except physio. When I went back to school, I couldn’t remember anything.”

Memory problems continued to affect Bertrand throughout his high school years. Eventually, he made the difficult decision to leave school.

“I remember sitting on the back step reading a book, and when I finished, I realized I had no idea what I just read,” he said. “It was embarrassing. That’s when I decided school wasn’t for me

anymore. I couldn’t learn anything. I quit after Grade 10 and went to work logging.”

Bertrand went on to work in mining and returned briefly to high-lead logging before joining the military at age 19. He served for five years.

“I still had memory problems,” he said. “When the commander told me to go left or right, I’d go the opposite way. But for the most part, I managed.”

Bertrand said his memory didn’t begin to improve until his 30s — and even then, he continued to experience lingering effects.

“It affected my life pretty drastically,” he said. “When I was younger, I planned to go to university, but even trade

school felt out of reach after measles.”

After his time in the military, Bertrand worked in corrections for the BC. government, a job that brought him to Prince George more than 50 years ago.

“It was a tough job,” he said. “But I had to feed the kids.”

He believes his life would have looked very different had he not contracted measles, and he encourages people to consider vaccination.

According to the Government of Canada, a single dose of a measles-containing vaccine given after 12 months of age is up to 95 per cent effective. Two doses provide about 99 per cent protection.

“The vaccination is there — why not use it?” Bertrand said. “The chance of losing a loved one — a child — that doesn’t have to happen anymore. And don’t think it can’t happen to you. It happened to me.”

Bertrand credits his wife, Lois, with helping him navigate the challenges that came with the long-term effects of measles.

“I married a great woman,” he said. “Lois helped me through a lot.”

Together, the couple raised two sons. Bertrand said memory issues still persist today.

“Unless I write it down, I’ll go to the store for three things and come back with two — but that just might be a man thing,” he joked.

His message to others is simple:

“Just get vaccinated.”

To view the most recent measles case numbers in Canada, visit: health-infobase.canada.ca/measles-rubella

Northern Health reports 77 measles cases so far in 2025

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Northern Health region is currently seeing a rise in measles cases, as the recent Peace region outbreak continues to spread since early May. Of the approximately 114 measles cases reported in B.C. since 2024, 77 have been in the Northern Health region.

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, current exposure numbers by regional health authority are as follows:

• Interior Health: 8

• Fraser Health: 18

• Vancouver Coastal Health: 8

• Island Health: 3

• Northern Health: 77

The majority of these cases stem from an outbreak in early June in the North

Peace region, particularly around Fort St. John, following an exposure in the community of Wonowon.

There are currently only three active measles cases in BC, two in the Northern Health region and one in Fraser Health.

Dr. Jong Kim, chief medical health officer for Northern Health, told The Citizen that the situation is being closely monitored.

“Right now, the older cases we have

seen are in the North Peace area, and we haven’t seen the cases go outside there,” said Kim. “We’re watching closely if it goes to, like, the South Peace region. So far, we’ve only been able to confirm cases in the North Peace area.”

There are no active cases in Prince George. However, Kim said the ease of travel and a surge in measles cases in Alberta and Ontario mean many communities are at risk.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Barry Bertrand, a Prince George resident, is seen here with his beloved wife Lois who has helped him through some tough times he’s experienced as a result of contracting measles as a child.

Tourism PG expands tours of area’s agricultural roots

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Tourism Prince George is bringing back its farm tour experiences this year, offering both locals and visitors a chance to explore the region’s agricultural roots.

The tours take participants through local farms and offer a taste of the North’s homegrown products, highlighting the people and producers that helped shape Prince George into a permanent community in Northern B.C.

The program has grown significantly since it launched last year, expanding from nine participating partners in 2024 to more than 20 in 2025.

Tourism PG CEO Carmen Herman said that growth is driven by increasing interest in agri-tourism and food-based experiences.

“We’ve been seeing a growing interest in food tourism, especially among visitors who want to connect with the story behind what they’re eating and drinking and the community they’re in,” said Herman. “It was an opportunity to showcase Prince George and a lot of the growers that we have — that I think even a lot of locals don’t really know about. So we’re just meeting that demand.”

Herman, originally from the Lower Mainland, said the idea for the program was shaped by similar efforts elsewhere in the province and a strong sense of local pride.

“They have similar tours highlighting local businesses down there,” she said. “For Tourism PG, our main goal is to

highlight what makes our community great — and who makes it great. So it’s about combining those two passions and being inspired by other growing communities.”

The 2025 farm tour lineup includes hands-on farm visits, tastings at local breweries, wineries and cideries, meals at restaurants with seasonal menus, and opportunities to shop from northern

growers and artisans.

Participating farm locations include:

• Hope Farm Organics

• Wildflower Farm

• Foreman Farms & Bloom Café

• Huble Homestead Historic Site

• P&R Organics

Accommodation options with a rustic touch are also part of the program, including farm-style bed-and-breakfasts

and cabins at:

• Hoferkamp Farm

• Fir Haven Guest House

• Woodhouse Cottages and Ranch

Visitors will also have the opportunity to stop by several local farmers’ markets, including:

• PG Farmers’ Market

• East Line Community Market

• Wilson Square Community Farmers’ Market

The tours are primarily self-guided, offering participants the flexibility to explore at their own pace.

“The core of the program is selfguided,” said Herman. “It’s flexible — you can customize it, decide to do it last minute, or plan ahead. There are farms like Hope Farm, P&R Organics and Wildflower Farm that require pre-booking because they offer specific events or pre-orders. But many of the others you can visit at your own pace — see a few or explore them all, depending on your time.”

Herman said the tours were created with a strong focus on supporting local businesses — something she encourages both residents and visitors to embrace.

“It’s important to support local — it keeps dollars in our community,” she said. “You’re supporting small-scale farmers, food artisans and rural accommodations. It encourages people to stay longer and explore more. It’s about building community resilience and showcasing what we have.”

For a full guide, list of tour stops and more information, visit: tourismpg.com/ farm-tour

City of PG’s heritage commission has an open positon

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Prince George Heritage Commission has issued a call for one position, available for a term ending Feb. 28, 2027.

The deadline to apply for the volunteer opportunity is Aug. 12 at 5 p.m.

The heritage commission will meet quarterly in March, June, September,

and December on the second Thursday of the month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Requirements for this position include being a Prince George resident or elector of the City of Prince George, being available to attend the quarterly meetings and being willing to participate actively in projects of the heritage commission

This post will include undertaking

heritage education and awareness activities, and reviewing and providing recommendations to council and city staff on matters of heritage significance within the city.

As well as attending the quarterly meetings, the city states that members will be required to actively participate in projects throughout the year.

This includes heritage events and

workshops, participating in research initiatives, and contributing to information work group meetings.

You can apply online at the following link: https://www.princegeorge.ca/form/ heritage-commission-application

Paper copies of the application are also available at the legislative services division, which can be contacted at 250-561-7655

TOURISM PG PHOTO

Visitors can expect guided farm tours where they can walk the rows, meet the animals and learn from the farmers themselves on farm tours.

On the air in Mackenzie: CHMM 103.5 turning 22

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Mackenzie’s non-profit radio station was one of several community institutions that had to move to a new location last year, but thanks to some hard work those listening to the station might not have noticed the switchover at all.

Last year, the Ernie Bodin Community Centre closed due to structural issues, forcing groups like the Mackenzie Museum, Mackenzie Community Arts Council and more to seek new homes.

CHMM 103.5 FM, operated by the Mackenzie & Area Radio Society (MARS), moved into a suite at the Mackenzie Mall where a new studio had been built after spending the previous 21 years at the community centre.

MARS president Jeff Close and station manager Paul Smith told The Citizen that after the Pattison Media station CKMK closed in 2003, residents banded together to create the non-profit station to keep local media alive in the community.

In 2022, Smith said, the station found out that the Ernie Bodin centre would be closing and they would have to move out by the beginning of August 2024.

A former employee at Canfor’s Mackenzie operations, Smith said he saw a listing for the station manager job in 2021 while looking for work after a shutdown.

He’d never worked in broadcasting before, but the listing piqued his interest and his application was successful. Former station manager J.D. McKenzie, who had been brought over from the Pattison station after it closed, showed Smith the ropes.

After a couple of weeks of instruction and advice, Smith said he’s been winging it ever since.

