After Prince George city council approved a rezoning that will allow a daycare to move to a residential property in the Hart back in September, nearby neighbours expressed deep concerns about the process that led to the approval as well as the additional traffic the facility will generate.
Raymond Guy Raby and Daniela Sinclair asked for 3556 Willowdale Dr. to be rezoned from RS1: Suburban Residential to RM1: Multiple Residential, as the former zone only allows up to 12 people in a daycare while the latter allows 13 or more.
The owners wanted to move Tadpole Ranch Daycare to the house at that address from its current home in the Parkhill Centre on North Nechako Drive, where the indoor playground Bubba Baloo’s was once located, so it could operate a program for as many as 30 infants and toddlers and another program designed for preschool-aged children.
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CITIZEN STAFF PHOTO
People living near the home in the lower right on Willowdale Crescent in the Hart are concerned that its owners plan to turn it into a daycare, citing concerns about traffic congestion during pickup and dropoff.
Neighbours are also worried about property’s future use
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They said in a rationale letter to city council that they would not be living in the house while it operates as a daycare.
The rezoning was granted final approval at city council’s meeting on Monday, Oct. 6. Attached to the agenda for that meeting were four letters of opposition from nearby residents, who expressed concern over the suitability of the property for a daycare and the impact of traffic on a small residential road.
When Mayor Simon Yu asked councillors for any votes in opposition to the rezoning, two people in the audience thrust their hands up.
After the item passed unanimously, one of those men stormed out of council chambers, followed eventually by other people who had also come to the meeting to oppose the rezoning.
Two days after that council meeting, The Citizen was invited to the home of a neighbour near the future site of the daycare to discuss the matter with people from the neighbourhood.
Gathered in the kitchen and living room of Nancy Finn were around 15 to 20 people from Willowdale Drive and some of the adjacent streets.
They spoke of several elements regarding the daycare and its approval by city council that bothered them.
In the lead-up to council’s vote, they said, they felt they had not received enough notice or a sufficient chance to voice their opposition to the project.
Several of the neighbours said that while a smaller daycare of the size allowed under the old zoning would have been fine with them, they worried about the impact of more than 30 cars dropping off and picking up kids on the one-block-long street.
Where some streets have a solid curb, most properties on Willowdale slope downwards from the shoulder of the street, creating a ditch where the terrain slopes back up toward each house. With on-street parking, the street becomes narrow. In winter, the residents said, snow is piled up along the
side of the road, essentially blocking off the side of each lane.
This, they said, will create a safety problem in the winter, especially for kids walking to school.
During the Oct. 5 meeting, Yu suggested traffic concerns could be allayed by having the daycare stagger drop-off and pick-up times. The neighbours were clear that they didn’t think that was going to be sufficient.
“Now you’ve got these families that are instead of dropping off at Bubba Baloo’s, they’re coming up the Hart 500 in the winter with their little kids taking a run at this hill,” one neighbour said.
“They can’t turn around to go back down because what happens at our end of the hill is people try and come up and go ‘oh s---, I’m coming up a hill, I can’t go left because there’s a cul-de-sac, I have to go up on Hazel (Drive),’” another neighbour said. “Then they get stuck right at the bottom.”
Now that the property has been rezoned, the neighbours said they’re concerned that whoever owns it next will build an even bigger facility less in character with the rest of the neighbourhood.
Another concern is the neighbours being pressured to potentially change their habits. A next-door neighbour said he works overnight shifts and is worried
addressed the concerns of the neighbours whether they decide to listen or acknowledge that or not.”
The Citizen also reached out to the City of Prince George to request an interview. A spokesperson said there wasn’t much else to say on the matter that wasn’t already brought up at the council meetings and provided a statement.
“Planning and development staff provided their recommendation to council to approve the rezoning application based on a number of factors, including Official Community Plan policies,” the statement said.
“Daycare space is needed in Prince George, and this application aligned with council’s strategic priority for economic diversity and growth and myPG goals for social development.
about his dog getting agitated by kids being dropped off in the morning and waking him up.
Some neighbours said they like to smoke cannabis at home and don’t want complaints about engaging in a legal activity on their own property because of the daycare.
Unlike other similar instances of large home-based daycares being rezoned, the neighbours on Willowdale Drive are concerned that a restrictive covenant wasn’t put in place to limit the types of future development at the property.
The neighbours also said their attempts to discuss the situation with the property owners had been met with hostility, including being yelled at in the parking lot of city hall after the rezoning was approved.
Reached by email, Sinclair declined an interview, saying she didn’t have the time or mental space to have one. However, she made some comments regarding the situation.
“The neighbours have not brought any concerns to our attention until two weeks prior to the approval,” Sinclair said.
