SATURDAY,
MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
Shoppers in Prince George will soon
THURSDAY,
major chain grocery store locations in Prince George.
Those include a Real Canadian Superstore, which is also owned by Loblaws. The planned FreshCo will be the only Sobeys-owned store in Prince George.
When a Citizen reporter visited the two sites, excavation work was already
The No Frills location is off the Hart Highway, with a Save-On-Foods located about three minutes away by car.
Serving as acting mayor, Coun. Trudy Klassen told The Citizen the new stores will provide more diversity in the local market, something she noted is much needed in the Hart.
“I live adjacent to the Hart, and we’re very much rural, very diverse, very mixed, and so we like the idea that we are a little bit remote, but at the same time, we also like to have diverse options when it comes to shopping, and this will certainly help meet that need and reduce the need to go downtown, which, for some, will be a very good thing,” said Klassen.
Klassen also said she has often heard complaints from Prince George residents about a lack of grocery store options, something she hopes will be addressed following the completion of the two locations.
With Prince George and the surrounding area reaching an estimated population of 100,000 in February, and with continued investment in the mining industry, Klassen sees the infrastructure investment as evidence the city is growing.
“With the amount of mining that is going to be happening in our region and beyond, it’s obvious that our city will increasingly become more necessary to the expansion and growth of our region,
and grocery stores are certainly a part of that equation,” said Klassen.
Liam Kelly, an assistant professor in UNBC’s Department of Economics, also believes the two new stores signal the city’s growth.
He said there is no lack of grocery stores in Prince George; however, he believes there is a lack of diversity in the market.
“I think this is less a story of more demand and more about market segmentation … this is more about diversifying the types of options that
are available, less about meeting some unmet demand,” he said.
Kelly also said the future of the grocery sector in Prince George will be interesting, as existing stores may have to adjust their approach once the two new stores open.
“One thing I think that will be interesting to see is the extent to which some of the existing grocery stores might adjust their approach … I think ultimately this is a good thing. More competition, particularly in a segment like grocery, is a good signal. The big question is
long-term sustainability. I don’t think there’s any obvious concern that that’s not possible for them overall,” he said.
When it comes to how the two new chains will affect the overall Prince George market, only time will tell. However, Kelly, like Klassen, is confident that investment from two major grocery chains is a sign of growth in the region.
“Big corporate chains, when they’re thinking about investment strategies, often look at census metropolitan areas in Canada, which have a minimum population of 100,000. I think there is evidence that demand from the local population is growing …
“I don’t know if we’re sort of jumping the gun here with more groceries. This is maybe preparing for continued and future population growth and, more than anything, offering a different segment of grocery store because we really don’t have that option,” said Kelly. He also said providing lower-cost options like No Frills and FreshCo will drive competition and give residents more choice.
“With Sobeys, I think that’s a pretty big deal, to have a third major traditional grocer coming to town. That’ll increase competition in the grocery sector, particularly between Loblaws and the Pattison Group, with the Save-OnFoods locations. I think both FreshCo and No Frills are heavy discount brands. That will hopefully bring more competition and lower pricing options for consumers in PG,” he said.
This year, the city’s portion of the expenses is rising by $318,232 to a total of $5,865,836 in 2026-27.
Transit service in Prince George is assured for another year after city council gave final approval to an annual operating agreement for the 2026-27 fiscal year at its Monday, May 11 meeting. The costs for both conventional and accessible transit services in Prince George are covered jointly by the province and the city.
That’s an increase of about 5.6 per cent.
At a presentation at council’s previous meeting on April 27, BC Transit representative Iris Brown and the city’s own transit planner Daniel Pearce said that there are typically 17 or 18 conventional transit routes operating at a time in Prince George.
With parts for medium-duty buses no longer available, they said that BC Transit is shifting to a mix of light- and heavy-duty buses going forward.
They added that the city and BC Transit are working together to review the cost of fares for the firs time since 2019.
After that presentation, council voted unanimously to direct administration to find ways to expand HandyDART accessible transit service in the city.
On May 11, the final reading of the bylaw approving the 2026-27 operating agreement was approved unanimously without debate.
Vote summary
Motion: Council approves final reading of a bylaw establishing the 2026–27 annual operating agreement with BC Transit for bus services in Prince George.
Result: Approved unanimously.
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
The City of Prince George’s 2026 financial plan and tax rates have been finalized and are ready to send off to the provincial government after getting a final pass from city council at its Monday, May 11 meeting.
This year’s financial plan and budget will see homeowners’ get a 4.94 per cent tax hike to help pay for about $187.7 million in operating expenses and $73 million in capital projects.
Other property classes are having their tax rates hiked evenly to collect the rest of the city’s required tax revenues.
Local governments in BC are required to submit their yearly financial plans to the province by May 15 each year.
As with the first three readings of the financial plan and tax rates bylaws at council’s April 27 meeting, councillors Trudy Klassen and Kyle Sampson voted against them.
At the May 11 meeting, Sampson said he voted against first three readings of the bylaws as he was disappointed that some cuts he’d proposed during budget talks hadn’t been approved.
However, with the rest of council behind the budget, he said he would
vote in favour for fourth reading.
Coun. Brian Skakun asked director of finance and IT services Kris Dalio to reiterate issues that would occur should the financial plan not be approved at the meeting.
Dalio said council has a legal obligation to approve the tax rates and financial plan by May 15 and does not have the authority to levy taxes without them.
Coun. Cori Ramsay, the chair of the Standing Committee on Finance and Audit, thanked staff for their months of work on the budgeting process. She said she thought it was one of the best budget cycles in her political career so far.
At the end of discussion, Klassen said she would also vote in favour of the financial plan and tax rates at fourth reading.
Motion: Council gives first three readings of a bylaw approving the 2026-30 financial plan.
Result: Approved unanimously, with Mayor Simon Yu absent.
Motion: Council gives first three readings of a bylaw approving the 2026 tax rates.
Result: Approved unanimously, with Mayor Simon Yu absent.
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
The Prestige Treasure Cove Resort is one step closer to opening a Nordic spa after a rezoning bylaw cleared an initial hurdle before Prince George city council at its Monday, May 11 meeting.
The company that owns the resort and casino is applying for a site-specific amendment to the Z6: Casino & Accommodation zone that would increase the maximum total gross leasable floor area for retail and service uses, as well as the maximum floor space permitted for any
one tenant at 2005 Highway 97 South.
Currently, the Z6 zone only allows 2,790 square metres of leasable floor space for retail and service uses.
In addition, any one tenant in the zone is limited to a maximum leasable floor area of 280 square metres.
If approved, the retail and service floor area maximum would increase to 3,000 square metres and the per-tenant maximum floor area would rise to 1,000 square metres.
The property owners are also requesting an amendment to allow outdoor “service, personal” land use at the site.
This would allow for the future Nordic spa “as well as support future retail or service uses to serve hotel patrons and local residents.”
The amendments would apply only to this property and not to any other properties in the Z6 zone should council grant final approval to the rezoning bylaw.
In a report, city administration recommended council approve the application, noting it does not believe the changes would “greatly impact the experience of the site and will permit more flexibility in assigning floor areas
to various tenancies.”
Before fourth reading can be considered, city staff noted the Ministry of Transportation and Transit will need to signal its approval because of the property’s proximity to highways 16 and 97.
Council approved the first three readings of the rezoning bylaw without debate.
Motion: Council approves first three readings of the rezoning bylaw for 2005 Highway 97 South.
Result: Approved unanimously.
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
The head of the Prince George Hospice Palliative Society asked for city council’s help in continuing to push for a local end-of-life respite facility at a meeting on Monday, May 11.
The society’s executive director, Donna Flood, spoke to council about the organization’s current and future plans and presented a slideshow.
She said the society is doing well, with strong volunteer support and backing from public officials, including members of city council.
Currently, the society has about 110 volunteers, who contributed 5,026 hours last year. During 2025, the organization ran 46 community engagement events and helped 67 home hospice clients.
Since January, the society has seen about 65 new volunteers sign up. Flood also highlighted the renewal of a memorandum of understanding between the society and the University of Northern BC earlier that day.
She also pointed to the success of fundraisers such as the Dream Home Lottery, Colour Walk and High Tea for Hospice.
Flood said there are currently 1,141 publicly funded long-term care beds available in Northern BC, and while
another 200 are expected to open around 2028, demand is still outpacing supply.
“It’s not enough,” Flood said.
She said there is a shortage of 2,000 care beds across the province and capacity will need to expand by another 50 per cent over the next 10 years.
In 2018, the wait for one of these care beds was about 282 days. By 2025, it had increased to more than a year.
There are now nearly 16,000 seniors in Prince George — up from just over 12,000 recorded in 2021.
“Behind this growth, thousands of family caregivers are quietly providing the majority of care, often with limited access to formal respite services,” one slide stated.
“Despite their critical role, respite capacity remains fragmented and insufficient. Without immediate investment
in caregiver and respite supports, the system that depends on them cannot be sustained.”
Flood noted there are about 90 people she would describe as the “silent homeless” at the University Hospital of Northern BC who are living there while waiting for placement in a long-term care home.
Much of this burden, the presentation stated, is being borne by the so-called “sandwich generation” — people simultaneously raising children and caring for aging parents.
The resulting burnout, financial strain and declining health risk spreading broader impacts throughout the community.
Because of a lack of facilities, hospitals and acute-care centres are increasingly being relied on to care for seniors, despite being far more expensive than
dedicated long-term care facilities, the presentation stated.
While the society runs numerous programs and raises about $4.5 million annually, Flood said there are concerns about the long-term sustainability of those services given rising demand and the lack of dedicated facilities.
The solution proposed by the society is a palliative wellness centre with 10 to 12 respite suites and integrated caregiver support.
According to the presentation, the facility would cost about $2.2 million to build and between $1.7 million and $2 million annually to operate. It would serve up to 552 individuals at the end of their lives each year.
Flood said the dedicated facility could provide partial relief to the system by offering respite opportunities for caregivers. Without respite, she said, caregivers can sometimes be unable to seek medical attention for their own health issues.
Moving forward with the proposal, she said, could help save the local health-care system about $5 million annually.
Flood asked council to help lobby local health-care leaders, Northern Health and the Ministry of Health on the need to build and operate the facility.
“Please bring up what we’re doing,” she said. “Be our ambassadors.”
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
The Province of British Columbia will not seek to dismantle or sell a northsouth rail corridor when CN Rail gives up its lease in a couple of months, an adviser representing a municipal effort to save the line told Prince George city council on Monday, May 11.
Peter Scholz of Cairnstone Planning previously presented to city council at its Monday, March 9 meeting.
He told councillors CN Rail was planning to relinquish its lease over the Squamish-to-100 Mile House rail corridor in July.
It was one of the rail lines leased from BC Rail by CN in 2004. Once the lease is relinquished, proponents will be allowed to submit offers to operate new or existing services along the corridor. If no one comes forward, the line could be sold for salvage.
Scholz told council about the effort
being undertaken by the Northern Development Initiative Trust and communities along north-south rail corridors to determine whether the line could be saved, with Coun. Trudy Klassen appointed as Prince George’s representative in discussions.
On May 11, Scholz called into the council meeting from a Toronto train station, where he quipped that if Cariboo passenger rail service is re-established, it should not follow that city’s lead.
He said the previous Friday, BC Transportation Minister Mike Farnworth
It’s the business arm of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation
The business arm of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation’s new Fifth Avenue office in Prince George is now officially open.
In a Thursday, May 7 media release, the First Nation said that Tano T’enneh’s building at 1253 Fifth Avenue represents a “significant step forward” for both entities.
Tano T’enneh, the release said, was created about a year ago to take the lead on business and economic opportunities in Lheidli T’enneh’s traditional territory.
In the release, Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dolleen Logan said Tano T’enneh had previously been operating out of the
First Nation’s offices at 150 Brunswick Street — the former home of The Citizen.
“It is important that Tano conduct business at arm’s length from the Nation. Tano has its own board of directors who provide strategic oversight and support to the CEO,” Logan said.
“The move to their new office marks the completion of getting Tano up and operating as a standalone company.”
Tano CEO Evan Salter said that the organization’s new office would allow it to undertake projects without getting in the way of Lheidli T’enneh staff.
“In the past year Tano has doubled its assets and investments and this is just the start,” Salter said.
“We now have our own office, and I can assure everyone that there are many more good things to come. The future is bright for Tano, LTFN and Prince George.”
pledged the province would not seek to scrap the line once the lease ends.
However, Scholz cautioned the line requires upgrades and partners still need to secure the capital required to rehabilitate the rail infrastructure and establish a new service.
He said the next deadline after the lease ends on July 11 is finding a solution to ensure the Rocky Mountaineer passenger train can travel along the corridor in 2027.
Until that deadline, CN retains the right to transfer the service to a shortline operator.
The lease agreement with CN, Scholz said, is more than 500 pages long and can be difficult to interpret.
Beyond municipal support, he said seven First Nations along the corridor have voiced support for the project, while another has taken a neutral stance.
After the update, Coun. Garth Frizzell said he believed the project was a “no-brainer” given its potential to boost supply-chain capacity, manufacturing and east-west trade.
He said the standing committee on intergovernmental relations had raised the project during recent meetings with government officials, including Mining Minister Jagrup Brar.
Scholz said he believes local governments and First Nations need to work together to convince senior levels of government to show greater leadership in saving the corridor. The rapid progress made so far, he said, is due to lobbying efforts by those groups.
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
Members of a local seniors’ centre attended Prince George city council’s Monday, May 11 meeting to support a call from three councillors to build a new parking lot serving both their facility and a nearby park.
In a report attached to the meeting agenda, councillors Cori Ramsay, Kyle Sampson and Brian Skakun outlined parking issues at Harry Loder Park and the Spruce Capital Seniors Centre on Rainbow Drive.
The non-profit member-run seniors’ centre shares building space with Rainbow Lodge, a long-term care home.
“Seniors accessing the Spruce Capital Seniors Centre are often required to park on surrounding streets and walk down a steep driveway in order to attend the centre due to parking being consumed by staff and guests of the Rainbow Lodge,” the report said.
“This presents mobility challenges and safety concerns, particularly during winter conditions or for those using walkers or other mobility aids.
“Additionally, Harry Loder Park itself currently offers limited formal parking despite providing several recreational amenities, including a baseball diamond, outdoor basketball court, and open green space.”
Included in the report was an aerial photograph of the site, with an area south of the seniors’ centre parking lot and west of the park’s basketball court shaded in red.
The councillors said the area could be redeveloped into additional parking spaces.
The councillors suggested city administration use the time between now and next year’s budget talks to examine the feasibility, design, cost and potential partnership opportunities for the parking lot.
“Given the proximity of Northern Health-operated facilities and that the seniors centre is within their facility, there may be opportunity for collaboration or shared investment, recognizing that parking pressures are impacting both healthcare-related uses, the senior tenants in their building, and park users in this area,” the report said.
About 20 seniors attended the meeting to support the proposal, with some wearing blue shirts bearing the Spruce Capital name.
Speaking on the motion, Sampson said the parking issue was raised by Spruce Capital members during a meeting he held there earlier this year.
He said the motion was not intended to approve construction, but rather to have the feasibility studied so it can be properly discussed during 2027 budget talks.
Before the council meeting, Sampson said he had already held a preliminary discussion with Northern Health regarding its involvement, as it owns the building that includes both Rainbow Lodge and Spruce Capital.
Ramsay said she appreciated the many Spruce Capital members who skipped cribbage night to attend the council meeting.
She said it was evident during a visit to the centre that the current parking lot is over capacity, leading to
significant street parking in the area.
The area being suggested for the new lot, she said, appeared to be underused.
Coun. Susan Scott said she was strongly in favour of the proposal and noted the parking lot becomes much more hazardous during winter.
“In winter, I’ve actually crawled across that parking lot,” Scott said.
Coun. Brian Skakun said the idea had been proposed years ago, but the political will was not there to move the project forward. He congratulated the centre and its members for communicating their need for parking improvements.
Coun. Tim Bennett said he has worked in that neighbourhood for much of his life and knows how congested on-street parking can become. He said he supported the proposal but wondered whether improvements could also be made to the existing hardpacked surface, such as potentially adding pickleball courts.
Coun. Garth Frizzell said he would like the city to investigate ways to automatically identify and address issues involving hard surfaces in the future.
City manager Walter Babicz said staff routinely identify issues with hard surfaces and can raise them during budget processes.
Director of civic operations Blake McIntosh agreed, adding that word of
mouth and public reports are helpful in prompting action on issues like this.
Coun. Ron Polillo said he lives twoand-a-half blocks away and is familiar with the parking challenges. He asked how many parking spots currently exist. Someone from the audience responded that there are about 25.
Acting Mayor Trudy Klassen asked whether it would be possible for city administration to inquire with Northern Health about making access to the seniors’ centre safer, as it is currently located partway up a slope.
Babicz said the motion as presented did not include language addressing entrances, though it is something staff could examine.
Speaking again, Scott said she was concerned Northern Health might claim a large portion of any new parking spaces and that discussions would need to take place on how to equitably share a new lot if it is built.
Motion: Council directs administration to investigate the feasibility of building a new parking lot for Harry Loder Park and Spruce Capital Seniors Recreation Centre in potential partnership and cost sharing with Northern Health.