Smith said growing up, he was really into making mixtapes, recording songs off the radio for his cassettes. His favourite part of running the station is cultivating their daily playlist, saying he takes pride in trying to make sure there are as few repeats as possible.

“I love CHMM,” he said. “You never know what you’re going to hear. It can

go from Tragically Hip to Taylor Swift to Nine Inch Bails in one breath. I try not to have it that disjoined, but you can get a very, very eclectic mix.”

After finding a space for lease at the mall, they received their keys at the beginning of February 2023 and tore the space down to the studs and started rebuilding it to serve their needs.

That was made possible by the community, Smith said, with more than 30 business and people volunteering their time or donating towards the renovations.

That included a $33,000 worth of grants from the McLeod Lake-Mackenzie Community Forest, a $9,954 grant from Iris Energy, a rent subsidy from the District of Mackenzie, construction help from Nick Roberts and some assistance from Chetwynd-based broadcast technician Ray Semenoff, who helped set up the original station back in 2003.

As the society moved its gear out of the centre and into the mall, the society came up with a plan to keep broadcasting during the move without many interruptions in early June 2024.

carry music but advertisements, public service and emergency announcements.

“We have a phone manned 24 hours a day, especially during fire seasons, so that if the gas station blows up at one o’clock in the morning, we’ll get a phone call to whoever has the phone that day and they’ll have to go in and make an announcement on the radio,” Close said.

Close said that two or three summers ago, wildfire smoke led local to fear that they had to flee town and were lined up at the gas station to fill up. There was even a rumour on local social media that someone had started a fire in a nearby subdivision.

“And so I went on air after I found out what was going on and said to everybody ‘there is no forest fire, there is nothing to panic about, it’s just smoke,’” Close said.

While the new processor didn’t increase the broadcasting range of the station, Smith said it has provided better sound quality and includes an equalizer that can be tweaked for various programming.

“We slowly built the station, we did all the wiring, got it all painted and all ready to go,” Close said. “And then in one weekend … we moved the backup on-air computer — that’s where our music is stored — while we ran the station on the main on-air computer from the Ernie Bodin centre.

“We got it running and we figured out that we could transit off of that, so we got it all hooked up on Saturday and then we had made up kind of a loop of canned music to play and we started playing that until we took the main on-air computer offline on Sunday morning.”

By 4 p.m. that Sunday, they were broadcasting live from the new mall studio.

Beyond just renovating the space, the funding the station received also helped CHMM purchase a new FM processor and transmitter. Close said their signal reaches to about 10 kilometres south of McLeod Lake.

Until recently, CBC Radio reception was spotty in Mackenzie but a new rebroadcaster has helped with that. As the only station in town, they don’t just

During his Turntable Thursdays hiphop and rap program, for instance, Smith said he uses the equalizer the pump the bass up a little bit.

It’s become a popular program over the years, running for 150 weekly episodes.

Other programs broadcast out of the station include More Great Tapes, where host Amy Smith plays alternative, punk and lo-fi rock from across Canada.

CHMM streams its programming online through its website and Smith said he usually notices 20 or more people listening to More Great Tapes, not including those who listen to the radio.

Close has his own show, The Rock Box, on Friday nights. He said he likes to help broaden people’s musical tastes as well as remind them of oldies they might have forgotten about.

The station is always looking for new donors as well as volunteers to host shows on a variety of musical genres. Those interested in doing so can reach out by email to chmm1035@gmail. com or visit chmm.ca, where their programming can be listened to live.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY PAUL SMITH

CHMM 103.5 FM station manager Paul Smith hosts his morning station out of a studio at Mackenzie Mall. The non-profit radio station moved to the location in June 2024.

Popular Berg Lake Trail is back, and beter than ever

Reporter hikes the 20-km route, closed in 2021 due to oods

ABIGAIL POPPLE

Local

Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Berg Lake campgrounds welcomed visitors for the first time in four years last month. After being closed in July 2021 due to a flash flood that led to the evacuation of several campers and many washed-out trails and bridges, the trail is back with new-and-improved infrastructure.

The Rocky Mountain Goat made the 20-kilometre trek up to the lake to speak to campers about their experience.

A handful of campers on reopening day had planned trips to the lake for late summer 2021, and had to cancel their trips when the trail washed out that June.

One such camper, Kevin O’Shea, travelled from Ireland with his Canadian partner, Emma Scholefield.

“Being in Ireland for the last nine or 10 months and missing Canada and the mountains, and then seeing this, is unbelievable,” said Scholefield.

The pair were part of a seven-person group huddled under the roof of the Hargreaves Shelter, a cabin near the lake, on the drizzly opening day. Their friend, Evan Byrne, coordinated the whole group so they could reserve a site as soon as bookings opened.

“We’ve all done some of the best trails (in Canada),” Byrne said of the group’s experience. “This is by far in the top few.”

Companion Stephen Deluca added that the group appreciated how much work went into rebuilding the trail.

“You could tell that the trail was built to last. It was done so intentionally and with such good planning,” he said.

Likewise, hiker Selena Davis and her husband Brad made the trek up to Berg after Selena’s 2021 trip was cancelled.

“It’s pretty magical up here,” she said. “All the trails are really well maintained. It’s incredible. You basically cannot get lost.”

For distance runner Misty Palm,

who travelled to the reopening from Kamloops, the site holds an especially important significance. In 2015 she ran the Mount Robson 50K, and brought her father’s ashes with her to scatter near the lake. She and her friend Jen Closs have made it a point to run the Berg Lake Trail annually ever since, and returned as soon as they could after the four-year hiatus.

“Every year we come up on Father’s Day to see his ashes as part of the run,” Palm told The Goat. “It was my first time back in four years to go and see where the ashes are, right here,” she gestured at the shoreline.

Tackling mountains and molehills

Berg Lake was carved out by thousands of years of glacial movement and exposure to the alpine elements

— all things considered, four years of rebuilding the trail is a blip on the radar. Park Ranger Elliott Ingles says every bit of that time was important to make sure his team could safely build a trail that would withstand the changing climate for decades to come.

Imagine building a bridge: assembling a team of engineers and a construction crew, sourcing materials, making sure the project stays on budget. Now take that whole process and add climate change projections, mountainous terrain, and having helicopters fly in all your materials — all this while balancing unpredictable weather conditions and the occasional wildfire.

Rinse and repeat about 10 times and you have an idea of what it’s like to build all the new, complex infrastructure on the trail.

“I don’t think a lot of people realize how challenging backcountry construction is. If one piece is missing, that can set you back a day. Or if your excavator goes down and you need a part, think about the logistics of getting something here with helicopters.”

All told, the trail rebuilding took nearly 100 people working together, Ingles says. They kept climate change in mind throughout the planning and designing process, and have contingency plans in place for future severe weather events — for example, rangers have hidden quick-deploy bridges in strategic places around the trail that can easily be set up by one person if a normal bridge becomes inaccessible due to flooding.

PHOTO BY ABIGAIL POPPLE, LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Distance runners Misty Palm, Jen Closs and Karen Pinette were among the first to make it all the way to Berg Lake after the trail reopened. Palm and Closs ran the trail annually before it was shut down for construction.

Hikers and campers call trek up to Berg Lake ‘inspiring’

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

While the entire team had to think big, taking into account climate change projections for decades into the future and building bigger, stronger bridges, they also had to keep minute details of the trail in mind ahead of opening day, Ingles said.

“I think what gets undersold is how many little things there are to do,” he said.

“Because it was closed for so long, all of the areas up there were overgrown… and porcupines do a lot of damage when there’s not people around. My employees in the last five to six weeks, I can’t even count the hours of work they put in and how dedicated they were to all the little things.”

Ingles added that he appreciates how many local businesses could support the project.

“I think in Valemount, sometimes we don’t realize how lucky we are to have the skillsets we have in such a small community,” he said.

While getting to work with a small crew on the more remote parts of the closed trail was a unique experience, Ingles says he spent much of that time eager to have campers return.

“Being up at Berg Lake is such a special thing to be able to do. But being up there alone — although it was really beautiful and serene and surreal — it feels like a place that needs people to enjoy it,” he said.

“Every time I was up there, it was hard to feel at peace because it felt like we needed people up there to enjoy it with us.”

Ingles agrees it’s hard to put a finger on what gives the trail such wide appeal, but a few things that come to mind are the variety of scenery, the cultural and historic significance of the area to Simpcw First Nation, and park staff’s dedication to maintaining the trail.

