Prince George Citizen June 5, 2025

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THURSDAY, June 5, 2025

Blackwater’s golden opportunity

New gold and silver mine opens SW of Prince George

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Premier David Eby was the final guest speaker introduced Friday at the grand

the right way — with strong partnerships with Indigenous people and no untreated water leaving the site,” Eby said. “This is a long-term vision that includes what this site will look like after you’re done, and it’s inspirational to me. “British Columbia is going to be the economic engine of the new Canada that is emerging. It’s because of where we are geographically, facing two-thirds of the man and CEO Dean) had the vision to tap

Artemis Gold put $1B into new Blackwater mine project

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The company has spent nearly $1 billion in development, with $700 million going to BC contractors and service providers — including $300 million to local and Indigenous businesses.

In 2020, KPMG estimated Blackwater would generate $2.3 billion in provincial tax revenue and $1.5 billion in federal revenue over its life.

Dean said those figures may be even higher due to the rising market prices of gold and silver, which have nearly doubled in five years.

Artemis took over the project in October 2020, acquiring rights to 328 mineral claims over 44 square kilometres from New Gold Inc., which began work in 2013.

Two wildfires in 2023 and 2024 delayed construction by a total of six weeks. The first fire destroyed the surrounding forest and the camp operations centre. Despite that, construction continued at a rapid pace, and Canada’s newest mine was built in less than two years. Work officially began March 9, 2023, after the BC Mines Act permit was granted.

The Lhoosk’uz Dené and Ulkatcho First Nations will share the mine’s mineral tax revenue. The mine’s transmission line also crosses the territory of the Nadleh Whut’en, Saik’uz, Stellat’en and Nazko First Nations.

“It was clear from the beginning that this mine had the potential to provide generational opportunities for First Nations and local communities,” said Dean.

“For me, this was pivotal. At this stage in my career, I wanted to lead a project that not only created jobs and economic value, but made a meaningful effort toward reconciliation with our Indigenous partners.

“Working closely with our First Nations partners, we provided jobs and careers on ancestral land, making it easier to stay connected to culture, language and family.”

Access to clean, renewable hydroelectricity from BC Hydro inspired Artemis to build a new 135-kilometre

The immensity of the haul truck used at Blackwater Gold mine is shown here during a tour of the minesite on Friday, May 30. From left are Jeremy Langford, Artemis Gold president; Steven Dean, Artemis gold chairman/CEO; Premier David Eby, Jagrup Brar, BC minister of mining and critical minerals; and Michaelw Goehring, president of BC Mining Association.

high-voltage transmission line. It powers a processing plant that now boasts one of the smallest carbon footprints in the world for an open-pit precious metals mine.

The mine ties into BC Hydro’s Glenannan substation near Vanderhoof and the 225-kilovolt power distribution network, which now powers the mining sector’s first fully electric ore-processing plant. Blackwater has set a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2029.

has put immense effort into the mine’s design and environmental protections. It’s in an area with many watercourses and wildlife. There are rigorous regulatory requirements, and they’re really doing it right. British Columbians should be proud.”

Ulkatcho Councillor Corinee Cahoose presented project partners with a leather satchel containing a black volcanic obsidian rock from Anahim Peak, a sacred site near Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park.

Cahoose emphasized the importance of all levels of government working together to protect the land within the mine’s footprint. She said Ulkatcho looks forward to seizing job training opportunities that her people missed during the startup phase and stressed that her nation supports sustainable development — as long as it’s included in the planning process. She also called on Eby to fast-track development of a connector road between Anahim Lake and Vanderhoof.

“The Ulkatcho First Nation has a history of welcoming others to our lands—sharing in a good way what our territory provides to industry and government, including water and food, and showing visitors our stewardship,” said Cahoose. “It is in that cultural spirit that we welcome you to this territory and share our resources. We thank Artemis — and New Gold before them — for the investment to develop these resources and we congratulate Artemis on reaching this important milestone.”

“The Blackwater Mine is a great example of mining in British Columbia. It’s going to make a significant contribution to the North, to BC’s economy, and to the local nations as partners—all while doing it in a very environmentally responsible way,” said Michael Goehring, president of the Mining Association of BC.

“Steven Dean and his team at Artemis Gold have done a fantastic job. It’s BC’s first surface gold mine and the team

June Baptiste, acting chief of the Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation, said she is encouraged by the partnership with Artemis, which helped pave the way for the mine’s construction. She praised the company’s cooperative spirit and cultural sensitivity, saying it created a template for future resource development.

“The opening of the Blackwater Mine represents a new chapter for our territory,” said Baptiste. “The project lies at the heart of our traditional lands and we are involved in all aspects of its development.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY TED CLARKE

Indigenous leaders, premier on hand for ofcial opening

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“For us, stewardship of the land is not just a word. It is a way of life. We have worked closely with our partners to ensure environmental protection remains a priority. Our members serve as environmental monitors, helping safeguard the land and water for future generations.

“We understand that mining can have lasting impacts. That is why our agreements go beyond economic benefits — they are about preserving our way of life, protecting our culture and ensuring our environment remains healthy and permanent.”

Dean said a decision on Phase 2 of the mine — which is fully permitted — will be made later this year. A third phase is also in the works. Phase 2 is expected to create 400 additional construction jobs and more than 170 new operations jobs, not including spin-off employment.

“There are a lot of jobs coming with the next phase,” said Dean. “We’re excited to work with suppliers and contractors across the region.”

He added that the mine’s projected 20-year lifespan is likely conservative.

“I’ve been in the industry for 40 years, and I’ve seen large deposits and large mines like this extend their lives. All big mines tend to last longer than expected,” he said. “I’m hopeful that

in 30 or 40 years, this mine will still be operating.”

Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals Jagrup Brar said the Blackwater project sets an example for the rest of the province, particularly in balancing economic development with Indigenous consultation and environmental responsibility.

“BC has some of the highest environmental standards in the world, and Blackwater shows how industry can thrive while meeting them,” said Brar. “Indigenous voices informed every step, and that’s how every mining project should move forward in BC.”

“True success comes from meaningful partnerships. That’s why the premier asked me to develop a long-term, concrete strategy with First Nations, industry, unions and other stakeholders to create new opportunities.”

He noted there are several proposed mines and mine expansions underway, and if successful, they could represent $50 billion in investment and 10,000 direct jobs by 2040.

Blackwater currently employs more than 400 workers. Of that workforce, 20 per cent are women and 25 per cent identify as Indigenous. To date, there have been 5.5 million hours worked without a lost-time safety incident.

“For me, it’s the people that make this mine unique,” said Artemis president

Ulkatcho First Nation Acting Chief June Baptiste addresses the crowd of politicians, Indigenous/municipal leaders, suppliers and industry consultants invited to the grand opening of Blackwater Gold mine on Friday, May 30.

Jeremy Langford. “The local people have been fantastic.

“The asset has fixed infrastructure for the life of the mine, which gives it room to expand. I can’t give too much away, but the (gold) brick factory is producing decent bricks. I feel very special being part of the project. It’s the best reward.”

Since production began in early May, the Blackwater gold room pours 10 to

15 gravity bars of mixed gold and silver every other day. Each bar is roughly 65 per cent gold and 35 per cent silver. The first pour took place Jan. 29.

Dean said the thrill of holding one of the world’s most precious commodities has never worn off.

“Gold is magic,” he said. “Gold looks magic and feels magic. It’s a great industry.”

CITIZEN PHOTO BY TED CLARKE

The gold-coloured ore is evident as excavators pick up rocks to be processed in the crusher units at Blackwater Gold mine.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY TED CLARKE

Teegee, MLAs critcal of Eby’s Asian trade mission

As Premier David Eby and a British Columbia delegation tours Japan, South Korea and Malaysia, Prince George’s opposition MLAs say the trip is “damage control” for his government’s previous policies as well as the reception to the recently passed bills 14 and 15.

Eby and a delegation left for a 10-day trip to Japan, South Korea and Malaysia on Saturday, May 31.

One notable absence from the trip is British Columbia Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee, who said in a Friday, May 30 media release that he could not participate in a mission launched by a government that passed legislation trampling First Nations’ rights.

Reached by phone on Monday, June 2, Prince George-North Cariboo, Prince George-Valemount and Prince George-Mackenzie Conservative MLAs Sheldon Clare, Rosalyn Bird and Kiel Giddens said the NDP are trying to make up for having closed British Columbia’s independent trade offices in Asia over the last eight years.

“They’ve actually moved some of them into embassies or consulates but not designated trade officers per se,” said Bird. “And in that timeframe, the number of exports to the U.S. has increased. BC exports the most products to the U.S. than any other province in the country.”

Even if the premier promotes sectors like BC forestry, Clare said, he has to handle domestic issues before trade can increase.

“We’ve got significant problems with permitting,” Clare said. “While we do produce very high quality two-by-fours out here that are needed for building projects in the United States especially and other places, there are barriers that have to be overcome to get our first industry in a way that’s going to work for the people who are up here making the money.”

Giddens said that the NDP have had a poor record on trade.

“Since the NDP came to power,

exports to China are actually down 20 per cent,” he said. “Korea is down 11 per cent and even India is down. The only market where BC has shown any trade growth under the NDP is actually U.S., where it’s increased by 27 per cent.”

While Asian countries are interested in BC products like liquified natural gas, Bird said that Energy Minister Adrian Dix has indicated that the powers the government granted itself in bills 14 and 15 won’t be used to expedite LNG.

Bird and Giddens said there are many countries, not just in Asia, who want access to BC’s LNG, lumber, oil and minerals and they hope the government highlights the opportunities provided by the resources sector during their mission.

Bill 14 is aimed at streamlining permitting for renewable energy projects and allowing selected wind energy projects as well as the North Coast Transmission Line project to bypass the

called Bill 15 an overreach, and the First Nations Leadership Council, whose representatives said they violated the government’s own legislation recognizing the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The bills led to British Columbia Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee to cancel his participation in Eby’s trade mission.

In a media release issued May 30, the BCAFN said “decision to withdraw from the trade mission reflects the profound damage inflicted on the BC Crown-First Nations relationship by Premier Eby’s government.

“While the premier seeks to strengthen BC’s economic relationships in the Indo-Pacific region and promote investment in major natural resource projects, his government has simultaneously undermined the very rights and relationships that are foundations to sustainable economic development in First Nations territories.”

Environmental Assessment Act.

That includes the wind power project near Hixon co-owned by Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and Spanish Company Ecoener announced late last year.

Bill 15 gives the infrastructure minister, a position created after last fall’s provincial election, powers to expedite certain projects through the approvals process, automatically approve certain low-risk environmental assessments, assist entities like school districts and health authority with procurement and even bypass local governments on designated infrastructure projects.

Both bills narrowly passed third reading in the Legislature in late May after all MLAs not belonging to the NDP voted against them, forcing Speaker Raj Chouhan to cast tiebreaking votes.

In the lead-up to their passage, groups voicing opposition to bills 14 and 15 included the Union of BC Municipalities, whose president Trish Mandewo

Reached by phone on Monday, June 2, Teegee told The Citizen that he didn’t want to be part of a trade mission promoting projects and resources when First Nations don’t have the opportunity to provide consent for or be part of the decision-making process for those projects.

“First Nations are concerned about some of these major projects such as mine expansions like Mount Polley that Xatsull First Nation has decided to file a judicial review against,” Teegee said.

“This is not about those public projects such as schools and hospitals. It’s about the private projects and especially the ones that don’t meet the requirement of free prior and informed consent from First Nations and those projects that have no First Nations involvement or minimal involvement.”

On May 9, The Canadian Press reported that Xatsull First Nation applied for an emergency injunction to stop a four-metre addition to the gold and copper mine as it pursues a judicial review of the project’s approval by the provincial government. CONTINUED ON

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY TED CLARKE

Terry Teegee, regional chief of the BC Assembly of First Nations, seen speaking to delegates a the BC Coulcil of Forest Industries (COFI) convention at the Prince George Civic and Convention Centre earlier this year, has concerns about the premier’s current trip to Asia.

Bills could be met with protests, legal acton: Chief

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

That same mine was where a tailings pond breached in 2014, spilling 25 million cubic litres into nearby waterways.

After the bills’ passage, Teegee said his organization would like to see them repealed.

He also said he’d like to see better consultation with Indigenous groups than the three days they received to review the legislation before they went to the Legislature.

While he said there’s a potential for public protest and legal action, Teegee also said he believes there’s still time for the government to change course and make things right.

Clare said Teegee’s cancellation was telling and that in a meeting with Xatsull First Nation Chief Rhonda Phillips the previous week, she had expressed similar concerns.

“I don’t always agree with Chief Teegee on everything, but I know him to be a man of principle,” Clare said. “When you have pushed people the wrong way, you’re going to get a reaction.”

In a time when there has been a lot of talk of Canada being a united front in the face of economic threats from the United States, Clare said the NDP government seems to have a strange view of what that looks like.

Giddens said the Conservatives and the Greens tried to bring the voice of

the groups opposing the bills forward, but debate on the items was ended early.

“I was a part of debating Bill 15 and only after 28 hours of debate at committee stage, I was cut off … debating clause eight out of this 48-clause bill.,” he said.

Bird said she thought the government pushing the bills forward instead of tabling them and pursuing further consultation sent a strong message.

“Although they talk the talk and say, ‘we are going to be engaged, we are going to consult, we’re going to make sure everybody comes to the table,’ that is not reflective in the decision they made to push that through,” she said.

“They could have gone back to First Nations, they could have gone back to industry, municipalities, district and had further conversations. They chose not to do that.”

Other factors in Bill 14 that Bird said concern is was that it allows wind and solar energy projects to be built on lands that are part of the Agricultural Land Reserve and that this was decided without consulting the Agricultural Land Commission.

“There’s a reason that the Agricultural Land Reserve exists and we have the ALC and it is for the purpose of food security in Canada,” Bird said. “So, for Bill 14 to be able to override that and to not have those discussions is alarming.”

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Premier David Eby, seen onstage during the COFI 2025 Conference Friday, April 4 at the Civic Centre, is currently leading a trade mission to Asia.

MLA Bird planning ahead for fall Legislature session

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

British Columbia’s first legislative session since the 2024 provincial election just ended, but Prince George-Valemount Conservative MLA Rosalyn Bird already has plans in motion for when the Legislature reconvenes in early October.

On May 29, Rosalyn Bird gave notice of two private member’s bills she’s developed. That same week, she also gave notice of three motions she’s looking to have the house adopt.

The first bill would amend BC’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act while the second would amend the Infants Act.

Reached by phone on the morning of Friday, May 30, Bird said she’s allowed to put as many items on the order paper as she wants, but when it gets close to her private member’s time, she will be asked to pick one of the motions or bills on the floor. Any times she doesn’t proceed with can be picked up by her fellow caucus members when it’s their turn if they so choose.

For the freedom of information bill, she said she wants to make the process easier for British Columbia. She said changes to the law over the years have made it cumbersome for residents to navigate.

“It is extremely important that not only the opposition, but the residents of the province, the constituents, the voters, the taxpayers understand what it is that the government is doing, why they’re doing it, how they’re doing it and where their money is going,” Bird said.

“That is an extremely challenging process right now and it shouldn’t be. When people have roadblocks like that, they lose faith in government.”

She said she also wants to get rid of the $10 fee for filing freedom of

information requests imposed by the NDP government in 2021.

The other bill she’s working on deals with part of the Infants Act.

“There is a clause in that act that enables very young individuals to have the ability to make … some fairly serious decisions regarding their lives without parental consent,” Bird said.

“Myself and many people that I have spoken to since getting elected and over the course of campaigning are very frustrated with that. Parents want to be able to be participatory with their children in regards to health education and lots of other things.”

The section she’s looking at, she said, is about health decisions and not sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) issues.

“However, it does open the conversation as to what parents should and shouldn’t be involved with,” Bird said.

While the text of Bird’s bills is not yet available, she could be referring to section 17 of the Infants Act, which says “An infant may consent to health care whether or not that health care would, in the absence of consent, constitute a trespass to the infant’s person, and if an infant provides that consent, the consent is effective and it is not necessary to obtain a consent to the health care from the infant’s parent or guardian.”

However, the section also states

who wanted to have their bodies composted after death.

The second motion would have BC officially recognize Aug. 31 as international overdose awareness day and combined it with a day where residents are encouraged to properly dispose of unused, expired or old prescription medications.

She said this is something done extensively in the United States and helps prevent circumstances where prescription drugs end up in the wrong hands.

that the infant must have the nature and consequences of the health care explained to them for the consent to be valid. Infants and minors are considered those under 19 years of age.

For Bird’s motions, the first would establish a special committee to review cremation, interment and funeral services. This item, she said, she would want to bring forward early in the new year to give the committee a full year to work on the issue.

She said the legislation surrounding what happens to a person’s remains after death haven’t been reviewed for some time and there have been some huge changes in that industry.

“There isn’t actually any piece of legislation that lays out in specifics as to certain things that need to be taken into consideration when you pick up and … transport somebody once they’re deceased,” Bird said.

“There are certain things that various religions and various ethnic backgrounds, they have traditions or they have practices around what happens after somebody dies and I think it’s very important that they be respected within the industry.”

As an example of the changing ways people want their remains handled, she said Green Party Saanich North and the Islands MLA Rob Botterell recently introduced a petition signed by 2,000

The final motion she’s considering would change the standing orders for when budget estimates are debated in the house. Bird said she wants questions asked of ministers during this process to be submitted to the clerk’s office for response within 30 days if they aren’t answered during a session.

“If you have a number of questions as a critic, I think it’s important that the ministry address those,” Bird said. “If you don’t have the time to address them, it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be addressed.”

Bird serves as the Tories’ critic for citizens’ services as well as the party’s military liaison.

Though the Legislature isn’t sitting, Bird said she’ll keep working over the summer. She’s on two committees working over the next few months, one reviewing the Lobbyist Transparency Act and another reviewing the Public Information Disclosure Act.

On top of that, she said she’s looking to host town halls to find out what her constituents want addressed and is also planning on holding a grand opening event for her Prince George constituency office on either the first or second Saturday in July.

Overall, Bird said she thought her first session in the Legislature was exciting and productive, and she’s looking forward to returning to action this fall.

“I’m very happy with how things went and what we accomplished as a caucus,” Bird said.