Result: Approved unanimously, with Mayor Simon Yu absent.
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
A recent delegation from Prince George’s Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs to Victoria last month had more than 20 meetings in the provincial capital, members said during a Friday, May 8 meeting.
Reporting back on the trip, councillors Garth Frizzell, Kyle Sampson and Susan Scott had no new promises from the government to announce.
However, they said that Prince George projects like the University Hospital of Northern BC acute care tower, an involuntary care facility and the Providence Living long-term care home are not being delayed in this year’s provincial budget while other regions experience cutbacks are proof of the results of the city’s advocacy efforts.
Among the officials they met with were:
• Premier David Eby
George’s Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs meets in a second-floor boardroom at city hall on Friday,
• Attorney General Niki Sharma
• Minister of Energy Adrian Dix
• Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals Jagrup Brar
• Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar
• Minister of Health Josie Osborne
• Minister of Jobs Ravi Kahlon
• Interim Opposition Leader Trevor Halford
• All three Prince George Conservative MLAs, Rosalyn Bird, Sheldon Clare and Kiel Giddens
Sampson said he thought it was “critical” that the city sent the delegation.
“I think the government is looking for opportunities to still fulfill their mandate while cutting their budget, which is a challenging position for municipalities to go down and ask for anything,” Sampson said.
He highlighted the existing Prince George projects being maintained as a positive but also said that getting the province to commit to new projects was
difficult given the deficit noted in this year’s budget.
Both Frizzell and Scott noted that the atmosphere seemed more adversarial and competitive during this visit, with Scott wondering if part of that was due to the ongoing leadership race for the Conservative Party of BC.
Scott also said that many of the people the delegation met with provided advice on how to approach matters when Prince George sends another delegation to Ottawa to meet with federal officials later this year.
Frizzell said that the BC Construction Association and various creative groups were also competing for attention while the delegation was in Victoria.
Coun. Brian Skakun, who was not a part of the delegation this time around, said his concern is that items brought up during the meetings might be shuffled to the side given the turmoil in Victoria at the moment. That, he said, is why the pressure has to be kept up.
Prince George’s Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs voted unanimously at its Friday, May 8 meeting to endorse a call from the City of Dawson Creek for the province to launch an independent review of universal mental health care.
Attached to the meeting agenda was a copy of a letter distributed to members of a Mental Health and Addiction Accord that Dawson Creek is asking they personalize and send to representatives of the provincial government.
It lists barriers faced by residents of communities across BC in accessing mental health care like limited clinical capacity, long wait times and a reliance on private health insurance to pay for existing services.
Coun. Garth Frizzell, the committee’s chair, noted at the meeting that Prince George has been working on the accord since 2024.
At a symposium held in Prince George that year, various municipalities, regional districts including Fraser-Fort George, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous organizations and communities signed the accord as a pledge to improve urgent mental health and addictions challenges being experienced in northern and central BC.
The committee voted unanimously on May 8 to recommend that the whole of council approve a motion to have Mayor Simon Yu sign a Prince George copy of the letter and send it to the province.
That item will now be discussed at a future city council meeting. It wasn’t on the agenda Monday night.
The City of Prince George is conducting an Alternative Approval Process for five loan authorization bylaws related to equipment financing, stormwater system renewal, CN Centre building envelope renewal, Memorial Park Cemetery expansion, and civic facility roof replacements.
Elector response forms are only required for eligible City of Prince George electors who are opposed to one or more of the bylaws. A separate elector response form must be submitted for each bylaw opposed.
Deadline to submit forms: 5 p.m., June 2, 2026
More information: Contact Legislative Services at 250-561-7793 or email legislativeservices@princegeorge.ca
The full public notice, bylaws, elector response forms, project information, and submission options are available at: princegeorge.ca/AAP
KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor
Three members of the city’s Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs have returned from their junket to Victoria, boasting an impressive itinerary of more than 20 meetings.
Their list includes Premier David Eby, senior cabinet ministers, the interim Opposition leader and all three Prince George MLAs (though we have to wonder why they couldn’t meet with them at home with all of council).
Nobody can say these committee members couldn’t manage to secure access to provincial power players.
Less clear is whether the results outweigh the thousands of dollars spent sending councillors Garth Frizzell, Kyle Sampson and Susan Scott to the province’s capital.
The fourth member of the committee, Brian Skakun, chose not to participate in this taxpayer funded trip.
After meetings, handshakes and photo opportunities, councillors returned home without a single new commitment to announce. They shared the lists of who they met, but not much beyond that.
Instead, residents were told the real success was that some key Prince George projects — including the University Hospital of Northern BC acute care tower, the involuntary care facility and the Providence Living long-term care home — haven’t been cut from the provincial budget.
Apparently, they missed reading The Citizen’s interview with our three MLAs on Feb. 26 where that was covered.
Status quo is a remarkably low bar for success.
To hear members of the delegation tell it, Prince George should be grateful that projects already promised and underway survived this year’s provincial belt-tightening.
Maybe earlier advocacy played some role in that. Maybe it didn’t. But preserving existing commitments is a far cry from demonstrating that expensive travel junkets are necessary, let alone worth the cost.
The problem with these trips has never been whether councillors can arrange meetings. Clearly, they can. Government relations staff can line up appointments with ministers and MLAs all day long. The real question is whether these trips produce outcomes that justify the expense.
So far, we’re not seeing much evidence that they do.
Sampson called the trip “critical” because municipalities are competing for scarce provincial dollars during a difficult budget year.
Scott described an increasingly adversarial atmosphere in Victoria.
Frizzell noted that industry groups and advocacy organizations were all competing for attention at the legislature.
In other words, Prince George was one voice among many.
And while councillors emphasized the
importance of “keeping pressure up,” we have to ask what exactly was communicated during these meetings that could not have been accomplished by a phone call, videoconference or letter. Did Eby really learn something new about Prince George from this delegation? Did Attorney General Niki Sharma, Health Minister Josie Osborne or Forests Minister Ravi Parmar hear information they could not have received directly from city administration or local MLAs?
Most importantly, did the city need to spend thousands of dollars to tell Prince George’s own MLAs — Rosalyn Bird, Sheldon Clare and Kiel Giddens — about issues unfolding in their own backyard?
PG is fortunate to have three people representing the city and area in Victoria. It is those MLAs’ jobs to advocate for us. They are available year-round, not just during carefully orchestrated lobbying trips.
The same applies to the Opposition leader and cabinet ministers who regularly meet with local governments through conferences, virtual meetings and direct communication channels.
Access isn’t proof of success.
That was the concern we raised in an earlier editorial criticizing council’s attempt to carve out an additional $16,000 for committee travel. The issue was never whether councillors could book meetings. It was whether taxpayers were being asked to subsidize political tourism dressed up as indispensable
advocacy.
Nothing from this latest trip changes our concern. If anything, the report back reinforces it.
Councillors argued that because Prince George did not lose projects, something that had happened long before their trip, that the trip was worthwhile.
That’s impossible to prove and convenient to claim after the fact.
Correlation is not causation. Governments do not typically scrap major infrastructure projects because a city failed to send a few councillors to Victoria for a few days.
We’ll eventually know whether this delegation produced meaningful results, especially with more than 60 requests. Maybe new funding announcements or policy wins will materialize in the months ahead, and someone from the provincial government will publicly thank our local delegation for raising the issue that they weren’t aware of.
But if the outcome turns out to be negligible — as we and many taxpayers reasonably suspect it will — voters should remember this episode the next time councillors propose spending thousands more on “advocacy” travel.
Public money should be spent carefully, transparently and only when the benefit is clear.
Expensive trips that generate no tangible outcomes beyond “look at the photos we took” Facebook posts deserve skepticism.
OFFICE (8:00a - 4:00p) 505 Fourth Avenue Prince George, B.C. V2L 3H2 FRONT DESK & CLASSIFIED frontdesk@pgcitzen.ca 250-562-2441
City has to start showing tough love to address homelessness
It’s Mother’s Day today and, as a mother and grandmother, I am writing this letter because I am deeply concerned about the future of our city.
We need to be showing some tough love.
The fires are heartbreaking, the homeless situation is out of control, and seniors are being warehoused in the hospital while waiting for assisted living.
But the focus seems to be on the unhoused coming here from who knows where with who knows what.
Our downtown is a nightmare, with drugs being openly sold. I saw it today.
Vacant lots and vacant buildings need to be addressed.
I do not know who owns the vacant lot on Victoria Street and 17th Avenue, but you need to know it is being turned into a homeless camp. The owners need to fence it, pay attention to it and maintain their property.
Also, the North Star Inn on Victoria Street, which taxpayers have spent a fortune on, should be a safe shelter for anyone who needs it, and it needs to be drug-free. There is a school a block away.
Wake up.
Helen Robertson
Prince George
This is a friendly reminder on how to avoid accidentally hitting cyclists with your vehicle and ruining your day — and theirs.
Share the road. Drivers are required to give cyclists one metre of space on the road to ensure their safety and yours. If you see a cyclist on the road, it might mean there isn’t a bike lane or the bike lane may be obstructed by parked vehicles or debris (gravel).
Shoulder check before you turn right or change lanes. There might be a cyclist pedalling in your blind spot on the sidewalk or road, and you could be turning right into them. Also check before you open your door. Ouch!
Remember and respect cyclist turning
Fraser River Canyon protected areas that nature has refreshed. There are many areas like that. New trees will eventually germinate there.
Forest management works in many ways.
Brian Lapointe
Williams Lake
The City of Prince George was courted by Mayor Wu Ziaohui and a delegation from Jiangmen, a city in southern China, las week. I hope we were able to receive them cordially. That, however, is the extent of any involvement that should be entertained.
signals. A left arm straight out means we’re turning left (and might be ahead of you in the left lane). A left arm bent at the elbow means we’re turning right. While you’re at it, feel free to use your own turn signals so we know what to expect.
Stop signs mean stop. Cyclists may be using quieter roads, so look both ways before proceeding.
If a cyclist is waiting at a stop sign, don’t stop for them unless they’re at a pedestrian crosswalk. Cyclists should follow traffic signs and rules — we’ll wait our turn just like any other vehicle. Thank you for looking out for us. See you on the road.
Check out the Province of BC website for a few more reminders: Province of BC cycling and driving safety page
Angela Kehler
Prince George
Forest management works, and here are examples of how well
Nature refreshes old forests with new forests for conservation. Forest management is a big help.
Old forests are making a huge
contribution to atmospheric carbon through forest fires. We have seen a surge in wildfires in recent years as nature resets ecological succession. Young forests provide a mix of habitats for a wider range of species than old forests as they grow over time and mature. Young forests replacing burned areas are working hard to recover that carbon.
Forest management through logging provides the same service in meeting nature’s renewal goals when done with good planning. It avoids the chaos and trauma of wildfires.
All harvested areas come with commitments to establish young forests on time. Wildfire areas are often reforested over a much longer period, sometimes taking decades after fires scorch the ground and destroy remaining seeds from the previous generation.
The picture shows harvested patches along the Coquihalla Highway with healthy young forests filled with wildlife. We have many similar areas in the Central Interior.
You can also see recently burned wildfire areas along Highway 1 in the
Jiangmen is under the rule of the Communist Party of China. They do not play by honest and upright rules. They incarcerated the two Michaels, prominent Canadians, in China for more than two years for political reasons.
They persecute Falun Gong practitioners and Uyghurs in their own country and have been accused of organ harvesting.
They also attempted to shut down a Shen Yun performance in Canada, engage in transnational repression of Chinese Canadians and permanent residents, and have been linked to election interference in recent Canadian elections.
Chinese interests have been buying Canadian farmland and leaving it dormant.
This sister-city relationship will not be a reliable international partnership. It cannot and should not be trusted as a sister city.
Dorothy Reimer
Prince George
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Copper theft leaves six communities without Telus service
I’m not sure how extensively, but I thought fibre optic cables were marked. I’m not sure that clearly marking fibre optic cables as not containing copper would help. Maybe over time, as long as no company decides to falsely label their copper cables to deter theft. I hate adding more government, but perhaps there needs to be a rule that makes incorrect labelling illegal?
I’m 100 per cent behind scrap dealers being complicit. They know what wire looks like and can likely identify the type of wire. The wire in telecom use is typically quite fine compared to electrical. Again, not a fan of government oversight, but if scrap dealers are part of the problem, then more oversight is warranted.
Kent Hunter-Duvar
Share your views on our stories at pgcitizen.ca
As a retired lineman for BCTel/ Telus, I can confirm that the fibre cables contain zero per cent copper. The cables are identified at every pole with a tag that says “Fibre Optic Cable.” These thieves either can’t read or are in such a hurry that they choose not to read the tags. We hardly ever had to repair sabotaged cables; it mostly tended to be people trying to steal copper. Many times we had to hire security people to babysit our reels that we had to leave at night in the middle of a job.
IMHO, the metal buyers need to be more stringent when buying melted-down copper from their customers.
Lennga Arkel
$55M fundraising campaign launched for UHNBC cardiac equipment
I applaud their ambitious goal and great cause. They have their work cut out for them; fundraising in this day and age feels impossible with every household feeling the strain on their finances.
It will be great having Shirley Bond chairing the initiative and, although retired, she is the representative we had who fought so hard to get us a cancer centre that then opened in 2012. I remember when that seemed like a pipe dream. We would all love to see their goals achieved and cardiac care in the North.
PGBornandRaised
Editorial: PG goes global — Why limit our ‘twin city’ to only one?
Grande Prairie, Alberta is very similar to Prince George. Both are regional centres for resource extraction and have similar harsh winters to contend with. If Prince George made those connections today, if and when Alberta separates, Prince George would have real connection with a new country.
That may be a real advantage — to be connected to a real powerhouse economy based on resource extraction that both Northern BC and Northern Alberta need to survive. waymar10@telus.net
Councillors to push for improved park, seniors’ centre parking
Yes, the important stuff the town needs. I can’t remember the last time I saw this park being used for anything but maybe a family outing, and those have been few and far between as well. I guess they can cut back on snow removal and water and sewer.
bcracer
Councillors to push for improved park, seniors’ centre parking
Good idea. More parking for the seniors during the day and more parking for all the baseball events in the evening. This would reduce the parking on Rainbow Drive around the bad curve. Finally something good.
Here for the Beer
Editorial: PG goes global — Why limit our ‘twin city’ to only one?
I agree with expanding our horizons beyond the US and going to places like China; it has the potential for huge economic gains for PG through multiple avenues.
With that being said, the city must be willing to carry through with promises made and have a city council that is on board and willing to do the leg work, otherwise it will just founder and waste money.
It also needs buy-in from the citizens of the city and understanding of the potential gains for the city. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand the idea of twinning sister cities or the payoffs that could benefit us.
You’ll never make everyone happy for many reasons, but if sister city twinning is done right, the benefits far outweigh the negatives. Unfortunately, the city has a less than sterling track record on this.
Prince George may lose two clothing stores
No! My favourite clothing store! Really nice clothes in good variety of sizes and always great staff. In my eyes they were just the greatest store for all ages and both male and female.
You will be sorely missed.
Terri Turcotte
A local astronomer explains the reality behind that recent UFO sighting
MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
People in Prince George, Hixon, Vanderhoof, Quesnel, Williams Lake and Surrey all reported the same thing in the late evening of Tuesday, May 5: A strange object that appeared to move across the sky and disappear over the horizon.
It happened between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. Some people on social media also described the cloud-like object being dragged or towed along by a smaller point of light.
Sightings of the object began rapidly spreading across Facebook, with people across the north posting videos and photos expressing their astonishment, excitement and fear.
One Willow River resident, Scott Stewart, was headed to bed after attending a Spirit of the North fundraising event when his daughter spotted the object.
“She kind of had a little panic in her voice. I thought, ‘well, that’s something different.’ So, I ran over to the window and we saw what looked to be a ghostly shape in the sky and it was being towed by what looked like a little bright star,” he said.
Stewart then ran back into his home to record before the object drifted towards Prince George.
“We started to record it and we were trying to determine what it was,” he said. “We were a little weirded out, because there was no sound and it seemed a lot closer than it probably was. It was moving quite quickly. We were a little taken aback as to what it could possibly be … it came from our northeast direction and went across heading toward PG. Because it’s bright there, we lost it in the light of the town.”
“Willow River and east is well known for UFO sightings and things in the sky that nobody can identify, so we were wondering and hoping if that was it
and just maybe wanted to make sure it wasn’t going to land in our yard or something,” he said.
Stewart was later relieved to find out that others across the north had seen the object.
“There were a ton of people who had seen it and took pictures of it, which was definitely well seen, so I knew I wasn’t losing my mind,” he said.
Another person who saw the object and posted photos and videos was Patricia Seymour, who was headed home to the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation reserve on the north side of the Fraser River from work when she saw the object moving across the sky.
“I’m driving, I looked off to my left and I actually thought that it was a comet, I had to wait until I got some trees and I came to a field, where I had a pretty good clearing and view,” she said. “I stopped and I’m looking at it and I’m wondering, ‘what is that?’ and all of a sudden I noticed that it was moving
know they’re out there,” she said.
The president of the Prince George Astronomical Observatory, Malhar R. Kendurkar, also saw the object while he was at home.
Although he was fascinated by the sight, he quickly found a much less fantastic explanation for what those across the North saw.