“There’s not a lot of places in the world where you have people on the trail, almost daily, cleaning washrooms and raking tent pads and ensuring all the garbage is picked up,” Ingles said.

“That’s a really special part of this place. Maybe you’re not the most confident hiker, but you have rangers and staff out here to make sure that you’re going to be okay.”

Ask campers what it feels like to be at Berg and they’ll likely rattle off adjectives you’d find under the thesaurus entries for “beautiful” or “inspiring” — many told The Goat it was magical, amazing, or left them breathless.

For Ingles, Berg leaves him feeling awash with gratitude.

“I’m just so grateful — that’s the word that’s come up so many times,” he said. “Grateful for this place and for the people that work in it with me. I have such a neat team of people that have unique skills and personalities, and they had so much fun together.”

He added, “I just hope people get up there and have as much fun as we had getting it ready for them.”

This story originally appeared in The Rocky Mountain Goat.

PHOTO BY ABIGAIL POPPLE, LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Emma Scholefield and her partner Kevin O’Shea accompanied five friends to Berg Lake on the reopening day after flying to Vancouver from Ireland. From left to right: Emma Scholefield, Nell Jones, Krizel Dumandan and Kevin O’Shea.

PHOTO BY ABIGAIL POPPLE, LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

The uppermost waterfall of the Robson River, Emperor Falls can be seen from a viewpoint around 15 kilometres up the Berg Lake Trail.

Throwback Thursday: Week of July 24

July 27, 2011: Prince George’s courthouse was evacuated and the area cordoned off as RCMP of cers checked the contents of a suitcase left outside the building’s doors after a police dog sniffed it for explosives. Once it was opened, it was found to contained clothes and personal items, and the building reopened.CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY BRENT BRAATEN

July 23, 1959: BC Health Minister Eric Martin, City of Prince George Alderman Frank Clark and school board Trustee Harold Moffatt met with local residents over coffee as the provincial cabinet held special meetings in Prince George. Premier W.A.C. Bennett arrived by train in a private car, The Citizen reported, noting that he was wearing a heavy topcoat despite the summer heat. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY HAL VANDERVOORT $6,000 JACKPOT $4,000 cash plus $2,000 Slot Free Play $300 Regular Games

July 23, 1993: There were no serious injuries in this crash between a car and a truck’s atdeck trailer at Highway 16 East and Old Cariboo Highway. The Citizen, which ran this photo across the front page, reported that the driver of the westbound car, who was trying to turn left when it hit the eastbound truck, had only minor injuries.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY BRENT BRAATEN

July 23, 1975: Fire ghters tackled a blaze in a commercial building in the 100 block of Third Avenue. Three businesses — Edelweiss Ski, Baron Light Gallery and Gerry’s Tax Service, were gutted in the re, which was reported just before 5 a.m. by Thelma Larrett, night clerk at the Macdonald Hotel. An adjoining business, Hallam Of ce Equipment, was badly damaged by smoke and water. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVE MILNE

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Hospital districts looking for health funding reform

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The chairs of six northern regional hospital districts, including Fraser-Fort George, sent a letter to BC’s infrastructure minister back in May asking to discuss legislative reform that would ease the tax burden on their residents.

Overlapping with BC’s regional districts are regional hospital districts, which are responsible for collecting taxes from area residents and providing it to the relevant health authority as part of the funding model for health care in the province.

A copy of this letter was attached to the agenda for the Fraser-Fort George Regional Hospital District’s Thursday, July 17 meeting.

It was signed by chair Joan Atkinson as well as the chairs of the North West Regional Hospital District, the Stuart-Nechako Regional Hospital District, the Cariboo-Chilcotin Regional Hospital District, the Peace River Regional Hospital District and the Northern Rockies Regional Hospital District.

The letter thanks Ma for meeting with them on May 8 and notes that compared to other parts of BC, the “the six northern regional hospital districts pay some of the highest requisition rates per average household.:”

“As a result, fairness for taxpayers across the province is in question,” the letter said. “Northern communities are

also dealing with industrial closures and cutbacks impacting the tax base and challenges to hospital service level provision due to smaller populations and large geographic areas.”

It goes on to say that the regional hospital district model has become “outdated and increasingly unsustainable” since it was created in 1967 due to rapid increases in technology and the escalation of costs.

It concludes by asking Ma to have her deputy minister schedule a meeting

with ministerial staff with the chairs at her earlier convenience.

This push for legislative reform comes after the Fraser-Fort George hospital district passed a motion in 2024 reducing its previous funding level to Northern Health projects in its jurisdiction to 21.625 per cent.

At the July 17 meeting, vice-chair Kyle Sampson (City of Prince George) said there’s work to bring a related item to the next meeting in August on how this work can be advanced for the board’s

consideration.

Chief administrative officer Chris Calder said a meeting with assistant deputy ministers will take place in a couple of weeks.

Director Brian Skakun (City of Prince George) said MLAs in the district are aware of the issue and that he hopes it gets raised during the Union of BC Municipalities’ annual general meeting later this year.

At the same meeting, Director Victor Mobley (Salmon River-Lakes) said Northern Health had presented to the board about staffing challenges about a year ago and asked whether staff had heard back on the success of hiring measures.

Calder said the subject had come up in conversation and staff could ask that it be addressed during an upcoming fall meeting that will also see a progress update on the University Hospital of Northern BC acute care tower project and capital spending for next year.

Skakun noted that the provincial government had announced the day before that almost 780 U.S.-based health professionals have expressed interest in coming to BC for work over the past two months.

He said that the district and Northern Health should work together to create a package that will help attract some of these workers to the region, especially with the new hospital tower in the works.

More than $1.2M in capital, building grants approved

The Fraser-Fort George Regional Hospital District board approved more than $1.2 million in grants to Northern Health at its meeting on Thursday, July 17.

The first grant was a $1,120,400 minor capital grant while the second was a $100,000 building integrity grant, both of which were included in the district’s 2025 operating budget.

A report from district staff noted that minor equipment or minor capital

grants have been provided to Northern Health since 1999, with “the requirement that the minor capital grant be utilized only for facilities within the RHD boundaries and that they provide a report each year detailing what was purchased with the grant and for what facilities.”

Similarly, the building integrity grant funds are used for building repairs only within the health district’s boundaries and a similar report is required.

A spreadsheet from Northern Health attached to the agenda for the meeting

shows what the capital funding will go towards. All projects the regional health district is contributing towards are for the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia.

Capital purchases will include:

• 13 beds for six different departments at a combined cost of $375,394

• A portable ultrasound at a cost of $118,635

• Eight stretchers at a cost of $110,378

• An MRI-capable ventilator at a

cost of $71,758

• An autotransfusion system at a cost of $53,812

• Two defibrillators for the emergency department at a cost of $48,854

• A defibrillator for the intensive care unit at a cost of $26,208

Another spreadsheet for the building integrity projects notes the $100,000 contribution from the regional health district but does not show the funds being allocated to any particular project.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO BY COLIN SLARK

The Fraser-Fort George Regional Hospital District meets at 155 George St. in Prince George on Thursday, July 17.

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Sorry, you’re probably not using enough sunscreen

MICHELLE GAMAGE Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

One in five British Columbians will get skin cancer in their lifetime, according to an expert with BC Cancer.

And despite campaigns encouraging people to slip into the shade, slap on a hat and slop on some sunscreen, skin cancer rates have been climbing for the past three decades.

There are more cases of skin cancer annually than all other types of cancer combined, said Dr. Sunil Kalia, a dermatological oncologist with BC Cancer, dermatologist with BC Children’s Hospital and professor in the University of British Columbia’s department of dermatology and skin care.

Why cases are rising isn’t exactly known, he said. It could be because people are getting more sun exposure, or patients and doctors are getting better at detecting the cancer.

But the past few years have also seen a rising trend in social media influencers claiming it’s the chemicals in sunscreen giving people cancer, rather than the sun. Even Lululemon had its time in the sun, so to speak, spreading this misinformation.

Sunscreen has been widely used for 30 to 40 years, Kalia said. Studies have shown that it is safe to use.

Sunscreens fall into two main categories, chemical and mineral. Both absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, thereby protecting skin from harmful rays.

Chemical sunscreens use carbon-based ingredients to protect your skin and can also be called organic sunscreens.