“We were actually able to move some of the markets and make some changes because we were aggressive with the current government.”

Bird

KTW FILE PHOTO

Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird plans to introduce two private memner’s bills when the Legislature reconvenes in October.

Lumber industry pioneers join BC Business Hall of Fame

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

In 1962, after years of working at the Sinclair Mills planer mill northeast of Prince George, Bob Stewart and Ivan Andersen became business partners as lumber wholesalers — and quickly ran into a problem.

They had decided to name their business Sinclair Enterprises Ltd., and already had their corporate seal in hand — used to stamp important documents and contracts — when they discovered through the corporate registry that the name was already taken.

Rather than go through the time and hassle of ordering a new stamp, they got creative. With a chisel, they knocked out the letter “I” in the name.

As a result, the company became known as Sinclar Enterprises Ltd. — and continues today as Sinclar Group Forest Products Ltd.

After the Sinclair Mills plant was sold to Noranda Inc., Stewart and Andersen chose not to move to the company’s Toronto headquarters. Instead, they decided to strike out on their own, combining Andersen’s accounting skills with Stewart’s relationships with local lumber producers.

They quickly found success as independent wholesalers, buying and selling lumber from area sawmills and gaining a reputation for fairness and partnership.

Starting out as one of 20 wholesalers in the region, it wasn’t long before buyers noticed they were offering something different.

“The wholesalers were always playing the rift between lumber producers and the sales, and the sales guys were always trying to get as much as they could, and Ivan and Bob said, ‘No, we’re not going to do that,’” said John Andersen, a director of Andersen Holdings.

“We’re going to charge you a [set] commission, and within a year or two they were the only lumber wholesalers in the Prince George area. Everybody recognized the integrity of these two gentlemen — that you never had to worry about your money.”

They paid top prices and went out

of their way to shield small producers from the volatile sawmill market. They also stood firm in their belief that their greatest asset was their people.

“By reputation and in my experience with any of their divisions, suppliers were treated with the greatest respect and they were always paid on time and in full,” said Ken McIntosh, founder of Prince George manufacturing company KJM Sales.

“They were seasoned operators and I never once heard a bad word about the way they conducted business. That’s how they lived — they were such good guys. They were people to be admired and imitated.”

As their success grew, Stewart and Andersen invested in Interior mills that were struggling to survive, trading capital for shares in those companies. In the late 1960s, they expanded into lumber manufacturing by partnering with other regional families to take over sales at Apollo Forest Products in Fort St. James and L&M Lumber in Vanderhoof.

In 1971, they opened the Nechako Lumber planer mill in Vanderhoof, producing studs for the Japanese market. Their growth continued with the purchases of two Prince George sawmills — Lakeland Mills in 1973 and The Pas Lumber Company in 1987. In 1995, they partnered with the Nak’azdli First

the pair were posthumously inducted into the Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame in a ceremony in Vancouver.

The award recognizes the lifetime achievements of outstanding B.C. business leaders whose efforts have shaped the province and the country.

Greg Stewart, president of Sinclar Group and grandson of Bob Stewart, said the company continues to be guided by the principles his grandfather and Andersen established.

Now operating five companies, Sinclar Group Forest Products Ltd. produces 400 million board feet of lumber annually and employs 450 people.

Nation to create Tl’oh Forest Products in Fort St. James.

Stewart died in 2003, followed by Andersen in 2011. On May 5, 2025,

“The longevity and resilience of the business is largely attributed to the people,” said Stewart. “We’ve been very fortunate to have people who are passionate about their community and passionate about the business.

“They’re willing to go to the ends of the earth to make sure it’s a success.”

HANDOUT PHOTO

Greg Stewart, far left, and John Andersen, second from left, accept the awards presented posthumously to Sinclar Group Forest Products founding partners Bob Stewart and Ivan Anderson at the Business Laureates BC Hall of Fame induction ceremony May 5.

OPINION

Local journalism and local advertsing stll mater

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

On Monday, councillors Trudy Klassen and Brian Skakun will introduce a motion to restore municipal advertising in local media, including an annual commitment of up to $100,000 for The Citizen to return to its historical role of publishing the city’s public notices.

The councillors are also calling for a reduction in advertising on American social media platforms like Facebook, greater transparency in how the city spends its advertising dollars and a public town hall to discuss the issue.

In 2022, when the city ended its longstanding commitment to publish statutory notices in print, it also removed a layer of accessibility and permanence.

The Community Charter requires that such notices appear in a printed publication unless otherwise directed by bylaw for good reason. We believe the default should still be publication in print — not just as a courtesy to older residents or those without regular internet access, but as a safeguard for the historical record.

It may have seemed efficient to shift to the city’s website and Facebook, but it also made notices easier to overlook, harder to archive and more dependent on algorithms and clicks.

It is past time for the City of Prince George to recommit itself to supporting local journalism through paid advertising. This is not a subsidy — it’s payment for one service (advertising) that

The original city hall stood where the current version is today. The Citizen published official statutory notices from the City of Prince George for decades.

supports another (journalism).

The Citizen had no prior knowledge of this motion. We did not lobby for this funding, and noboby here met with Klassen or Skakun to discuss this. We were as surprised as anyone when the notice of motion appeared on the council agenda. Regardless, we believe this motion moves in the right direction.

For too long, taxpayer dollars have flowed out of our community to huge American tech corporations while local newsrooms across Canada have struggled to survive. Many have not.

In the city’s 2023 SOFI report, the only local media organization that the city spent more than $25,000 with was Vista Radio.

We believe that municipal advertising

should support all local media, not just one outlet. We also believe that a fair and transparent procurement process should be applied, just as it is for other city contracts.

At the same time, it must be acknowledged that The Citizen is not just another media outlet.

We are the newspaper of record in Prince George. That distinction is not ceremonial — it is functional.

We have served this community for more than a century, documenting local history — the triumphs, tragedies, and transitions.

And when it comes to public notices, a core requirement for provincial and local government transparency, there is no substitute for our format, which

endures beyond digital trends.

That isn’t nostalgia. It’s accountability.

A permanent, printed record of every edition of The Citizen exists in archives and libraries and will continue to exist long after Facebook pages have been deleted or local websites have been overwritten or gone dark.

If council wants to follow through on its recent vote to buy local (regionally, provincially, or Canadian before looking elsewhere) then it should buy its advertising locally too.

It’s an investment that should be distributed fairly and strategically to multiple local outlets.

Supporting those outlets, through advertising, so that they can continue providing the essential service of local journalism.

This is about a healthy media ecosystem. Spending money on advertising with American and Chinese social media networks doesn’t help our community.

We support the motion by Klassen and Skakun in principle. But we urge council to go further: fund all local journalism fairly and commit to a transparent process that reflects the importance of an informed and engaged public.

Public notices are not just about legal compliance. They are about public trust. Let’s build that trust by bringing it back home — and making sure it reaches everyone.

Write us a letter to the editor about this: editor@pgcitizen.ca.

We acknowledge the fnancial support of the government of Canada.

Nous reconnaissons l’appui fnancier du gouvernement du Canada.

Kennedy Gordon Managing Editor

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OPINION

Editorial: Let’s bring better election energy to the Prince George’s next municipal vote

Please forgive me for being a cynic, but I think that the average person wants the city to spend more and tax less.

This creates a dichotomy that cannot be addressed by efficiencies.

Beyond this, the average voter doesn’t care. I also suggest that some vote for someone because they recognize the name and because of the character (or lack thereof).

If you don’t know anything about a particular candidate, then you shouldn’t vote for them. In addition, just because you have a maximum of eight votes, doesn’t mean that you should choose eight.

If you are only informed about four of them, then vote for those four only.

I also suggest that there should be a vetting process applied to anyone wanting to run for public office.

OldFatGuy

Nurses from PG join rally in Vancouver to protest rising workplace violence

At the end of the day we don’t need security personnel or top heavy health authorities with numerous questionable departments and highly paid vice presidents.

We need front line health care professionals including nurses, nurse practitioners, and doctors. We need our hospitals departments open 24/7.

We don’t need patients being shoveled from one hospital to another in another community; It’s like the Ministry of Health is playing hot potato with our lives.

I am sick and tired of the provincial government giving lip service about all their successes; successes we have yet to see on the front lines. Talk is cheap. Lets see some action including laying off redundant upper level health authority staff in order to fund the changes we so desperately need.

LynGrandma

City of Prince George can win $100K by encouraging active lifestyles

Can Prince George get more bike paths? I don’t mean having a bike sign on the side of the road but actual bike paths.

Nick LR

Editorial: The Prince George community offers a lifeline in a time of crisis

Great editorial !

That sums up PG in a nutshell where its greatest strength and quality is the friendliness of its citizens and its sense of community.

Trust me when I say you will not find those important qualities in Kamloops, Kelowna, or Vancouver.

As much as some of us, including me, disparage PG, having lived down south, I wouldn’t live anywhere else.

Sorry folks, I’m here to stay.

BGeez

Editorial: The Prince George community offers a lifeline in a time of crisis

Our family lost everything in the Westwood apartment building fire in 2014. The response of the Prince George community was simply stunning.

We’ll always be grateful for the help we received from dozens of strangers.

NJ Baker

Investigation underway after man shot by Prince George RCMP

My first thoughts, when I read the previous article, was of the members, and their families, the latter waiting for their loved ones to come home safe.

The rest of us carry on with our daily lives, safe in the knowledge that there are protectors out there keeping us safe, until we aren’t.

God bless ‘em all.

Fred Vinson

Investigation underway after man shot by Prince George RCMP

Catch and release especially without a gun license or prohibited from having a gun license which is backwards because they string up legal licensed gun owners over minor infractions then brush the actual criminals using guns they’re not even allowed to have and using to commit crimes under the carpet and hide from the community.

It’s a way of enabling the crime rate hence why it’s as high as it is.

Local businesses and the community suffer the consequences, not the person even committing the crime.

John Johnson2022

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New school board budget receives fnal approval

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

After fewer than five minutes of discussion, School District 57’s board of trustees unanimously passed the third and final reading of a bylaw establishing a 2025-26 budget featuring more than $210 million of spending during a special meeting in the evening of Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

The budget features around $180.7 million in operating funds, around $22 million in special purpose funds targeted towards specific projects and around $10 million in capital funds.

The special meeting was required after multiple trustees denied granting unanimous consent to passing all three readings of the budget bylaw at the board’s May 13 meeting in Mackenzie, saying they still had unanswered questions.

At the May 27 meeting, just one question was asked of division staff.

Trustee Shar McCrory asked whether the budget contained any job losses or reduction in staffing hours.

Supt. Jameel Aziz said there aren’t.

“There are no reductions indicated in the budget, both in the draft and the current budget that’s in front of you,” Aziz said.

“That being said, our principals always are looking at their own staffing and make adjustments as necessary. But at this point, we anticipate no reductions in positions or hours for the 25-26 school year.”

No changes were made to the draft budget before it passed third reading.

When the draft budget for the 202526 school year was presented at the April 8 board of education meeting, an operating surplus of between $300,000 and $600,000 was projected if Giscome Elementary School was closed as recommended by administration.

With just 10 students left at the rural school this year and the number expected to drop to between four and seven in the 2025-26 school year, trustees approved the closure with the approval of parents at a special meeting on April 22.

The Central Interior Distance Education School is also being closed, but funding is in place to keep it open until Jan. 30, 2026.

The draft budget initially suggested that some of the projected surplus could be spent on staffing positions, but as time went on, administration instead recommended it be used on one-time capital expenses.

In the lead-up to budget talks, the Prince George District Teachers’ Association and CUPE Local 3742 issued a media release saying they felt their feedback hadn’t been listened to during the consultation process.

Some of that feedback from the unions as well as from parents and parent groups was presented to trustees during an April 29 committee of the whole meeting.

CUPE aired concerns about staff turnover and violence experienced by their members, the PGDTA asked for the restoration of a joint membership program and several parents said they were worried about potential cuts to counselling positions in Valemount.

The final budget proposal presented to trustees at their May 13 meeting said $264,000 in savings would be realized from closing Giscome Elementary.

With a $15,000 decrease in district revenues from reductions to provincial

resource program budgets, administration recommended that the remaining $250,000 be directed towards the facilities budget for asphalt repairs on parking lots and interior painting work.

Another previously non-allocated $300,000 from the operating budget was recommended to be directed into the capital fund.

A report from staff presented at the May 13 meeting noted that “the district faces financial risks on capital projects — such as the expanded scope of current major capital projects and the impact of U.S. tariffs, which may increase the cost of construction, vehicles and technology equipment.”

Of the approximately $180.5 million in the district’s operating expenses, salaries are by far the largest component.

Around $128.2 million will be spent on salaries for teachers, principals and vice principals, educational assistants, support staff, substitute teachers and other professionals while around $30.8 million will go towards employee benefits.

The rest of the operating fund expenses come from around $21.6 million in services and supplies like transportation, professional development and travel, rentals and leases, dues and fees, insurance and utilities.

The majority of the school district’s

approximately $180.9 million in projected revenue comes from grants from the Ministry of Education and Child Care, which is providing around $177.8 million.

Another $215,180 will come from other provincial grants. Tuition charged to international and out-of-province students is expected to net the district $94,000.

Other school districts and education authorities are expected to provide the district with $410,000 and First Nations will provide the district with $520,000.

The district expects to take in $61,084 from administrative fees, $140,000 from school cafeterias and $50,000 from credit card rebates.

Rentals and leases are expected to bring in $960,000 while investment income is pegged at $670,000.

School District 57 operates 40 schools in and around Prince George, Hixon, Mackenzie, Valemount and McBride. However, that number will drop by one when Giscome Elementary closes on June 30.

The board of education has one meeting left for the 2024-25 school year scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10.

That meeting can be attended in person at 2100 Ferry Ave. or watched live on the district’s YouTube channel.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY TED CLARKE

The School District 57 board of trustees has approved its first budget since voting to permanently close Giscome Elementary School.

Finance director does the math on the city’s surplus

That

$940.7M

gure council heard about doesn’t refer to money in the bank

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

While the city’s financial statement for 2024 listed an annual surplus of around $42.5 million and an accumulated surplus of around $940.7 million, that doesn’t mean Prince George has that much cash lying around.

The statement was released at the Standing Committee on Finance and Audit’s May 7 meeting and said that the actual surplus in 2024 was more than double than the $19,446,000 projected in that year’s budget.

The Citizen sat down with the city’s director of finance and IT services, Kris Dalio, on Thursday, May 29 to go over those surplus figures in greater depth.

Every municipality in Canada, he explained, is held to the Canadian Public Sector Accounting Standards.

Under those standards, what municipalities like Prince George report as their surplus is more complex than the amount of cash they have on hand.

“Our surplus also consists of any reserve funds that we will have held aside for future infrastructure investment,” Dalio said. “The vast majority of it is what’s called investment in tangible capital assets. When I say it’s not cash, I literally mean that we can’t just reach out and grab it. I can’t rip up a road and sell it to somebody on the road market, right? It’s just not there. It’s a big representation of the assets that we have that deliver the services that the public wants.”

Those tangible capital assets include items like buildings, pieces of infrastructure like water and sewer pipes and vehicle fleets.

Purchases of those assets are not included in the surplus total under the public sector accounting standards, nor are debt payments, deferred revenue.

However, amortization — spreading out the cost of an asset over time — is included.

When it comes to the $940.7 million accumulated surplus figure in the statement, Dalio likened it to the replacement value of all the city’s assets put together.

Under British Columbia law, municipalities are required to run balanced budgets. For each dollar spent, there must be an equivalent amount of money coming in.

Dalio said the city has cash on hand to manage any unexpected operating expenses, maintain cash flow and remain solvent, but the amount of money on hand depends on the time of year.

Larger cash injections come in July, when property taxes are due and in the spring and fall when utilities are due. Contributions are made to various city reserves and those are reflected in the surplus, but they represent money put aside for future projects.

So, the annual and accumulated surpluses represent more than just cash on hand and don’t necessarily mean the city can apply that dollar value to paying for projects or lowering property taxes.

At the Monday, May 26 city council meeting, final readings of borrowing bylaws for three loans worth a collective $11.369 million. Before these loans could be finalized, they had to be approved by the public.

When local governments in BC want to borrow money over a period of greater than five years, they must either go through a referendum or an alternative approval process.

Running a referendum, Dalio said, is like running an election. In a year where a municipal election is scheduled, he said the city’s legislative services staff must basically put aside all their other work.

“It’s not just the cost,” Dalio said. “You’re preventing that division from being able to accomplish anything else, so that’s why we tend to steer away from referendums.”

There have been two referendums in the last decade, both held in 2017. That year, voters approved $50 million in spending for the new Fire Hall No. 1 and the Canfor Leisure Pool.

“If we’re going to spend a lot of money on something really important or even just replacing a building of great importance, that is a good time to re-look at the service level and say ‘oh, is this still what the community wants,’ then I think the referendum is a really good process to include the public on.”

In the alternative approval process, voters have to submit forms expressing their disapproval with a project. If 10 per cent or more of eligible voters do so, the local government must hold a referendum before borrowing the money.

When it comes to the alternative approval process, Dalio said he’s in favour of it regardless of the dollar figure when the project will maintain an existing service level. Though for both alternative approvals and referendums, the decision of which one to proceed with is up to council.

When the city has to borrow funds

for a project, it usually does so through the Municipal Finance Authority of BC, a non-profit that harnesses the collective borrowing power of BC’s local governments to allow its members to borrow at lower rates than they could on their own.

Dalio said that while he could suggest the city borrow from another institution, it’s unlikely better rates could be found elsewhere.

The other upside is that because the MFA is a non-profit, it invests the payments it receives from its members. That also takes some investment work off the hands of city staff.

“If they make money on the investments, then it changes,” Dalio said. “Sometimes I get some debt forgiveness at the end of the loans.”

When a city loan is approved, Dalio said the city doesn’t usually borrow the money until the project is complete unless funds are needed for cash flow purposes. In the meantime, projects are internally funded through reserves and surplus amount and the city tries to plan to make sure enough money is on hand at the right time.

For instance, he said borrowing had yet to start for the $37 million worth of loans approved to pay for work on the Aquatic Centre through the alternative approval process last year.