“They had five months and several opportunities to voice concerns at or before the previous city council meeting. They acted like there was nothing wrong all summer … we have
“Administration supported the rezoning to allow for ‘Community Care Facility, Major’ use as it meets the intent of the neighbourhood residential designation and is in line with the OCP’s policy of creating employment opportunities within each neighbourhood as well as utilization of existing serviced land.
“Because this application aligned with the current OCP, a public hearing was not required — though nearby residents did have a chance to provide written feedback per the requirements set out in the Local Government Act and City of Prince George Development Procedures Bylaw. The city delivered a public notice to property owners and tenants whose interests may be affected by this application and received four letters in response.”
When the rezoning was discussed by council, it was mentioned that the daycare would still need to apply for a new business licence as well as an operating licence from Northern Health.
In an Oct. 22 email, a spokesperson for Northern Health said the health authority was working with the operators of Tadpole Ranch to facilitate the inspection and licensing of the new location and that inspection and confirmation of its capacity would take place in the coming weeks.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY COLIN SLARK
A dump truck is parked outside the future home of a new daycare on Willowdale Drive in the Hart on Wednesday, Nov. 5. There is very little shoulder on the side of the road, with most yards sloping downwards into a ditch.
‘Using council’s power to convey a sentiment, wow,’ says mayor
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
The reappointment of a member of Prince George city council to the board of the Prince George Public Library turned into an acrimonious discussion over the library’s finances at the Monday, Nov. 3 council meeting.
When it came time for council to appoint one of its members to the board for a term lasting from Dec. 1, 2025 to Nov. 30, 2026, Coun. Susan Scott nominated Coun. Garth Frizzell to continue serving in the position.
Frizzell accepted the nomination and Mayor Simon Yu thanked him for his years of service on the board. The nomination was approved unanimously by council.
After that vote, Coun. Cori Ramsay asked what direction council could provide to Frizzell as the library board approaches its budget discussion for 2026.
She said that the $4.3 million the city provides to the library is significantly more than what it gives to any other organization and there had been previous discussion about creating a five-year funding plan.
During its 2025 budget deliberations, some councillors like Ramsay and Coun. Kyle Sampson expressed concern about the library’s revenues not recovering to what they were before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ramsay said at the time that the city has had to deny funding requests to non-profits because of the funding levels provided to the library and proposed a successful motion to have the city work with the library to create a five-year funding plan for the organization. Sampson proposed a cut to the library’s funding increase for 2025 by just shy of $100,000, but that motion was defeated by a margin of five to four.
Responding to Ramsay on Nov. 3,
Coun. Garth Frizzell will once again be council’s representative on the Prince George Public Library board, but that decision came with some fireworks.
Frizzell said he was hoping to find out through the Standing Committee on Finance and Audit — which Ramsay chairs — what the preliminary figures and tax levy required for the city in 2026 will be.
He added that the library is different from other civic facilities in that there is a non-profit raising money for its operations on top of its funding from the city. As was brought up during the recent Union of BC Municipalities convention in Victoria, he said libraries in BC haven’t had an increase in their core provincial funding in more than a decade.
Director of finance and IT services said that with the library, the director usually has informal discussions with him about their funding requests from the city around this time of year.
“My response is typically the same from year to year,” Dalio said.
“It’s the same as any division that is represented by the directors around the table. We believe our job is to give you a budget that maintains the service level that is expected of us. In the current year, we’ll know what inflationary figures are driving us.
“For the library, it might be a general increase in the cost for books or online materials or whatever. They’ll cost that out for you. If they want to do something new, we do service enhancements. They’ll do it in their introduction to you, they’ll say ‘we’d like to do this
some of us express this and it doesn’t get resolved, so I would like that to be communicated through our liaison to the board directly,” Sampson said.
Coun. Trudy Klassen took issue with the motion, saying it would start a precedent where council sends instructions to every councillor who sits on a committee.
Frizzell asked whether Sampson intended to ask the same of Tourism Prince George, the Northern Sports Centre and all the city’s various divisions or just of the library.
service, we’ve built it into the budget, it’ll cost you this much more’ … after that, it’s really up to council.”
This process where the library presents a budget and council decides whether to chance or adopt it as is, is governed by provincial legislation, Dalio said.
Frizzell said it’s good to know what pressures are facing the city as the province is unlikely to boost library funding and the library’s book sale usually only brings in $5,000 to $10,000 twice a year.
Ramsay said she wanted to know if the library would take it to heart if it is requested by council to trim its budget as is asked of other city departments. Frizzell said the library budget is ultimately decided by city council and if it decided to eliminate that budget, it would be a disaster but it has that power.
He added that, on average over the last 10 to 15 years, the library’s budget has gone up more slowly than any other budget controlled by the city.
After more discussion surrounding the specifics of the creation of the library’s budget and the review of its finances, Sampson proposed a motion directing Frizzell to pass along a message to the library board that council wants it to pursue all opportunities to find alternative revenue sources.