The UV filtering ingredients in chemical sunscreens are classified as drugs in Canada, and packages will have a drug identification number on them.

In this context, “organic” means carbon-based, which is different from certified organic foods, which are grown without the use of certain pesticides and herbicides.

Mineral sunscreens can also be called physical or inorganic. They use the ingredients zinc oxide and titanium

dioxide to protect your skin from the sun. Health Canada classifies these ingredients as natural products, and packages will have a natural product number on them.

Sunscreens with mineral and chemical ingredients will have both a natural product number and a drug identification number.

Both types are equally effective at preventing skin cancer, Kalia said. What’s most important is that you find a sunscreen that you like so you’ll wear it daily, he added.

Michelle Wong, a science communicator and cosmetic chemist who uses her chemistry PhD to help explain the science behind beauty products, offers a f of the differences between the two products on her blog.

In summary, both types are safe to use.

When people say chemical sunscreens are unsafe or “toxic,” they generally point to a 2001 study that found some risks associated with oxybenzone after scientists put high levels of the ingredient in drinking water for rats. But a followup study in 2016 found that for humans to get to similar risky exposure levels they’d have to apply full-body daily sunscreen for 227 years.

When in doubt, trust the experts, not the influencers, Kalia said. An easy way to do this is to look for sunscreen bottles that have the Canadian Dermatology Association’s stamp of approval.

one of the most preventable types of cancer, Kalia said.

To protect yourself from the sun, Kalia said, stay indoors or in the shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., which is when the sun’s rays will be strongest. If you’re outside, seek shade whenever possible and wear protective clothing such as a broad-brimmed hat and longsleeved clothing. Avoid intentionally tanning.

“The benefits of wearing sunscreen and using sun protection strategies far outweigh the risks, which are basically all myths,” Kalia said.

Health Canada warns that sunscreens are meant to protect people’s skin when exposed to the sun, not to encourage people to lounge in the sun.

Who is at risk?

Everyone, including people with darker skin tones and dark hair, should be wearing sunscreen if the UV index is higher than three, Kalia said.

The UV index, which ranges from zero to 11, is a Canadian invention that measures how strong the sun’s rays are. Most weather apps report current UV index alongside wind, humidity and temperature.

The average UV index in Vancouver from November to January is “low,” but February to October ranges from “moderate” to “very high,” which is when people should “protect skin as much as possible,” according to Health Canada.

Early spring can actually be one of the most dangerous times, because people forget that the cool weather can come with high UV index days, he said.

The people at highest risk of skin cancer are those with fair skin, light hair colour and pale eyes, for example blue or hazel, and who burn easily, Kalia said. But, he added, everyone is at some risk of skin cancer. How to stay safe

The good news is that skin cancer is

Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Sunscreen should be higher than SPF 30 and heavily applied. That means using at least one teaspoon’s worth to cover your face, neck and ears, and an ounce to cover the rest of your body. Ideally, reapply every couple of hours or more if you’ve been sweating or swimming. But even applying once per day will offer some benefits.

Sunburns are most likely to lead to skin cancer, but it’s important to remember that all tanned skin is sun-damaged, meaning it’s at higher risk of developing skin cancer, Kalia said.

The Canadian Cancer Society recommends an annual exam to check for skin cancer for people with light-coloured skin, eyes and hair; people with many moles or freckles; people who had several blistering sunburns as a child; and people with a personal history of skin cancer.

This exam can be done at home following the ABCDE rule. People should check for:

• A. asymmetrical moles

• B. with uneven borders

• C. with an uneven colour

• D. that are larger than six millimetres in diameter

• E. that have evolved so the colour, size, shape or feel of the mole has changed in the last several months

If you have a sore that doesn’t heal normally in four to six weeks, have it looked at by a doctor, and keep an eye out for new or changing spots that look different from other spots on your body, Kalia said.

This story originally appeared in The Tyee

MICHELLE GAMAGE, LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Want to avoid skin cancer? Wear sunscreen, even if you have darker skin and don’t easily burn, Health Canada advises.

Local Sports 2,000-plus football fans welcome Kodiaks back

Season opener draws a crowd but the team couldn’t pull off a win

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Zion Brown and the Westshore Rebels were left with some unfinished business at the end of the 2023 season when they came one touchdown short and lost the Canadian Bowl national junior football final on home turf in Langford to the Saskatoon Hilltops.

At that time Brown was an 18-yearold rookie from Halifax learning what it takes to be the go-to receiver on a Rebel team that was deep with talent.

Brown didn’t disappoint in his sophomore season and was the Rebels’ offensive player of the year, but the playoffs were bittersweet, ending with a five-point loss to the Okanagan Sun in the BC Football Conference Cullen Cup final.

Brown is among 10 Rebels who played in the 2023 national final.

”I want to get back there, climb that ladder and get back to the Canadian Bowl and I’m 100 per cent sure we can do it with this team,” said Brown.

Prince George football fans got to see on Saturday night why Brown is attracting so much attention around the league. Gifted with speed, shakeand-bake shiftiness and hands of glue, he scored three touchdowns and was a threat whenever he had the ball, leading the Rebels to a 33-13 triumph Saturday over the hometown Prince George Kodiaks in front of crowd well in excess of 2,000 at Masich Place Stadium.

The Rebels scored on their first series of the third quarter. Brown got it started with a 20-yard catch-and-run that got them close to midfield and Carter Williams broke free on a 61-yard scamper. That set it up for Brown, who button-hooked in the end zone to catch

Prince George Kodiaks defensive back Peyton Briere is pursued by Rebels receiver Tyler Hofland as he turns his interception down field during the Kodiaks’ season home opener in front of stands full of cheering fans at Masich Place Stadium Saturday, July 19.

a seven-yard pass from Gavin Session.

The Kodiaks retook the lead 13-12 on a Bryce Harper 15-yard field goal but it didn’t last long.

With 42 seconds left in the third quarter he started Rebels possession with 60-yard reception after he ran untouched up the sideline and Westside had a 19-13 lead.

The Rebels got their running game in gear and Carter Williams did much of the damage, setting the stage for Brown’s third major to complete the hat trick from 14 yards out.

“These guys are going to play their bodies on the line every week, as am I,” said Brown. “University is not the

goal, I want to take football as far as I can. I understand football is a give-andtake sport, and play can be your last. CFL. NFL. I want to take it all the way, whatever comes with the sport I’ll take it on.”

Westshore is one of the most successful teams in recent league history. The Rebels advanced to the BCFC championship game the past three seasons and they’ve had six Cullen Cup final appearances and played in two Canadian Bowls since 2016.

The Rebels started the season ranked fifth in the country and it was great measuring stick for the Kodiaks. They just have to find a way to crank it up in the

second half like their opponents did.

“Lots of areas to improve, even though there was some good stuff it wasn’t consistent enough to be effective through four quarters and be effective in all situations,” said Kodiaks head coach Jamie Boreham.

“We think we have the right guys and I believe we have the right guys,” he said. “They’re going to go home and this one hurts for them. We gave up some (kick) returns and it’s a job assignment thing. We had some guys get off-script and when you get off-script running systems it just hurts.

“It was a couple steps backward from camp, we hadn’t seen this side of us. When you get a good team in your house and play an OK first half and go into the half with a lead you’ve got to find a way to close it up.”

Connor Bryan, a former Rebel offensive guard who was the Rebels’ rungame coach last year, earned his first BCHL win as a head coach and he liked what his troops showed, especially in the second half.

“We’ve got a pretty young squad, some new guys in new positions having to make the adjustment to the next level, and all the kudos to the offence, defence and special teams for understanding we can play better than that and the second half speaks for itself,” said Bryan.

“(The Kodiaks) really surprised me, they came out excited and ramped up to pay and really met our energy well and kept it really close and put us in a tough spot going into that half. I think they have a good chance of making a playoff spot.”

Harper picked up where he left off last year as the Canadian Junior Football Conference First Team All-Canadian placekicker, a season in which he led the BCFC with 16 field goals and scored 67 points.

Special Olympics BC called a ‘resounding’ success

CITIZEN STAFF

The 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games were three unforgettable days of spirited competition, celebration, and community support that left a lasting mark on athletes and supporters alike, say the organizers.