“It was a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket,” he explained. “It was actually launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base, which is in California. It was launched at about 8.59 p.m., which is local Pacific time. It was carrying 24 new Starlink satellites into our low-earth orbit.”
Starlink is the company’s satellite internet service.
He explained that the phenomenon is known as a “jellyfish effect” and is commonly seen with late-night rocket launches.
“What’s actually happening is that sunlight is actually illuminating the expanding exhaust plumes from behind, making it, you know, kind of glow very brightly against the dark, dark background which is our dark sky from our planet,” said Kendurkar.
slowly.”
Seymour was left with many questions as she began recording.
“It was the only cloud in the sky and when I first stopped, it was a pinkish colour. I’m wondering what it was. In my video, there was a light behind it. I had no idea. I was thinking maybe it’s a drone, but why would there be a cloud there?”
Seymour has been a long-time believer in aliens since she and other members of her family had a close encounter.
“This was after 11 at night, we were walking home and my oldest son, he goes, ‘what the heck? What is that?’ I had my daughter and granddaughter. We saw this oval orange shape and it had windows. It looked like the typical UFO that you share about and see pictures of. This one was orange and it was right behind the water tower. It was so huge … I was a non-believer until I saw that and ever since I’ve seen that, I
The velocity of the rocket itself also makes the cloud appear to be moving very quickly, appearing even more unnatural.
Kendurkar also explained that if you can get eyes on the rocket for long enough, you can even see the different stages of the launch.
“As the rocket climbs and goes higher and higher in the atmosphere and the different stages of the rocket separate, you can actually sometimes see a bright core as well and even the rocket itself, followed by this very large glowing cloud that looks like a bell or an umbrella,” he said.
Seymour later reached the same conclusion as Kendurkar reached. However, despite knowing that the effect he witnessed was human-made, he is still a firm believer.
“I think we’d have it be a little arrogant to believe that we’re the only ones in all the universe and that we’re the only ones advanced enough to move around,” he said.
It provides assistance for people seeking sanctuary in PG
MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
For the third year in a row, the city has received funding to establish an emergency reception centre to help wildfire evacuees coming to Prince George.
This centre is made up of five multi-purpose trailers, with three used for reception centres, an incident command post and a trailer for staff. As well, there is a dedicated trailer for washrooms.
The trailers, located behind the Kin Centre at 2187 Ospika Blvd., between the ice oval and the horse paddocks, will be staffed by 24 emergency support services representatives who will work with evacuees to connect them with services like vouchers for hotels, shelter allowances, clothing and food.
One of the reception centre areas, as in previous years, will be used as a cultural activity location for Indigenous communities.
This will be a flexible space that can be used as an emergency operations centre for these communities, a space for First Nations community leadership to operate out of or simply a gathering space for the community itself.
These trailers were originally placed in the community as part of a provincial pilot program in 2024. The program has only grown and adapted since its implementation in the community.
The City of Prince George has historically been a centre for evacuees, with the biggest influx seen in 2017 when the city served as a hub for approximately 10,000 evacuees from Williams Lake and the Cariboo region following massive wildfires.
Tanya Spooner, emergency programs manager for the City of Prince George, said it is unlikely the city will see those high numbers again, but staff are prepared for anything.
“We don’t necessarily have a fixed number as to how many people we can receive in Prince George. We do work with the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) and communities around us to identify what the best regional response is,” she said.
“That may be sending everyone to Prince George and setting up things like group lodging and using hotels and billets, or it may be that Prince George is one large location and we’re setting up smaller reception sites in other communities.”
Spooner added in a City of Prince George press release that the Kin Centre’s location has caused issues in the past, but that the program has largely been a success.
“The location does have some challenges, particularly at times when there are big events happening at Exhibition Park through the summer,” said Spooner.
Last year, the centre saw approximately 300 people in need come through its doors in 2025, including those displaced by the fires at the Boardwalk Apartments.
Spooner spoke to the media at the site about some of the changes staff have made since last year.
“We’ve really seen evacuees liking to
be outside when they’re waiting, rather than sort of being confined to some chairs in a waiting space or a waiting room. And so that’s why we’ve added tents into the setup this year, as we’ve dedicated space so that people can be outside and enjoy the fresh air.”
She also said there have been behindthe-scenes changes that she hopes will make the difficult process of finding lodging and emergency services after a crisis much easier.
“The other big one really is within our operations. We’ve changed a little bit of the operations and the flow of how we do things within our part of the process. Those are small refinements that aren’t likely to be really seen by the public, but they’ve just made our process a little bit more efficient,” she said.
Spooner said that in the case of mass evacuations, these trailers will be occupied 24/7 by city staff and, if needed, officials are ready to call on a wide variety of provincial and federal emergency services.
“Quite often, we will bring volunteers from within the region or other teams in. EMCR is nice and is close at hand to us. They don’t necessarily man the site, but they’re available to us over at their office on Westwood,” she said.
“We have had groups like ServiceBC come in and be on-site. Quite often,
we’ll also have groups like First Nations Health Authority and Health Emergency Management BC. We’ve had groups like the Salvation Army and Red Cross on site as well.”
Spooner also knows that wildfire season can be unpredictable, but said she and her team are ready for anything.
“It’s our duty to be operationally ready for any event that happens every season,” she said. “Everything that we’re hearing is that there are still parts of the province that are under significant drought. So that always leads toward the possibility of wildfires. So we are ready for it.”
Spooner also encouraged residents who are worried about possible evacuation to sign up for the Evacuee Registration Assistance tool, or ERA, ahead of time.
It provides basic information like a person’s location or the number of people in their family to help speed up the process at the emergency centre.
The online tool also connects with the ServiceBC app, which can then enable emergency services to send e-transfers or shelter allowances directly to an individual rather than having to fill out paper referral forms or vouchers.
To sign up for the ERA, visit this link: era-evacuees.embc.gov.bc.ca/ registration-method
It’s a mandatory process, StatsCan reminds the public; not lling it out can lead to a $1,000 ne
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
The five-year wait is over and Statistics Canada has launched its work on the 24th edition of the country’s largest survey.
As of Monday, May 4, Canadians started to receive invitations to participate in the 2026 census — the first held in the country since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those letters will contain access codes that people can enter on census.gc.ca for digital access to their questionnaire.
Statistics Canada’s website says that Canadians can see presentations and explanation of the questions being asked in both American Sign Language and Langue des signes québécoise online.
Paper questionnaires can be requested by calling 1-833-663-2026.
Those with hearing or speech disabilities can also call the teletypewriter census help line at 1-833-830-3109 for assistance with their questionnaire.
Braille and audio questions are available for people with visual disabilities.
People who can’t speak English or French can get help with their questionnaires by calling a different help line at 1-833-852-2026.
Around three-quarters of households will get a short-form questionnaire while a quarter of households will get a long-form questionnaire that asks more questions about social and economic circumstances.
Respondents will be asked to provide information about their birthplace, ethnic or cultural origins, religion, mobility,
level of education, housing circumstances or more.
Statistics Canada notes that the long-form questionnaire will have new questions on health status, sexual orien tation and homelessness.
The information collected by the census will be used to help determine how seats in the House of Commons are distributed across Canada, planning for natural disasters, planning for school districts and more.
Participating in the census is also mandatory.
Those who don’t complete their questionnaire can be fined up to $1,000 depending on the exact offence, Statis tics Canada advises.
For those concerned about scammers impersonating census officials, Statis tics Canada notes that it will send text message reminders to households who haven’t submitted their questionnaires out from the number 236732.
Census employees may also visit households in person.
Those employees will have an identifi cation card they can provide to confirm their identity.
However, Canadians can call 1-833852-2026 if they’d like to get additional verification on an employee’s identity.
Census employees will never ask for anyone’s social insurance or credit card numbers.
On top of the census of population, the government also runs a census of agriculture at the same time that every agricultural operation in the country is required to participate in.
A help line at 1-855-859-6273 is open through the end of July to help with the agricultural census.
Earlier this year, Statistics Canada published an estimate that the Prince George area had reached a population of just over 100,000.
Should that milestone be confirmed by the findings of the 2026 census, it could mean that Prince George is officially declared as Canada’s newest metropolitan area.
MLA Rosalyn Bird championed the move in Victoria
November will soon be known as Veterans and First Responders Month in British Columbia once Lt.-Gov. Wendy Cocchia signs off on a Prince George MLA’s private member’s bill.
On Monday, May 4, the BC Legislature approved the third and final reading for Bill M231, which was put forward by Prince George-Valemount Conservative MLA Rosalyn Bird.
Bird, a former Royal Canadian Navy officer, is her party’s military liaison.
The text of the bill acknowledges the courage, professionalism and dedication of Canadian Forces veterans and emergency personnel like police officers, paramedics, search and rescue workers, dispatchers and firefighters.
While November is already being home to Indigenous Veterans’ Day and Remembrance Day, Bird said in a Feb. 23 debate in the Legislature that “remembrance should not be confined to a single morning.”
“By designating November as Veterans and First Responders Month, we create a broader opportunity for communities, schools, local governments and service organizations to coordinate events, promote education and deepen public understanding,” Bird said.
The bill received support from the government, including from parliamentary secretary for armed forces development and veterans’ affairs Darlene Rotchford.
During that same Feb. 23 debate, Rotchford highlighted the efforts of first responders in her electoral district of Esquimalt-Colwood and said “this legislation provides us with an opportunity to formally recognize the courage, professionalism and sacrifice of those who protect our community and our country, often without recognition and always without hesitation.”
Prince George-Cariboo Conservative MLA Sheldon Clare voiced support for Bird’s bill as well.
“Among our communities, there are a humble few who have volunteered to sign an unlimited liability clause or to otherwise put themselves in danger for the security and safety of us all,” Clare told the Legislature.
“Our military veterans, our police, firefighters, ambulance paramedics, search and rescue personnel, emergency dispatchers and others — many of whom are present here today, both in the gallery and in this House — have done just that.”
In another debate on March 2, Cariboo-Chilcotin Conservative MLA Lorne Doerkson noted that the response to the then-recent shooting in Tumbler Ridge served as a reminder of the heroism of first responders.
Reached by phone the afternoon after the vote, Bird told The Citizen that the passage of her first-ever private member’s bill was made even more special by the presence of first responders in the chamber including firefighters from
Prince George and police officers from Victoria.
While their services differ, Bird said both first responders and those in the military make sacrifices and sometimes have to put their lives on the line.
“They make a huge commitment to their communities and their province, and they suffer a lot of the same challenges that military folks do with mental health challenges, physical injuries and transitions when they leave their employment,” Bird said of first responders.
“I just thought this was a nice way for all of us to collaborate and highlight first responders, highlight veterans.”
This, she said, is especially important as attendance at Remembrance Day parades and general awareness of what first responders and veterans go through is low.
To commemorate the first Veterans and First Responders Month this November, Bird said she’s looking to hold ceremonies with first responders, members of the military, veterans and cadets in both Prince George and at the
Legislature.
Bird emphasized that the bill is not intended to take anything away from existing November ceremonies for veterans.
On other files, Bird said she is working with a colleague to address concerns regarding the foreign ownership of agricultural land and continues to lobby for more mental health and downtown safety supports in Prince George.
On Tuesday, May 5, she and Conservative House Leader Á’a:líya Warbus hosted a red dress event recognizing missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in the Legislature’s Hall of Honour.
Among the guests at the ceremony, Bird said, were Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Elder and University of Northern BC Chancellor Darlene McIntosh.
“Even as opposition … we need to take those concerns very seriously and we need to continue working towards legislation that is going to make our communities and our highways safe,” Bird said.
BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The BC Court of Appeal upheld a lower court ruling against a former City of Prince George employee who sued for wrongful dismissal.
Rob Wayne Clark, a strategic financial analyst with the city since 2014, alleged constructive dismissal after the city placed him on unpaid leave for failing to comply with its mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in January 2022.
Thirty-one of the City of Prince George’s 770 employees chose to remain unvaccinated against COVID19. Four later received the vaccine and returned to work, three were approved for human rights accommodations, one quit and the remaining 23 — including Clark — were placed on unpaid leave. All except Clark were eventually suspended and offered a return to work.
In an April 30 ruling, appeal court Justice Amy Francis said Clark failed to
A COVID-19 vaccination is administered during a mobile clinic in Prince George in 2021. Vaccines were mandatory in most workplaces.
demonstrate any reviewable error by the lower court judge, who found the vaccination policy was reasonable and justified. Justices Patrice Abrioux and Heather MacNaughton agreed.
“Once the chambers judge found an implied term allowing the employer to implement health and safety policies, she correctly moved to the next step in the analysis, and considered whether the (mandatory vaccination policy), and Mr. Clark’s suspension for failing
BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
After a hearing in Prince George, a worker who suffered bilateral hernia injuries on the job is entitled to temporary disability benefits, according to an April 1 decision by the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT).
Issues in vice-chair Dale Reid’s decision included the duration of temporary disability benefits, whether the worker’s injury arose out of employment and whether special circumstances prevented the worker from applying for compensation within one year of the June 21, 2023 injury.
WCAT did not identify the worker, workplace or municipality involved.
According to a first aid report, the worker felt a dull ache in his lower abdomen and groin while riding in a pickup truck at work in April 2023. He
was eventually treated in a hospital emergency room. The worker applied for compensation in June 2023, alleging the injury was caused by lifting 35-pound boxes at work.
The board initially accepted the claim on Aug. 1, 2023, but the employer argued there was no evidence supporting the conclusion that the hernia injury resulted from a workplace incident.
Reid found there was no evidence that a review officer spoke directly with the worker during the review process.
Reid’s decision also noted the worker has still not undergone hernia surgery and has not recovered from the effects of the condition accepted under the claim.
Because the worker was successful in the appeal, he is entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses incurred to attend the March 18 hearing in Prince George.
to comply with it, was reasonable and justified,” Francis wrote.
“The employer’s broad power to implement workplace health and safety policies extended to developing a policy within the workplace to address the significant challenges presented to employers and the public by the COVID19 crisis.”
Francis agreed with the city’s argument that it would be “illogical, not to mention unworkable” to conclude it
had breached individual employment contracts.
Francis also said the judge thoroughly analyzed whether Clark’s suspension was reasonable and justified, and whether it was applied in good faith.
“While the appellant may disagree with the chambers judge’s factual findings on these points, he has not identified any palpable and overriding error with respect to her findings,” Francis wrote.
In April 2025, BC Supreme Court Justice Liliane Bantourakis found the city acted in good faith and for legitimate business reasons and did not breach the employment contract.
Clark argued he was willing to work from home and/or undergo periodic testing, but was told no exceptions would be allowed outside approved human rights accommodations. The city argued Clark effectively chose to resign, that its decision was justified and that it did not breach his contract.
BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A man convicted of sexual assault in 2024 lost his constitutional challenge against a judge’s order requiring him to register as a sex offender and report his whereabouts to police for life.
A jury found Wayne Michael James Dick guilty, and BC Supreme Court Justice Andrew Majawa sentenced him last July to 3 1/2 years in jail. Majawa also ordered him to comply with the Sex Offender Information Registration Act for life.
Dick, who travels throughout BC for construction work, fishing and hunting, argued the requirements violated his rights under the life, liberty and security of the person section of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
In a May 1 ruling, Majawa found Dick failed to meet the burden of proving the impact of the mandatory lifetime order outweighed the public interest in registration.
“While the reporting obligations arising from the impugned provisions may be onerous, inconvenient, and even challenging to comply with, the impact of these obligations does not rise to the level of gross disproportionality,” Majawa ruled.
Under the law enacted in 2004, sex offenders must report annually in person to one of 141 RCMP, municipal or tribal police detachments in BC. Offenders must provide addresses for their primary and secondary residences, places
A man who was convicted of sexual assault filed a constitutional challenge against a court order to register as a sex offender and report his whereabouts to police for the rest of his life.
of employment, names of employers and types of work.
Any changes to that information must also be reported. Failure to comply can result in a jail sentence of up to two years.
Dick argued his personal circumstances were incompatible with the strict reporting requirements.
The Crown argued mandatory registration is not overbroad because evidence shows “this group of offenders poses a higher risk of committing further sexual offences.”
Majawa wrote that mandatory registration helps police monitor offenders at greater risk of reoffending and may
assist in preventing and investigating sex crimes. A lifetime order gives police a “longer period of access to information on offenders who are at a greater risk of reoffending.”
Dick told the court he usually works in construction in Victoria from December to May.
From mid-September to December, he uses traditional Indigenous hunting techniques in remote areas between Fort St. John and the Lower Mainland, including stops near Prince George and Williams Lake.
As a result, he is sometimes in backcountry areas without cellular phone
access.
Majawa said reporting appointments can be arranged in advance and that registration centres are located within reasonable proximity to where Dick lives, fishes and hunts.
“For example, there are RCMP detachments near Nootka Sound, in Tahsis and Gold River, and in Kamloops, Prince George, Williams Lake, Vanderhoof, and Bella Coola,” Majawa wrote. “In cross-examination, Mr. Dick testified that although it could take approximately 1.5 hours in each direction to attend at such a detachment, there is no reason he could not report there.”
BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The man who pleaded guilty to a carjacking at Prince George Airport must appear in BC Supreme Court on May 19. During a May 4 hearing, Crown prosecutor Rodney Withall told Justice Ronald Tindale that Tanner Jordan Meier’s lawyer remains suspended and that Meier refused to leave his cell to attend
court via videoconference.