Dalio cited two projects where money had to be borrowed along the way: the construction of the Canfor Leisure Pool and the current RCMP building on Victoria Avenue, which both exceeded $30 million in spending.

For those, he said he used what are called temporary borrowing bylaws, which are eventually rolled into the loan authorization bylaw into a single debenture at the end of the process.

When it comes to determining the length of a loan, Dalio said you don’t want it to go on longer than the expected lifespan of the item being financed.

For infrastructure pieces like buildings and pipes, borrowing is typically done over 20 years. A fire truck is usually spread over 15 years.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY COLIN SLARK

Director of finance and IT services Kris Dalio answer questions during the Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 meeting of Prince George’s Standing Committee on Finance and Audit at city hall.

A howl of a tme at PG’s 17th annual Kidney Walk

Team Howling Wolf leads the walkers on a loop around Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park for the Kidney Walk Sunday, June 1. About 50 people took part in the event, the 17th held in the city. Proceeds go to kidney disease research and support for patients. The day included a visit from the A&W Root Bear.

City has had to borrow funds for some jobs mid-project

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

“But things like floor scrubbers or fire hoses, things like that, they might have shorter life spans,” he said. “A garbage truck only has a lifespan of about seven years, so you would have different terms of debt for different pieces of equipment.”

The Citizen asked about borrowing for something like the Civic Core Plan, which is likely to feature large capital projects downtown like a replacement for Kopar Memorial Arena.

Dalio said that in cases like those, longer terms allow for the tax impact of the loan to be spread out rather than having to spike them in the short term.

“Let say a project’s $100 million,” he said. “If you borrowed over 10 years, well then I need to make payments of over $10 million a year, including

interest. Well now I have to spike the (property tax) levy a ton to allow for that, right? I’m going to need an eight to nine per cent tax increase just for that one piece of debt.”

If that hypothetical $100 million was spread out over 30 years, there would be about $3.5 million in payments and corresponding tax increases of around 2.5 per cent.

It’s the time of year where Prince George residents will be getting their property tax notices.

While all of a property owner’s taxes are paid to the city, Dalio said only about 70 per cent goes to Prince George while the rest is collected and distributed to the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, the Fraser-Fort George Regional Hospital District and BC Assessment.

“I sometimes think that the shock

of it, maybe why people have such a hard time paying our bill compared to, let’s say income tax, is that income tax comes off your paycheque … however often you get paid, but with property tax we kind of do it in one shot in the middle of the year,” Dalio said.

He argued that for what residents pay, they get a lot of great services like snow plowing, public parks, public pools, public arenas, water supply and more. If residents had to secure these services on their own, Dalio said they’d probably have to pay a lot more.

While the city controls the mill rate at which property taxes are charged, it doesn’t have control over the value at which property is assessed.

“So if you have a five per cent tax increase but your assessed value went up 20 per cent and the average is only three per cent, you’re going to actually

end up paying a lot more than the five per cent that the city said you were going to pay … and the contrary is true as well,” Dalio said.

“If your house value decreased and everyone else’s went up, you’re not going to end up paying five per cent tax more, you’re going to pay something less than that.”

For residents who are interested in learning more about how the city spends the money it collects, Dalio recommends looking at the financial statement or even the annual Statement of Financial Information that will be published in June going over how much members of city council were compensated, a list of municipal employees make more than $75,000 per year, grants awarded to non-profits and the total amount paid to supplies in excess of $25,000.

UNBC enhances nursing program with $10M upgrades

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

New student nurses at the University of Northern British Columbia can now expect improved learning spaces thanks to a $10.25 million investment by UNBC at three different sites.

“With these enhancements, we’re equipping students with state-of-the-art resources and spaces that reflect modern nursing practice,” said Dr. Catharine Schiller, chair of UNBC’s School of Nursing.

“This ensures that they are not only ready to meet today’s healthcare challenges but are also well-positioned to meet the future needs of patients in the north.”

The $10 million was spent on renovations and equipment upgrades at its School of Nursing sites in Prince George and Fort St. John. These upgrades are thanks to funding from the Health Professions Expansion program.

The facility updates were completed between 2022 and 2024.

Renovations themselves helped introduce the Northern Baccalaureate Nursing Program (NBNP) in Fort St. John and enabled the expansion of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) master’s degree program and the NBNP to Prince George.

At UNBC’s Peace River-Liard campus, $3.60 million was spent to invest in the NBNP program launch in September 2021.

This funding was used to create a

nursing lab, classroom, offices, and a student lounge, and provide a specialized mannequin for enhanced clinical simulation-based learning. In addition, required renovations were completed to NLC space.

The Wood Innovation and Design Centre also saw an investment of $2.49 million to support renovations on the WIDC’s third floor, creating a nursing lab, classroom, student lounge, and offices and the installation of advanced AV and video-conferencing equipment.

The UNBC campus in Prince George

also saw significant investment in the expansion of its FNP program with combined lab/classroom space, two new simulation spaces with observation rooms, and advanced video-conferencing capabilities to facilitate teaching across multiple campuses.

As well, equipment such as teaching and simulation mannequins and six hospital beds have enhanced practical training opportunities.

UNBC states that these additions will double the program’s capacity, increasing the number of seats from 20 to 40.

“These significant upgrades reflect UNBC’s commitment to providing high-quality nursing education that empowers northern B.C. communities in the delivery of health services,” said UNBC president Geoff Payne. “This investment in our nursing programs and facilities ensures that graduates are ready and well-equipped to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents across the region.”

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Clinical skills training is demonstrated in the using a mannequin at the UNBC nursing lab on the Prince George campus.

to the Spruce City Wildlife

salmon

watch as the fish they pour into the chutes head into the Nechako River at the SCWA Fish Hatchery on River Road on Sunday,

Visitor wakes up to fames at Boardwalk Apartments

Gone are her phone, her car-key fob and an irreplaceable family album dating back to the 1700s

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

In the deep recesses of her mind she could hear the faint “beep, beep, beep” of what she thought was a digital alarm clock going off in the next room.

It turned out that faint sound was the fire alarm at Boardwalk Apartments on Killoren Crescent, which was ablaze at about 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 22.

Jeanette McMillan from Victoria was an overnight guest in a family member’s apartment visiting Prince George to share in a family celebration.

McMillan was in the part of the apartment complex near where the fire originated.

Her family member, who wishes to remain anonymous, came and pounded on the bedroom door and said ‘there’s a fire!’

“We got out of bed and he said ‘you don’t have time to get anything just get out, get out!’” McMillan recalled.

“Then he ran out and started pounding on everybody else’s door along the hallway and then I didn’t even put clothes on. I just had my bedroom slippers and my coat and grabbed my purse and we went out,” McMillan said.

“My husband forgot his wallet. The smoke wasn’t bad in the apartment but when we opened the door the smoke just came pouring in. In the first few steps in the hallway we could at least still see each other and it was clear that we were the most able-bodied people out there and the people from the other side of the hall were a lot more disabled than us and they were older and stumbling around because we weren’t sure which way to go because the one direction was looking more clear but was a lot longer way to go than the stairwell

on the south side of the building from where we eventually escaped.”

They headed toward that stairwell. “And kind of just put our arms out and made sure everyone went with us instead of going back into their apartments,” she said.

“We kept pounding on doors because there were still a few doors where nobody had come out yet. Before we even got to the stairwell the smoke was so thick we couldn’t even see a couple of feet in front of us. Everyone just stumbled into the stairwell and people needed help to get down the stairs and it was four flights of slowly going down the stairs when we wanted to run down. Then we burst out the bottom and smoke just came pouring out after us.”

McMillan said they didn’t realize how advanced the fire was until they got to the front of the building as they had escaped from the side.

“The front was all in flames,” McMillan said.

“The flames were licking up the balcony and up the walls to the roof. It was blazing and the fire department hadn’t arrived yet. They got there imminently but you know when you are in an emergency like that it seemed like a long time before they came.”

And it was that quick that neighbours came to help.

McMillan was helped by one woman with young children and there were other neighbours already bringing out chairs and blankets for the victims as they escaped the blaze.

“They were all looking after us,” McMillan said.

“There was a young couple whose house was on the corner and I don’t know how they got out and back so fast but they had gone out and brought back McDonald’s tea and coffee and breakfasts,” McMillan said. “And I think the woman had a young baby and here she is looking after everybody else while I am sure she was worrying about her own place catching on fire.”

As a result of the ordeal, McMillan and her family members were affected by smoke inhalation.

“We were hoarse and our eyes were stinging for a couple of days,” she said.

McMillan lost her cellphone, clothes and shoes, glasses, medications and the key fob for their vehicle, which cost $600 to replace. They had special-occasion clothing for the family celebration and suitcases to carry it all in and all that was lost, too.

But the worst loss was the most

sentimental — a special album that contained photos and information about the family’s history dating back to the 1700s.

“And there are no copies of some of those photos,” McMillan said.

“I’m not sure what else to say other than the neighbours were amazing, the firefighters were amazing, the police were great, not letting anyone go near the back as things were falling off the building, for crying out loud,” McMillan said.

“They were just trying to make it safe for everybody. There was one person who saved lots of people’s lives. There were so many unsung heroes of the day making a bad situation better somehow.”

The Boardwalk Apartments building has been deemed uninhabitable and those residents who still have apartments that can be safely accessed will have three-hour windows to get as much out of their units as possible in the coming days, according to reports by residents who attended a meeting on Thursday, May 29.

There has been a gofundme page started on behalf of the residents. To donate visit www.gofundme.com/f/ support-killoren-boardwalk-fire-families.

CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO

The Boardwalk Apartments on Killoren Crescent were left in ruins after an early-morning fire on Thursday, May 22.

City’s new fre chief wants to establish a training base

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Bryan Burleigh knew he wanted to be a firefighter as a teenaged boy growing up in the Hart community and recognized it would help his chances of getting hired by Prince George Fire Rescue if he had a trade under his belt.

So he became a carpenter, and just a few months after he attained his Red Seal accreditation he got the call to join the fire department.

That was 23 years ago. On Thursday the City of Prince George announced the 47-year-old Burleigh has been appointed fire chief to replace the retiring Cliff Warner.

Burleigh is a native of Prince George who graduated from Kelly Road Secondary School. He and wife Toni are the parents of a 15-year-old daughter, Evann, and 13-year-old son, Daxton.

After three years as deputy chief in charge of operations and training Burleigh will assume his new role overseeing a staff of 150 employees next week.

Clayton Sheen will continue as deputy chief in charge of administration and fire prevention. Burleigh’s deputy chief replacement has yet to be announced.

“Moving into the role of fire chief I’ll be less hands-on,’ said Burleigh. “It’s a big-picture strategic role more than managing the day-to-day stuff. We have a strategic plan that we as deputies were part of under Cliff and so now it’s just being able to take that plan to the next step without Cliff.”

One of Burleigh’s priorities will be to establish a firefighter training base in Prince George, which is part of the municipal force’s mandate. Quesnel is the closest facility available to Prince George firefighter to conduct live simulations of fires and practice extractions and each firefighter is expected to undergo annual training events to help their fire suppression and civilian extraction skills stay sharp.

“We need to have a live fire training centre here, we need to have a burn building and dedicated site where we can do our auto extrications and our

fundamental skillsets with different types of things like natural gas and (to simulate) car fires,” said Burleigh.

“It could become a regional training centre for the north. There are many industry partners that have a desire and a need and requirement to fulfill annual training. There’s legislative requirements now from the office of the fire commissioners to say what full-service departments need on annual training and live fire is one of them. If we can get that in Prince George it’s going to increase our training opportunities and increase our efficiencies as a responding agency and it will make our firefighters safer and stronger.”

City council approved funding to devote a firefighter and supervisor to staff a pickup truck to be used for medical calls to avoid having to send a fully staffed fire truck to assist someone in medical distress. But to cover all shifts on that medical truck and replace members away on holidays, that two-person crew will require 10 new positions added to the city’s budget.

“The ultimate goal is to staff that apparatus with four people,” said Burleigh. “For every seat in the fire service we need five people to fill it because they have four platoons and then we need one for holiday relief and vacancies. But in the meantime we’ll use that truck as a secondary response and use those two members to support a medical unit.”

All Prince George firefighters are trained as emergency medical responders and Burleigh said it is very likely their first responder medical training will eventually go beyond that, with at least two members of the force already accredited as primary care paramedics.

“Our level of training is BC Ambulance Service baseline training, so now we have the same skillset that’s integrated,” said Burleigh. “We have formed a true partnership with (BC Emergency Health Services) at the boots-on-the-ground level, as well as at the senior administration level.

“We have a great partnership, we cross-train with them and understand and support each other, so it’s become a very combined service in many aspects.”

Burleigh’s background as a carpenter has served him well in firefighting and he has a good understanding of residential housing construction as well as experience with commercial/ industrial buildings. This has helped him train other firefighters in the use of equipment and techniques needed to expose fires contained in closed areas and predict where fires are most likely to spread.

He said the firewalls that were part of the frame construction of the Boardwalk Apartments when the complex was built sometime in the 1980s worked to contain the spread of that early-morning fire last Thursday and gave firefighters time to prevent the fire from

spreading to the entire building.

Friday will be Warner’s last day on the job. He took on the role as the city’s 11th fire chief since it became a fulltime position in the 1950s, assuming the duties as chief from John Iverson in January 2022, at the tail end of COVID-19 pandemic.

Warner oversaw the transformation as front-line firefighters became tasked more often as first responders to medical calls heightened in recent years by the opioid crisis.

“As we wish retiring Chief Warner the best following his 30 years of service, and welcome Deputy Chief Burleigh into this role, we congratulate both gentlemen on entering their next chapters,” said Eric Depeneau, the city’s director of administrative services.

“Deputy Chief Burleigh has led the response to a number of challenging emergencies and has been present as part of the leadership team during the negotiation of the current collective agreement, management of complex social issues and refinement of our internal training program. He is a strong leader and has the respect of the service. We are fortunate to see him take on the immense responsibility of fire chief.”

Warner served 30 years with PGFR and was chief for the past three years. Burleigh says he’s been fortunate working alongside Warner, whose example has groomed him for the job.

“If I had a choice I would like to work under Cliff for a few more years but he’s met his time and it’s time for him to move on to the next chapter,” said Burleigh.

“Cliff has more time and energy to give but he’s hit the 30-year mark and he’s happy to move on to the next phase. I’m pretty fortunate to work under and for a guy like Cliff. He was a great leader and role model.

“He was great at succession planning and I think he set us up for success. He was a man with enough passion and integrity that he wouldn’t leave unless he felt we were were ready to take over and that allows us to move forward in a positive way.”

CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE PHOTO

Bryan Burleigh has been named Prince George Fire Rescue fire chief. He takes over from the retiring Chief Cliff Warner starting in June.

Tidewater worker fred for lying about cost of boots

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

An operator at Tidewater Midstream and Infrastructure’s Prince George light oil refinery got the boot for lying about the price of a pair.

In a May 16 decision under the Labour Relations Code, arbitrator Tonie Beharrell dismissed Kent Andrist’s grievance and said his firing was not excessive. Beharrell heard six days of evidence and arguments in January and March from lawyers for Tidewater and Unifor Local 1997 before ruling that Andrist knew or ought to have known that the $399 receipt he submitted for reimbursement was greater than the cost of the Cincinnati boots that he bought last fall.

Andrist worked at the refinery from February 2021 until his October 2024 firing. He also worked on contract as a teacher at College of New Caledonia. Andrist became chief shop steward with the union in November 2023, filed 20 grievances over 10 months and urged members to vote against renewing the collective agreement in

July 2024.

When the contract was ratified, it included a $400 annual boot allowance, double the previous $200 limit.

On Oct. 25, 2024, Andrist filed an expense report for the purchase of $380 safety boots, plus $19 GST, with a receipt from Timberline Footfitters in

Prince George.

An internal investigation found the boots actually cost $299 on the store website and $304 in-store.

Andrist was fired last Oct. 30. Beharrell said evidence showed three pairs of socks were thrown-in to increase the total price of the transaction to as close to $400 as possible. It was not a momentary lapse of judgment, but a “premeditated scheme,” Beharrell ruled. There was no evidence that Andrist was confused about the boot allowance.

“He knowingly produced a receipt for reimbursement that reflected a higher cost than what was covered in the boot policy,” Beharrell wrote. “He was then untruthful to the employer when asked about it during the investigation.”

Andrist did not submit any additional facts to reduce the penalty.

Quesnel negligence lawsuit over fence will go to trial

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A woman suing a construction company in Quesnel Provincial Court for negligence and breach of contract will get a trial after all.

On Feb. 12, Judge Judith Doulis dismissed Robin Lawrence’s small claims case against Bradley Hoolaeff and Autumn Fencing and Construction when she failed to attend a pretrial conference.

Lawrence filed the lawsuit in Quesnel on May 23, 2023, seeking $35,360 in damages and fees for defective, deficient and incomplete work on a fence. In her supporting material, Lawrence described herself as “a middle-aged single woman on long-term disability, living with a significant back injury, major depressive disorder and anxiety.”

Doulis reversed her ruling on April 30, reinstating Lawrence’s claim, the defendant’s reply and counterclaim and referred the case immediately to

a judicial case manager to schedule a three-day trial and pretrial conference.

A trial had been scheduled to begin last October, but Judge Sheryl Wagner gave priority to another case and adjourned the trial to the next day. However, the defendants’ lawyer, Jeremy Koch, contracted COVID-19 and the trial was postponed.

The judicial case manager issued a notice by email on Oct. 24 to reschedule the trial for March 3-5, with a pretrial conference on Feb. 12. However, the

Judge rules property damage suit plaintfs

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A BC Supreme Court judge has decided Canadian National Railway Co. documents must withhold more than two dozen documents from three landowners suing for property damage.

Sheldon Lee Reed, Susan Jeanne Tew and Christopher Raymond Reed bought an 84.6-acre, off-grid property near Smithers in November 2021. They

allege floods in May 2023 and April 2024 were caused by an obstructed culvert between Witset and New Hazelton that the railway failed to maintain.

The Reeds and Tew claim repair costs of $255,150, excluding loss of personal property, and accused CN of trespass, nuisance, negligence and gross negligence. Defendants also include Skeena Rail Services Ltd. and White Spruce Enterprises (1981) Ltd.