From July 10 to 12, more than 870 athletes with intellectual disabilities, ranging in age from 13 to 73, competed in 10 sports across multiple venues in Prince George, backed by the efforts of 332 coaches and mission staff from 46 communities throughout BC.

“Special Olympics provides me with good sportsmanship, connection with others, and chances for me to be a role model,” said Ryan Courtemanche, a golfer with Special Olympics BC — Kelowna who won gold in Prince George. “There are so many barriers out there, but Special Olympics provides the chance for athletes to be included. I’ve always taken pride in the Special Olympics Athlete’s Oath: ‘Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’”

Courtemanche, who began his Special Olympics journey in Prince George in 1988, was one of many athletes who

returned to the northern BC city for what was the third time the Games have been hosted there in Special Olympics BC’s 45-year history.

The event was powered by the support of 845 volunteers and featured highlights such as:

• 19,170 kilograms lifted in powerlifting competitions

• 400 health screenings provided through the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program

• Nearly 10,000 meals served to athletes, coaches and volunteers, including many thanks to the College of New Caledonia Swimmer Cerys Davies, of Special Olympics BC – Vancouver, exemplified the spirit of the Games on the first day of competition, where she captured bronze in the 25-metre freestyle. “I love the athletes and training with them,” Davies said. “I worked hard to get here.” Games co-chairs Lyn Hall and Renee McCloskey praised the athletes’ efforts and the host city’s role in making the Games a success. “We sincerely congratulate each and every one of the athletes who competed with determination, skill, and sportsmanship,” they said in a joint statement. “We are so proud of our community for coming together to celebrate the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities.” Dan Howe, president and CEO of Special Olympics BC, echoed that gratitude. “Prince George provided an outstanding Games experience for our dedicated athletes,” Howe said. “We also celebrate all the athletes, volunteers, and supporters across our 55 programs in BC who helped make this empowering experience possible.”

Kodiaks heading to Kamloops and Okanagan next

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Harper split the uprights with a 45-yard field goal to get the Kodiaks on the scoreboard late in the first quarter. It was a personal record kick for the 19-year-old Fort McMurray native, now in his third season playing in Prince George.

“For me, punting is still an issue, I rush myself and I need to get that locked in,” said Harper. “We have the pieces to get a win but just couldn’t get it done. The first half was great, we had it, we were putting pressure on them. When we start to get down as a team (on the scoreboard), we’re not scared, but we just back down when we should keep pushing. We’ll get it worked on, this is Week 1.

“I love these fans and I just want to

win for them, and we will.”

When Harper kicked his first field goal the Kodiaks trailed 4-3, but it could have been worse after PG quarterback Sawyer Thiessen’s first pass of the night was picked off by Giovanni Linuzzi. The Rebels moved the ball down to the fiveyard line but had to settle for a Simon Hales field goal after Hixon native Jason Kragt sacked Session for a loss.

The Kodiaks scored the game’s first touchdown after a third-down gamble sideline pass to Carson Briere kept the drive alive. The Rebels got caught with a face-masking penalty that left them with the ball at first-and-goal at Thiessen got the job down with a 15-yeard run up the middle. Harper converted and the Kodiaks led 10-4.

They had a great chance to pad their

lead late in the first half when Nick Tremblay intercepted a Session pass at midfield and ran it back for what looked like a touchdown, but it was called back on a roughing -the-passer penalty and JJ Aboagye, a former Rebel, was the guilty party.

“This game taught us who we are and what we have to work on, and we have a lot to work on,” said Aboagye, 21, a native of London, England. “This team, we’ve got a lot of veterans, guys that have been here a long time and it’s going to work in the next game. Progression, that’s what it is. The score doesn’t matter, play to the last whistle, that’s all it is.”

The Kodiaks offensive line wasn’t giving Thiessen much time in the pocket and that had a lot to do with their

second-half sag. The Rebels d-line got its sack attack going with Manny Fotiou and Myles McPherson both getting to Thiessen in the backfield.

Although outclassed in the second half, the Kodiaks showed plenty of positive signs they’re going to win at lot more often this year than in any of their three previous seasons. The experience factor is what will make that possible now that have an abundance of 20-and-older guys who know their jobs and what to expect from the rest of the league.

The Kodiaks will head to Kamloops for their next game Saturday against the Broncos. Prince George also visits the defending BCFC-champion Okanagan Sun Aug. 2, before returning to Masich Aug. 16 to play the Langley Rams.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Region 8 (Cariboo-North East) 10-pin bowler Gregory Cole and RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Cole celebrate after lighting the cauldron at CN Centre during the Special Olympics BC Summer Games opening ceremony on Thursday, July 10.

UNBC’s Dandeneau earns place on Wall of Honour

RICH ABNEY UNBC Athletics

There was no one tougher. There was no one more determined. There was no one more ferocious. And there may be no one who better exemplifies what a Timberwolf should be on the court. It is nearly impossible to tell the story of UNBC women’s basketball without mentioning the name Kady Dandeneau.

Over the course of a historic career in UNBC colours, Dandeneau emerged as the heartbeat of a program, raising the bar and setting the gold standard for commitment, making her a truly deserving inductee into the UNBC Timberwolves Wall of Honour.

Dandeneau made her way onto UNBC coach Loralyn Murdoch’s radar at the BC high school provincial triple-A championships, impressing the TWolves’ bench boss with her relentless game representing Stelly’s Secondary. After a visit to UNBC’s Prince George campus, she accepted a spot on Murdoch’s roster for the 2007-2008 season. After decommitting to attend Camosun College, the Pender Island product decided UNBC was the best place for her after all.

“She was 17 years old, and she was such an interesting recruit. She wore headphones most of the time, she didn’t speak to anyone, and was clearly shy,” said Murdoch.

“But then we put her on the court and there was absolutely no one who competed harder. I wanted her immediately, and recognized what she could add to our roster. It was a great day for this coach to officially sign Kady Dandeneau.”

Kady Dandeneau wasted no time making her mark at UNBC. As a first-year, she averaged 12.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, helping the Timberwolves to an 11-5 record and a BCCAA championship. “She was never really a rookie in spirit,” recalled teammate Soili Smith. “She trained like a pro and played fearless.”

In her second season, Dandeneau elevated her game, averaging 12.4 points and 7.2 rebounds, earning BCCAA tournament all-star honors. “Once she

matured mentally, she was unstoppable,” said coach Murdoch.

The 2009-10 season was shaping up to be her breakout. She led the league with 18.3 points per game before a devastating knee injury cut her season short. Still, she averaged 16.2 points and was named a BCCAA second team all-star.

After a year of grueling rehab, Dandeneau returned in 2011-12, helping UNBC to a 15-1 season and another provincial title. Her perseverance earned her national all-star recognition.

In their inaugural CIS season, she battled injury but led with heart, averaging 9.4 points. Rookie teammate Preety Nijjar said it best: “She never left anyone behind. Her leadership brought out the best in everyone and left a lasting legacy at UNBC.” In 2012-2013, UNBC made the leap to CIS, to compete with the biggest universities in the country. Dandeneau’s injuries were, at best, manageable, but the senior could not and would not be kept off the court. A frustrating cycle of health and injury was persistent, as Dandeneau continued to work relentlessly on finding a way to help her teammates on and off the court.

Competing in a powerful conference, UNBC went 8-14 in its inaugural season, as Dandeneau’s limited minutes and availability resulted in 9.4 points, 4.0

rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Despite the frustrating circumstances, she found a way to positively impact her younger teammates, and the generation of Timberwolves who would benefit from her lasting approach to the game.

“Kady took me under her wing from the very beginning. Her leadership and experience were absolutely crucial during that transition year,” said Nijjar. “She was the one who really set the tone for what we wanted to achieve at this new level. She was just such a great leader — whether it was a tough practice or a big game, she never left anyone behind. That kind of leadership – one that’s inclusive and brings out the best in people — left a lasting impact on the program.”

In the years after Kady moved on from UNBC, her love for the game and refusal to back down from a challenge created a new opportunity for the ever-competitive product of Pender Island. Her injuries made her eligible to compete in wheelchair basketball. In the years since, she has represented Canada and competed at multiple World Championships, won gold and silver at the ParaPan Am Games, and led Canada to its best Paralympic result in two decades, establishing herself as one of the best players in the world.

In the gold medal game at the 2019 ParaPan Ams, she became the first wheelchair basketball athlete in Canadian history to record a triple-double after a thrilling 67-64 victory over the United States.