“So we have no idea whether Mr. Meier is taking steps to obtain new counsel,” Withall said.
“I don’t know what avenue is left, other than to ask corrections to have Mr. Meier taken from his cell and brought before the court.”
Meier, 31, pleaded guilty Oct. 27 to robbery, dangerous driving causing bodily harm and assault related to the
Aug. 24, 2024 theft of a vehicle at Prince George Airport (YXS).
Defence lawyer Kenneth Thomson has been under administrative suspension by the Law Society of BC since Jan. 13. Thomson told the Citizen he lost his bookkeeper and was unable to complete his annual trust report on time.
Tindale ordered Meier, who is in custody at the Kamloops Regional
Correctional Centre, to appear in court in Prince George on May 19.
In December, Withall told the court the Crown intended to apply for Meier to be assessed to determine whether he could be designated a long-term offender.
If approved, a long-term offender designation would require a minimum two-year sentence, followed by a supervision order of up to 10 years.
They were arrested after a major RCMP narcotics probe
BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The two suspects facing multiple charges following a major Prince George RCMP drug investigation were arraigned May 5 in Prince George provincial court.
Robyn Ann Bradley, 37, and Kerridge Andrew Lowley, 50, are both free on bail and attended the hearing.
Bradley stood in the front row of the gallery, while Lowley stood near the counsel table.
Their lawyers, Jason LeBlond and Georges Rivard, entered not guilty pleas on their behalf and elected trial by provincial court judge.
Bradley faces 13 charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking
and four trafficking charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Lowley faces nine counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, four trafficking charges and one charge of possessing a prohibited or restricted firearm.
Federal Crown prosecutor Nick Baldwin estimated the trial would take two weeks.
“My time estimate would be a little bit longer than that,” LeBlond said.
“I was thinking approximately 12 to 14 days, and it’s due to the fact that I do anticipate there would be some Charter issues raised on behalf of Miss Bradley.”
Rivard, representing Lowley, said 15 days “would probably be a good time estimate.”
Bradley and Lowley were scheduled to return to court Tuesday, May 12, after this edition of The Citizen went to press, to set a pre-trial conference date.
The Public Prosecution Service of
He will be on house arrest at his mother’s Kamloops home
a likelihood that Mr. Perkins will commit criminal offences or interfere with the administration of justice,” Church said.
Canada approved charges against the pair in January.
On Feb. 27, the Prince George RCMP Street Crew Unit and North District Emergency Response Team arrested them at a residence in the 3700 block of Lansdowne Road.
When RCMP announced the charges on March 6, police said the investigation dated back to December 2023 and involved the Lansdowne Road residence and a business in the 100-block of Quebec Street.
While police did not identify the business, Bradley owns a store at that location called Coven House, which sells witchcraft, Wiccan and pagan supplies.
During court-authorized searches in April 2024, police seized drugs, paraphernalia, contraband cigarettes, two firearms and more than $100,000 in cash.
A man charged with first degree murder in 100 Mile House was granted bail on May 8 to live in the Okanagan while he waits for his August trial.
James Eugene Perkins, 50, was arrested Oct. 20, 2023, the day after the second anniversary of the incident. On April 22, he applied for bail.
BC Supreme Court Justice Marguerite Church decided in Williams Lake that it is not necessary to keep Perkins in custody because the low risk to reoffend can be mitigated by a strong bail plan.
“There is nothing to indicate there is
Perkins, who has been held at the Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre, will live under electronically monitored house arrest with his mother, who has agreed to a $20,000 surety.
If Perkins disobeys with the bail order, Church said his mother could lose a significant portion of her equity in her house.
Also on May 8, Perkins’s lawyer Dale Melville re-elected for a trial by BC Supreme Court judge alone. He had previously asked for trial by judge and jury.
The trial is scheduled to begin Aug. 24 and run for 24 days.
There are also 10 days scheduled for pretrial applications beginning May 25.
The prosecution has not yet proven its case in court.
“These investigations were incredibly complex, with investigators gathering vast amounts of information to ensure when their reports were submitted to the courts, they resulted in unequivocal charge approval,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer for Prince George RCMP, in a press release issued at the time charges were laid.
Lowley was one of two men charged with aggravated assault and break-andenter after a grisly 2022 machete attack at a Prince George motel.
He and Dakota Rayn Johnson were acquitted were later acquitted in BC Supreme Court.
They had been accused of committing the crimes at unit 255 of the Econo Lodge City Centre Inn on Aug. 11, 2022.
Police also alleged one of the suspects had 20 ounces of cocaine and 20 ounces of fentanyl “on their person at the time of the arrest.”
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff
The fire at Northwood Plaza on Wednesday, April 29, not only impacted Nelly’s Pub, but also affected several small businesses in the complex, including The Paw Spa, a full-service dog-grooming business owned by Alexandra Martin.
Martin first heard about the fire shortly after 6 a.m. Wednesday when her son told her he had seen a social media post saying the building was on fire.
“So I raced up there, and my heart sank because I actually thought the whole building was going to go up in flames, and most of it did,” Martin said.
“Now it’s just a waiting game as they are still assessing the damage and losses. It sounds like it may be a rebuild.”
But nothing has been decided, and any rebuilding would take time, she added.
Meanwhile, Martin said she has pivoted, as she has many times before while working in the service industry. She has been at Northwood Plaza since 2019. She started as a hairstylist, shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, ended up working at a pizza place and then switched to dog grooming in 2022.
“And it’s been amazing ever since,” Martin said.
Until now.
Martin said she is no stranger to hardship and has tried to stay philosophical about the situation, believing things will work out as they are meant to.
“There’s no sense in panicking about it or getting hysterical,” said Martin, who admitted she shed a few tears while driving home from the fire that day.
“I just look at it as a pivot for a little while, or maybe even a whole new direction — who knows? I mean, I’m not panicking because the situation is what it is, and there’s no point in being hysterical. The community has been so great. I definitely hope I never go through this again, but it’s a learning
experience, and maybe in the future, if someone else goes through something like this, I’ll be able to help because I’ve experienced it myself.”
The day of the fire, she began searching for another space.
She has already found a temporary location to continue offering grooming services to existing clients, including Tripod, a three-legged senior dog who requires extra attention.
“I call them my dogs — I know they’re not actually my dogs, but they are,”
Martin said with a laugh.
“They are my clients, and they need these services as the weather starts to get hot and grooming becomes important.”
Martin said she has been offered space in the grooming area at Canadian All Breeds Kennel on North Kelly Road
Martin said.
“I’m not looking for a permanent space just yet if there’s going to be a rebuild because I really like the location. So I’m waiting to hear what the plan is going to be.”
The Northwood Plaza businesses at the front of the building — including Madison Avenue Fashions, Style You Up, Collective Muse Studio and Gold Tooth Grin, a tattoo shop located above the storefronts — are joining forces to organize a barbecue fundraiser and silent auction Monday, May 11, at the Hart Centre Mall from 5 to 8 p.m.
A Facebook post for the event said “many small business owners have lost everything — their storefronts, their equipment and their daily livelihoods. While insurance is a factor, the process is incredibly slow, leaving these families without income or the means to rebuild in the meantime. Let’s come together to help them get back on their feet.”
The fundraiser will include hamburgers, hot dogs, bouncy castles for children and a DJ. A silent auction featuring items donated by local supporters will also be held.
All proceeds will help cover immediate costs for the affected small business owners.
by owner Leann, where she plans to offer services part time.
“I’m heading out there soon to get a feel for the space. I’ll groom a couple of dogs and slowly get back into it,”
“It’s going to be a family event to try to raise some money to help us with lost wages and displacement,” Martin said.
For more information about the fundraiser or The Paw Spa, visit The Paw Spa Facebook page.
Everything in their Northwood Plaza shop was either damaged or destroyed
TED CLARK Citizen Staff
It was a phone call every business owner dreads.
Early in the morning on Wednesday, April 29, Steve and Marissa Smoch woke up to learn their tattoo parlour, Gold Tooth Grin, was being destroyed by a catastrophic fire at Northwood Plaza.
The fire burned for hours and left their shop, Northwood Inn, Northwood Liquor Store, Nelly’s Pizza and other storefront businesses in ruins.
The Smochs’ tattoo equipment and everything in the shop was either destroyed or damaged, including furniture, computers and printers. The individual artists who worked there will also have to replace personal supplies and machines affected by smoke damage.
The owners also have to find a new location in a place that meets health and safety codes and will have to come up with rent and a damage deposit before they can get back to work, while also continuing to support their families and keep up with household bills, all despite not having an immediate means of drawing an income.
To help pay those bills, Teryn DeSmet has set an online fundraiser that will allow people to donate money to help them get back on their feet.
Gold Tooth Grin Recovery Fundraiser, at gofundme.com, has raised $2,370 of its $7,000 target as of the time this edition of The Citizen went to press.
The fire happened days before Steve and Marissa’s 10th wedding anniversary and the Smochs, in a collective post on the GoFundMe page, explained how the sudden shock of losing their business has affected them.
“Our shop was a home away from home. We had awesome vibes, great artists and many amazing clients who became friends along the way. We
even hosted a wedding last year,” they wrote.
“Gold Tooth Grin has been our only source of income for the last few years. It took us three months to even find our last location, so who knows where we will end up and when we will be able to get situated. We and our other artists need help to stay on top of our bills, get groceries etc. Shop-wise we will need to have a deposit for a new space, plus first month’s rent and all the renovations we will no undoubtedly need. All of this will keep us busy and will take time out of Steve’s tattooing schedule to accomplish.”
The Smochs recently relocated to the Northwood location at 2280 Hart Highway after several years of doing of business on the south end of the city at Bon Voyage Plaza.
Steve and Marissa stepped in to help other tattoo artists in July 2021 when the Handsome Cabin Boy Tattoo shop on Victoria Street was gutted in a fire and they allowed them to work with clients at their studio.
The Smochs also organized a fundraiser (Stabbin’ for the Cabin) to help the displaced artists make up for the sudden loss of their shop.
“Gold Tooth Grin had been a dream for them for many years and on July 1, 2018 that dream became a reality when their shop first opened its doors,” posted DeSmit.
“Through the years they have faced many ups and downs as many small business owners do. They faced it all with good humour, grateful hearts and a willingness to keep giving back to the community. They love to support other artists by patronizing their businesses, displaying their art and even selling it in their shop.”
City residents have already contacted the Smochs to show they care and it’s helped them get through the devastating loss of their livelihoods.
“We would like to thank everybody for their well wishes, love and support in the last few days,” the Smochs posted. “You all have been incredible, and we know we are not alone with all of you in our corner. Truly humbling.”
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MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
It could be sad news for Prince George shoppers as two clothing retailers are on the verge of closing in the near future.
Financial management firm Alvarez & Marsal Canada Inc., reported on its website on Wednesday, May 6, that Warehouse One Clothing Ltd. will apply to the Court of King’s Bench of Manitoba on Friday, May 15 for permission to close all of its retail locations as part of proceedings under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA).
The CCAA allows for Canadian companies owing creditors more than $5 million to restructure their affairs and potentially continue operations as they seek to pay back the money they owe.
The company currently operates 128 Warehouse One and Bootlegger stores in Canada, including a Warehouse One location on 15th Ave. and a Bootlegger location at Pine Centre Mall in Prince George.
Alvarez & Marsal’s post regarding the company said it will honour gift cards,
returns and exchanges as well as keep running its perks program until Wednesday, May 13. After that date, all sales will be final.
Last year, The Citizen reported that Comark Holdings Inc. was entering creditor protection and was planning on keeping its Ricki’s location open in
Prince George while the future of the Bootlegger store was uncertain.
At the time, an Ontario court had recently approved the sale of the Ricki’s chain to Putman Investments while Warehouse One was eyeing the purchase of Bootlegger.
Reached by phone, a staff member
at Warehouse One’s Prince George location declined comment and referred The Citizen to the company’s head office.
An employee at Bootlegger said nine people work at the local store but they couldn’t comment further as a manager was not present.
MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
The stretch of Highway 97 from Chetwynd through the Pine Pass now has 5G cell service, Rogers announced in a Friday, May 8 media release.
The Pine Pass is the pass through the Rocky Mountains that connects the Peace Country to BC’s interior.
Ben Campbell, CEO for the Northern Development Initiative Trust, said in the release that this part of the highway sees a lot of traffic from tourists travelling up to the beginning of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek and is often subject to rapidly changing weather.
“Improved cellular service along the
route provides increased access to critical information during emergencies while also allowing people to stay in contact with family and friends during their travels,” said Campbell.
This expansion adds 70 kilometres of new coverage to Highway 97 and will close existing dead zones,w improve access to emergency services, navigation tools, and help drivers stay informed during emergencies.
“Closing the connectivity gap along Highway 97 is critical for people to stay connected when it matters most— accessing emergency services, calling for roadside assistance or receiving realtime updates as conditions change,” said Diana Gibson, BC’s minister of citizens’ services.
BOB MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A defamation lawsuit filed by the wife of Quesnel Mayor Ron Paull against the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) has been dismissed by BC Supreme Court.
“I find that this is a case in which the public interest in preserving free debate and the UBCIC’s right to express its views as it did outweighs the harm, if any, that Ms. (Pat) Morton may have incurred,” Justice Jasmin Ahmad ruled on April 30.
Morton sued the UBCIC last May, citing an April 2, 2024 complaint letter and the events that followed. The UBCIC had objected to former Mount Royal University professor Frances Widdowson speaking at a Quesnel city council meeting. Widdowson is a contributor to Grave Error: How the Media Misled Us (and the Truth About Residential Schools).
The letter also alleged Morton had
purchased copies of the book and distributed them to clients through her son’s Q-Tax office in Quesnel “in blatant disregard for the impact this would have on residential school survivors and their families.”
Morton claimed reputational harm, emotional distress and business losses, and sought special damages for loss of professional standing and community trust.
Her lawsuit said she purchased 11 copies of the book, provided one to a school district library and offered another to a local MLA, who returned it unread. She said the remaining copies were given to close friends or family.
The UBCIC argued its statements were protected under the defences of substantial truth, fair comment and qualified privilege, and that the lawsuit improperly sought to limit its free expression on a matter of public interest and debate in Quesnel and across Canada.
BOB MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Environmental Appeal Board (EAB) upheld last year’s decision by a regional manager of recreational fisheries and wildlife programs to cancel a wildlife biologist’s permit over the unauthorized collection of caribou hair in north-central BC.
In a May 7 decision, EAB panel chair Michael Tourigny said Doug Heard, who studies caribou, held a permit from September 2021 to June 2025 that allowed him to possess and dispose of caribou parts — specifically hair and fecal pellets — for DNA and hormone analysis.
The permit applied specifically to the Kennedy Siding low-elevation caribou winter range in the Omineca region, where the resident herd is considered endangered by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. The federal government classifies the
Morton said hostility at the April 2, 2024 meeting and the resulting public reaction left her with distress and a fear of appearing in public. She also said it aggravated a pre-existing health condition and contributed to a new issue requiring surgery.
“However, to the extent that the evidence provides some basis for these claims of emotional distress, I am unable to conclude that those harms were causally linked to the UBCIC letter or, specifically, to the impugned statement,” Ahmad said.
The judge also noted the UBCIC was not the only organization to raise concerns. Lhtako Dene Nation, Nazko First Nation, the Superintendent and Board of Education of School District No. 28 (Quesnel), the North Cariboo Métis Association and the BC General Employees’ Union all issued statements or complaints.
The Grave Error book at the centre of the dispute questions the 2015
Truth and Reconciliation Commission report and the widely reported 2021 claim that the remains of 215 children were found at the Kamloops Indian Residential School. The Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation later clarified that ground-penetrating radar detected 200 “anomalies.” The site has not been excavated.
“To be clear, this application is not about Ms. Morton’s right to distribute the book, nor is it about her right to express her views about the book’s content. Neither is at issue,” Ahmad emphasized. “At its core, this application is about whether the public interest in protecting the UBCIC’s right to publicly express its criticism of Ms. Morton for her distribution of the book outweighs any harm Ms. Morton may have incurred as a result of the UBCIC’s letter to Quesnel’s mayor and council.”
The UBCIC is entitled to costs, though Ahmad granted Morton 30 days to file submissions in opposition.
herd as “threatened,” while the BC government has it listed as “red-listed.”
Under the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, the Kennedy Siding area is closed to hunting, while predator removal and supplemental feeding programs continue.
Evidence against Heard included a nearly four-minute compilation video from a live webcam at the feeding station showing him collecting hair directly from caribou on Nov. 7, 2024.
The video included four clips showing Heard shooting caribou with a non-lethal projectile.
The decision to cancel Heard’s permit and ban him from applying for a new one for a year came after the board “carefully and thoroughly considered all relevant factors in the proper exercise of his discretion.”
The decision acknowledged Heard’s research and efforts to help recover the herd and considered them mitigating factors.
Are you compassionate, supportve, and ready to make a real diference in someone’s life?
We’re seeking volunteers for rewarding roles that uplif our community: Grief Facilitators
Ofer empathy, actve listening, and encouragement to individuals and families navigatng loss.
Resale Shop Volunteers (Worth Repeatng)
Help sort donatons, assist customers, and support a vital fundraising hub for our programs.