“CN denies liability and attributes the

Oct. 25 notice, sent by the court registry, made no reference to the Feb. 12 pretrial conference.

Doulis said Lawrence had complied with all court procedures and practices in a timely and appropriate manner up to Feb. 12. She has also filed “voluminous evidentiary documents in support of her notice of claim” and her claim is worthy of investigation.

“I am satisfied her absence was due to inadvertence or oversight,” Doulis decided.

can’t see CN

flooding to natural causes beyond its control, including rapid snowmelt and beaver activity on upstream private land,” said Justice Sandra Sukstorf in a May 14 judgment.

“CN maintains that it conducted regular inspections and responded appropriately.”

Sukstorf’s decision said there are ongoing negotiations about the plaintiffs’ application for an injunction, so the decision only addressed whether

documents

certain documents should be disclosed. Sukstorf found CN met its burden, on a document-by-document basis, to establish documents were protected “by litigation privilege, solicitor-client privilege, legal advice privilege, or a combination thereof.”

“The application for a mandatory injunction remains in abeyance pending the parties’ negotiation of a preventative maintenance protocol,” Sukstorf said.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

An arbitrator has upheld the firing of a Tidewater employee who filed a grievance over his termination.

Man arrested and charged afer shots fred at RCMP

The situation led to the overnight closure of Highway 16 east of the city last week

CITIZEN STAFF

Charges were approved against a 39-year-old man following a dramatic police incident that shut down a section of Highway 16 East near Prince George for several hours earlier this week.

Prince George RCMP say the incident began around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 when officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle near East Perry Road during a patrol.

The driver allegedly fired a gun at police and fled the scene.

Police say a suspect was located a short time later, leading to a lengthy standoff during which gunfire was exchanged.

The situation saw Highway 16 east of Prince George closed overnight between Upper Fraser Road and the Willow River rest stop to deal with what was described that night as “an active threat” in the area.

A police emergency response team was called to the scene, with an armoured personnel carrier spotted heading toward the incident shortly before 8:30 p.m.

The situation involved officers from the North District Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Service Units, BC Highway Patrol and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, along with the police helicopter Air 3.

Police said the incident was resolved late on the night of the 27th and the road reopened the next morning.

Tyler Cavan Suel of Prince George was eventually taken into custody and transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

He was charged with multiple offences, including four counts of discharging a firearm with intent, pointing a firearm, careless use of a firearm, possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, possession of a weapon and flight from

a peace officer.

“We are incredibly proud of the professional, coordinated and timely response our police officers had to this threatening and dynamic event,” said Insp. Chris Riddle, operations officer with the Prince George RCMP. “Even in the face of being shot at, all of those who responded maintained their professionalism and saw the event through to a positive conclusion.”

Suel was being held in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

The RCMP’s Serious Crime Unit has taken over the investigation.

After the incident, the province’s Independent Investigations Office (IIO) launched an investigation, completing it Friday, May 30.

The IIO looks into situations where an encounter with police leads to injury or death.

“The chief civilian director has reviewed medical evidence collected by IIO investigators and determined that the man’s injuries do not meet the threshold for serious harm as defined by the Police Act,” the IIO reported.

TOYS • COMICS • GAMES

Prince George RCMP officers set up at the intersection of Highway 16 and Upper Fraser Road east of the city on Tuesday, May 27. The highway was closed as police, including an emergency response team, dealt with a developing situation.

Lawyer suggests client avoid jail for drugs and guns

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The lawyer for a Prince George man found guilty of 2019 drugs and guns charges told a BC Supreme Court judge on May 27 that his client should be sentenced to “at or near two years,” possibly served outside of jail.

“It is something that can be considered for a conditional sentence order,” Jason LeBlond told Justice Sandra Wilkinson.

In March 2024, Wilkinson found Scott William Loutit, 40, guilty of storing firearms carelessly, possessing a loaded restricted firearm and possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling it.

Five years earlier, Prince George RCMP found $280,000 to $360,000 worth of marijuana at Loutit’s residence, $500,000 in bundled cash and four shotguns, a semi-automatic rifle, a pistol and revolver.

Before the 2024 verdict, Loutit applied to stay the charges on the basis that his right to a trial within a reasonable time had been breached. In an Aug. 30 ruling, however, Wilkinson determined Loutit’s case had been delayed by 25 months and 23 days. The presumptive ceiling for a B.C. Supreme Court case is 30 months, as set by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2016.

LeBlond quoted from pre-sentencing reports, including one about the

impact of Loutit’s Indigenous heritage. He said Loutit lost 70 pounds last year and has been depressed and anxious since his March 2019 arrest. Though not diagnosed with a mental illness, Loutit spends much of his time alone and cannot start a relationship.

While Loutit was found to have controlled or directed the marijuana distribution operation, LeBlond said “there were other people going to and from the residence which may have been involved, and Mr. Loutit may have been working in concert with them, or

aiding them, or abetting them by allowing storage of material and distribution from his home.”

Loutit did not possess a weapon in a public place, but LeBlond conceded “it was possessed by Mr. Loutit in the context of a large scale cannabis trafficking operation, and that it was stored extremely carelessly in a residence with two young children.”

In a separate case, the director of civil forfeiture filed a notice in the Victoria registry last December against Loutit, claiming the sport utility vehicle and

cash that RCMP seized from him last summer should be surrendered to the province because they are the proceeds of crime.

The civil forfeiture filing came almost a month after Loutit filed a Notice of Dispute to Administrative Forfeiture Proceedings in an effort to have the items returned.

The director wants Loutit’s 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and $8,490 in cash found in Loutit’s possession on Aug. 9, 2024.

The director alleged Loutit obtained the money and vehicle through unlawful activity, used them for more unlawful activity and would continue to do so if he were to regain the money and vehicle.

The civil forfeiture filing said police searched the vehicle and found 211.89 grams of methamphetamine in a large plastic bag in the middle console, another $5,425 in Canadian cash and drug paraphernalia, including a digital scale with suspected drug residue. Loutit had $3,065 in Canadian currency sticking out of his pocket.

In his January response, Loutit denied the allegations and claimed the income was earned through legitimate means with various trucking and delivery businesses. He also said he drove the Jeep lawfully and denied there was any drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. A hearing is yet to be scheduled.

Man receives one year’s probaton for machete incident

The two men had met at a bar and were heavily drunk

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A 30-year-old Prince George man received a conditional discharge after pleading guilty May 26 in Provincial Court to using a weapon and committing an assault.

David Alexander Gauk will spend the next year on probation, but have no

criminal record if he obeys the law and follows Judge Peter McDermick’s conditions, including 80 hours of community work service.

McDermick heard evidence from Crown and defence lawyers that RCMP officers were called at 9:35 p.m. on June 2, 2024 to the front lawn of a residence where they heard yelling.

They discovered Gauk sitting on another man’s back, holding a machete to the back of the victim’s neck.

Gauk did not immediately comply, so he was taken into custody at gunpoint.

The victim suffered superficial cuts to the back of his neck. Gauk was bleeding from the mouth.

The two men had met at a bar and were heavily drunk.

The victim told police that a struggle ensued while he tried to leave Gauk’s property and then Gauk tackled him from behind.

Gauk claimed the victim had threatened him. Gauk was so intoxicated that he had difficulty standing and remembering his surname.

“It was not spontaneous,” McDermick

said. “It did not come ex nihilo or out of nothing. They met, they were drinking. This has all been a wakeup call for Mr. Gauk, according to Mr. Gauk’s mother, who is here in court today, supporting her son.”

McDermick said it was a “hidden blessing” that Gauk realized his drinking was out of control and he told his mother he needed her help.

Gauk, who has a career in carpentry, has been living at a Vancouver Island residential recovery facility where he is in the second stage of the program.

A local man guilty of firearms charges is also facing the seizure of his 2008 Jeep Cherokee in connection with another case.

Province looks to take accused drug dealer’s Mercedes

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The province’s Director of Civil Forfeiture has applied to B.C. Supreme Court to take ownership of a vehicle that it says belongs to a Prince George woman allegedly involved in the drug trade.

The director, represented by lawyer Natasha Roth, filed a May 29 notice of civil claim in the Victoria registry of the BC Supreme Court against the the owners and all others interested in a vehicle, a 2012 Mercedes ML350, “in particular Tamara Brook Sommerfeld.”

Sommerfeld is accused of engaging in drug trafficking on Aug. 15, 2024 in Prince George and using the vehicle “to make a short duration drug transaction.”

The notice of civil claim alleges an RCMP officer stopped the vehicle and Sommerfeld was arrested for possession for the purpose of trafficking. Officers said they found eight grams

of cocaine and $760 in Canadian cash.

The RCMP seized the vehicle but later returned it to Sommerfeld.

The director also claims the Mercedes was used on Dec. 7, 2024 to “facilitate

Shoplifing groceries bags man 18-month suspended sentence

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Prince George man is on probation for 18 months after shoplifting $90 of goods from Buy-Low Foods last fall.

Donnie James John, born in 1976, pleaded guilty on May 29 in Provincial Court to a single count of theft under $5,000. RCMP officers were called to the store at 8:20 p.m. on Oct. 7, 2004 after a man saw John conceal items and leave the store without paying. John had pilfered $89.36 worth of packaged candy, granola bars, lemonade and Kool-Aid mix.

Court heard that John has a criminal record dating back to 2001, but had an 11-year gap between offences until two thefts in 2023.

In delivering the 18-month suspended sentence, Judge David Simpkin said John, who is Indigenous, quit drinking

A local man was arrested after trying to steal from a city grocery store.

cold turkey and wants to get back to working as a driver of road construction equipment.

He said John’s 11-year gap demonstrated the possibility of rehabilitation.

The director said the vehicle contained: 17.96 g of psilocybin; 21.51 g of fentanyl; 113.14 g of cocaine; 16.49 g of methamphetamine; brass knuckle; spiked knuckle; cellphone; and, $120.50 in Canadian cash.

Prince George RCMP seized the vehicle. After the director began administrative forfeiture proceedings, the office received a notice of dispute on May 9.

“The vehicle is proceeds and an instrument of unlawful activity,” said the court filing. “The vehicle has been used by T. Sommerfeld to engage in unlawful activities which variously resulted in, or were likely to result in, the acquisition of property or an interest in property, or caused, or could have resulted in serious bodily harm.”

drug trafficking” in Prince George. Sommerfeld was the front seat passenger when pulled over by an RCMP officer and arrested for possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The director seeks a judge’s order that the vehicle and its proceeds be forfeited to the government.

None of the allegations has been proven in court and there is yet to be a statement of defence.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS PHOTO

The province’s civil forfeiture office is looking to take possession of a 2012 Mercedes ML350, similar to the one shown in this file photo, that was involved in a drug investigation.

Breaking down the urban-rural divide in the BC vote

This chart shows what percentage of voters voted for each party or independent candidates in the 2024 British Columbia general election. The left chart shows the vote share at polling places within Prince George while the right chart shows the vote share outside of the city.

Election BC’s numbers offer a look at how people living in the area’s three electoral districts cast their ballots

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Conservative candidates running in the three Prince George-area provincial electoral districts in last fall’s provincial election either exceeded or maintained their vote share in rural areas while NDP candidates saw their support drop outside of the city according to data released last month.

On April 17, Elections BC released a complete breakdown of votes cast at each polling station in British Columbia.

For this story, The Citizen took the voting data for each polling station in the three Prince George-area ridings — Prince George-Mackenzie, Prince George-North Cariboo and Prince George-Valemount — and divided them

based on whether they were located inside or outside of the City of Prince George.

However, there are some limitations to this approach. We don’t know where people who voted out of their own electoral districts, by telephone, special ballot, mail or at a district electoral office live, so they have been excluded from the analysis.

It’s also possible that voters who went to polling places on the edge of the city’s limits live in the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George.

In Prince George-Mackenzie, voters at Prince George polling stations cast 9546 votes for Conservative winner Kiel Giddens, 4,405 votes for NDP candidate Shar McCrory, 1,298 votes for Green candidate James Steidle and 286 votes for Rachael Weber.

With 15,535 votes cast at Prince George polling stations, the vote share breaks down to around 61.4 per cent for the Tories, 28.4 per cent for the NDP, 8.4 per cent for the Greens and 1.8 per cent for Weber.

At polling stations in the rest of Prince George-Mackenzie, voters cast 805 ballots for Giddens, 130 for Steidle, 125

That represents a roughly 59 per cent vote share for the Tories, 22 per cent for Oakes, 14.9 per cent for the NDP and 4 per cent for the Greens.

Clare’s vote total was almost identical inside and outside of Prince George, while the NDP once again saw lower support outside of the city.

In Prince George-Valemount, those casting ballots in Prince George gave Conservative winner Rosalyn Bird 7,214 votes, NDP candidate Clay Pountney 4,627 votes and Green candidate Gwen Johansson 1,236 votes for a total of 13,077 total votes cast.

That represents a roughly 55.2 per cent vote share for the Tories, 35.4 per cent for the NDP and 9.5 per cent for the Greens.

In polling places outside of Prince George, votes cast 570 ballots for Bird, 296 for Pountney and 148 for Johansson for a total of 987 votes.

for Weber and 95 for McCrory.

With 1,155 votes, that translates to a roughly 69.7 per cent vote share for the Tories, 11.3 per cent for the Greens, 10.8 per cent for Weber and 8.2 per cent for the NDP.

That shows that Giddens maintained his strong performance both in and outside of Prince George, but the NDP’s support was proportionally smaller outside of the city.

In Prince George-North Cariboo, voters at Prince George polling stations cast 3,512 votes for Conservative winner Sheldon Clare, 1,381 votes for NDP candidate Denice Bardua, 760 votes for independent incumbent Coralee Oakes and 300 votes for Green candidate Randy Thompson.

With 5,953 votes cast at Prince George polling stations, that leads to a roughly 59 per cent vote share for the Tories, 23.2 per cent for the NDP, 12.8 per cent for Oakes and 5 per cent for the Greens.

Outside of Prince George, voters in this riding cast 5,418 votes for Clare, 2,029 for Oakes, 1,370 for Bardua and 371 for Thompson for a total of 9,188 votes.

That leads to a vote share of around 57.8 for the Tories, 27.3 per cent for the NDP and 15 per cent for the Greens.

Bird saw a slight boost in vote share outside of Prince George while the Greens’ vote share rose at the expense of the NDP.

In the three ridings, the Tories’ vote share either stayed the same or rose, the NDP saw their support drop outside of Prince George and the Greens saw their support increase in two ridings and drop in another.

Across all Prince George polling places in the three ridings, the Tories earned around 58.6 per cent of the votes cast, the NDP got 30.1 per cent, the Greens got 8.2 per cent and independent candidates got three per cent.

If you combine the vote share for all polling places within the three Prince George ridings but outside of the city, the Tories got around 60 per cent of the vote, independent candidates got around 19 per cent, NDP candidates got 15.3 per cent and Green candidates 5.7 per cent.

The Citizen will return with a similar breakdown when Elections Canada releases poll-by-poll results for the 2025 federal election.

Preparing for emergencies in remote and rural areas

ANDIE MOLLINS

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Living in a large and diverse region, Cariboo residents face varying risks to be aware of, from landslides to floods to derailments.

Sure to be on everyone’s mind, however, is wildfire, and the risk of its impacts on people, homes, businesses and lands is growing as seasons become hotter and drier.

“Everyone in the Cariboo does have a risk around wildfire,” said Gerald Pinchbeck, the Cariboo Regional District’s (CRD) manager of communications. Pinchbeck’s workload extends to the district’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) which is activated in the event of an emergency to help co-ordinate a regional response.

Among the EOC’s responsibilities is making the call to officially order an evacuation if warranted, directing evacuations and connecting those affected with the resources they need. In the case of a wildfire, the BC Wildfire Service may recommend an evacuation be ordered, but the decision ultimately lies in the hands of local governments such as the CRD or the City of Williams Lake. Whether or not a community is anticipating an emergency, fires, floods and landslides do not account for the best timing of their approach. Children may be at daycare or at a friend’s, pets may be on the loose or at the groomer’s, roommates may be out hiking and you may be busy at work.

It’s important to be well-prepared for emergencies to minimize the impact they may have on your life, and there’s no better time to do so than now.

“First and foremost, make sure you have a plan,” said Pinchbeck. This plan, he said, must be relevant to the risks one faces in their area as well as to their circumstances. There are many resources online which can be referred to as you craft your plan, but Pinchbeck said it’s critical to access information from reliable resources such as BC Wildfire, CRD or the provincial government.

The province has guides available

a mudslide, a severe winter storm or a flood. Being prepared is crucial.

which are tailored to different scenarios, providing a template for homeowners, townhouse or apartment dwellers, pet owners, small business owners and for people who are disabled to plan for their specific situation.

Essential elements of a plan include writing down contact information for each person living in your household, as well as for local and out-of-town contacts you know and trust.

As you may not be together at the time of the emergency, identify an emergency meeting place both near and away from your home so you can easily reunite with your household in case phone lines are down.

Know where your children might be at the time of an emergency, write down the address and contact information of that location and, if they attend school or daycare, know what the process is for releasing your child to a designated person in case you are unable to make it there yourself.

You should also include contact information for your home or renter’s insurance as well as your utility providers, and you should know your Ministry of Agriculture ID if you are a rancher or have an agriculture license.

To learn more about building an emergency plan, visit the PreparedBC emergency guide webpage, which has also posted guides according to emergency types such as extreme heat emergencies which are becoming a growing concern, as well as for winter weather and storms.

accessible place.

“No matter where you live, make sure you have an emergency kit ready,” Pinchbeck said.

It is best to create two separate emergency kits, one which you can grab and go in case of an evacuation which contains supplies to last 72 hours, and one which contains supplies to last you a week in the case of a ‘shelter in place’ order.

All these guides can be directly filled out by printing or downloading the documents or by using B.C.’s online ‘build your plan’ service. This service allows you to save the plan to your computer and mobile device.

If you have a hard copy of your plan, place it directly in your emergency kit, which should be kept in a safe and

These kits should include items such as your medication, important documents, a map of your local area with your meeting point marked, a first aid kit, non-perishable foods and a can opener, seasonal clothing, an emergency blanket, a power bank and cash. To see a full list of recommended items, visit the PreparedBC emergency kit webpage.