“Basketball was so important to Kady. I am extremely happy, though all her injuries and frustration that there was a silver lining,” said Murdoch. “Her opportunity to play wheelchair basketball, represent Canada, and turn into the best wheelchair player in the world? That doesn’t surprise me one bit.”

Dandeneau concluded her career in Green and Gold with 983 points and 407 rebounds, both good for second in program history, as well as 147 assists (seventh-best). However, beyond the numbers, her legacy will stand the test of time. Fire. Leadership. Talent. Will. A true Timberwolf.

“Kady gave everything — physically, emotionally, and mentally — to UNBC Women’s Basketball,” said said longtime teammate Mercedes VanKoughnett.

“It is truly rewarding to see her recognized for the immense effort, sacrifice, and dedication.”

“Kady embodies everything the Wall of Honour represents,” said Nijjar. “She is the true definition of a Timberwolf.

DAVE HOLLAND/CANADIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE

Kady Dandeneau in action during the women’s wheelchair basketball gold medal game against the United States at the 2019 Parapan Am Games in Lima, Peru. Dandeneau has been named to the UNBC Timberwolves Wall of Honour.

Life Events

Lillian Parent

Lillian’s Celebraton of life will be held on her birthday, July 31, 2025 and start with Mass at Immaculate Concepton Church at 11:00 with a luncheon to follow.

Family gathering will be at Darrell & Diane’s afer the luncheon: 1429 Paxton Ave.

In Loving Memory of Ty Janse

The Boy with a heart of Gold

Sept 25, 2006 - July 22, 2023

Ine Memoriam

Emily Angela Middleton

ovember 2 , 1954 July 25, 2001

Remembering One Fine Lady, Love, Mentor, Insipiraton to all. eep watching over us all.

Dan Middleton, he urgeon and iro Families, Loved ones and friends

In Loving Memory

Rod Stussi

August 1, 1943 - July 26, 2015

Memories of you are a treasure we will have forever.

We miss you so much.

Love, Darlene and Adina

In loving memory of Diane Stepski

Dec 25, 1948 - Jul 22, 2019

June 1, 1959 – July 17, 2025

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother, Cindy.

She was predeceased by her husband Jerry, parents Walter and Lois Bogh, and sister Shirley Ceal.

Cindy leaves behind her daughter Amanda (Jason), and sons Cameron and Ryan. She will be deeply missed by her beloved granddaughters Addison, mery, Charle e, Maisy and renna.

Special thanks to Dr. Schokking and the ICU doctors and nurses.

A funeral service and fellowship tea will be held July 26, 2025 at 2pm at the Evangelical Free Church.

I miss the sound of your voice flling the silence of the house, The feel of your hug Shielding me from life’s worries. I miss watching you grow, Learning & laughing, Reaching milestones I yearn to be there again. I miss your smiles and silly jokes, the chater of your day, the casual kisses goodbye That I took for granted then. Now regret foods in with every mile between us, The burden of longing Heavy on my heart.....

It has been 6 years & you will always be remembered & never forgotten

Death is nothing at all I have only slipped into the next room. Whatever we were to each other We still are.

Call me by my old familiar name Speak to me in the same way you always have. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.

Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. You’re really missed by your family and friends.

Marilyn Anne Marynovich

January 25, 1938 - June 22, 2025

Born in Wells BC January 25, 1938, to Phyllis and Fred Beath.

Marilyn passed away peacefully June 22, 2025, in Prince George.

Loving and missing you everyday Mom, Brody, Grandma and Grandpa Janse

Mom was predeceased by her parents, brothers David and Harvey, and her husband of 59 years, Steve. She will be dearly missed by family and friends. he family would li e to than the sta in the family medicine unit at C as well as the sta at the P ospice Palliatve Care ociety. There will be no service as per mom’s request.

In lieu of owers please ma e a donaton to a charity of your choice.

Cindy Lou Jameson

Carola “Lina” Quarenghi

April 9, 1934 – June 17, 2025

It is with sadness our family announces the peaceful passing of Carola (Lina) Quarenghi on June 17, 2025, surrounded by family, in Kelowna, B.C.

Lina was predeceased by her husband Walter uarenghi sister Iose Morlo , brothers Pierino and Angelo Mazzoleni.

Lovingly remembered by her children Piera, Lorenzo and Michael. Her grandchildren, Natasha, Joshua, Shailen, Simon, Christopher, Jared and Rya. Great grandchildren, Lucia and Luisa. Survived by her brother Gianni Mazzoleni, dear cousin Luisa and many cherished relatves and friends.

Lina was born in Almenno S. Bartolomeo, Bergamo, Italy in 1934 and joined Walter on an adventure to Canada in 1960, eventually setling and raising the family in Prince George. A wonderful circle of family and friends made life rich and memorable. Beloved Mother and Nonna, Lina had a ferce love and devoton to her family. So many skills and talents that enriched all our lives. Central to everything was of course food. Lina was raised working in a restaurant in Italy and was an amazing talent in the kitchen. Meal gatherings with family and friends at the table was the cornerstone of daily life. Lina will be fondly remembered as a pillar of strength for her family. We are ever grateful for her selfess love and caring. Lina and Walter enjoyed their retrement years in Kelowna and shared many wonderful memories with family and friends. Lina was always up for a game of some sort, especially cards, where she did her best to out cheat her grandchildren with laughter heard throughout the home. She loved tending to her amazing fower gardens where she always found her peace.

There will be a funeral mass held for Lina on Tuesday, August 19, 10:30 am at St. Charles Garnier Church in Kelowna.

Mabel Blocka

We are heartbroken to announce that Mabel Blocka slipped away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at the Pentcton Regional Hospital on July 4, 2025. Mabel was 95 years old. She is survived by her three daughters, Laurel (Chris) Peters, Janice (Peter Barnes) Blocka, and Ellen (Stewart) Robertson; and her three grandchildren, Tyler Robertson, April Barnes, and Jack Barnes. Mabel is survived by her sister-in-law, Bety (Joe) Pindera.

Mabel was an easy mannered, even tempered, lovely lady with a wonderful sense of humor. She enjoyed being around people and made great friends wherever she traveled. She was an avid golfer (last golfed in 2020 at the age of 90), spent many years curling, and loved to watch all types of sports, live or on TV. Afer retring from the Royal Bank at age 55 (40 years ago – if only we all could be so lucky), Mabel and her husband, Terry (deceased 2015), became Snowbirds, enjoying 22 winters in Apache Juncton, Arizona. They spent their summer months travelling throughout Canada. When she was at home in Prince George, Mabel spent many years volunteering at the Hospice Resale store, delivering Meals on Wheels and helping oversee the Candy Cart at Rainbow Lodge. She moved to Summerland in October 2022 to be with family.

We are very thankful for the wonderful care that she received from the Caregivers at Summerland Senior Village, Interior Health, and especially Laurie K. A special thank you to her longtme family physician in Prince George, Dr. Satsh Mann, and to Dr. Cassidy Dahl, in Summerland, for their unwavering care and compassion.

A memorial/celebraton tea is being planned in Prince George in the Fall – details to follow.

A memorial/celebraton tea will be held to honour Mabel in the Sagebrush Theater, at the Summerland Senior Village, on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 2:30 pm.

Wilfried Vogt

1931 - 2025

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and greatgrandfather Wilf passed away at the age of 93, on June 22, 2025 afer several years of declining health. Wilf was born in Germany to Heinrich and Johanna Vogt and was the eldest of 3 sons. In Germany, he worked frst as a farmhand, and then with the German Post Ofce. Wilf came to Canada in the early 1950’s to work as a farmhand in Saskatchewan. He went back to Germany in 1956 and married Rosel. Not too long afer, their frst child, Martna was born in 1957. In September of 1957 the family immigrated to Canada and setled frst in Shellbrook, Saskatchewan where Wilf worked as a farmhand. The family later moved to White Fox where Wilf began work as a ranch-hand. 2 sons were born in Nipawin, Saskatchewan. Peter arrived in 1959 and Andrew in 1961. The chance to work in the forestry industry in White Fox arose and he chose to take it. In 1963, an opportunity came along to work in the forestry industry in B.C, and the family picked up stakes and moved to Clear Lake Sawmills. Their last child Stefen was born in 1964.