Connectng Monds through Compassionate Hearts (Dementa Program)
Provide kind, patent companionship and support to partcipants in our dementa-focused engagement programs.
√ Full training provided
√ Flexible opportunites to suit your schedule
√ Meaningful roles — both direct and indirect
Your tme helps strengthen hospice care, grief support programs, and families across our community.
Learn more or apply: pghpcs.ca/volunteer 250-563-2551
Teen Naloxone Training goes Thursday, May 14 at the Prince George Public Library, Bob Harkins Branch from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Join the harm reduction staff from Northern Health and learn how to use Naloxone. Gain a life-saving skill. Kits will be available to take after the training.
Live Pro Wrestling goes Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 at 5:45 to 9:15 p.m. at the Civic Centre. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Scrapbook zone on 18th Ave, 3 Goblins Games, or online at www.ticketseller.ca/tickets/ event/live-pro-wrestling
Origin Stories Re-Told Reception goes Saturday, May 16 at 2 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. The Living Room Collective presents this event that features a dozen multi-media Northern artists. Hear the stories that inspired, the narratives recreated and be mesmerized by beauty and mystery. This is a free event and refreshments will be available.
Prince George Conservatory of Music fundraising event goes Sunday, May 17 at 3 p.m. at Trinity United Church, 3555 Fifth Ave. Come to an inspiring performance by an award-winning 10-year-old pedal harpist, featuring a vibrant program of hymns, classical works, contemporary and Celtic pieces. A beautiful showcase of talent, versatility, and musical storytelling. Admission is by donation to the Conservatory’s Bursary and Scholarship funds. Community Moves Festival goes Sunday, May 17 to Saturday, May 23 and is presented by Method Dance Society. This event takes place in a variety of venues in Prince George, including Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, the Prince George Playhouse, and Knox Performance Centre. This year’s festival brings together a diverse group of artists from across BC, alongside regional performers, creating a unique opportunity for the Prince George community to engage directly with contemporary performance practices from across the province. For more information and tickets visit https://
method-dance-society.tickit.ca/
Wild Plant Identification for Edible and Medicinal Spring Plants goes Tuesday, May 19, May 26, June 2 and 9 from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. Event is presented by Jen, wildcraft guide with Moose, Mushrooms and Mud and guides you to find and sustainably pick plants that are of benefit. Location to be explored is about 15 minutes from downtown PG. Be prepared to walk for two hours over light bush terrain. Cost is $55 and details about exact location will be available once registered. For more details visit www.facebook.com/ moosemushroomsandmud
Luv of Paws Night Market goes Wednesday, May 20 at CN Centre from 4 to 9 p.m. There will be local vendors and food trucks and pets are welcome to attend. This is a family-friendly event and fundraiser for Luvs Northern Animal Rescue. Pet food, pet items and monetary donations will be accepted during the event.
Seniors Paint Club goes Thursdays until May 21 from noon to 2 p.m. at Studio 2880-15th Ave in the Jack Bryan
Room. These sessions are geared for those 55+ to learn new art techniques. Take up painting with your friends and enjoy an afternoon creating art. On April 30 the theme is Happy Sunflowers; May 7 Campfire Stories; May 14 Calm Water and May 21 is Big Red (a tractor). Each session is $25 and includes supplies. To register visit www.studio2880.com/ programs/art-classes/seniorspaintclub Drop In Choir Broadway Edition goes Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m. at the Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. This event is presented by Nove Voce Choral Society. Want to be in a choir but can’t commit? Want to improve your part and harmony singing? Do you like to go to shows and wish you were singing? This is your chance! Drop in choir with International award-winning Nove Voce. They are inviting anyone to join in the fun evening of Broadway songs! They supply everything you need, just come and sing and have fun! $20 at the door.
Woodsmoke and Oranges goes Saturday, May 23 at 2 p.m. at St. Michael’s and All Angels Church, 1505 Fifth
Ave. Under the direction of Carolyn Duerksen, with Maureen Nielsen at the piano, the PG Cantata Singers feature a program of Canadian choral music to carry you somewhere beautiful. Joining the choir are guest musicians José Delgado-Guevara on viola, Ken Hall on penny whistle, Paul Mulligan on clarinet, Keshawna Garnot on Indigenous hand drum, and Julie Howard on percussion, alongside guest dancers Sarah Prendergast and Kiplin Stainton. Tickets are $15 for children and $30 for adults at www.tickettailor.com/events/ princegeorgecantatasingers
Fury on the Fraser, a Roller Derby Double Feature goes Saturday, May 23 at 6 p.m. at CN Centre. This actionpacked event brings intense competition, high-energy matchups featuring Rated PG Thrashers, Team Northern BC and Eves of Destruction who provide non-stop entertainment to the CN Centre for one unforgettable evening. Fans can expect a full lineup of exciting bouts, featuring top fighters showcasing skill, power, and determination inside the arena. Tickets are $15 each at www. ticketsnorth.ca/event/fury-on-the-fraser Strawberry Tea & Plant Sale goes Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Elder Citizens Recreation Centre, 1692 Tenth Ave. This event is hosted by the Tai Chi Group and offers the tea for $8 per person and the sale will offer annuals, perennials, vegetables, heirloom and container tomatoes, herbs, small fruits and house plants.
Mocktail Mixer Fundraiser for Parkinsons goes Sunday, May 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Central BC Railways & Forestry Museum, 850 River Rd. This family-friendly event includes free admission to the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum, as well as free rides on the mini-train. There will be eight Mocktail stations where guests can try out a variety of alcohol-free drinks created by local businesses. 100 per cent of ticket sales for the mocktails go directly to the Prince George Parkinson Support Group.
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Prince George Conservatory of Music showcase event goes Sunday, May 24 at 3 p.m. at Trinity United Church, 3555 Fifth Ave. This year’s music scholarship recipients take the stage alongside the PG Symphony Youth Orchestra in a vibrant afternoon of performance. Showcasing a wide range of instruments and levels, the program celebrates the dedication, growth, and artistry of our students. Admission is by donation to the Conservatory’s Scholarship fund. The conservatory has raised more than $4,300 to be given out in music scholarships this year and the concert will also serve as a thank you to the generous donors who made that possible.
False Hope Racket Wave Dance Party goes Thursday, May 28 from 7 to 8 p.m. All ages, all bodies free-form dance party. Come move your body to improvised grooves across the five rhythms -- with the False Hope Racket that is made up of Raghu Lokanathan, Ken Goudsward, and Res Krebs. This is part of the Living Room Project at Omineca Arts Centre. This is a free event and everyone is welcome to attend.
Galaxy Prince George Psychic & Crystal Fair goes Friday, May 29 from 2 to 10 p.m., Saturday, May 30 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, May 31 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ramada, 444 George St. Some of Canada’s top psychics, mediums, astrologers, rune readers, healers, tea leaf and palm readers and an aura photo booth will be available. Beautiful crystals and handmade jewelry for sale. Lots of door prizes. Tickets are $10 and good for the whole event. Children 12 and under are free. For tickets visit www.eventbrite. ca/e/galaxy-prince-george-psychic-crystal-fair-tickets
Great Northern Chili Cook Off goes Saturday, May 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Prince George Playhouse, 2626 Recplace Drive. Celebrating 50 years of the Prince George Potter’s Guild. People are invited to support the local potters
and decide who has the best chili and you get to keep your handmade bowl. $25 per person. Organizers are looking for teams to participate in the cookoff. For more information email specialevents@pgpotters.ca
Cruising PG goes every Wednesday and is presented by the Carefree Society, providing accessible and inclusive transportation services in Prince George and area. Cruising PG is a great way to get out of the house, enjoy the city and socialize without a long commitment. Pick up typically begins at 1 p.m. Recommended rate is $20. Book early as space is limited. To reserve a seat call 250-562-1397 or email book@ carefreesociety.org
Canadian Cancer Society is looking for Wheels of Hope drivers who make a significant impact on the lives of those battling cancer. By providing crucial transportation to treatment appointments volunteers offer not only a ride but also a supportive presence. This role involves flexible scheduling, confirming travel arrangements, ensuring client safety while adhering to CCS policies. CCS will provide training. Commit to a minimum of half a day to one day per week and be part of a mission to support and uplift those in need. For more information contact Wheels of Hope at 1-800-939-3333 or email volunteer@cancer.ca or visit www.cancer. ca//living-with-cancer/how-we-can-help/ cancer-travel-and-accommodation-services-bc
Craft & Chat at the main branch of the Prince George Public Library goes every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the magazine corner, second floor, where fibre artists are invited to bring their latest projects to share, vent frustrations, brag about successes, get and give help and join in lively discussions. Snacks provided. This event is in partnership with Great Northwest Fibre Fest.
Myeloma Support Group goes every third Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Commonwealth Financial, 575 Victoria St. Everyone is welcome who has been
diagnosed, those who are caregivers, family members and friends. Wheelchair accessible parking at the back of the building. For more information call Viv Lougheed at 250-981-2618.
Parkinson Support Group meetings are the first Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Spruce Capital Seniors Centre, 3701 Rainbow Drive. Meetings are informal and are for sharing information about slowing down the progression of PD. There are guest speakers, special events and biweekly exercise sessions and positive social interaction. Use lower parking lot beside ball diamond to access the seniors centre.
Chronic Condition Support Group takes place the first Tuesday of every month from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Nechako Branch of the Prince George Public Library, 6547 John Hart Hwy. This is a community social group where people with any chronic condition can come
together to socialize, connect and learn from each other. This is a free drop-in event.
Curious Art Workshop goes Tuesdays until June 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Studio 2880, Upstairs Workshop Zone, 2880 15th Ave. This series of workshops are filled with art, mindfulness, letting go of control and building community, and of course, fun! Participants will explore watercolours with instructor Anne Beauchemin who is new to Prince George. For more information and to register visit www. studio2880.com/programs/art-classes/ curiousartworkshop
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
ABOVE, RIGHT AND BELOW RIGHT: FMX World Tour freestyle stunt riders fly through the air before landing on an inflatable ramp at the CN Centre. The motorcyclists demonstrated a wide array of aerial tricks for fans.
Fans enjoy two shows in one as Monster Madness and the FMX World Tour rocked the CN Centre on Saturday, May 9
His family sits down to talk about his life
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff
On May 4 at noon, the light around the Rustad family grew a little dimmer as they said goodbye to Jim Rustad, who was 88 years old.
Jim is survived by his wife, Noreen; children Tammy, Ross and Kathleen; their spouses; his grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Jim’s wife, Noreen, and daughters Tammy and Kathleen sat down to talk about the beloved husband and adventurous father they loved deeply.
Jim and Noreen shared 66 years of marriage before his passing.
“We intentionally had our family when we were young because we wanted to go on all sorts of adventures with the children,” Noreen said.
“Jim lived life with a vengeance. He was a really hard worker, and the only thing he loved more than his work was his family. The older he got, the more important family became.”
The Rustad family came to Prince George from Saskatchewan in the mid1940s. Jim was part of the family that operated Rustad Bros. & Co., a sawmill and planer mill that became an important part of the region’s economy.
When Jim’s father, Carl, and uncle Mel stepped away from day-to-day operations, Jim’s responsibilities increased until he assumed the roles of president and general manager in the early 1970s.
Jim was well respected in the community and especially at work because he showed how much he valued his supervisors and employees.
“He let them do their jobs, and they respected him for that,” Kathleen said.
“It was a big responsibility when he took over the business because it was growing fast,” Noreen said.
“He tried to do everything. He tried to look after the sawmill, the planer mill, sales and everything else, and he felt responsible for it all. At some point, he realized he couldn’t do that,
Jim Rustad speaks with a truck driver before he heads out into the bush to skid some logs.
so he brought in more managers and hired really good people. Two of them became lifelong friends, even though we sold the business 30 years ago. I think he was so well liked because he let people do their jobs.”
During Jim’s career in the forest industry in BC, he served as chair of the Council of Forest Industries and was recognized for his impact on the industry with the Canadian Wood Council’s Paul Bunyan Award in 1992.
When Northwood bought the mill in 1991, Jim stayed on to offer his expertise before retiring three years later. He served on the investment committee of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and the University of Northern British Columbia endowment fund committee. Jim also helped raise funds for the UNBC medical program and the Two Rivers Gallery.
But most importantly, he was a beloved husband and father.
Tammy said whenever serious health concerns arose, it was always her father she turned to.
birthday, and that was the best birthday ever,” Kathleen said with a grin.
“And if there were stairs anywhere, we always had to climb them to see what was at the top. It didn’t matter how many stairs there were, where you were, how late it was in the day or how many stairs you had already climbed — we were going up those stairs. There was never any sitting around a pool for us.”
“He always took advantage of what was on offer,” Noreen said.
He even loved amusement park rides.
“And I didn’t like them, so if we were taking the grandkids, he would go on those wild rides with them. We even have a picture of him on the little teacup ride that spins, and it’s pouring rain, and they are both in yellow ponchos. He looks ridiculous, but he’s there because that’s what she wanted to do,” Noreen recalled with a smile and a shake of her head.
“If Dad took me, I always felt safe with him,” Tammy recalled.
“He had a lot of good traits,” Noreen added.
“People use the expression ‘strong moral compass’ — he always did the right thing. He didn’t always follow all the rules, but he always did what he thought was right.”
Kathleen and Tammy shared many travel adventures with their father.
“And that was a lot of fun,” Kathleen said. “Sometimes we’d go places Mom didn’t want to go — like India — and we’d just have a great time. Dad travelling was different from Dad at home.”
How so?
“He turned into a real brat,” Kathleen laughed.
“That’s where the ‘he’s not a rule follower’ part comes in,” Noreen said with a smile.
“And energetic. I mean, he wore us out,” Kathleen said.
“He turned 60, and we rode elephants in Nepal,” Tammy added.
“And we went looking for tigers on his
Noreen said Jim was not the kind of father who carried babies around constantly, as many parents do now, but he was wonderful with children once they were walking and talking.
“We did a lot together. We really enjoyed our time together when the kids were young, and it was a break from work for him. We had a camper and a boat, and we went camping almost every weekend,” Noreen said.
“We’d try fishing for about 15 minutes, and then we’d be off exploring around the lake. We really had more fun exploring.”
“And we would go up the creek until the boat got stuck,” Kathleen added.
“So a lot of outdoor adventures,” Noreen said.
He enjoyed fishing and hunting, the family agreed.
“And then we sold the business and did a lot of travelling.”
The couple liked spending at least part of the winter away from Prince George.
“So we travelled to the South Sea Islands,” Noreen said. “And we were in Australia quite a few times.”
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“And that was adventure travel back then because it wasn’t where people normally went, and a lot of it was off the beaten track,” Kathleen added.
After years of travelling, the Rustads bought a place in Maui.
“And Jim loved it there,” Noreen said with a smile.
“We took up golf, but mostly he loved it because of the flowers and the warm breeze. That was probably the hardest thing to give up, but his health reached the point where it was easier to be at home.”
Reflecting on Jim’s character, the family listed many admirable qualities.
“He was honest, kind, hardworking, ambitious —”
“What was it that Ross, our brother who is between me and Kathleen, said last night?” Tammy asked.
“He was asked, ‘What was your relationship with your dad?’ and he said it was ‘aspirational,’” Tammy said. “He saw how Dad lived and worked with him for many years, and now he aspires to be the man our dad was.”
Jim was a problem solver, a quality his family said came from his ability to see possibilities others missed.
“He always used to say there are many problems, but there is always a solution,” Noreen said.
“He told me you just have to look for it, and you may not find it where you expect, but there is always a solution,” Kathleen added.
“And part of the reason he was so successful in business was that he didn’t just look ahead to next week or next month — he looked way down the road, maybe decades,” Tammy said.
“He had a long-term vision that guided his decisions.”
Returning to Jim’s adventurous spirit, Noreen, Tammy and Kathleen reflected on his love of flying.
Jim was a pilot when he was younger and held a fixed-wing licence.
“Then it just wasn’t convenient with a young family, so that went by the wayside, and later he decided he was going to fly a helicopter,” Noreen said.
“That was connected to the mill because he was looking for timber, but we also enjoyed it.”
Home life was often a do-it-yourself adventure, Kathleen said.
“When we were young, our parents bought a house and renovated it,” Kathleen recalled.
“Dad would say, ‘OK, we’re going to do some plumbing,’ and Tammy would help with wallpapering and Ross with electrical work. He was always saying, ‘Go up there and do this thing.’ Because of that, it never occurs to me that I can’t fix something around the house. If something is dripping, I just need a washer. If we need a new toilet, let’s go get one and install it. It never occurs to me that I can’t do something, and that is a gift.”
Jim was also thoughtful and caring.
“When they visited their grandkids, Dad was not only generous with them but included their friends too,” Kathleen said.
“They met up with one of the grandkids, Cristina, in England while she was
attending school there, and he took her and all her friends to see Wicked. They all thought it was quite a treat.”
Noreen said the students were wonderful young people, and she and Jim enjoyed taking them to places they otherwise could not afford to visit.
Noreen said she and Jim always enjoyed giving more than receiving.
“We always enjoyed doing things for these kids because we saw how much fun they had,” she said.
Tammy said everyone who knew her father described him as a great role model.
So what was his legacy?
“Certainly the most important thing in his life was his family,” Noreen said.
“And he touched everybody he knew,” Kathleen added.