Both kits should be checked regularly and restocked with fresh items. This article originally appeared in The Williams Lake Tribune.

North Coast Transmission Line Open Houses

Phase 1: Prince George to Glenannan Transmission

We’re bringing more clean, reliable electricity to the North Coast to foster economic growth and enable our customers to use clean electricity to power their operations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

We’re proposing to build new 500kV transmission lines and associated infrastructure from Prince George to Terrace through the North Coast Transmission Line Project (NCTL). NCTL will be developed in two phases: Phase 1: Prince George to Glenannan Transmission and Phase 2: Glenannan to Terrace Transmission. We’re also proposing to upgrade our existing 500kV transmission lines from Prince George to Terrace and expand our transmission system north of Terrace and in Prince Rupert.

Please join us anytime between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to learn about NCTL Phase 1 and our other activities, and to share your feedback:

Prince George

Monday, June 9

Central B.C. Railway & Forestry Museum 850 River Road

Vanderhoof

Tuesday, June 10

Integris Community Center

Multi-purpose Room 186 Columbia Street West

*NCTL Phase 2 information will also be available at the Fraser Lake open house.

Fraser Lake*

Wednesday, June 11

Professional Building

298 McMillan Ave

Can’t make an in-person event? We’re having two virtual events from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Monday, June 23, 2025 Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Please register at projects@bchydro.com by June 22, 2025.

We look forward to discussing our plans with you.

Information about the NCTL Phase 2 Open Houses and our other activities is available at bchydro.com/ncelectrification. If you have questions or comments, please contact us at 1 866 647 3334 or projects@bchydro.com.

7334

Disaster can strike at any time, whether it’s a wildfire,

What’s happening in PG

Italian Heritage Month Celebration Dinner goes Saturday, June 7 at 6 p.m. at the Prince George Italian Club, 1209 Fifth Ave. The menu features spaghetti, Italian sausage, seasonal salad, garlic bread and dessert. Tickets are $20 for members, $30 for non-members, children five and under are $10. Tickets are non-refundable. Reserve your tickets now by e-transfer at pgitalianclub1@ gmail.com by June 2.

Battle in the North Functional Fitness Competition goes Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 at Masich Place Stadium. Registration closes May 18. This is a two-day competition where athletes will push themselves to the limit no matter what their skill level. There is options for individuals and teams. Five workouts for two days. For all the details visit https://competitioncorner.net/ events/15972/details

Fishing Forever Prince George goes Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Vivian Lake Resort, 10435 Vivian Lake Road. BC Wildlife Federation-affiliated clubs host Fishing Forever events across BC to make fishing accessible to people of all abilities, backgrounds, and ages. Fishing Forever volunteers and sponsors have spent countless days outdoors helping those who may need a little extra assistance to learn how to fish and enjoy nature. For a complete list of dates, times, and locations for Fishing Forever 2025 events visit https:// bcwf.bc.ca/fishingforever/.

Community Animal Shelter 10th anniversary celebration goes Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 4011 Lansdowne Road. Everyone is welcome to attend this event to celebrate the Prince Goerge Humane Society’s anniversary. Hot dogs and hamburgers by donation. Kids’ activities, 50/50 tickets, visit adoptable dogs and cats to find your next family member. Please leave pets at home.

Spring Fun Day goes Saturday, June 7 at 9 a.m. at Dusty Trail Riders, 10597 Blackwater Rd., for Horse Council BC Members. Come join fun events, obstacles and games. Concession will be

Community Animal Shelter 10th anniversary celebration goes Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 4011 Lansdowne Road.

available. Spectators welcome. For all the details visit https://www.facebook. com/events/1295326981692483

Watson Weekend at Huble Homestead goes Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 15000 Mitchell Road. Bust out the magnifying glasses for this self-guided adventure as guests find out if the thrill of the hunt will bring out the sleuth in you as you investigate the grounds and buildings of the historic site for hidden clues. Explore at your leisure as you solve the riddles and puzzles scattered

across the homestead, decoding messages, and unlocking boxes as you go. Admission is by donation of $10 per family.

Roller Derby Rocks the CN Centre on Saturday, June 14 at 7 p.m. Get ready for an action-packed evening as Northern BC’s top roller derby teams go headto-head on the flat track for the very first time at the CN Centre. Rated PG Thrashers vs. the North Coast Nightmares will be in a fast-paced, hard-hitting showdown full of hits, whips, and high-speed thrills. This all-ages event

features raw power, electric energy, and a crowd-pumping halftime show — don’t miss your chance to see roller derby at its finest. For tickets visit www. ticketsnorth.evenue.rollerderby.

Early Explorers: Sprout Scouts goes Wednesday, June 18 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at The Exploration Place, 333 Becott Place. This is geared for children three to five and is an introduction to STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Through play, song, dance, crafts, and age-appropriate demonstrations, we explore a new theme each month. In Sprout Scouts, children will explore the garden, dig in the soil, plant flowers, and discover what makes a garden flourish. This hands-on experience will teach them about the basics of gardening while having fun with sensory exploration and teamwork. This program will take place in the on-site Explorers Urban Garden.

B.A. Johnston & Crones Live at the Legion goes Wednesday, June 18 at 8 p.m. at Legion 43PG, 101-1116 Sixth Ave. B.A. is back at the PG Legion with legendary PG rock outfit Crones. One of Canada’s most unique and legendary performers, B.A. is bringing his oneman show that blends performance art, music and comedy. B.A. has developed a cult-like following of Hawkins Cheezies-chugging chuds all over the world for good reason. Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 in advance at www.madloon.ca/tickets/.

National Indigenous Peoples Day goes Saturday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park. Commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day to recognize the history, heritage, and diversity of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Truth and Reconciliation is the heart of National Indigenous Peoples Day. The Lheidli T’enneh First Nation will be hosting National Indigenous Peoples Day on their ancestral lands and historic village site, now known as Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park.

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CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

The

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Sweet Summer Market goes Saturday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CN Centre. Browse local vendors, indulge in great eats, all while supporting local small businesses in your community. Vendors can register at www.justsugarcookies.ca.

Santacruzan sa Prince George 2025 goes Sunday, June 22 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 887 Patricia Blvd. This special event is sponsored by the Cathedral Migrant Ministry and the Filipino-Canadian community in Prince George. It will become part of the observance of the parish feast day and June as Filipino Heritage Month in Canada. Highlights include the Santacruzan parade, salo-salo (potluck), adobo cook off, palarong Filipino (games), and arch design competition. For more information visit www.facebook.com/ events/597537025960340.

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

Chris Goodwin Band goes Saturday, July 5 at 8:30 p.m. at Nelly’s Pub, 2280 John Hart Hwy. This well-known fourpiece country group has been captivating audiences in Northern British Columbia since 2019. They’ve gained a strong reputation in Western Canada, headlining events like the 2020 Rooftop Rock Festival and sharing the stage with renowned artists like Brett Kissel, Dean Brody, and Corb Lund at the 2022 Best Damn Music Fest.

Pride Picnic goes Sunday July 6 at

Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park from 3 to 8 p.m. This event is presented by the Northern BC Queer Connection Society and is a free, family-friendly celebration of love, diversity, and community spirit. There will be live music, food trucks, games, crafting fun, a fabulous queerfriendly market, access to amazing community resources and a special Queer History Exhibit. Wear your brightest rainbow gear and bring your picnic essentials like chairs, blankets, baskets and sunscreen. Market vendors, musicians, performers, artists and poets who wish to participate can email events@ nbcqueerconnection.com.

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

Games Night goes every Thursday at 7 p.m at Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Drive. Come on down and

join in a game of backgammon, checkers, crib or better yet try out the pool table or dart board, please bring your own darts. Open to everyone for a $5 drop in fee.

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

Parkinson Support Group meetings are the third Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Drive. Meetings are informal and are for sharing information about slowing down the progression of PD. There are guest speakers, special events and biweekly exercise sessions

and positive social interaction. Use lower parking lot beside ball diamond to access the seniors centre.

Trivia Night at Nancy O’s goes every other Wednesday at 8 p.m., 1261 Third Ave. There are three rounds per game, each round has five themed questions and five music questions. There’s something for everyone. The winning team gets a custom Nancy O’s Trivia trophy and a round of drinks, their photo on the wall that goes into the winners’ book after two weeks. Those caught cheating will be publicly shamed and labelled as cheaters – good wholesome fun. Book a spot by calling ahead at 250-562-8066.

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

B.A. JOHNSTON PHOTO/FACEBOOK

B.A. Johnston’s western Canadian tour brings him to Prince George on Wednesday, June 18 at 8 p.m. at Legion 43PG, 101-1116 Sixth Ave. Opening up is local band Crones.

Just for kids

Saturday’s BC Northern Multicultural Children’s Festival lls Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park with fun

ABOVE: Amina Andrews, 8, sits very still as Cuitlana Verhun paints a butterfly on her face.

ABOVE RIGHT: Emily Wyzgowski, 8, plays a ring toss game.

LEFT: Addie Foreman, 9, enjoys moving to the beat.

RIGHT: Leila David can do nothing but laugh as four-year-old Aerwin finds her own way to play the Monster Head Knock Out game.

ABOVE: Jeena Matthews watches as Corin, 5, launches a bean bag.

BELOW: Athena Gelit, 12, is chased down by eight-week-old Shitzu-Toy Poodle cross Finny.

ABOVE: Fifteen-month-old Akira Beurnett rocks to the music in the lap of Saige Macdonald.

Vintage motorcycle club honours rider’s last request

They restored a bike to donate to Hospice as a fundraiser

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

A Prince George Vintage Motorcycle Club member got a call for help one day.

Terry Chilton made a final request to have his 2011 Kawasaki motorcycle fixed up and sold, with proceeds donated to the Prince George Hospice Society.

Several members of the Vintage Motorcycle Club answered the call to make it happen.

Club members Olaf Starck, Ted Kohlen, Guy Hudson, Neil Miller, Hans Rasmussen and Earl Dugdale drove their vintage motorcycles to The Citizen office for a chat about how it all came together.

“This fellow was a truck driver by trade and occasionally would ride his motorcycle with our group so in late 2023 he reached out to a club member and said ‘I’m not doing so well, I’d like to donate some money to hospice but I have no money but I do have this motorcycle’,” Stark recalled.

“He said ‘can I sign it over to the club and you guys fix it up and sell it and donate the money to hospice?’ And he died three weeks later.”

Starck said because the Prince George Vintage Motorcycle Club is incorporated they were able to do as Chilton wished.

“So some of the members went to get the bike and it was stored at Guy’s place for the winter,” Starck explained.

“We fixed it up that summer and it really didn’t need that much fixing up,” Starck said.

“When we do this kind of thing we make the bike’s safe for the road,” Rasmussen said. “We have approximately 27 members in the club and a lot of them have different skills.”

“We actually replaced key brake components,” Starck added.

“We replaced the handlebars because it had a little bit of a bend in it,”

Rasmussen said.

“And we changed the oil and replaced the battery,” Starck said.

“By the time that was all done it was at the end of the summer and that was too late to sell it. You have this window about six weeks long and if you can’t sell the bike in that time frame it becomes a lot harder to sell. So this year we started early and we found two interested buyers within two weeks.”

The local vintage motorcycle club are big supporters of the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society and the Prince George Legion, Hans Rasmussen, club member, said, so it was a great conclusion to the tune-up effort to donate to the society that accommodates those looking for palliative end-of life-care.

“As our members age a lot of them end up in Hospice and we think it’s a worthwhile organization,” Rasmussen added.

“There was another member who died in Hospice six or seven years ago and we did the same thing for him. We auctioned off his bike at the Father’s Day Show ‘n’ Shine and donated the

proceeds to Hospice.”

“It’s kind of what we do,” Hudson, another member of the vintage club, added.

The club has committed to donating at least $500 to Hospice every year but with the sale of the 2011 Kawasaki KLR650 adventure tour bike they are donating $3,500 this year as Chilton requested.

“We look at Hospice and we all see it in our future, too,” Neil Miller, another vintage motorcycle club member, said.

“And they do good work.”

The Prince George Vintage Motorcycle Club is open to anyone who rides.

“We’ve got people who ride brand new Harleys in the club and that’s not a problem,” Rasmussen said.

But the machines lined up at The Citizen’s parking lot is a vintage motorcycle enthusiasts dream.

There’s a gold 1972 Kawasaki, a red 1983 Kawasaki, black 1970 BMW, black 2007 Honda and high vis 1985 Honda dirt bike and 1979 Triumph.

“We have some guys in the club that don’t even have bikes anymore,” Starck said.

The Prince George Vintage Motorcycle Club sold this 2011 Kawasaki bike and proceeds were donated to the Prince George Hospice to honour a former member’s last request.

“We’ve had lots of guys who come just because they like motorcycles,” Rasmussen added.

In the summers Vintage Motorcycle Club meetings are every Tuesday. It’s a ride night that starts at the A&W on Fifth Avenue and in the winter they meet at a pub and watch motorcycle movies, Starck said.

Everyone is welcome to join the club. For more information visit www.princegeorgevintagemcclub.org.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHRISTINE DALGLEISH

Prince George Vintage Motorcycle Club members from left Olaf Starck, Neil Miller, Guy Hudson, Ted Kohlen, Hans Rasmussen and Earl Dugdale came down to The Citizen to talk about how a former member of the club gifted his beloved bike to them to fix up and sell as his final wish was to donate the proceeds to the Prince George Hospice.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

PG Rod and Gun Club invites visitors to try shootng

Open house will give people a chance to experience the sport

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Prince George Rod and Gun Club will soon host an open house aimed at introducing locals of all ages to sport shooting.

The event will take place June 7 at the Hartman Clubhouse, located at 944 Hartman Rd. Both members and non-members are welcome to attend.

Even those without a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) are invited to participate.

“You’ll be supervised by people with a PAL or an RPAL already,” said Andrew Tomlinson, president of the Rod and Gun Club. “A lot of our instructors are range safety officers or firearms instructors themselves — they’re very experienced. They’ll be teaching the gun or helping with the firearm that they’re proficient in.”

For a small fee of $5, attendees will have the opportunity to shoot pistols, rifles and shotguns under the supervision of qualified instructors. Participants can try their hand at metal silhouette targets, steel targets and clay pigeons.

Tomlinson told The Citizen that his favourite part of the event is seeing locals gain hands-on experience with firearms for the first time.

“It’s definitely seeing people coming in that have never been to the range or never even shot a gun before,” he said.

“Especially people that have never been around them, or never had that experience. People bring their families, their kids to try things out for the first time, or even just watch. A parent might shoot and the kid just watches — or sometimes it’s the other way around.

“There are definitely adults that don’t want to shoot a firearm and we don’t push anyone to do anything they don’t want to. Or they’ve shown up because they’ve never shot a firearm and want

to try it for the first time. It’s a little cheaper than going to Vegas, that’s for sure.”

The open house is part of National Range Day, an event that celebrates Canada’s firearms community. The Prince George event coincides with the national date.

Tomlinson, who has been with the club since 2011, said the Rod and Gun Club has been hosting events like this for more than 40 years. He hopes visitors come away with a deeper understanding of the club’s role in the community.

“There’s a lot of positive and negative light around firearms and the use of firearms in Canada. We are part of the positive side,” he said. “We’re part of the community — we’ve raised money for charity and things like that. We obviously self-fund ourselves as the club with the two sites we have in Prince George and the area. We want people to take that away, see we are a part of the community, and see that the sports are available for all age groups and every type of person in Prince George.”

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Kin 1 (pictured) and Kin 2 were filled with firearms and sporting gear dealers from Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1, for the PG Rod and Gun Club 2025 Gun and Sportsman Show. Next up, the club is hosting an open house.

Piano fundraiser sounds ready to fnish on a high note

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

The Prince George Conservatory of Music is on the homestretch of their fundraising effort to buy a new Yamaha C3X 6’1” grand piano worth more than $60,000 and there’s only $3,750 left to raise.

With a little help from arts patron Eli Klasner, who has pledged to match funds up to $5,000, the conservatory is hoping to conclude its fundraising efforts when their final student recital takes place on June 7.

“We’ve been working steadfastly the last couple of years to improve all the performing arts infrastructure here in Prince George and I like to think to great results,” said Klasner, who is also executive director at the Prince George & District Community Arts Council.

“For example, the Knox Performance Centre has just been such a smashing success and re-opening the Playhouse but we need to have those kinds of amenities that are important for the venues to bring them up to a professional level as well so that’s why I was excited to get behind the Bechstein piano restoration project while also making sure our local conservatory has a good professional quality instrument as well.”

Along with raising funds for professional performance-ready pianos, Klasner said the arts community is also raising funds to improve sound and lighting technology in local venues, including Theatre NorthWest, Knox Performance Centre and the Prince George Playhouse.

“The other part of this is that we are improving these facilities and these amenities and their infrastructure and government helps where it can, but I strongly believe that as a community we need to get behind it all and show our support financially for these improvements as well and I have always been a big fan of matching campaigns because it brings a competitive spirit to fundraising,” he said.

“It becomes exciting, a little bit of a race and I would like to see more of that in Prince George. We have some

The Prince George Conservatory of Music is closing in on its fundraising goal to raise more than $60,000 for a new Yamaha C3X 6’1” grand piano just like this one.

fantastically generous people who always step right up to make a financial contribution but it’s a lot of fun when somebody’s able to say I’ll match dollar for dollar up to whatever amount that every anyone else is willing to give.”

Raising funds for the new instrument came about because the conservatory’s main performance piano is more than 30 years old and is coming to the end of its life despite regular maintenance and repairs.

This is a piano which has been heavily used in its 30 years by faculty and staff as well as numerous community groups including Nove Voce, the PG Symphony Orchestra, Trinity United Church, the PG and District Music Festival Association, Tapestry Singers and the BC Registered Music Teachers Association.

“The conservatory is inside the Trinity Church and our performance space is the same as the church sanctuary and the piano that’s in there belongs to

and a dolly to move it safely around the stage for $62,238.88 all in.

“This is a lot of money for us, we are a non-profit and although we have a maintenance fund to keep our instruments in shape, we don’t have a fund to buy something so big,” Godber said.