Wilf worked at Clear Lake Sawmills for around 30 years. In the early 1990’s, he decided to retre from the mill and work full-tme with Rosel in their restaurant. In 1996, they decided to sell Rosel’s Restaurant and retre.

Retrement was just too boring, so Wilf and Rosel decided to start a BnB, calling it Rosel’s Bed and Breakfast. As with the restaurant, Wilf and Rosel, thoroughly enjoyed meetng many new people from around the world. Due to declining health, Wilf and Rosel retred for good in 2008.

Wilf was predeceased by his son Peter in 2013, and will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 69 years, Rosel. Daughter Tina (husband Murray, granddaughters Kristel, Nicole, and Natasha (husband Fiaz, great-grandchildren Layla and Idris)), daughter-in-law Karen (husband Frank, grandson Nalynd (wife Sarah, great-grandsons Jace and Christan), grandson Jakob (wife Sabrina, greatgrandchildren Faith and Jeremiah), son Andy (wife Cheryl, grandchildren Catherine and Benjamin), son Stefen (wife Kathy, grandchildren Trevor, Naythan, Serena, and Britany). Wilf is also lovingly remembered by numerous relatves and friends in Canada and Germany.

In lieu of fowers, donatons to the Prince George Rotary Hospice House or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

We love you mom and will forever miss you. To leave condolences please visit www.providencefuneralhomes.com

A Celebraton of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 7th, 2025, in the Summit/Tabor Room at the Coast Prince George Hotel by APA, 770 Brunswick St, Prince George, BC V2L 2C2. If anyone has any questons, please contact Tina by email at: colwilfvogt2025@gmail.com

No fowers please. Donatons to your favourite charity would be very greatly appreciated or plant a tree in memory of Wilf.

Classifeds

LAND ACT: NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CROWN LAND

Take notce that Innergex Renewable Energy Inc., from Vancouver, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Omineca Region, for an Investgatve License for wind power purposes situated on Provincial Crown land located 140 km northwest of Prince George.

The Land File for this applicaton is 7410368 Writen comments concerning this applicaton should be directed to Jennifer Elliot, Authorizatons Specialist, Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Omineca Region at 5th Floor 499 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1R5, or jennifer.elliot@gov.bc.ca Comments will be received by Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Omineca Region up to August 24, 2025. Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Omineca Region may not be able to consider comments received afer this date. Please visit the website at htps://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca for more informaton.

Be advised that any response to this advertsement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Informaton (FOI) request. Visit htp://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofnformaton to learn more about FOI submissions.

A hard copy MAP showing the locaton and extent of the applicaton area may be acquired by calling the Authorizatons Specialist named above at 250-561-3479.

LAND ACT: NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CROWN LAND

Take notce that Innergex Renewable Energy Inc., from Vancouver, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Omineca Region, for an Investgatve License for wind power purposes situated on Provincial Crown land located 140 km northwest of Prince George.

The Land File for this applicaton is 7410369 Writen comments concerning this applicaton should be directed to Jennifer Elliot, Authorizatons Specialist, Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Omineca Region at 5th Floor 499 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1R5, or jennifer.elliot@gov.bc.ca Comments will be received by Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Omineca Region up to August 24, 2025. Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Omineca Region may not be able to consider comments received afer this date. Please visit the website at htps://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca for more informaton.

Be advised that any response to this advertsement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Informaton (FOI) request. Visit htp://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofnformaton to learn more about FOI submissions.

A hard copy MAP showing the locaton and extent of the applicaton area may be acquired by calling the Authorizatons Specialist named above at 250-561-3479.

LAND ACT: NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CROWN LAND

Take notce that Innergex Renewable Energy Inc., from Vancouver, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Omineca Region, for an Investgatve License for wind power purposes situated on Provincial Crown land located 140 km northwest of Prince George.

The Land File for this applicaton is 7410370 Writen comments concerning this applicaton should be directed to Jennifer Elliot, Authorizatons Specialist, Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Omineca Region at 5th Floor 499 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1R5, or jennifer.elliot@gov.bc.ca Comments will be received by Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Omineca Region up to August 24, 2025. Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Omineca Region may not be able to consider comments received afer this date. Please visit the website at htps://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca for more informaton.

Be advised that any response to this advertsement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Informaton (FOI) request.

Visit htp://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofnformaton to learn more about FOI submissions.

A hard copy MAP showing the locaton and extent of the applicaton area may be acquired by calling the Authorizatons Specialist named above at 250-561-3479.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOTICE

We, Cenovus Energy Inc. doing business as Husky Canadian Petroleum Marketing Partnership (PO Box 766, 225 6th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M5), intend to submit this application to the Director to authorize the discharge of air emissions from a soil vapour extraction system. The source of the discharge is a soil vapour extraction system used to treat hydrocarbon-impacted soil and groundwater. The land upon which the facility will be situated is Lot 4, Block 289, District Lot 343, Cariboo District Plan 1268, located on 1709 Queensway, within Prince George, BC. The land upon which the discharge will occur is the same. The maximum rate of treated air discharged from this system will be 14.04 m3/min. The operating period for this facility will be 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. The characteristics of the effuent discharged are as presented in Table A. Concentrations will be maintained no greater than 50% below the maximum concentrations listed in the BC Contaminated Sites Regulation (BC CSR), Schedule 3.3 Generic Numerical Vapour Standards for residential land use (RLv). The type of treatment to be applied to the discharge is: four granular activated carbon flters to remove hydrocarbons from the air. The air will fow through two sets of activated carbon units sequentially to allow sampling to occur between the frst and second set of units leaving the second units as an added safety precaution. Activated carbon can typically remove greater than 99% of petroleum hydrocarbons from the discharge.

Any person who may be adversely affected by the proposed discharge of waste and wishes to provide relevant information may, within 30 days after the last date of posting, publishing, service or display, send written comments to the applicant contacts, with a copy to the Director, Environmental Protection at Industrial.Waste. Authorizations@gov.bc.ca. The identity of any respondents and the contents of anything submitted in relation to this application will become part of the public record.

Contact person:

Rebecca Martin B.Sc., P.Ag., Senior Project Professional –SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. Telephone No.: 250-961-0868 E-mail: rmartin@slrconsulting.com

MacKenzie Cassin-Tennant B.Sc., A.Ag., Project Manager –SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. Telephone No.: 250-612-8296 E-mail: mcassintennant@slrconsulting.com

1. Which girl group released “Soldier Boy”?

2. Who wrote and released “People Get Ready”?

3. Name the Barry McGuire protest song that was released in a very rough version.

4. Who wrote and released “Taxi”?

5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “I’ve cried through many endless nights just holding my pillow tight, Then you came into my lonely days with your tender love and sweet ways.”

1. Which group released “Rag Doll”?

Answers

2. Name the artist who wrote and released “Dreamy Eyes.”

1. The Shirelles, in 1962. It was originally titled “I’ll Be True to You,” and there was no mention of any soldier. The reference to “soldier boy” was added during the recording.

3. Which group released “GreenEyed Lady”?

LAND ACT: NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CROWN LAND

Take notice that 0887581 B.C. LTD, from Garibaldi Highlands, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Omineca Region, for an Investigative Licence for Windpower purposes situated on Provincial Crown land located on unsurveyed Crown Land in the vicinity East of Mackenzie, Cariboo District and contains 874.65 hectares.

The Lands File for this application is 7410367 Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Rachael Wile, Authorizations Specialist, Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Omineca Region at 5th Floor 499 George Street, Prince George, BC V2L 1R5, or rachael.wile@gov.bc.ca. Comments will be received by Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Omineca Region up to August 30, 2025. Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Omineca Region may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca for more information.

4. Who wrote and released “Cracklin’ Rosie”?

2. The Impressions, in 1965. The song was added to the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.

3. “Eve of Destruction,” in 1965. McGuire’s vocals weren’t supposed to be on the nal version, but they ran out of studio time and he did the song in one take. Within days the song was at No. 1.

4. Harry Chapin, in 1972.

5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “If I could take my pick of all the girls I’ve ever known, Then I’d come and pick you out to be my very own.”

Answers

5. “Heaven Must Have Sent You,” by the Elgins in 1966. The song did well, reaching No. 9 on the R&B chart. Bonnie Pointer turned it into a disco song in 1978 and only topped the charts in Mexico.

1. The Four Seasons, in 1964. The song spent two weeks at the top of the Hot 100 chart and reached No. 1 in Canada as well.