“And he would show up for every milestone — if it was a kindergarten graduation, he would be there,” Tammy said.
“And if it was a drama production, he was there,” Noreen added.
“He flew to New York when Tammy’s daughter was called to the bar.”
He later helped his granddaughter travel from place to place when he learned she was travelling with her new baby because he did not want her managing alone. That was who Jim was.
Even on the last day of his life, Jim remained thoughtful.
The family was visiting Jim in hospital on Monday morning, hours before he passed away, and for a short time Kathleen was alone with him.
He told her he had one more job for her to do.
“Please send your mom flowers when I’m gone, and the card should say, ‘I’ll see you in the hereafter.’”
Jim’s celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Coast Inn of the North.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rustad Family Fund at the Prince George Community Foundation or the Rustad Endowment at the University of Northern British Columbia.
Nove Voce Choral Society set to sing May 21 at Knox Performance Centre
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Nove Voce Choral Society is inviting the public to sing-alongs so people can experience what it’s like to perform on stage without the commitment of being part of an international award-winning choir year-round.
“So literally we are opening up a rehearsal, and we’re going to start a series because we realized one thing over the last 20 years is that being in
the choir takes a huge commitment,” said Robin Norman, Nove Voce choral director.
“But we always have a lot of people telling us they would love to sing with us, do harmony singing and things like that, so we thought we would do a series at the end of this year and the beginning of next year of drop-in choir so people can come sing with us.”
During Broadway Night, set for Thursday, May 21, people are invited to see what it’s like to be part of a choir where people make beautiful music together.
“Come learn harmony singing — it’s just a good mental-health night,” Norman said.
“No experience required, nothing required — you just come and sing with us. That essentially is our goal.”
Some people do drop-ins at the gym;
Nove Voce does drop-ins to sing, she added.
“This is for people who want to see what it’s like to be in a choir in a no-stakes, completely judgment-free environment — it’s just fun,” Norman said.
During the evening, the choir will perform everything from The Sound of Music to Rent
Nove Voce recently hosted a concert to celebrate its 20th anniversary, featuring many of its most popular songs from past performances.
“We sang every song people always said they loved, and it went over so well,” Norman said.
“Our audience was amazing. The community always comes out and supports us. But it was also a real reflection of how many people we have had in the choir throughout the years. We never
had more than 30 people at a time, but the members changed as their lives progressed.”
There were weddings and babies, while others moved away.
“We’ve had six doctors graduate out of the choir and go on to practise medicine in other places,” Norman recalled.
“We have had more than 23 babies born into the choir over the 20 years — that’s more than one a year. So it’s been one of those things where we’re looking at it and going, ‘OK, so this is what our community has created.’ One of the most adorable things that has come out of that is one of the babies — Charlotte, who went with our choir to Sweden when she was just six months old in 2019 because her mom really wanted to sing with us — is now the little girl singing Cindy Lou Who in The Grinch. How sweet is that? So Nove Voce is building community upon itself, and that’s what makes it feel so much like home.”
During the anniversary celebration, Norman reconnected with people who had been significant to the choir throughout its 20-year history.
“We saw the people who gave us our first paid gig back in 2005 when I had no clue what I was doing,” Norman said.
“Really, I put no thought into it. I tell this story all the time, but I think you actually wrote an article about the The Salvation Army needing support at the kettles because the food bank was struggling. I remember reading it in The Citizen, so I called the Salvation Army and told them I would come out, but I didn’t want to do it by myself. So I asked a couple of my singing students, and a few said yes, and suddenly we had a choir. I thought, ‘Hey, they sound really good together,’ so why don’t we just enter the music festival? Then we were sent to provincials that year and we were runners-up, and that’s when I realized I had to do something about this.”
Norman said the journey was not always easy, especially while pursuing a university music education.
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff
Being a social creature, the recently discovered yellow-bellied marmot living at the university’s campus in Prince George might be lonely.
Usually the large, social, ground squirrel only comes as far north as Williams Lake.
As with most things nowadays the sighting was announced online.
“The iNaturalist website is a site where people can report sightings of all kinds of life forms — all plants and animals — and that’s how we first discovered that this little critter was living on campus,” Jamie Gorrell, UNBC associate professor, ecosystem science and management, said.
“Somebody had actually seen it and posted a photo of it on that website.”
Yellow-bellied marmots are extremely social, he added.
“They are not meant to live solo and this one appears to be solo,” Gorrell said.
“Yellow-bellies can be in large,
multi-generational families, up to 40 individuals together, so this is kind of the opposite of that. So this little guy — we don’t know if it’s male or female — this little dude showed up and appears to be living on the hillside next to the building by themselves.”
There’s nothing to be done to help the marmot other than to leave him in peace so Gorrell put up some yellow tape to caution people not to approach.
“There’s no risk of him damaging anything and we’re just happy to give him space and leave him alone,” Gorrell said.
The yellow-bellied marmot is a herbivore so he just eats grass and flowers, Gorrell added.
“So he’s on this grassy hill and we’ve noticed there are no dandy lions in front of the burrow but there are some further down the hill,” Gorrell said.
“So we’re assuming he’s weeding the garden.”
Typically yellow-bellied marmots hibernate for seven or eight months of the year, he added.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
A yellow-bellied marmot has been spotted at the Prince George campus of UNBC.
“So basically they come up in May, they usually mate and then they put on fat — they will double or triple their body size and then they’ll go back into hibernation in September and sleep all winter,” Gorrell said.
As discussions have come up about the little beastie someone came forward with a photo from last August where they had spotted the marmot.
“So that means he survived the winter here,” Gorrell said.
“So he must have hibernated in that spot and people who had seen him didn’t recognize the significance of the sighting and what’s really neat and scary is that it’s so much further north
than normal.”
Which begs the question.
“How did it get here and how did it survive here?” Gorrell asked.
“So, it’s cute but at the same time it’s a concern in the sense that it is an example of how the climate is warming — that species are moving further north.”
The marmot spotted at the Prince George campus has been named Dutni (duht-nee), which is the Dakelh word for marmot.
Stay tuned for the webcam that will soon be set up so people can watch the marmot in action at his home on university hill.
“We welcome people to come up and see it but please maintain a respectful distance,” Gorrell said.
“We don’t want to spook it or have it move away because it’s getting disturbed too much.”
For online updates in the coming days check out www.unbc.ca/ecosystem-science-and-management/ do-you-see-marmot
“That was back in the ’80s, when things were different — and hopefully they are significantly different now — but I was told not to worry about taking a conducting course. ‘You’re going to be a performer, don’t worry about it. You don’t need to conduct,’” Norman recalled.
“Girls don’t conduct — you know what I mean, that type of thing. So for me, I had sung in choirs and performed, but I never had formal conducting training, so that was a huge learning curve. I am just incredibly grateful for all the support, especially from three incredible mentors: Rose Loewen, Carolyn Deurksen and Alex Murray.”
Loewen is the founder of the Bel Canto Choir, Deurksen is founder of the The Tapestry Singers, and Alex Murray, Judy Russell’s father, was a choral director in Vancouver before the musical family settled in Prince George.
“For those people who want to make the big commitment, we are hosting auditions for Nove Voce on May 27 at the Knox Performance
Centre,” Norman said.
Drop-In Choir with Nove Voce takes place Thursday, May 21, at 7 p.m. at the Knox Performance Centre.
Everyone is invited to come sing Broadway songs.
The choir will supply everything needed — participants only need to come sing and have fun.
Admission is $20 at the door.
Canadians played a key role in saving the country from the Nazis
MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
The Dutch community, members of the Prince George Legion, RCMP members and survivors of the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands gathered at city hall to celebrate and mourn on Tuesday, May 5.
It was the 81st anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands from Nazi forces, which was done largely by Canadian troops with the assistance of American, British, Polish and Dutch forces, among other allied nations.
The liberation of the Netherlands brought to an end half a decade of oppression by the Nazi army that included a famine that heavily impacted the Dutch population in 1944 and 1945.
Those in attendance sang the Dutch and Canadian national anthems and heard from speakers in the Dutch community.
Survivors of the Nazi occupation and members of the Dutch community then raised the flag of the Netherlands as dozens of supporters looked on.
Legion Branch 43 president Ken Pendergast and first vice-president Craig Douglass placed a wreath at the Cenotaph at Veterans’ Plaza in remembrance of those lost in the occupation and its liberation.
Also in attendance were kindergarten students of Sacred Heart Elementary. Pendergast spoke to The Citizen about why having the children there during the flag raising was important.
“We’re all getting older,” he said. “It’s very important to us in the Legion to have our youth come forward and to recognize and be educated in some of these values that are extremely important to us. Seeing these young people out here today is really heartfelt for us.”
He also spoke on why a day marking the anniversary of the liberation was important to the Legion as a whole.
“This is (also) the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion,” he said. “We’re taking every opportunity we can to commemorate the Royal Canadian Legion and all of the veterans who participated … the liberation of Holland obviously is one of those events which we’re very, very proud of.”
One of the organizers of the event, former MLA Shirley Bond, explained that the flag raising may be bittersweet for those who lived with the impacts the occupation had, even more than a generation later. Bond said her grandfather was a member of the Dutch Resistance,
and her mother survived the horrors of Nazi occupation and famine at a young age.
“Canadian soldiers were so pivotal to the freedom of the Netherlands; my mother rarely talked about her own personal story, but she taught me about gratitude and always remembering and being thankful,” she said.
“To have members of the Legion here, families who have experienced loss in the Dutch community, really means a lot. I think it’s a combination of deep gratitude for Canadian soldiers who literally sacrificed on our family’s behalf.
I think it’s also the recognition of the horror that our families went through. There was a famine in essence, and our families were at risk of starving to death. It is a day full of mixed emotions, gratitude and sadness when we think about what war did to the Dutch.”
Like Pendergast, Bond was also incredibly touched by seeing the younger generation show up to the event and learn about Dutch history and culture.
“I think what’s critical is if we want to continue to remember, we need the next generations, future generations to understand the stories. It was thrilling today to see classes of school children here,” she said.
One of the standouts for Bond was the tulips planted around City Hall, as tulips were sent as a gift by the Netherlands as thanks for sheltering the Royal Family during the war.
Bond believes that these tulips are a visible sign of remembrance for the community of Prince George.
“The relationship between the Dutch and Canadians goes back to the Second World War, and it has not diminished. I think that’s what we care about, is making sure that our kids and our grandkids, future generations, understand the enormous role that Canadians played in the freedom that our families were so longing for,” she said.
Artist Teresa Sapargia talks about her new work, a mural called And Last Wild Thing, Find Your Way Homeward at its location on Third Avenue between Dominion Street and Quebec Street on Saturday, May 9. The public art was created with a MyPG grant and through a collaboration between the Community Arts Council, Downtown Prince George and Two Rivers Gallery.
CITIZEN
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff
The Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society and the University of Northern British Columbia are making it official.
On Monday, May 11, Hospice executive director Donna Flood and UNBC interim president Bill Owen signed a memorandum of understanding to cement their commitment to continue to work together on research that explores best practices in hospice and palliative care in this community.
“Together with UNBC, the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society is helping fill that gap by contributing to published research and developing evaluation tools that are raising the standards for people and families facing end-of-life care,” Flood said.
Within this partnership there is room to expand opportunities for UNBC students to gain hands-on experience, including clinical placements so they can learn more about caring for those in need, she added.
“By working together, teaching and
research at UNBC can connect with real-world care in the community, generating knowledge and providing meaningful opportunities for students,”
Owen said.
These organizations have worked together for years, including co-created research studies focused on improving
hospice and palliative care.
Dr. Shannon Freeman, a professor in the UNBC School of Nursing, has worked with Hospice on a variety of research projects, including partnering to create a hospice-at-home program.
“This partnership brings together community expertise and academic research to improve how hospice palliative care is delivered,” Freeman said.
“By studying and supporting programs like hospice-at-home we can better understand how to provide care that meets the needs of patients and families particularly in rural and northern communities.”
To welcome everyone to the special occasion, Lheidli T’enneh Elder Darlene McIntosh, who is also the chancellor at UNBC said a few words.
As always McIntosh gave a grounding speech, making sure that each person at the announcement started off by taking a moment to centre themselves and only then did she give the land acknowledgement and talk about the benefits this agreement will continue to have on the residents of Prince George.
May 12, 1972: Rollie Nelson took a break before the YMCA Men’s Walkathon. He was representing Woodwards in the 20-mile event, which was aimed at raising funds for a new Y building. Nelson had $45 in pledges. CITIZEN FILE
PHOTO BY RICK HULL
May 14, 1987: Seymour (David Hooper) tried to rescue Audrey (Kathy Seney) from a huge alien carnivorous plant in the Kelly Road Secondary School production of Little Shop of Horrors at Vanier Hall.
May 12, 2011: Nycole Ross, Rhonda Rivers and Ruth Buehler were in the get-your-motor-running-head-out-on-the-highway spirit for the annual Ride 4 the Cure. The members of the Ladies of Harley were raising funds for the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation in support of the Regional Cancer Care Unit. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY BRENT BRAATEN
May 14, 1999: Chad Ghostkeeper of the River Kings had to dive into third base ahead of the throw to Jays shortstop Eddie Dent during Spruce City Men’s Fastball action at Spruce City Stadium. The River Kings won the game 6-4. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY DAVE
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
The Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation announced its most ambitious fundraising campaign ever on Tuesday, May 5.
Standing in front of the Northland Dodge dealership near Highway 16, representatives from the foundation announced their intention to raise $55 million worth of cardiac care equipment for the University Hospital of Northern BC’s soon-to-be-built acute care tower.
Foundation board chair Lance MacDonald said that the expansion project, which is expected to open to patients in the winter of 2031, will bring world-class health care to Northern BC.
This campaign aims to raise the funds needed to buy equipment like defibrillators, implantable defibrillators and machines needed to perform cardiac resynchronization therapy and other treatments that patients currently have to travel to Vancouver to receive.
“It’s a big ask,” MacDonald said. “We’re a little daunted by it, but we have a strong belief that it’s a community that does this together … we’re going to bring the next generation of cardiac care. It’s a transformational,
generational legacy that’s going to be the outcome.”
Appointed as the chair for this capital campaign is former Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond, who has a personal connection to the effort.
“There are families here today, including mine, who have faced the challenges of having cardiac issues, mostly the issue of having to leave our community,” Bond said.
“I will never forget the day that my husband passed away at St. Paul’s Hospital (in Vancouver) and all I could think of at that moment was ‘I want to go home, I need to get home to talk to my grandkids’ and we were 500 miles away.
“It is time for Northern British Columbia to have enhanced cardiac care right here close to home.”
“It’s About Time” isn’t just Bond’s own belief, but the official name for the campaign.
The announcement came at the end of the foundation’s annual Spirit Day fundraiser.
Foundation CEO Aimee Cassie told reporters that funds raised during Spirit Day would be used for some of that cardiac equipment, specifically those defibrillator implants.
Prior to last Friday, patients receiving those implants had to travel to the
Shirley Bond announces a $55 million fundraising goal for Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation’s new It’s About Time campaign in front of Northland Dodge in Prince George, BC on Tuesday, May 5. The campaign is looking to raise funds for cardiac care equipment over the next six years.
Lower Mainland for treatment. Now, because we’ve got loaner equipment on site, we’re able to perform those procedures, keep those patients
in the North,” Cassie said. “It’s all part of building that program, strengthening that muscle and strengthening that cardiac team.”
She said as the campaign progresses, it will help build up capacity for local cardiac care so that it’s ready to go when the tower opens.
The goal is to bring 90 per cent of interventional cardiac care to the North. Cassie said that they’re hopeful to get donations from beyond Prince George as the tower will serve the entire north.
“Last year alone, our Northern patients waited a collective 10 years in beds as well as outpatients waiting to get down to the Lower Mainland for interventional care.”
After the campaign announcement, volunteers raised placards to show just how much money had been raised so far for Spirit Day.
At that point, $522,096 had been raised and with the day not over yet, the final total will likely be even higher.
Even at that figure, Cassie said it was “significantly higher than past years’” Spirit Days, estimating that it was $80,000 or $90,000 higher than in 2025.
More information on the campaign and how to donate to Spirit of the North can be found online at spiritofthenorth. ca/its-about-time.
Northern Health
Northern BC now has access to more advanced cardiac care closer to home with the launch of new interventional cardiac device services at the University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC).
Starting May 1, Northern Health’s (NH) cardiac device program expanded beyond pacemaker implantation to include two life-saving procedures: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) for patients at risk of serious, potentially life-threatening heart rhythm conditions and cardiac arrest.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for people with heart failure associated with electrical conduction delays and unsynchronized heartbeats.
The expansion means fewer Northern patients will need to travel outside the region for care and marks an important milestone in the continued growth of specialized cardiac services at UHNBC.
“This is an important step forward for cardiac care in the North,” said Dr. Ahmed Merghani, lead implanter for the new service and medical lead of the NH heart rhythm program. “These life-saving devices are used for patients with complex heart rhythm and heart failure conditions, and being able to offer them safely and effectively at UHNBC reflects how far cardiac care has advanced in our region.”
For patients, access to this care closer to home has already made a difference.
“The team was amazing,” said Martin, a Northern BC resident who recently received an ICD generator change. “Not having to leave home for this care made a huge difference. It feels like a real step forward for the North, and I felt supported every step of the way.”