“If we did that we would have to increase music lesson prices to cover the cost so fundraising was definitely the way to go as we try to make our lessons and concerts as accessible as possible so that $35,0000 from the Community Foundation helped a lot and we felt like ‘OK, we can do this’ and we did apply for a few other grants that we didn’t get but we also had a big donation from P.S. Pianos, which is the local piano store in town and Peter Stevenson is also the local technician who works on our pianos.”

P.S. Pianos is donating $12,200 and Trinity United Church and Integris have each pledged $2,000.

To raise the remaining $11,000 the conservatory started the Sponsor a Key campaign where donors can sponsor a white key for $100 or a black key for $150 or a whole octave, including seven white and five black keys, for $1,450.

the conservatory so the church uses it on Sunday but we use it throughout the week for lessons and any time we have a recital or one of our faculty performances and there are various choirs that use it throughout the week as well,” said Shoshanna Godber, artistic director at the Prince George Conservatory of Music.

“So that piano gets used pretty much every day and it’s been there for 30 years and it’s been a great piano but it’s just not as high quality as we need for the performances we want to present.”

The fundraising campaign started in the fall.

“And we weren’t sure if it was actually going to happen but the Prince George Community Foundation gave us a boost of $35,000 by way of a grant so that was huge step in the right direction,” Godber said.

The fundraiser includes the price of the piano, a humidity control system

To date they have raised $6,850 and now Klasner has come in to close out the fundraiser.

“We’ll keep fundraising until our last recital on June 7 so anything that we manage to raise above that amount will be used to move the other piano into another studio, and if there’s extra after that we could also buy a cover for the new piano and we could also set aside more money for maintenance,” Godber said.

“Any money above the goal will be welcome and that would be amazing. It’s a gift for us but it’s also a piano that is used by so many groups in the community and I think that’s why the Community Foundation got behind it. I would like to say thank you to all of the groups and individuals who have supported us in this effort. All of it really helped. It’s not just a piano for us. It’s a piano for the whole community.”

To donate visit pgconservatory.ca/ piano-key-sponsorship.

PRINCE GEORGE CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC PHOTO

An AI doll is part of a new study on aging in the North

‘Companion robots’ at UNBC are equipped with a form of arti cial intelligence

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

There’s a life-like dolly called Sunday quietly sitting on the sensor-equipped bed at the Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North (CTAAN) in the Teaching Laboratory building at the University of Northern BC.

It’s just one of the many items featuring advancements in technology geared to support older adults.

Built on a partnership between UNBC, Northern Health, and AGE-WELL, CTAAN programs focus on testing, piloting, implementing, and promoting new and existing technology solutions tailored to support older adults and caregivers in northern and rural communities.

From a team of two in 2020 that started the CTAAN program to the 16 people on the team currently, Emma Rossnagel, research manager, said they are a large and thriving team engaged in a number of projects and the interactive AI toys are featured in one of them.

“We have some pretty cool companion robots equipped with AI,” said Dr. Shannon Freeman, academic director, Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North.

“They remember what you talk about. They can engage in meaningful conversation. One doll can be programmed to recognize five different people. It will respond and as you continue to talk she’ll remember things for you. These are just new. We’re just getting them up and running and we’re going to run a study in the fall. They are pretty cool companion robots and we’ve done some community workshops with them.”

When an initial study was done the feedback that came back was some people would prefer a different forms

of doll and some would prefer a stuffed animal rather than a doll, added Emma Rossnagel, research manager at CTAAN.

“So the developer took that feedback into consideration and now has a range of dolls that are boys and girls in different ethnicities and others take the form of a stuffed toy like a sheep,” Rossnagel explained.

“So they took that feedback and will now customize more towards the people using them.”

During the conversation Sunday the AI doll piped up.

She talked about fishing in an attempt to engage another member of the CTAAN team into the conversation who was not in attendance but had been the initial user of the doll’s artificial intelligence.

Sunday used prompts to trigger memory by using phrases like ‘are you looking forward to the big fishing trip you’re planning to catch steelhead salmon?’

It was easy to imagine how encouraging that would be for an aging person experiencing a form of dementia.

“These interactive robots are suitable for people with moderate dementia, who are still talking and engaging, Freeman added.

“And what’s really nice about these dolls is that they have well-being screeners in them,” Freeman said.

“So if someone is talking about being depressed or expressing negative thoughts there are flags in this doll and you can set it up to send a mental health alert to the care giver. A lot of times if you have a pet or you have a doll you are more comfortable telling them how you feel than you might be telling another person.”

Freeman said they are looking forward to seeing how affective interactions with the robot companions are and how the aging population in Prince George take to this new technology.

For more information about the Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North visit https://www. ctaan.ca/

Dr. Shannon Freeman from UNBC Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North holds two versions of AI interactive robots that will be put to the test during a study set for the fall on how affective they are when introduced as companions for those with mild to moderate dementia.

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PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN’S

UNBC 32nd convocaton celebrates the class of ’25

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Hundreds of students crossed a stage at the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre in Prince George on Friday, June 30 to receive their degrees in front of friends and loved ones in two ceremonies marking the University of Northern British Columbia’s 32nd convocation.

In both the morning and afternoon, students put on their gowns and then formed a circle in the university’s bus loop as members of the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia Traditional Drummers performed.

Under a drumbeat, students participating in the morning trekked to the sports centre and wound their way through the building before they and faculty members were led into their seats on the gymnasium floor by another group of drummers, the Thundering Eagles.

At one point, dignitaries were led in behind both someone carrying a banner bearing UNBC’s coat of arms and another person carrying the university’s talking stick.

After Dawn Zemoura led attendees in a round of O Canada, Elder Lenora White welcomed visitors to the traditional territory of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and read a message on behalf Chief Dolleen Logan.

“Shoot for the moon, if you miss, you’ll always been a star,” White said. “She encourages you to stay within the northern regions to live, work and embrace our well-defined four seasons. Lheidli believes in striving for your best, always looking ahead to the future.”

Chancellor Darlene McIntosh, another Lheidli T’enneh elder, said after saying hello in the Dakelh language it was exciting to see graduates receive their degrees.

“2025 has been a year full of challenges for our world,” McIntosh said. “Climate change continues to affect us all, war still rages in Ukraine and Gaza, our water remains low and many communities are impacted by wildfires.

“The cost of living has skyrocketed, making it harder for young people to find homes while homelessness

continues to rise and the lives that are lost on the streets.”

She said there’s a lot of political tension as well, especially regarding the idea of Canada’s annexation by the United States.

Despite those difficulties, she said there’s still hope as Canada has come together with determination and is taking steps towards self-sufficiency and resilience.

She urged those present to connect with the beauty and wisdom of Mother Earth and to take part in the responsibility to make things better for future generations. wThis, she said, she has confidence this year’s graduates can do.

University president Geoff Payne was next, joking that while he had glasses on hand as a prop for his first convocation, he now can’t get by without them. As president, he said there are no happier days than convocation days.

“Thirty-five years ago, UNBC was just an idea,” he said. “It began with a vision and the boldness of thousands of northerners who believed in the power of a homegrown university. Today, you are proof that vision was worth it.”

He also thanked those who organized the ceremony and volunteered to assist with them for making it a special day for

that recommended “’en cha hunà,” which means “respecting all forms of life,” become the school’s motto, co-ordinating international conferences on Indigenous issues, developing and teaching four levels of Dakelh language and culture courses, naming the university’s residences Neyoh and Keyoh and more.

With the remarks and initial honours finished, orator Jacqueline Holler — an associate professor in UNBC’s history faculty — read out the names of each student, who then went up on the stage to claim their diploma.

Doctoral students came first, then students receiving master’s degrees, then those earning bachelor’s degrees then those who obtained certificates.

graduates.

Following Payne’s remarks, Christine Añoneuvo was presented with the Governor General’s Gold Medal and Sean Robinson was given the Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal for Inclusion, Democracy and/or Reconciliation. Robinson was also the ceremony’s valedictorian.

Nak’azdli Whu’ten elder Yvonne Pierreroy was then presented with a honorary doctor of laws degree for her work in preserving the Dakelh language.

She gave her speech in both English and Dakelh. She described her background at the beginning of her remarks, saying it is her people’s custom to introduce themselves.

“When my formal education took me away from home, partially in a residential school and partly in a boarding home, I always maintained my Dakelh language and culture, which has been central to my identity,” Pierreroy said.

She said her journey at UNBC started in 1992 when she became an executive assistant before the institution’s doors opened.

In the years since, she said she was involved in establishing the school’s First Nations Centre, mentoring both students and staff, the group of students

The second ceremony was much the same, except this time geography department associate professor Zoë Meletis served as orator, longtime Prince George MLA Shirley Bond was conferred an honorary doctor of laws degree and Guowei Li was the valedictorian.

In a speech, Bond said she was “deeply grateful and honestly a little overwhelmed in the best possible way.”

“For the graduating class, thank you for letting me share your special day,” Bond said. “We have arrived at this moment from different pathways, but I am deeply honoured to be included in your graduation day.”

She thanked her family for their support as she pursued a life of public service, including her late husband Billy.

Ceremonies were later held at UNBC’s other campuses.

The Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisga’a Institute campus conferred degrees to its students on Monday, June 2, and the Terrace campus held its ceremony on Tuesday, June 3.

The Fort St. John campus was set to celebrate graduates on Friday, June 6, and the Quesnel campus was scheduled to round out the schedule on Wednesday, June 11.

Across all the ceremonies, 784 credentials were being handed out.

That wasn’t the total number of students graduating, as some individuals earned two credentials.

Members of UNBC’s class of 2025 gather in the agora dressed in their robes for convocation day on Friday, May 30.

Chess club invites both casual and compettve

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Prince George Chess Club has announced a slate of new tournaments for both casual and competitive players to fill out the summer calendar.

The first event, scheduled for July, will run every weekend and is open to Chess Federation of Canada (CFC)-rated players from across the North.

The tournament schedule is as follows:

• Round 1: July 6, 10:30 a.m.

• Round 2: July 13, 10:15 a.m.

• Round 3: July 13, 2 p.m.

• Round 4: July 20, 10:15 a.m.

• Round 5: July 20, 2 p.m.

• Round 6: July 27, 10:30 a.m.

Each round is expected to last 90 minutes. Winners of the month-long tournament will receive bragging rights along with gift cards: $40 for first place, $35 for second, and $25 for third.

Tournament director Roman Baca told The Citizen why he wanted to bring a competitive chess event to Prince George.

“This tournament is targeted at people who really want to play chess as professional players,” Baca said. “I was a little bit surprised when I came the first time to Prince George that I didn’t see a chess club here, because for a city of 80,000, it’s kind of unusual … I was just surprised that we don’t have anything. So there was that idea to start building a professional base of players.”

Entry fees for the CFC-rated tournament are $25 for early-bird registration

(until June 8) and $30 for regular registration, which closes at midnight on June 29.

For those not CFC-rated or who prefer a more casual experience, the club is also hosting a CFC-rated and unrated tournament on Aug. 10.

This one-day tournament will feature seven rounds for both rated and unrated divisions.

Prizes for the Aug. 10 rated tournament:

• 1st place: $40 gift card

• 2nd place: $35 gift card

• 3rd place: $25 gift card

Prizes for the Aug. 10 unrated tournament:

• 1st place: $25 gift card

• 2nd place: $20 gift card

• 3rd place: $15 gift card

Both the July tournament and the Aug. 10 event will take place on the second floor of Great White Toys, Comics and Games at Spruceland Mall in Prince George.

That store is owned by Cameron Stolz, co-owner and publisher of The Citizen.

Registration for the July CFC-rated tournament closes at noon on July 4.

Registration for both the rated and unrated events on Aug. 10 ends Aug. 8. No on-site registration will be available for either event.

To register, visit the following links:

• July CFC-rated: https://forms.gle/ nVtddcrmQbKi5QH97

• Aug. 10, CFC-rated: https://forms. gle/FYQeV7Hd3F5pmfrc6

• Aug. 10, unrated: https://forms. gle/kdut2YXohodKna7G9

Prince George Chess Club is

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Iain Scott of the CN Centre team dishes up chili to Susie Jones at the Prince George Potters Guilds 49th Annual Great Northern Chili Cookoff held at the PG Playhouse Saturday.

Shopping, skatng and smiles at new container market

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

People flocked to Canada Games Plaza on the afternoon and evening of Friday, May 30 for the grand opening of the new Nanguz ‘An container market.

Where the bleachers once sat next to the skating rink are now four shipping containers converted into small storefronts along with another nearby container that can be used for various purposes.

On opening day, that last container was in use as a stage first for speeches from dignitaries and then for local singer-songwriter Geneviene Jaide and a band.

Those dignitaries included Tourism Prince George board chair Jamie Valcourt, Acting Mayor Brian Skakun, Prince George-North Cariboo Conservative MLA Sheldon Clare and Lheidli T’enneh elders.

Speaking to The Citizen after the opening ceremony, Tourism Prince George CEO Colin Carson said it had taken two years of work with the community and various partners to get the market ready.

Originally, Carson said, they didn’t have a specific vision for the space. The organization was already looking to move its visitor’s centre to the Civic Centre, but they wanted to find a way to activate the plaza as well.

“We viewed this as a spot that was, frankly, a little bit of underutilized space in the city but with huge opportunity because of the attachment to the Conference and Civic Centre and the location in downtown,” Carson said.

“So, our entire thought process was ‘let’s think of something creative that can activate the space and really just make it a little bit more vibrant for visitors, but also for residents.”

He said there would be different vendors throughout the summer. The market will be open on Thursdays from 3-7p.m., on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The hope is that the market can enhance other events going on at the same time, like the weekly Prince George Farmers Market, the Kris Yip

Memorial Fondo, Community Arts Days and the Prince George Public Library’s touch-a-truck event.

Carson thanked the City of Prince George, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, the Northern Development Initiative Trust, TC Energy Coastal GasLink, Prince George Community Foundation and the Province of British Columbia for their help in bringing the market to life.

One of the vendors set up in the containers for the inaugural weekend was Clayworks North, made up of potters Karen Heathman, Donna Murphy and Joanne Mikkelsen.

Heathman said they had been invited by organizers to participate because their products fit in with the vision for the market.

“It’s an awesome opportunity,” Heathman said. “I love what they’ve done to revitalize this centre. It’s an actual centre for people to come and hang out and do things.”

Lining the shelves of the container were raku (Japanese pottery), tree and

wildlife themed mugs and more.

She said every week at the market will have a different theme and they may be back depending on whether their products fit in.

It was going to be a busy weekend for Clayworks North, as the group was also scheduled to take part in the Prince George Potters Guild’s 49th annual Great Northern Chili Cookoff at the Prince George Playhouse on Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visiting the market with her family was Laurenda Futter, who had purchased a Prince George-Opoly game from the container occupied by The Exploration Place.

“I absolutely love what they’ve done,” Futter said. “It’s going to change the dynamics of what’s going on in the community for this space. It’s amazing and it looks beautiful.”

While the adults present seemed hesitant to try out the outdoor skating rink using artificial ice, some of the kids on hand demonstrated greater bravery.

Five-year old Izzy said the ice felt like plastic and it was weird to be skating on something that ants were crawling on. However, she also said that it was just as fun as real ice and the blue tinge to the surface made it look like it was glowing.

The name of the market comes from Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and means “fox den.”

Four of the containers bear the Dakelh names for local rivers, with Nichakoh, Tsalakohcho, Tsalokoh and Lataikia representing the Nechako, McGregor, Salmon and Fraser rivers.

On top of Clayworks North and The Exploration Place, the Hobros Candy Co. rounded out the list of vendors.

The fifth container, where visitors can rent items like skates for the all-weather skating rink, is named Oodyket Baiyoh, which translates to “place where things are exchanged.”

Also present on opening day were two food trucks from White Goose Bistro and a beer garden.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY COLIN SLARK

Visitors to Canada Games Plaza in Prince George check out the opening day of the Nanguz ‘An container market on Friday, May 30.

Throwback Thursday: Week of June 5

June 6, 1988: Members of the Buckhorn Volunteer Fire Department tried in vain to save the Red Rock Store, which burned down along with its attached home in the community 35 kilometres south of Prince George. The loss left the community saddened,

June 5, 1970: Liz Ebert, 3, enjoyed her pancake breakfast as the rst Prince George Rodeo opened at the Exhibition Grounds after a street dance the night before. On the schedule after breakfast: Skydiving, ddling, a dance and classic rodeo events.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY RICK HULL

June 5, 1999: Irvin Wood of Prince George displayed the medals he received for his Second World War service, which included his role in the invasion of France, as he prepared to mark the 55th anniversary of D-Day. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVE

June 4, 2012: Sarah Beaudry got a laugh from the audience as she swept Quinn Clemas up in her arms as they made their way down the aisle at the Duchess Park Secondary School valedictorian ceremony. More than 150 students graduated. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVID MAH

JUNE 14TH 6:00 PM Evening Bingo Know your limit, play within it.

The Citizen’s Bernice Trick wrote at the time. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY BROCK GABLE

MILNE

E-cigaretes: Same old approach to selling a toxic idea

LINDSAY WILLONER Northern Health

May 31 was World No Commercial Tobacco Day.

This year’s theme, Unmasking the Appeal, had me wondering: Have I seen that advertisement before? It was a strange sense of déjà vu — until I realized, I had.

A troubling realization

It hit me like an “ah-ha” moment. The tobacco industry is back — repackaging flashy old ads to appeal to kids like mine.

They’re making their products look cool, while hiding the dangers.

British artist Helen Green illustrated a 2018 Washington Post story about JUUL vaping.

Her work shows how the industry once used icons like Marilyn Monroe and James Dean to glamorize smoking. Today, it’s the same tactic — only now with trendy influencers and vapes.

I remember how my generation was targeted with slim and menthol cigarettes marketed toward women, using colourful branding and messages of glamour and sophistication. Those images are still fresh in my mind.

The glamour of vaping

Originally, e-cigarettes were created to mimic the smoking experience and help people quit or reduce tobacco use.

But that’s changed. Vapes now lure youth with sleek designs and sweet flavours, trapping them in a cycle of dependence.

Behind the sparkle lies a false belief: that vaping is harmless. In reality, it poses serious risks to lungs, developing brains and other parts of the body. I often reflect on the infamous quote from a Philip Morris executive: “Today’s teenager is tomorrow’s potential regular customer.”