2. Johnny Tillotson, in 1958. The song was his first single and made

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

A hard copy MAP showing the location and extent of the application area may be acquired by calling the Authorizations Specialist named above at 250-996-5162.

*On Aug. 4, 2012, in London, Oscar Pistorius of South Africa became the first amputee to compete at the Olympic Games. He finished second out of five runners in the opening heat and went on to the semifinals, where he finished eighth out of eight runners.

• On Nov. 11, 1831, Nat Turner, an American slave and educated minister who believed that he’d been chosen by God to lead his people into freedom, was hanged in Jerusalem, Virginia, for leading a revolt with 75 followers through Southampton County, killing about 60 white people.

* On Aug. 5, 1951, 38-year-old Canadian daredevil William “Red” Hill Jr. attempted to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel made of 13 rubber innertubes, canvas webbing and fish netting that he dubbed “the Thing.” It broke apart under the high water pressure two hours after he set out, but his badly injured body was not recovered until the next morning.

* On Aug. 6, 1975, The New York Times printed a front-page obituary for Agatha Christie’s Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot -- quite the honor for

a fictional character! Christie had announced her decision to dispose of him in her next book; indeed, as the Times noted, “The news of his death, given by Dame Agatha, was not unexpected. Word that he was near death reached here last May.”

* On Aug. 7, 1967, the U.S. Congress overwhelmingly approved the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, giving President Lyndon B. Johnson nearly unlimited power to oppose “communist aggression” in Southeast Asia and marking the beginning of

America’s expanded military role in the battlefields of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

* On Aug. 8, 1942, six German saboteurs who’d secretly entered the United States on a mission to attack its civil infrastructure were executed by electric chair for spying. Two others who notified the FBI of the plot and aided authorities in their manhunt for the collaborators were imprisoned but freed six years later on President Harry Truman’s orders, and returned to Germany.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Technology snafus tax your patence. But before you throw your computer or other bulky hardware into the trash, take a deep breath and call someone knowledgeable for help.

• On Nov. 12, 1969, investigative journalist Seymour Hersh revealed the extent of the U.S. Army’s charges against 1st Lt. William L. Calley at My Lai, Vietnam, in a cable picked up by more than 30 newspapers, saying that “The Army says he [Calley] deliberately murdered at least 109 Vietnamese civilians during a searchand-destroy mission in March 1968, in a Viet Cong stronghold known as ‘Pinkville.’”

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Don’t be too upset if your generosity goes unappreciated. These things happen, and rather than brood over it, you should move on. Meanwhile, a new friend could open up some excitng possibilites.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A loved one helps you get through an especially difcult emotonal situaton. Aferward, spend the weekend immersed in the restoratve powers of music and the other arts.

• On Nov. 13, 1979, Philadelphia 76ers center Darryl Dawkins leaped over Kansas City Kings forward Bill Robinzine for a memorable slam dunk that shattered the fiberglass backboard. His equally memorable comment on the move, which was not his last and the sound of which spectators likened to a bomb going off: “It wasn’t really a safe thing to do, but it was a Darryl Dawkins thing to do.”

• On Nov. 14, 1882, outlaw Frank “Buckskin” Leslie shot and killed Billy “The Kid” Claiborne, who had publicly challenged him, in Tombstone, Arizona.

• On Nov. 15, 1984, Baby Fae, a month old infant who received the world’s first baboon heart transplant, died at California’s Loma Linda University 20 days after the operation. Three other people had received animal heart transplants, but none survived longer than a few days.

• On Nov. 16, 2001, British author J.K. Rowling’s most famous and beloved creation, the bespectacled boy wizard Harry Potter (played by Daniel Radcliffe in his first major role), made his silver-screen debut in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” which went on to become one of the highestgrossing movies in history.

• On Nov. 17, 1903, the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party split into two factions: the majority Bolshe-

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You are prety much in charge of what you want to do this week. However, it might be a good idea to keep an open mind regarding suggestons from people you know you can trust.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Another chance to shine (something always dear to the Lion’s heart) might be resented by others. But you earned it, so enjoy it! The weekend brings news about a family member.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22)

A suggeston that never took of could become viable again. Dust it of, update it if necessary, and resubmit it. In your personal life, a new relatonship takes an “interestng” turn.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)

Confrontng a new challenge to your stated positon could work to your advantage. You can setle all doubts once you’re able to present a solid defense that is backed up by equally solid facts.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21)

You enjoy doing nice things for others, but this is a good tme to do something nice for yourself as well. You might want to start by planning a super-special getaway weekend.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Some changes you feel like you need to make might be reasonable and appropriate. But others might lead to new problems. Think things through carefully before you act.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Good instncts usually keep the sure-footed Goat on the right path. What others might see as stubbornness on your part refects your good sense of what is worth supportng.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18)

A period of introspecton could lead to some surprising conclusions and equally surprising changes involving a number of your long-held positons on several issues.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) The fnancially practcal PISCES might want to take a sensible approach to spending as well as investng. Being prudent now pays of later. In other news, a romantc situaton moves into another phase.

Homes & Living

Prevent moss growth on your roof

Long stretches of wet weather are perfect conditions for moss growth on roofs. While moss may give a home a rustic, forested look, it can cause serious damage over time. Moss traps moisture, lifts shingles, and accelerates roof deterioration. Preventing moss early can extend the life of your roof and save costly repairs down the line. Here’s how to keep your roof moss-free in our northern climate.

Keep Your Roof Clean and Clear Moss thrives on moisture and organic material. Overhanging branches drop leaves, needles, and debris that hold water and create the perfect moss breeding ground. Trim back any branches that hang over your roof and regularly remove debris using a soft broom or air blower—avoid pressure washers, which can damage shingles.

Improve Roof Drainage

Clogged gutters and poor drainage

systems allow water to pool, especially during heavy rain and snowmelt. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris so water can flow freely.

Standing water is a major contributor to moss and mold problems.

Increase Sun Exposure

Shade keeps roofs damp longer, especially on the north-facing side. While you can’t change the direction your home faces, you can improve sun exposure by thinning trees or removing obstacles that block light. More sunlight means a drier roof—and moss has a much harder time taking hold on dry surfaces.

Install Zinc or Copper Strips

Zinc and copper are natural moss inhibitors. You can install metal strips just below the ridge of your roof; as rainwater runs over the metal, it carries trace amounts down the shingles, creating a moss-resistant coating. These

strips are discreet, effective, and widely available at home improvement stores.

Use Preventative Moss Treatments

There are several moss control products made specifically for roofing. These include liquid sprays or powder treatments that can be applied in the drier months. Look for products that are safe for asphalt shingles and environmentally friendly, especially important for homes near creeks or gardens.

Inspect Regularly

With Prince George’s variable weather, it’s smart to inspect your roof seasonally. Early spring and late fall are ideal times to look for signs of moss or damage. Catching it early makes removal easier and helps maintain your roof’s integrity.

Moss prevention is an essential part of home maintenance in Prince George’s wet climate. With regular upkeep, good

airflow, and a few strategic additions, you can keep your roof healthy, dry, and moss-free for years to come.

Bicycle etquete and rules of the road in Britsh Columbia

Cycling is a popular and ecofriendly mode of transportation across British Columbia. To ensure safety and harmony between cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists, it’s essential to follow proper bicycle etiquette and the province’s rules of the road.

Under the BC Motor Vehicle Act, bicycles are considered vehicles, meaning cyclists must follow the same traffic rules as drivers. This includes obeying traffic signals and signs, riding on the right side of the road, and using hand signals when turning or stopping. Cyclists must also yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and share the road responsibly with other users. Helmets are mandatory in BC for all cyclists, regardless of age. Bikes must be equipped with a white front light and a red rear reflector or light when riding at night, along with a bell or horn to alert others.

Good cycling etiquette also includes staying as visible as possible, avoiding distractions like headphones, and riding single file when in groups— especially on narrow roads. When

passing parked cars, keep a safe distance to avoid getting hit by opening doors, a hazard known as “dooring.”

Respecting other cyclists and road users is key. Give space when overtaking, communicate clearly, and never assume drivers see you—always make eye contact when possible. By understanding and following these guidelines, cyclists in BC can contribute to a safer, more courteous travel environment for everyone on the road. Whether you’re commuting or enjoying a leisurely ride, safety and respect should always come first.