This expansion is the result of a four-year project originally approved by Cardiac Services BC in February 2024. While relatively small in scale, the program builds the clinical expertise, pathways and infrastructure needed to support more advanced interventional cardiac services in the future.
“This initiative reflects the dedication of a highly skilled, multidisciplinary
The expansion means fewer Northern patients will need to travel outside the region for care and marks an important milestone in the continued growth of specialized cardiac services at UHNBC.
team,” said Laura Dyble, device program team lead. “Launching this service means patients can receive these procedures closer to home, supported by staff who live and work in their communities.”
The implanting team includes six specialized staff members who support patients through cardiac device implantation and procedures, in addition to patient intake and post-procedure recovery.
“This work strengthens the foundation for expanded cardiac care at UHNBC, supported by the expertise of a highly specialized cardiac team,” said Dr. Yaser Ahmed, NH regional lead for cardiac care and project lead.
“By building clinical and operational expertise and interventional pathways now, this work connects today’s care with the future we’re building for the North.”
The new service also supports longterm planning for comprehensive cardiac care in the new acute care tower at UHNBC, a major expansion designed to
meet the needs of a growing and aging Northern population.
The $1.579-billion project will significantly expand hospital capacity and more than double beds for cardiac, surgical, mental health and substance-use care.
Planned cardiac enhancements in the 11-storey acute care tower include:
• Six new cardiac care beds and 20 new cardiac step-down beds.
• New cardiac clinics and diagnostic services.
• Two new cardiac catheterization laboratories.
• One hybrid procedure room
Early work on the project began in spring 2024 with construction of a new 471-space parkade, which opened in November 2025. The Northern Interior Health Unit is expected to relocate in summer 2026 to allow construction of the acute care tower to begin in early 2027.
The tower is expected to open to patients in winter 2031.
As part of the expansion of cardiac
services, the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation is fundraising for two essential pieces of equipment — a diathermy machine and patient recovery monitors — through its 2026 cardiac campaign. These tools are required to fully support the new cardiac procedures.
“This important expansion into complex cardiac devices is a meaningful step toward the cardiac services planned for the new acute care tower at UHNBC,” said Aimee Cassie, CEO of the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation.
“Through the support of our donors, Spirit of the North is proud to help equip teams today in ways that strengthen cardiac care for Northern patients well into the future.”
In the interim, the program will use loaned equipment and alternative recovery spaces while fundraising continues.
Learn more about the UHNBC Acute Care Tower Project and stay tuned for updates by visiting northernhealth.ca.
TED CLARKE Citizen Staff
The Prince George Kodiaks put aside their off-field financial strife and the tumultuous organizational drama that nearly forced the franchise to fold and got down to playing football.
Their spring camp May 8 -10 at Masich Place Stadium drew a crowd of nearly 60 players and a dozen coaches — some old, some new — all committed to making Prince George their football home this season.
For the players, coaches, fans and sponsors, the three-day camp provided a collective sigh of relief that the Kodiaks are back on track for their fifth season in the BC Football Conference.
Sure, they’ve lost a few key recruits and a handful of returning players who have chosen to go elsewhere following the firing of head coach and director of football operations Jamie Boreham, who was cut because the Kodiaks could not afford to pay him.
But with volunteer head coach Ryan Bellamy now at the helm, taking over from last year’s BCFC and Canadian Junior Football League coach of the year, it appears the Kodiaks have finally pulled out of their death spiral and there will be junior football in PG in 2026.
The new season is just two months away and Kiandre Williams can’t wait. The 20-year-old from Toronto is back for his fourth season with the Kodiaks. He needed no convincing to return to his spot on the defensive line once it became apparent the new board of directors was committed to operating the team.
“It’s a respect thing. I always think that being loyal is the biggest thing and I love the community, love the people. It’s a great town and there’s no reason for me not to come back,” said Williams.
“It’s a fun atmosphere, always loud, always exciting. The stands are always
An offensive back (in white) finds a gap and sprints to get clear as a defense player moves to make a tackle in the PG Kodiaks’ Offense vs Defense scrimmage at Masich Place Stadium Sunday, May 10.
full, you always hear yelling and screaming. There’s a lot of support behind us and it just makes the atmosphere so much better. I’ve seen every stadium in the BCFC and I’d say ours is the best. It’s always packed.”
Boreham recruited Williams and he says he’s going to miss having the former CFL kicker around for advice.
“It’s a sad thing for sure. I love him as a coach, probably my favourite head coach ever, but the team has to do what it has to do and I’m behind Ryan all the
way,” said Williams.
“He’s never been in the position before, but I know he used to coach high school as well and I know him as a coach. I’ve seen him coach every position and I’m going to enjoy playing behind him. I know what kind of guy he is on and off the field.”
Williams knows it’s going to be a young and inexperienced team in Prince George this year and they’re going to go through growing pains, but he says that will only make them stronger.
“I feel we have a great group of guys and when they do make mistakes they correct it themselves,” he said. “Our coach always says, ‘Have goldfish memories,’ and that’s how we try to play football as much as we can.
“I’ve talked to some of the guys back home and always mentioned coming out here is one of the best experiences you’ll have. I’d say this is the best conference in the CJFL.”
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Fourth-year receiver Ben Fehr says it’s obvious people in Prince George care about football and the opportunities the Kodiaks provide, and the 21-year-old from Sexsmith, Alta., wants to use that as a stepping stone to U Sports.
He and his buddies on the team from Alberta had doubts about the Kodiaks’ survival without Boreham at the helm, but after going through camp they see they have a future developing their game in Prince George.
“It’s been going a lot better than I expected, I’m pleasantly surprised,” said Fehr. “For this camp it’s a lot of rookies right out of high school and some local high school guys, but we’ve got a couple good finds with guys who either have junior experience or are university kids.
“Everyone’s hungry, everyone’s ready to compete. We’ve got a simple playbook so everyone can understand it and it’s been going good. The defence clicked really fast. Offence took a bit longer, but today at the game everything’s going a lot smoother.”
The BCFC has yet to release its 2026 schedule. The Kodiaks will play a 10-game season with five of those games at Masich Place Stadium.
“This is a great place to play,” said Fehr. “There’s a sense of community, we have a lot of support from the city and a bunch of people who come out to watch. For the coaches and the players it’s a tight-knit group, everyone gets along well. I think we’re well on our way to rebuilding here.”
Bellamy was appointed head coach in April and had just three weeks to get the word out to players about spring camp. Boreham named him the Kodiaks assistant head coach last season and the camp gave Bellamy his first look at a team that will include between 40 and 50 returning players. They went through drills and practised individual skills the first two days leading up to Sunday’s scrimmage.
“It’s a great turnout on short notice and the guys really had a lot of fun just getting back on the field. We’re just kind
of building up the morale after a tough off-season,” said Bellamy. “We’ve got a lot of returning talent, a lot of guys who have put in the work in the off-season, really looking like a good squad we can build around this year.
“Now that we’ve got everything figured out we can get back into the recruiting, commit our international players and start to put the finishing touches on the roster. We’ll continue to lean heavily on bringing in out-of-town talent until we get to the point where we have multiple high schools playing in Prince George. We have great community support with our billet program and we’ll be able to bring those players in to support the program.”
The Kodiaks’ main camp starts July 2. Fifth-year defensive back, linebacker and kick returner Sawyer Sonsteby, 21, grew up near Regina in White City, Sask., and this is his first year with the Kodiaks. Despite an offer from Boreham to join the Kodiaks in 2025, he took last season off to work full-time after playing three seasons with the Valley Huskers from 2022 -24.
“I just saw it as an opportunity to come and showcase what I’ve got. I really love all the boys here and the vibes are good,” said Sonsteby, still catching his breath after running back an interception into the end
a great job getting that figured out,” said Piddocke, 20, who turned down U Sports offers to return to the Kodiaks. “The whole community has been stepping up and it’s nice to see all the boys out here being able to field a team. It’s looking better every day.
“Guys are here to keep the team going. Without all the players, the board and the community — everybody coming together like this — we wouldn’t have a team here. It’s good to see. The goal is always to win a national championship and it’ll be tough, for sure. It all comes down to the guys. We’ve got the right pieces, we just have to keep the dream alive and keep going.”
zone. “Really, what’s happening in the Kodiaks organization is just outside noise. We really don’t give a crap about it.
“Jamie recruited me and he’s the reason I’m here, and it’s sad Jamie isn’t here, but I really appreciate all the other coaches here stepping up for the program and stepping up for all the young guys here that want to play football. We all really appreciate it. There’s a lot of young guys that will get the opportunity to play and we need those guys to step up. We’re going to work our asses off and win as many games as we can.”
The Kodiaks have ranked in the BCFC top two in game attendance the past two seasons. Sonsteby has seen that for himself on road trips to Prince George while playing for the Huskers and he’s looking forward to seeing the stands at Masich packed again for Saturday night games.
Kodiaks safety Taeman Piddocke has had that hometown support throughout his junior career, having stepped into his role in the secondary after finishing high school football at College Heights. He and younger brother Dillon, a cornerback, are among at least 20 local players the Kodiaks have on the roster.
“Obviously there was speculation about whether we were going to have a team or not and the board has done
Defensive line coach Sean Yeulet, 39, grew up in Prince George at a time when there was no high school football and that forced him to move to Carson Graham Secondary School in North Vancouver for his Grade 12 year to pursue his football ambitions. He’s been a volunteer coach with the Kodiaks since they started in 2022 and says it’s vital for the growth of the game that they continue as a junior team to keep aspiring young players interested.
“When I left town to move to Vancouver to play football this was never a thing, there was never an opportunity, and now that I’m back home and have the opportunity to pass on some of what I’ve learned and give other players an opportunity to get to a position where they can go somewhere else to play, it’s huge for me,” said Yeulet.
“To be able to take a high school kid from another part of the country, have him play on a team and then send him to a university is exactly what a coach should be striving for and that’s why I keep coming back.”
He was relieved to see so many players gathered on the field at Masich.
“This whole camp has gone very well,” said Yeulet. “We’ve had some really good learning, the team is gelling together quite nicely and I’ve been impressed with the boys coming in as prepared as they are to play. We lost a few guys here and there, but the guys that are here are putting in the work to be able to crack that starting roster.”
The world has lost a great man, a pillar of the Prince George community, a wonderful husband, a fantastc father, a caring grandfather, and a sweet greatgrandfather.
James “Jim” Murray Rustad passed away on May 4, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born in 1937, and lived a life marked by hard work, adventure, devoton to family, and contributon to his hometown.
Jim is lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 67 years, his high-school sweetheart Noreen Rustad. Together they built a family that became the center of Jim’s world. He is survived by their children, Tammy (Fernando), Ross (Shauna), and Kathleen (Bruce); four grandchildren, Cristna (Hector), Sara ( ince), ohn (Becky), and Nicole (Jonathan) and two cherished great-granddaughters, Aurora, age 7, and Alexandria, age 9 months.
The Rustad family came to Prince George from Saskatchewan in the mid 1940’s, and Jim was part of the family that built the Rustad Bros. & Co. sawmill and planer mill which became an important part of the region’s economy. Jim was President and general manager by the early 1970’s. He valued his supervisors and employees, and they returned that loyalty with respect and trust. He retred in . Through his career, he played a leading role in the forest industry of B.C.
Jim and Noreen kept up a remarkable pace of travel, golfng, and socializing. im was an outdoorsman through and through. He loved huntng and fshing,
cars, large trucks, heavy equipment, planes, boats, and helicopters. He and Noreen traveled widely and Jim was the instgator of many family adventures.
Family always came frst for im. In later years, what he enjoyed most was tme with family, and he was known for his interestng tales, curious mind, and generous spirit. He led by example, teaching those around him to celebrate the important moments, savour family tme, care for others, and give back. e o en ask ourselves hat would ad do
He was dignifed and gracious, contnuing to do all he could in later years. Jim loved music and dancing with oreen. He was also famously in uisitve while traveling, o en lingering so long that the guides had to herd him back to the rest of the group. In gypt, the guide constantly had to say, “Mr. Jim! The bus is leaving, Mr. Jim!”
im s contributons to Prince George and to the province were many and lastng, and his legacy will live on in the family he loved, the community he helped shape, and the countless lives he touched.
Please join us in a Celebraton of ife on Saturday, May th from - pm at the Coast Hotel, Inn of the North.
In lieu of fowers, you may consider a donaton to the Rustad Family Fund in the Prince George Community Foundaton, or the Rustad ndowment at BC.
Many thanks to im s kind and caring medical sta .
Marinka Novak
February 1, 1946 - May 5, 2026
We sadly announce the passing of Marinka on May 5, 2026, with her family by her side.
Born February 15, 1946 in Slovenia and moved to Canada in 1969, where she married her husband Joe and raised her family.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Sons: Robert (Anica) Novak and David Novak; Daughters: Nancy (Brad) Johnson and Julie Novak. Sisters: Cilka, Anica and numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and Slovenija. Cherished grandmother of Ashley, Kylie, Hayden, Lindsea, Tristan, Riley, Holden, Haley, Conor, Logan, Noah, Eve, Lily, and Nina. Proud great-grandmother of Josef and Pacey.
Marinka was predeceased by her husband Joe, father Venceslav, and mother Angela.
Also lovingly remembered by Karmen, who was like a daughter to her, and her dear friend, caretaker, and angel, Rhona, for giving her the care she deserved.
A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00pm on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Assman’s Funeral Chapel, 1908 Queensway, Prince George, BC.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am on Friday, May 15, 2026 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 887 Patricia Blvd, Prince George, BC with Father Rectorino Mendoza Tolentno ofciatng. A Graveside Service will follow at 11:00 am at Memorial Park Cemetery, Prince George, BC.
In lieu of fowers, donatons may be made to Home Hospice
Kendall Gabriella Catherine Moore
January 11, 1997 - May 18, 2014
Always missing you.
So many memories of you will always be with me. You should be here.
Love, Your Gram
September 3, 1980 - May 7, 2010
It has been 16 lonely years already since you were taken from your fve children.
Now you have four grandsons and many nieces and nephews, loving and missing you always, and your four brothers and two sisters.
Love,
Mom and Dad
xox
With profound sadness at the loss of a much admired and greatly loved Mom, Oma, Great-Oma, Aunt, Sister-in-law, and friend, we announce that “Sam” has lef us to join her very best friends—human and furry—on her next journey. Mom will be deeply missed by those dearest to her including her children: Don (Kim), Tracey (Steve), Carmen (Mike); grandchildren: Bradley (Jenn), Britney (Keanon), Haleigh (Keshav), Hannah; great-grandchildren: Ryker, Jovan, Bohdi, Ela; and many grand-dogs and grand-cats. Sandra will be forever honoured and remembered as a loving, proud, and generous Mom and Oma; a thoughtul and considerate Aunte and Sister-in-law; a kind, loyal and supportve friend; and a passionate animal lover.
Sandra made her home and lived her life in Prince George for over 70 years. A graduate of PGSS and then years later, from the CNC Care-Aide program, Sandra worked at Parkside Care Home afer being one of the frst hires when it opened in 1983. Mom’s youthful appearance, natural curiosity and interest in others, beaming smile, and girlish giggle endeared her to the residents she supported for over 25 years. Throughout her life, Sandra took great—and well earned—delight in being mistaken as much younger than her age.
Mom’s love of all things warm and sunny not only took her to much loved Summit Lake, but also many trips to her two favourite places Hawaii, and Florida where she created long and lastng memories with treasured sister Shelagh (d.2014), brother-in-law Gerry, niece Lyndsay (Mark, Ivy), and nephew Brad (Theresa). Her love and commitment to marking
family and friends’ milestones means many will be fondly missing her birthday phone calls which always included enthusiastc—if not of-key—singing.
Sandra enjoyed many happy years with her friends and neighbours at Magnolia Gardens. She spent countless hours doing what she loved: reading, napping, cleaning, dog walking, visitng with friends and family, eatng fruit and ice cream cones, bird watching, and people watching. Whether from her front deck or from her special bench at the park, selfdescribed ‘nosy’ Mom could be ofen found keeping an eye on all comings and goings.
Sandra lived her life on her terms—stoically, honourably, with ferce independence, and with great determinaton. It is with that grit and steely resolve that she tackled her fnal years. Life took a turn in 2024 and Mom weathered illness afer illness that had her spending her fnal years in hospital and then—as she always planned—at Parkside. In the end, as always in life, Mom did it her way, with grace and dignity. With her son and ‘the twins’ lovingly by her side, Sandra died peacefully and comfortably. Heartelt thanks and appreciaton go out to UHNBC PCMU staf; Parkside staf and nurses Tamara, Candy, Meghan; and Mom’s special crush Dr. Ahmed, for their loving, thoughtul, and diligent care. We appreciate you.
At Sandra’s request, there will be no service. For those wishing to honour Sandra, memorial donatons may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundaton, Prince George Humane Society, or charity of your choice.
Wilhelmus “Bill” van Helvoirt
September 1 , 1950 - April 28, 202
Bill passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 28, 202 , afer a long batle with cancer.
Predeceased by his parents, Johannes and Ortje, brother Adrian and sister Irma, Bill is survived by his son Lance, sister Marjo (Reg), as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins both in Canada and The Netherlands, including his aunt and uncle, Tante Lies and Ome Cor.