It’s a blunt reminder of the tobacco industry’s relentless efforts to hook young users — no matter the product.

New threats, new urgency

In conversations with colleagues, we

see how today’s threats have evolved. Smart vapes and nicotine pouches— marketed by influencers and celebrities — rising in popularity among youth. These products are easy to hide, odourless, and sometimes used in social media challenges. They’ve become symbols of popularity, peer pressure — and risk.

Smart vapes, also called “vapentertainment” systems, often come in multiple flavours and include screens with preloaded games. The blend of nicotine and gaming is dangerously addictive. How is this not exploitation?

Legislative wins and what’s missing Canada has seen hard-won victories: bans on flavoured tobacco, colourful branding and advertising aimed at youth.

But our work isn’t over. We’re still battling to keep up with rapidly evolving nicotine products.

Some urgent questions remain:

Where is the nationwide flavour ban promised by Health Canada?

What are the long-term effects of second- and third-hand vapour exposure? How do we protect our ecosystems from pollution caused by cigarette and vape waste?

We’ve fought the tobacco industry before. Most people who use commercial tobacco and nicotine products start before they reach adulthood. That’s why nicotine addiction is a children’s health issue. Acting early is the best prevention.

While smoking is still a concern, vaping and other nicotine products now pose new threats — especially for youth.

Protecting future generations

It’s time to stand up against the tobacco industry’s efforts to target our kids. We must apply the lessons learned from tobacco legislation to vaping and other new products.

As a parent and health professional, I’m committed to protecting my children — and all children — by creating space for open conversations, nurturing curiosity, and building a safe, informed environment at home.

We must continue talking about how to protect young people and support their health.

Reflecting on the past is essential to protecting the future. We can’t afford to go backwards—even if cigarettes and smoking are reappearing in pop culture. Let’s work together to safeguard children and youth across the Northern Health region. It’s something we all share responsibility for.

NOTE: In this article, as in most public health communications, “tobacco use” refers to the use of commercial tobacco products — such as cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco — not the use of traditional or ceremonial tobacco in Indigenous cultures.

JOURNAL OF STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS PHOTO

Behind the sparkle lies a false belief: that vaping is harmless. In reality, it poses serious risks to lungs, developing brains and other parts of the body.

Northern Health welcomes new associate physicians

SHAR MCCRORY

Northern Health

In 2024, Northern Health welcomed its first associate physicians (APs) to the region, with plans to recruit more to support primary care across northern BC facilities.

The associate physician is a licensure class established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. in 2023. APs may work in emergency departments, operating rooms, and in-patient care settings. They are not independent practitioners and operate with a level of autonomy approved by a supervising physician.

Role of an associate physician

• Associate physicians play a key role in patient care teams and complement physicians’ primary care duties. Under supervision, they can:

• Admit patients, conduct patient histories and physical exams, and order and interpret diagnostic tests

• Support daily patient management and monitor patient progress

• Develop and evaluate care plans, prescribe and manage medications, and assist with referrals

• Perform procedures such as wound care, suturing and inserting IV lines

• Assist in surgical procedures

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date medical records and document patient assessments, treatment plans and progress notes

• Educate patients and families on medical conditions, treatment plans and lifestyle changes

• Collaborate with health-care teams to develop and implement discharge plans, ensuring smooth transitions home or to another care setting

Dawson Creek welcomes APs Dr. Aderemi Oyedeji, chief of staff at Dawson Creek and District Hospital (DCDH) and the supervising physician for local APs, says the addition of

associate physicians has significantly strengthened the hospital’s primary care team.

“The addition of APs supporting our emergency room and working directly with patients allows family doctors to spend more time in their clinics, offering greater access and support for primary care patients,” he said. “We’re able to offer more services within the community because the family doctors can focus more on clinic work. The APs have helped immensely in keeping our emergency department running and have benefited our staff, patients and the community.”

Spotlight: Dr. Agu

Among the first APs to join Northern Health in Dawson Creek was Dr. Chukweubuka Agu. He joined the DCDH

working there as an associate physician in general practice — a role I deeply enjoyed. It turned out to be one of the most fulfilling roles of my career.”

He added: “What I found in Dawson Creek was more than just a job — it was a supportive and collegial environment. People rarely walked past without a warm smile. I felt a stronger sense of belonging, cultural connection and community in this rural setting than I had in city life. My journey may have taken a winding path, but every step brought me closer to discovering where I truly belong. Rural medicine in Northern Health isn’t just a job — it’s a way of life that offers meaning, purpose and community. I encourage other physicians who are looking for more than just clinical work to explore this path. The rewards, both personal and professional, are profound.”

Community connection

Agu says being part of the Dawson Creek community has played a big role in his success, both personally and professionally.

team in 2024, drawn by a desire to work in a collaborative, community-focused environment. The variety of patient interactions, the fast-paced setting, and strong team dynamics are among the aspects of the role he enjoys most.

Dr. Agu graduated from Ebonyi State University College of Health Sciences in Nigeria in 2012. After completing his postgraduate internship, he fulfilled a return-of-service commitment in a remote rural community, where he discovered a passion for rural medicine. Later experiences in urban centres helped him recognize the deeper sense of purpose and connection offered by rural practice.

“Dawson Creek and District Hospital said yes to my aspirations,” he said. “I was offered an opportunity that aligned perfectly with my passion, and I began

“I joined the outdoor soccer group in the summer and play indoor soccer during the winter,” he said. “I take part in hospital social events, attend community gatherings and play table tennis with friends on weekends. These activities give me a sense of community, belonging and good work-life balance. They also help me appreciate the diverse cultures in Dawson Creek and continue to build my cultural awareness, humility and sensitivity.”

Looking ahead

Agu is now participating in the Practice Ready Assessment (PRA) program, which offers a pathway to full licensure for international medical graduates (IMGs) who have completed residency and practised independently abroad. Once he completes the program, he plans to return to practice in Dawson Creek.

Northern Health continues to hire APs and encourages interested applicants to explore current opportunities or reach out to the NH recruitment team.

NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO

Dr. Chukweubuka Agu joined the Northern Health team in 2024, drawn by a desire to work in a collaborative, community-focused environment.

Local Sports

‘Pool mom’ retres afer 40 years of aquatcs

Debbie Schlick says she’s moved by stories of how her lessons have helped save lives

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Debbie Schlick has dedicated her professional career — more than 40 years — to the City of Prince George aquatics team.

Late last month, Schlick announced her retirement, marked with a celebration at the Canfor pool in recognition of her years of service.

Over her four decades with the city, Schlick served as a lifeguard, swimming instructor, mentor and aquatic coordinator.

Her unwavering commitment to aquatics earned her the nickname “pool mom” from many in the community.

Schlick met her husband at the aquatic centre and told The Citizen it has always felt like a second home.

“I’ve really lived at the pool my whole life,” said Schlick.

“All four of my daughters have also worked at the pool. Three of them have been lifeguards — one still is — and one works as a cashier. It’s also taken them to many places through their university experiences.

“I just love aquatics. I love water safety. I love having that impact on the public by sharing knowledge about how to stay safe around the water, especially in our community.”

Schlick said she is particularly moved by stories of how her lessons in water safety have helped save lives.

“Several years ago, one of our customers — a fairly young child — saved their sibling who had fallen into water near a culvert. They said they used what

they learned in our lessons to help their sibling,” she said.

“Even my brother told me he used what I taught him to save a woman from drowning in the ocean while he was on vacation in Cuba.

“My favourite story, though, is about a woman who came to me for private lessons as an adult. She was so afraid of water she wouldn’t even go in the shower. I taught her for several years — once a week — and by the end, she was actually snorkelling.”

Schlick said one of the most heartwarming parts of her career has been watching her students and colleagues grow and succeed.

“A lot of our staff start working for us around Grade 11,” she said. “It’s amazing to watch them develop — it’s a very responsible job, and they gain confidence, communication skills and experience working with the public.

“Many of them have come back to thank us and share how working in

aquatics helped shape their careers. Some have gone on to become paramedics, doctors, RCMP officers, teachers, nurses — so many different paths. They often tell us the experience gave them a huge boost.”

Schlick plans to spend her retirement gardening and travelling. She said she spent her first day of retirement buying plants.

She also plans to spend more time at her family’s cabin on Norman Lake, with her new grandchild and her 97-year-old mother.

After decades of service, Schlick said the nickname “pool mom” feels fitting.

“I love it,” she said.

“I feel like I’m a mother to all those staff. In my role, I learned so much about them — their challenges, school schedules and more. They’d come to me for help or advice, and I’d do my best to guide them. They definitely treated me like their pool mom.”

CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE PHOTOS

Debbie Schlick visits the Canfor Leisure Pool. The popular aquatics and water safety instructor is retiring after 40 years of helping people learn their way around the water. Below, she teaches a group of children in the 1980s.

Saturday soccer showdown

The action was fast and furious Saturday, May 31 as the Prince George Youth Soccer Association held its SoccerFest at the Rotary Outdoor Fields. For children aged U3–13, PGYSA offers the Grassroots program with weekly coaching, games, and events focused on fun, health, and learning the game. The Active 4 Life program, designed for U14–18 players, emphasizes enjoyment and staying active through regular practices, games, and participation in local events and tournaments.

For more dedicated players aged U9–18, the Competitive Development Teams offer the chance to travel and compete in tournaments across BC. Learn more about the association at https://pgysa.bc.ca/

Spruce Kings adding two new forwards, two new staf

CITIZEN STAFF

The Prince George Spruce Kings are adding new faces both on the ice and behind the bench as they prepare for the 2025-26 British Columbia Hockey League season, announcing the commitment of two promising young forwards and the hiring of new support staff.

The team confirmed the addition of 2008-born Slovak forward Matúš Lukácik, along with 2006-born Quebec native Mathis Laplante.

The Spruce Kings have also finalized their hockey operations staff, hiring Brad Tobin as associate coach and Ryan Wolfe as the team’s new athletic therapist. Lukácik, a 6-foot-1, 183-pound forward from Martin, Slovakia, spent the 2024-25 season with the Cleveland Barons 16U AAA program in the U.S. He posted 22 goals and 41 assists over 77 games and represented Slovakia at the U16 level this past year.

“Matus is a young player who plays with a lot of maturity,” said Spruce

Kings general manager Mike Hawes.

“He’s got great size and speed and competes hard in all areas. He’s a great addition to the group, we’re excited to have him joining us.”

Lukácik said the team’s developmental approach and strong culture drew him to Prince George.

“I’m really happy and excited to join the Prince George Spruce Kings,” Lukácik said. “After I talked with the coaches and learned more about the team and how it works, I felt this is the best place for me to grow — as a player and also as a person. I’m ready to work hard every day and help the team win in any way I can.”

Lukácik will be joined by Laplante, a 6-foot, 182-pound forward from Ste-Catherine, Que., who played last season with the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s Steinbach Pistons. In 52 regular-season games, Laplante recorded 20 goals and 20 assists, adding two goals in six playoff appearances.

Prior to his time in Steinbach, Laplante suited up for Collège

Charles-Lemoyne, where he tallied 25 goals and 20 assists over two seasons.

“Mathis is a fierce competitor who works hard in all areas of the game,” said Hawes. “He checks a lot of boxes when it comes to character and on-ice ability.”

Laplante said he is eager to make an impact with his new club.

“I’m engaging myself with Prince George to proudly represent this organization,” Laplante said. “I’m looking forward to making the fans happy.”

The Spruce Kings also announced additions to the team’s coaching and support staff, hiring Brad Tobin as associate coach and Ryan Wolfe as the new athletic therapist.

Tobin brings a wealth of BCHL experience to the Spruce Kings bench. The Delta native spent a decade with the Surrey Eagles across two stints, including time with the 2013 Fred Page and Western Canada Cup championship team.

He has also served as head coach and general manager of the Creston

Valley Thunder Cats (KIJHL) and most recently led the Olds Grizzlys of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

“Despite still being a fairly young guy, Brad is an experienced coach with a lot of years spent in the BCHL,” Hawes said. “His vision and ideas for our program align very well with my own and with our other staff members.”

Tobin said he’s eager to bring energy and leadership to a club that has become known for its development-first approach.

“My goal is to support our players in their development, bring enthusiasm to the rink every day and help build a culture rooted in accountability and hard work,” said Tobin. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started.”

Tobin will join a coaching staff that includes head coach Brad Tesink, assistant coach Brandon Manning, goalie consultant Kris Joyce, strength and conditioning coach Chase Astorino and mental performance consultant Kolin Kriitmaa.

Life Events

Joyce Teresa Coter

December 5, 1934 - May 20, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joy Coter, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend on May 20, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born in Exeter, England, to George and Edna Marchant, Joy moved to Canada with her family in 1937. She spent her childhood in Duncan, BC, before pursuing her passion for art at the Vancouver School of Art (now Emily Carr University of Art and Design), where she cultvated a lifelong love for creatvity and expression.

In 1958, Joy married Jerome Coter, and together they made their home in Prince George, BC, where they raised their seven children. A woman of deep faith and community spirit, Joy was a dedicated member of Sacred Heart Cathedral and Parish and was actvely involved in the Roman Catholic school system and broader Catholic community.

Alongside Jerome, she helped establish the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Prince George in 1982 and remained devoted to its mission of helping those in need throughout her life. Joy’s artstc gifs enriched the community in countless ways, from the vibrant church banners she created to the art classes she taught and her actve partcipaton in the local arts scene. Her generosity, wit, and kindness lef a lastng impression on all who crossed her path.

Joy was much loved and will be deeply missed by all that knew her. She leaves behind a family who adored her: her children, grandchildren, and countless friends and community members who were touched by her generosity and spirit, her great sense of humor and compassion.

Joy is predeceased by Jerome, brother Philip, and daughter Katherine. She is survived by her brother Michael, her children, Sally (Anthony), Stephan (Julie), Patrick (Sara), James (Cathy), Fiona (Rob) and Nicholas (Kim), and her 12 grandchildren.

In lieu of fowers, the family requests that donatons be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Joy’s memory.

Lillian Bernice Schlesinger

August 2, 1944 - March 8, 2025

Please oin us for a Celebraton of illian’s ife at the Pineview Community Hall (6470 Bendixon Rd) on June 14, 2025 at 1pm. ight refreshments will be served.

Joginder “Joe” Powar

March 9, 1932 - May 24, 2025

Joe Singh Powar, 93, of Prince George, passed away on May 24, 2025, in Vernon B.C. He was born March 9th,1932 in Punjab, India, to Amar Kaur and Jagger Singh.

Joe dedicated 12 years of his life to the Navy in India to support his siblings afer the passing of his father. He served as Seaman 1st class, and atended the coronaton of ueen Eli abeth during that tme.

In 19 2, He immigrated to Canada, setling in Britsh Columbia, where he worked in the furniture business for over ve decades.

Joe married Dildar Kaur, and together they raised three children; Nimo, Luckey (Kal), Ron (Linda).He was a proud grandfather to ve Grandsons Nathan, Cole, Robyn, Terry, and Gary, and one Grandaughter Sabrina. His legacy contnues through his seven beloved Great Grandchildren as well.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents,his daughter,and three siblings.He leaves behind a life rich in love,hard work,and dedicaton to his family.

A funeral service will be held on Monday,June 9th,2025 at 10 am at Lakewood Funeral Chapel in Prince George. A nal prayer and lunch will follow at the Sikh Temple on 5th Avenue.

Fred Herdman

Celebraton of ife in memory of Fred Herdman Railway Forestry Museum, 85 River Rd, Prince George Saturday, June 1 , 2 25 pm

Please come share some memories. Snacks and co ee will be served. Call Dean at 25 . 1 . 773 if you have any questons.

Joan Emily Meiers

February 20, 1937 - May 25, 2025

Our beloved Joan Emily Meiers peacefully passed away on May 25 2025 in Hospice. She was born February 20 1937 in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband Boyd Meiers, brother Norman Chase, sister Bety Ross, daughter Joanne Meiers & great granddaughter Madeline Kozoris.

She is survived by her son Kem Meiers (granddaughters Tammy Meiers, Dawn Meiers, great grandchildren Olivia, Phoenix, Kylee & Haylee) Daughter Debbie Hannon (granddaughters Sadie Gallo Britnay Hawley) and brothers Bruce Chase Jimmy Chase.

A celebraton of life will be announced.

Those wishing to honor Joan’s memory by way of donaton, may do so at the

Elizabeth “Anne” Bogle

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Anne Bogle (Nee Prescot).

Anne was born in Sussex, New Brunswick to Joshua Allison Prescot and Dorothy Frances Johnston. Anne was a frst generaton Canadian on her maternal side with her mother having immigrated from Scotland, afer travelling steerage on the ship The Carthaginian.

Anne spent her childhood in Sussex, New Brunswick. Upon high school graduaton, she was invited to atend the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal where she achieved her nursing diploma. She then returned to the Maritmes working for the VON and it was there that she met a likeable and social law student, Harold Bogle. They headed West to Calgary (where Harold fnished his artcles) before moving on to Edmonton, Pentcton, and fnally Prince George where Harold established his law frm. Anne focused on raising the children and driving to endless actvites.

In tme, Anne returned to college and completed her fne arts diploma. Her frst love was art, and she quickly began to pursue paintng seriously. She met like-minded people, and was part of the Milltown artsts, Co-runner of the Arterie and a frequent presence at Studio Fair. Music was also important to her; she played the piano, the ukulele and the violin. She also loved to travel and did a semi solo tour of New Zealand in her 80s. Anne was an exceptonal cook and hostng dinner partes at their home was commonplace.

Afer Harold’s death, Anne moved to Nanaimo. She eventually returned to Prince George so that she could spend tme getng to know her younger grandchildren. Anne will be remembered for her piercing blue eyes, her kindness, her love of the Maritmes and her strong wit which she carried with her untl her last days.

Anne is predeceased by her husband John Harold Bogle, daughter Meredith Catherine Bogle. She is survived by her children Nancy (Michel), John (Allison), and grandchildren John Duncan (Shannon), Meredith Lucy, Clara, Sam, and George. She is lovingly remembered by many friends, nieces, nephews and extended family in Nova Scota. Thank you to the staf at Parkside, and to Jasmin, Candy and Harinder for your compassion and exceptonal care those last days.

A celebraton of Anne’s life is to follow at a later date. In lieu of fowers donatons can be made to the Prince George Community Foundaton, Bogle Family.

With sorrow and grattude in our hearts for a loving husband, father, and grandfather, we announce that Walter Gerhard Thielmann, 8 , departed this earth peacefully on May , 0 , surrounded by his loving family.

Walter was known by family, friends, former colleagues and students as a loving and patent man, always calm, ofen funny, and a source of wisdom and compassion. Walter is survived by his loving wife of years, Ruth, his children Heather (John), Donna (Chris), Glen ( ate), his grandchildren Mathew (Cindy), Aaron, Anna (Cole), Michael, Joshua (Natalie), Luthien, and Finn, as well as his siblings Herta and Bety. Walter is predeceased by his parents, and his siblings Ervin, Victor, Elma, Margaret, and George.

Walter was born April , in Bassano, Alberta to George and Agnes (Toews) Thielmann, the eldest of their eight children. Their family lived on farms in Gem, and then Namaka, Alberta, with some very lean years during the Great Depression. In they moved to Chilliwack, BC where the children grew up on a dairy farm on Chilliwack Central Road.

Before his career as a teacher, Walter held many interestng obs hop and berry picking, working at a rock quarry, delivering pop in the Fraser Valley, cable-logging at Ruby Creek near what is now Sasquatch Provincial Park, working in the kitchen at the Harrison Hotel, a porter on the CPR from Vancouver to Winnipeg, and a morgue atendant in Ashcrof. Walter completed normal school and later his degree in English

Walter Gerhard Thielmann

April , - May , 0

and Geography from UBC. He frst taught in Ashcrof, and then returned to the Fraser Valley to propose to his sweetheart Ruth Enns, whom he married in 0. Together, they went north to begin their adventure together and start a family. Walter taught, and they lived, in Grassy Plains, Whitehorse, and Prince George before returning to the Fraser Valley for a few years. Living briefy in North Vancouver and then in Abbotsford, Walter completed a Master’s degree, taught at D.W. Poppy in Langley, and was a faculty associate at Simon Fraser University.

Finding that they had lef their heart in Northern BC, Walter and Ruth returned to stay in , moving into the well-known big white house at the end of Patricia Blvd in Prince George. Walter taught at many local high schools and district programs, including the Occupatonal Program at Connaught Junior. He could be seen riding his bike all over town looking for employment for his students. Walter fnished his career as a counsellor and geography teacher at Prince George Secondary, with fond memories of his Internatonal Baccalaureate students.

Walter and Ruth both en oyed hostng company and guests, and were both master gardeners and metculous landscapers; Walter could ofen be seen out in the vegetable garden while Ruth tended to the fowers. They were also key contributors to the Westwood Mennonite Brethren Church in Prince George through leadership, music, fowers, bible studies, prayer, and nurturing the church community through

friendship, service, and their abiding faith.

Walter loved spending tme with others in nature, including canoeing, fshing, skiing (downhill and C), or even ust picking saskatoons on the boulevard. He ogged for many years with our dog Barney, and either walked or biked to work for most of his career. He loved spending tme with his grandchildren and took them for walks or out for treats any chance he got. He loved making new friends, but also taking care of strangers, so when Walter retred from teaching in he transitoned full-tme to managing the Bedford Place Bed and Breakfast, which he and Ruth ran untl the Covid pandemic. Walter, already a great cook, dazzled guests with his spectacular breakfasts, strong cofee, and warm conversaton.

Over the last few years Walter lost his mobility and experienced health setbacks, and increasingly relied on Ruth for care, but we fnd comfort in knowing that his hardships have ended and he is now at peace.

Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. Isaiah -

A memorial service will be held for Walter Thielmann on June , 0 , pm, at Westwood MB Church, 8 Ospika Blvd S., Prince George BC, V N L8.

In lieu of fowers, consider a donaton to the Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine (mennonitecentre.ca).

Arlene Helen Mcewen ctober , ay ,

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of rlene elen Sico e born ctober , umberland ouse Sas atchewan, died ay , rince eorge .

She lea es behind three sons eorge ammy , ruce eresa , erry arina , grandchildren jiristen, esiree ody , lisa, lody, essica, ussell, great grandchild uinn, sisters ydia, reda ohn , eorge e, ulie e ichael , and brother ichard.

redeceased by father eorge Sico e, mother ancy Sico e Sayese and brothers ngus and rian.

A memorial Christ our savior church rince eorge . . ay th pm and intermi ent Snow a e, anitoba, later this summer.

Aurela Marie Kronebusch

February 26, 1937 - May 27, 2025

With heavy hearts we announce that Mom passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025 at the age of 88. She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Robert, sons Dennis, David and Dana. She will be missed by Dale (Shelley), Darlene (Len), Doug and daughter-in-law Kathy, seven grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. She will be remembered for her beautful cross sttch, embroidery, sewing and other other artstc projects that she tried. She had a great eye for colours and compositon.

The family would like to thank the seniors’ centres and friends for the card games, friendships, laughter and fun tmes.

We would like to thank Dr. Butow, Dr. Mcghee, Dr. Panasar for their support and care. There will be no service by request.

Anne Victoria Bell

August 7, 1933 - May 21, 2025

Anne passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family in Prince George, BC her home for 62 years.

nne enjoyed ra elling, her garden and spending tme with Family, Friends and her beloved dogs.

Anne will be fondly remembered by her children Debbie (Frank), Derek (Kerry), Sandra (Tim), Brenda (Allan); 9 Grandchildren and 7 Great Grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Floyd; their son Leonard (Cori); Daughter Connie (Gavin).

She will be deeply missed by all her family and friends. Special than s to ar side are ome nurses and sta for their kindness.

Alejandro Azcona Heinecke

April 25, 1952 - April 24, 2025

With sadness we announce the passing of Alejandro Azcona Heinecke on Thursday April 24, 2025 in Prince George

Alejandro is survived by his wife Linda Axen, daughter Andrea, son-in-law Rodrigo, grandson Santago, sisters aria eresa ouglas , ida eter , irginia iguel , his brother arlos osa aria and numerous cherished cousins, nieces, nephews and friends in e ico, anada and S . lejandro was predeceased by his parents Francisco and Aida. orn in uaymas, Sonora e ico, lejandro mo ed to anada in the early s with his wife and daughter. Some of lejandro s happiest tmes in Prince George were spent walking the many beautful trails that surround the community. e will be remembered by family and friends for his love of music and travel, his curiosity, kindness and warm smile. uen camino on lejandro, i es para siempre en nuestros corazones.

celebraton of life to be held in San arlos, e ico at a later date.

November

May 11, 2025

With great sorrow we announce the passing of Mary Kordyban.

Our Mom and Grandmother passed away peacefully on May 11 at the age of 95, surrounded by family in Prince George, BC.

Mary was predeceased by her husband William Kordyban, Sr., and her brother Mike Dutka. Mary is survived by her sister Margaret Ewanko, daughter Valerie (Doug McConnery), son William (Elizabeth), 3 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.

Mary moved from Alberta to BC to start the adventure of a lifetme with her husband, ultmately pu ng down roots in Prince George, BC. Mary was the rock that supported her husband s e orts to build the family lumber company from humble beginnings. She cooked and cleaned in camp, and provided early bookkeeping services.

Our Mom later immersed herself in caring for us, her children. In later life, she was able to travel more and enjoy tme with her grandchildren.

er her husband passed away from cancer, ary was ery focussed on establishing the creaton of the ordyban odge.

Mary will be deeply missed by family and friends alike.

A funeral mass will be held on May 29, at 10:00am, at St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Prince George, BC. Interment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery immediately following the funeral mass. celebraton of life luncheon will be held on May 29, at 12:30pm, at the Coast Hotel.

n lieu of owers, donatons to the ordyban odge, Canadian Cancer Society, would be appreciated by our Mom.

he family e tends its deep grattude to r. ndrii Chornenkyi, Dr. Nadeem, the care aids and team at Classic ife are, and the nurses and team at irch iew esidences. Special than s to anielle, isele, amie and ri any at Classic for going above and beyond for our Mom. Many

Mary Kordyban

29, 1929 -

Gary Krewenchuk

John Goudreau

Monty

Ross

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Woodlot Licence Plan

A Woodlot Licence Plan (WLP) is being prepared for Woodlot 1852 located northwest of Fort St. John between Hwy 97 and Red Creek. A WLP prepared under t e orest and ange rac ces ct does not show proposed blocks or roads but describes o ac i es on t e oodlots are consistent it o ec es set go ernment for resource alues

The Woodlot Licence Plan for Woodlot 1852 is a aila le for pu lic re ie from une to ul contac ng eit uc er, , at a in esource anagement td (ktucker@cabinworks.ca or 778-475-3655). lease for ard an riten comments for considera on in t e nal plan to a in esource anagement td , nit , alamal a a e oad, ernon B ,

DID YOU KNOW?

Prince George’s name was chosen by residents in a 1915 plebiscite, with a vote of 153-13. The city’s origins can be traced back to Fort George, a North West Company trading post established by Simon Fraser in 1807.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

NOTICE OF CHANGE TO AVIATION FEES

Aviaton fees charged to the operaton of aircraf at Prince George Airport will be increased efectve July 1, 2025 to ofset increases in airport operatng costs.

Please visit our website at www.pgairport.ca/business-informaton/rates-charges/ for details

Firewood

BIRCH Firewood in 20 foot lengths. Delivered by dumptruck load. $1100. or bucked to length $1300 per load delivered 250- 614-6667

5X5 round hay bales, $275 each- net wrapped, barn stored. 250-614-6667

1. Where did the melody for The Toys’ “A Lover’s Concerto” come from?

2. Name the Chicago song that includes the lyric “Eh, cumpari, ci vo sunari.”

3. Which group released “Nightshift”?

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4. Name the artist who wrote and released “Young Turks.”

1. Which group released “Rag Doll”?

2. Name the artist who wrote and released “Dreamy Eyes.”

5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “Here we come, walking down the street, We get the funniest looks from everyone we meet.”

3. Which group released “GreenEyed Lady”?

Answers

4. Who wrote and released “Cracklin’ Rosie”?

1. The melody is Minuet in G Major by Christian Petzold, in 1725. For a long time it was believed that it had been written by Johann Sebastian Bach because the song was found in a compilation by Bach’s sister.

5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “If I could take my pick of all the girls I’ve ever known, Then I’d come and pick you out to be my very own.”

2. “Saturday in the Park,” in 1972. The Italian lyric comes from “Eh, Cumpari” by Julius La Rosa, in 1953.

Answers

1. The Four Seasons, in 1964. The song spent two weeks at the top of the Hot 100 chart and reached No. 1 in Canada as well.

3. The Commodores, in 1985. The song charted around the globe.

4. Rod Stewart, in 1981.

2. Johnny Tillotson, in 1958. The song was his first single and made it on to the Hot 100 chart. Tillotson penned several more hits over the years, including “Poetry in Motion.”

5. Theme song from “The Monkees” television show, 1966-1968, starring Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork and Davy Jones. The show was canceled after the second season due to a dispute: The band wanted more guest stars and the TV network didn’t. Meanwhile, the show’s exposure did make the group very successful.

3. Sugarloaf, in 1970. A few years ago an old tape was found of the group’s live performance in 1975. It was remastered and turned into a vinyl album titled “Sugarloaf Live 1975.” It’s available online.

4. Neil Diamond, in 1970.

5. “Never Be Anyone Else But You,”

*On June 16, 1858, newly nominated senatorial candidate Abraham Lincoln told more than 1,000 delegates at the Illinois Republican Convention in Springfield that the nation was facing a crisis that could destroy the Union, paraphrasing a New

• On Nov. 11, 1831, Nat Turner, an American slave and educated minister who believed that he’d been chosen by God to lead his people into freedom, was hanged in Jerusalem, Virginia, for leading a revolt with 75 followers through Southampton County, killing about 60 white people.

• On Nov. 12, 1969, investigative journalist Seymour Hersh revealed the extent of the U.S. Army’s charges against 1st Lt. William L. Calley at My Lai, Vietnam, in a cable picked up by more than 30 newspapers, saying that “The Army says he [Calley] deliberately murdered at least 109 Vietnamese civilians during a searchand-destroy mission in March 1968, in a Viet Cong stronghold known as ‘Pinkville.’”

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A headsup to all free-spirited Ewes and Rams: Be wary of a deal that could result in compromising your independence. Check every detail before making a commitment.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) New facts emerge that help put an irksome workplace situaton in perspectve. Meanwhile, pay more atenton to a family member who needs your wisdom and strength.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A slight setback in plans is nothing to worry about. Use this delay to deal with a number of maters you might have ignored for too long. Expect news from someone in your past.

• 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.

Testament passage when he warned that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.”

* On June 17, 1976, the National Basketball Association announced a merger with its rival, the American Basketball Association, and took on the ABA’s four most successful franchises: the Denver Nuggets, the Indiana Pacers, the New York (later Brooklyn) Nets and the San Antonio Spurs.

* On June 18, 1178, five badly frightened monks in Canterbury, England, witnessed an explosion

on the moon’s surface after the sun had set. As their abbey’s chronicler described it, “A flaming torch sprang up, spewing out ... fire, hot coals and sparks.” The moon, he marveled, “throbbed like a wounded snake.”

* On June 19, 2014, two weeks after he abdicated the Spanish throne amidst low approval ratings, King Juan Carlos I removed his red sash, symbolic of his status as the leader of the Spanish military, and draped it around the waist of his son, 46-year-old Crown Prince Felipe,

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You’re entering a period of stability. Use it to straighten out any outstanding problems related to a very personal situaton. Also, pay closer atenton to fnancial maters.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) As much as you love being a social Lion, you might well beneft from staying out of the spotlight for a while. You need tme to refect on some upcoming decisions.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A difcult family situaton improves, thanks to your tmely interventon. You can now start to focus more of your atenton on preparing for a possible career change.

completing his official transfer of power.

* On June 20, 1981, four Dutch studio musicians recording under the name Stars on 45, who sounded uncannily like the Beatles, made it to the top of the U.S. pop charts with their single titled “Medley: Intro Venus/Sugar Sugar/No Reply/I’ll Be Back/Drive My Car/Do You Want To Know A Secret/We Can Work It Out/I Should Have Known Better/ Nowhere Man/You’re Going To Lose That Girl/Stars On 45.”

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)

An on-the-job change works to your beneft by ofering new opportunites, but it’s up to you to check them out. Meanwhile, a stalled romantc situaton starts up again.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A fare-up of Scorpian temperament cools down, leaving you more receptve to suggestons about changes that might need to be made in your personal life.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) An unusual period of indecisiveness is a mite frustratng. But things soon clear up, allowing the sage Sagitarian to make wise pronouncements again.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) You might feel that you know best, but it’s not a good idea at this tme to try to force your opinions on others. Best advice: Inspire change by example, not by intmidaton.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Some setbacks could afect your plans to fortfy your fnancial situaton. But things start moving again by early next week. Meanwhile, enjoy your resurgent social life!

PISCES (February 19 to March 20)

Show that ofen-hidden steely spine of yours as you once again stand up to an emotonal bully. You’ve got the strength to do it, especially as friends rally to your side.

Homes & Living

Smart ways to collect rainwater for your garden

Collecting rainwater is an ecofriendly and cost-effective way to keep your garden thriving. Whether you live in an area with regular rainfall or experience dry spells, using rainwater can reduce your water bill and provide plants with naturally soft, chemical-free water. Here are some practical and efficient methods to harvest rainwater for garden use. Rain barrels are one of the most popular and accessible methods for collecting rainwater. Typically installed at the base of downspouts from your roof gutters, these barrels capture runoff that would otherwise go to waste. Choose a barrel with a secure lid to prevent mosquito breeding and a spigot for easy access. You can connect multiple barrels in a series to increase storage capacity. Rain chains serve as attractive

alternatives to traditional downspouts, guiding water into a collection basin or barrel. These chains slow the flow of water, reducing erosion and allowing for more controlled capture. Pairing rain chains with large decorative pots or stone basins can enhance your garden’s aesthetic while serving a functional purpose.

For gardeners looking to recharge the soil directly, dry wells or soakaway pits are a great solution. These systems collect water from downspouts and gradually release it into the surrounding soil, promoting deep watering and minimizing runoff. They work well in larger gardens where natural infiltration is preferred. A more advanced setup involves a full roof catchment system that channels rainwater through filters

and into storage tanks. These systems can be customized with pumps, filters, and even irrigation lines that automatically distribute water to your garden. While the initial setup can be more expensive, it’s ideal for larger properties or frequent garden use.

For a budget-friendly option, place clean buckets, tubs, or watering cans around your yard during a rainstorm. These can be used immediately or transferred into storage containers. You can also use plastic sheeting or tarps angled to drain into containers, especially useful during emergencies or unexpected rain.

Collecting rainwater not only conserves natural resources but also supports healthier plant growth. Be sure to check local regulations regarding rainwater harvesting, as they can vary by region. With a little

planning, rainwater collection can become a simple, sustainable part of your gardening routine.

Keeping it cool

As temperatures soar during summer heat waves, keeping your home cool becomes both a comfort and a health priority. Here are some effective ways to beat the heat without overloading your energy bill.

Sunlight streaming through windows can quickly raise indoor temperatures. Close blinds, curtains, or shades— especially on south- and west-facing windows—during the day. Consider using blackout curtains or reflective window films to reduce heat gain even further.

Ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air down. Box or oscillating fans near windows can help circulate air. At night, place fans in windows to draw in cooler outside air. During the day, use fans to direct warm air out. Appliances like ovens, stoves, and dryers generate heat. Try cooking outdoors on a grill or opt for no-cook meals. Run heat-producing appliances during the cooler parts of the day or evening if possible.

Make sure your home is wellinsulated. Sealing gaps around windows and doors keeps cool air

in and hot air out. Attic insulation can also significantly reduce indoor temperatures.

If you have AC, set it to a higher temperature when you’re not home and lower it only when needed. Use a programmable thermostat to automate this. Keep vents clean and replace filters regularly for optimal performance.

Open windows on opposite sides of the house during the evening or early morning when it’s cooler outside. This allows fresh air to flow through and push warm air out.

By combining these strategies, you can maintain a cooler home environment while conserving energy and reducing your electricity costs.