A Celebraton of Life will be held Saturday, May 23, 202 at the Cariboo Room above the Black Clover (1157 5th Avenue, Prince George, BC) from 12:00 4:00pm with remarks to take place at 12:30pm.
In lieu of owers, please donate in Bill’s memory to the Prince George Hospice Palliatve Care Society.
November 3, 1938 - May 4, 2026
Margaret passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026 with family by her side.
She was born to Willy and Amalie Teschke on Cranbrook Hill on November 3, 1938; known then as Cranbrook Mills, BC.
Margaret is predeceased by her husband Imant; son Daniel; brother Elmer Teschke.
She is survived by her daughters Joanne (Arthur) Buse and Angela Willmann; daughter-in-law Brenda Willmann; grandchildren Joshua (Ryann) Buse and their child Anders, Stephen (Kristen) Buse and their children Jayden and Zoe, Nicolas (Laura) Buse and their children Ava and Nolan, Mathew (Kassandra) Buse and their children Silas and Isak, Alyse Willmann and Cole Willmann; sister Ruth (Heinz) Kwiatkowski; step brother Mike (Marian) Krafczyk and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A Visitaton will take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 6 – 8 pm at Assman’s Funeral Chapel. Her Celebraton of Life will take place on Friday, May 22, 2026 at noon at Lakewood Alliance Church, 4001 5th Avenue, Prince George.
In lieu of fowers, please consider a donaton to the Prince George Hospice Palliatve Care Society or BC Heart and Stroke Foundaton.
February 5, 1939 - April 9, 2026
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness we announce the passing of our husband, father, and poppy, William Ralph Sayre Scoullar, known to all as Ted.
Ted passed away peacefully with his family at Rotary Hospice House in Prince George, BC on April 9, 2026 at the age of 87.
Ted is predeceased by his parents Hugh and Muriel and son Nelson (Cindy).
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rosaleen, daughter Meghan (Brent) and seven wonderful grandchildren: Liam, Victoria, Ethan, Amelia, Emma, Elizabeth and Daniel.
ur fa ily would like to e tend our sincere grattude for the care provided by Dr. Hunsinger-Chang and an e tra special thank you to the sta at the Hospice House for their compassion and support provided in his nal days.
A celebraton of life will be held at a future date.
If desired a donaton could be ade in Ted s na e to the Canadian Cancer Society.
March 20, 1951 - April 26, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our cherished o , Susan Stau er. Susan passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026 surrounded by the love of her fa ily.
Susan had an incredible calming personality but was always up for so e hu our and fun. Susan was known for her strength. Her creatvity and atenton to detail were e pressed through her love of uiltng. Susan found oy in eetng new people and going on retreats with her friends. Susan had a re arkable way of staying current, Susan was always up to date on usic, ovies, and celebrity gossip. Her love of reading was a gi Susan shared freely, instlling in us a deep appreciaton for stories and learning. To her family, Susan was the boss, we followed her advice and wishes right to the end. Though Susan is gone from our sight, Susan is never gone from our hearts . Susan was predeceased by her loving husband Keith. etails regarding a Celebraton of Life will be shared at a later date.
In lieu of fowers, donatons to the BC Cancer Society, Prince George Hospice Society, The ed Cross or a charity of your choice.
at the ice crea , you only live once.
Booking
Approval
MINES ACT NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT APPROVING THE Proposed MINE PLAN AND RECLAMATION PROGRAM FOR Sand and Gravel Extracton Area
Take notce that Michael Schulz of Edgewater Holdings Ltd. has fled with the Chief Permitng Ofcer under Secton 10(1) of the Mines Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 293, a proposed mine plan together with a program for the protecton and reclamaton of the land and water courses related to property located at:
McPhee Road – District Lot 959 – Cariboo Land District – PID 014-983-541
A copy of the permit applicaton, including supportng documentaton, is available for public viewing at: Prince George Public Library, 888 Canada Games Way, Prince George, BC V2L 5T6
The applicaton can also be viewed on the Regional Mines Public Engagement Portal by following the link below: htps://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/mineral-exploraton-mining/ permitng/mines-public-engagement
Any person afected by or interested in this program has 30 days to make writen representaton to the Ministry of Mining and Critcal Minerals, c/o Northeast/ Central Mineral Regional Ofce, 350-1011 4th Avenue, Prince George, B.C. V2L 3H9, or email: MMD-PrinceGeorge@gov.bc.ca, with a copy to:
Michael Schulz, 8545 Willow Cale Forest Road, Prince Geroge, BC V2N 6Z9 or mds.schulz@gmail.com
Applicaton informaton and instructons for submitng comments to the Ministry are also available on the Mines Public Engagement Portal at www.gov.bc.ca/minesengagement’ or scan the QR code.
Huge Yard Sale/ Collectbles 8-5 daily. Red Rock 20km South. B4 frehall.
Highway signs posted. Hair salon equipment and supplies for sale Business closed, owner has retred Please call 1-250- 692-3221 Leave a message FOR
To anyone related to STORCH, LAURETTE JOAN MARIE about the trailer MHR#9576, 1971, SHAMROCK DELUXE, located at #83 - 3730 LANDSDOWNE ROAD, PRINCE GEORGE, BC.
0868732 B.C. Ltd., the owner of Sunrise Valley MH Park, 251-3381 Cambie St., Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 4R3 (604-248- 505), will dispose the above-mentoned trailer unless the person being notfed takes possession of the property and establishes a right of possession of it within 30 days from the date the notce is served on that person.
LAND ACT:
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR DISPOSITIONS
e a d ile for t is a li a o is 7407832
ri e omme ts o er i t ese a li a o s s ould e dire ted to Lauren Wheeler ut ori a o s e ialist i istry of ater a d a d esour e te ards i mi e a e io at t loor eor e treet ri e eor e C or lauren.wheeler@gov.bc.ca
Comme ts ill e re ei ed y i istry of ater a d a d esour e te ards i mi e a e io u to May 24 2026. i istry of ater a d a d esour e te ards i mi e a e io may ot e a le to o sider omme ts re ei ed a er t is date. lease isit t e e site at htps://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca for more i forma o .
e ad ised t at a y res o se to t is ad er seme t ill e o sidered art of t e u li re ord. ess to t ese re ords re uires t e su missio of a reedom of forma o i re uest.
isit htp://www.gov.hc.ca/freedomofnformaton to lear more a out i su missio s.
ard o y s o i t e lo a o a d e te t of t e a li a o areas may e a uired y emaili t e ut ori a o s e ialist amed a o e.
Add photos to your Classifed ad to sell your item faster.
*”Planning a new roof? Go light on the color for cooling bene ! ts. Check with your home insurance company to see what discounts it might offer for different styles or options, like upgraded hurricane clips or ! re retardant materials.” -- R.E.W. in Tennessee
• Medication labels can fade, so when you get yours, put a piece of clear tape over the instructions. This way, you’ll always be able to read the instructions.
• “During the holidays (the height of baking season for me), I keep a large plastic saltshaker filled with flour and a bit of dry rice. The rice helps the flour to shake out without getting clumped up, and I use it to dust cake pans, rolling pins, kneading boards, etc.” — W.F. in Canada
* Cut a cord of ! rewood in the spring and cure it yourself. Store it away from the house and properly care for the wood by stacking it where it will have access to the sun and wind to dry it. Let it season for six months or longer, and you’ll have ! rewood ready when the temperatures drop again.
• “One of the household cleaners I prefer comes in a spray bottle, and it’s on the expensive side. I make sure to get all of the liquid out by adding some
* “If you are melting chocolate in your microwave, do yourself a favor: Line the bowl with wax paper or parchment paper.
glass marbles to the
tle. It displaces the liquid up, ensuring it finds the bottom of the
suction
o e is ere y i e ursua t to e o of t e oodlot la i a d ra es e ula o t at a oodlot i e e la as ee re ared for oodlot i e e eld y i re arms .
is oodlot i e e is lo ated est sout a d east of ri e eor e. f a ro ed y t e i istry of orests t is la may a ly for a term of years from t e date of a ro al.
is oodlot i e e la is a aila le for u li re ie a d omme t y from ril to u e . y ri e omme ts o t e la s ould e mailed to
. . orrest a d sso . td. il ie t. . it ri e eor e C . lease o ta t o orrest at sforrest o li e. om or to oo a a oi tme t to re ie a d or dis uss t e la .
Pallets for pick-up every Thursday. Call 250.562.2441 for availability.
Newly Updated • ECE run • Licenced Daycare. From 36 months to kindergarten. Great Government subsidy: Parents pay only $387/month full-tme. Baby Ducks Early Learning Centre NEW
4247 Estavilla Dr., Hart Hwy. babyducksearlylearning@outlook.com check out our facebook page
The chocolate is still easily stirrable, but when you take it out, you can lift and scrape all the chocolate off the paper so that none is wasted!” -- A.A. in Florida
* Check bagged frozen vegetables with the squeeze test: If it is hard and solid, it has thawed and refrozen, so you should choose another bag.
* Keep musty smells out of your linen closet by stashing a box of baking soda on one of the shelves, just as you would in the kitchen.
* “Place a bit of clear tape over the place where you are going to drive in a nail to prevent the nail from cracking drywall. The nail goes right in. Also, if you are nailing into wood, you can drag your nail through some soap (a bar soap is ! ne) before striking and it does the same thing -- it’ll keep the wood from splitting. You can even keep a travel size bar of soap in your nail apron just for this.” -- P.K. in New Jersey
• 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 May 25, 1660, exiled English King Charles II set out for Dover to assume the throne and bring an end to more than a decade of military rule. He entered London in triumph four days later, on his 30th birthday, and would reign for nearly 25 years before his death from what was likely kidney failure in 1685.
* On May 26, 1865, Confederate
• 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 temporary setback could work in your favor. Use this tme to take another long look at a situaton that you thought was absolutely foolproof. It’s beter to fnd the faws now instead of later.
General Edmund Kirby Smith, commander of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi division, surrendered, one of the last Confederate generals to do so, under terms similar to that of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House in Virginia. He was the last surviving full Confederate general until his death in 1893.
* On May 27, 1887, the Hells Canyon Massacre took place when two groups of Chinese workers, employed to search for gold in the Snake River in what is now Idaho, were ambushed and murdered by a gang of seven white men known to be horse thieves,
who then made off with several thousand dollars worth of gold
* On May 28, 1957, National League owners voted unanimously to allow the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers to move to San Francisco and Los Angeles, respectively, at the mid-season owner’s meeting in Chicago, Illinois.
* On May 29, 2003, actor/comedian Bob Hope celebrated his 100th birthday. In a public Hollywood ceremony, city officials renamed the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Avenue Bob Hope Square, and several 1940s-era U.S. planes flew overhead. Hope’s health was too
poor for him to attend, but three of his children and some show-business colleagues, including Mickey Rooney, were there to honor him.
* On May 30, 1967, following years of suppression under Nigeria’s military government, the breakaway state of Biafra proclaimed its independence from the West African country.
* On May 31, 2009, Millvina Dean, the last survivor of the Titanic sinking, died at age 97. Nine weeks old at the time of the disaster, she was rescued with her mother and brother but her father was not. The family had intended to relocate to Kansas City, but returned to London.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)
• 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.”
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Your selfconfdence contnues to grow, but be careful not to overextend yourself. Go forward one step at a tme. Meanwhile, a partner is ready to provide you with loving support.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You divine Bovines could soon be scoring some impressive Bull’s-eyes as you get closer to putng some carefully made plans into moton. Be patent. Time is on your side.
• On Nov. 14, 1882, outlaw Frank “Buckskin” Leslie shot and killed Billy “The Kid” Claiborne, who had publicly challenged him, in Tombstone, Arizona.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Balance the slightly overly romantc view of your current situaton with a much-needed dollop of reality from your practcal side. See it as it is -- not as you would like it to be.
• On Nov. 15, 1984, Baby Fae, a month old infant who received the world’s first baboon heart transplant, died at California’s Loma Linda University 20 days after the operation. Three other people had received animal heart transplants, but none survived longer than a few days.
• On Nov. 16, 2001, British author J.K. Rowling’s most famous and beloved creation, the bespectacled boy wizard Harry Potter (played by Daniel Radcliffe in his first major role), made his silver-screen debut in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” which went on to become one of the highestgrossing movies in history.
• On Nov. 17, 1903, the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party split into two factions: the majority Bolsheviks and minority Mensheviks. The Bolsheviks went on to become the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) There’s no tme for on-the-job catnapping for ambitous LEOs and LEOnas. Changes are coming, and you won’t want to miss out on any of the opportunites that go with them.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22)
Your adventurous side contnues to play a dominant role in many of the decisions that you’ll be making during the next few weeks. Enjoy the ride, but don’t get carried away.
Avoid distractons that intrude on the tme you need to straighten out legal complicatons. Additonally, expect to do some work-related traveling during the next few months.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21)
Be on guard against atempts to take advantage of your kind, caring nature. Also, a trusted friend can help you get the facts before you reach for your checkbook.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A recent unpleasant confrontaton could soon fare up again unless all the areas of miscommunicaton are resolved. The sooner you start the process, the beter.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A recent workplace incident could contnue to cause problems. Prepare yourself with the facts that you’ll need if you’re called upon to give your side of the story.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) This is a good tme to speak up about a troubling situaton. The sooner you do, the sooner others will realize what’s been going on, and then they’ll help you deal with it.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A change in travel plans could be the frst of many that will occur during the next several months. Meanwhile, deal with a problem involving someone who’s close to you.
Raised garden beds are one of the smartest ways to grow vegetables and flowers in Northern British Columbia.
With shorter growing seasons, cooler nights, heavy clay soils in many areas, and unpredictable spring weather, raised beds help gardeners gain more control over soil quality, drainage, and temperature.
They also warm up faster in spring, allowing earlier planting and extending the harvest season into fall.
Whether you are gardening in Prince George, Smithers, Fort St. John, or another northern community, a well-built raised bed
can make the difference between a struggling garden and a productive one.
The first step is choosing the right location. Most vegetables need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Select the sunniest spot available and avoid low areas where water collects after rain or snowmelt.
Easy access to water is also important because raised beds dry out faster than traditional gardens during warm summer weather. Bed size matters more than many beginners realize. Experts recommend keeping raised beds no wider than four feet. That allows you to reach the centre
from either side without stepping into the soil. Walking on garden soil causes compaction, reducing airflow and root growth. Length is flexible, but beds between six and ten feet long are usually easiest to manage.
Depth is especially important in Northern BC. A bed depth of at least 12 inches works well for most vegetables, while root crops like carrots or potatoes benefit from 18 inches or more.
Deeper beds also help insulate plant roots during cool nights and hold warmth longer during spring and fall temperature swings. When choosing materials, untreated cedar is one of the best
options for Northern BC gardens. Cedar naturally resists rot and handles wet weather well.
Galvanized steel beds are also becoming popular because they last for many years and warm up quickly in spring.
Avoid older pressure-treated lumber that may contain chemicals not intended for food gardening. Drainage is another major consideration. Northern BC often experiences heavy spring runoff and long wet periods. The bottom of the raised bed should remain open to the ground whenever possible.
Contrary to popular belief, adding rocks or gravel at the
bottom usually does not improve drainage. Instead, focus on using high-quality soil with good organic matter.
A strong soil mix is the foundation of a productive raised bed. Many gardeners succeed with a blend made of approximately 40 percent compost, 30 percent quality topsoil, 20 percent coarse sand, and 10 percent peat moss or coconut coir.
This combination provides drainage, moisture retention, nutrients, and airflow for roots.
Compost is especially important because it slowly feeds plants throughout the season while improving soil structure.
To save money filling deep beds, many gardeners use a layering method. Large branches, logs, leaves, straw, or grass clippings can be placed in the lower portion of the bed before adding soil on top.
This technique, sometimes
called hügelkultur, reduces soil costs while improving moisture retention as materials slowly decompose.
Northern BC gardeners should also think carefully about season extension. Raised beds already warm faster than ground-level gardens, but adding simple hoops with plastic or row covers can provide extra frost protection during cool spring nights.
Many gardeners in northern climates start hardy crops such as spinach, kale, lettuce, radishes, and peas weeks earlier by using covers.
Mulch is another valuable tool.
A two-to-three-inch layer of straw, shredded leaves, or untreated wood chips helps regulate soil temperature, reduce weeds, and retain moisture during dry summer periods.
Mulch also protects soil from erosion during heavy rains and adds organic matter over time.
Watering raised beds requires consistency. Because elevated soil drains quickly, beds may need watering more often than traditional gardens, especially during July heat waves.
Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal because they deliver water directly to plant roots while reducing evaporation.
Morning watering is best because it gives plants time to dry before cooler nighttime temperatures arrive.
Finally, plan for the long term. Raised beds settle over time as organic matter decomposes, so adding fresh compost every spring keeps soil healthy and productive.
In autumn, cover beds with leaves, straw, or compost to protect soil during winter and prepare for the next growing season.
Some cold-hardy crops, including kale and spinach, can even survive well into Northern BC’s colder
months with proper mulch or row covers. Raised garden beds require some upfront work, but they offer major advantages for Northern BC gardeners.
Better drainage, warmer soil, improved yields, and easier maintenance make them one of the best investments for anyone serious about growing food in a northern climate.
With careful planning and good soil preparation, even short northern summers can produce abundant harvests.