“I do that because time and time again, the library has come to us at budget,
“If it’s specific to the library, that’s fine, but if you’re wanting to have accountability writ large, then you shouldn’t specify that to just me,” Frizzell said. “That should be something the whole council pursues on an ongoing basis.”
Responding, Sampson said this wasn’t about Frizzell specifically, it was about conveying a message to the board from council as council’s liaison since the message wasn’t being heard at the budget table.
Rebutting, Frizzell said he wanted to correct an inaccuracy in that statement — the library is hearing the message and has put together a five-year plan like other city divisions.
Mayor Simon Yu voiced displeasure with the motion.
“Using the council’s power to convey a sentiment, wow,” he said. “A library holds a special place in the heart of every city. I believe they should be operated independently. I’m sure the members of the board are looking at revenue sources to expand their programs at all costs. By putting this sentiment forward, it’s a trust issue. I highly recommend my council colleagues vote no.”
Chiming back in, Sampson said the motion calls on the library to expand revenues as they have not recovered to pre-COVID levels and it doesn’t appear that council’s message is being heard as results are not being observed. The motion, he said, is not to discount the value of the library and the services it provides.
Pickup truck crashes at roundabout
A tow truck crew pulls a pickup truck back onto the road after a singlevehicle crash on Thursday, Nov. 7 on the Highway 97 on-ramp from the Cameron Street roundabout. A woman was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.
Argument starts over intent of library ‘instructions’
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
He then asked Klassen to expand on her earlier comments. She said Frizzell had spoken to her concerns better than she did.
Coun. Brian Skakun called for a point of clarification, saying that the conver sation was descending down a rabbit hole and would continue to do so as long as councillors kept getting asked to explain their interpretations on every point.
was disparaging. As the mayor tried to speak, Sampson interrupted to demand that Klassen repeat what she had said and provide clarity on the remark. If she declined to do so, Sampson demanded that Klassen retract her comment.
Sampson said. “So I would like clarifica tion or a retraction from my colleague, Your Worship.”
“I said the comment was disparaging because I think it is disparaging to Coun. Frizzell’s explanation of how he manages the budget,” Klassen said.
“I think we need to be careful when we are challenging each other’s representation on other boards because we’re going to be voting for Coun. Friz
when the budget is returned to us and it’s expected for us to vote on … I completely reject the comments that are made by my colleague and I’m offended by that.”
The mayor then said that every year, council has a chance to vote on whether they do or do not approve of the budget
against the library, instead she viewed it as a request.
The motion narrowly passed by a margin of five votes in favour to four against.
Vote summary
Council appoints Coun. Garth Frizzell
Councillors question ‘fire truck’ donation to Shelley
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
In the wake of the old fire truck playground from Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park moving out to Shell-Glen, two Prince George city councillors called for policy revisions at a Monday, Nov. 3 meeting.
Councillors Cori Ramsay and Brian Skakun gave notice at the previous city council meeting that they wanted amendments to the city’s purchasing bylaw.
In a report, they wrote that the section of the bylaw governing the disposition of surplus assets lacked clarity.
As it is currently written, the bylaw says that the city manager has the authority to dispose of assets deemed surplus by department manager by donating them to any non-profit corporation, association or entity in exchange for no compensation.
IT assets can be similarly disposed of by the city’s manager of finance and IT services.
The city’s manager of risk and procurement also has the authority to dispose of surplus assets through auction or another formal or informal process to recoup value.
If a surplus asset has no value or use to the city, it can be disposed of through recycling or as garbage.
Ramsay and Skakun said that as currently written, the bylaw does not specify how non-profit corporations should be selected to receive surplus assets, nor does it say how non-profits are to be notified that there are available surplus assets.
“In order to create a more fair and transparent asset disposal program, we would ask council to give consideration to amending this bylaw to create more robust policy around how groups are chosen to receive assets from the city,” they wrote.
Also, they said that the bylaw has no provisions for the disposal of assets with significant historical or cultural significance, arguing that it should be amended to allow council to review the
disposal of such assets.
Finally, they said the processes other than auctions through which the city can recoup the value of surplus assets should be clarified.
When the councillors spoke on the item at the Nov. 3 council meeting, Skakun brought up the fire truck playground getting transferred to the Shell-Glen Improvement Society and a Citizen article outlining how it changed hands.
While Skakun said it was good that it found a new home, council didn’t know about the transfer after previously being told that it would remain in the city’s possession.
“I know the city did a Citizen article to say they went to the Exploration Place, they hired a consultant or something to look at the structure of the fire truck, but the point is, no other groups in town necessarily had a chance at that, no other employee had a chance to get that,” Skakun said.
“It’s just about being fair and making sure someone doesn’t have an advantage over another employee if that’s a route to disposing of assets. I think it’s just about being fair and transparent.”
Director of finance and IT services Kris Dalio said he would be happy to review the bylaw and that in initial conversations with procurement staff they
felt there were some improvements to be made.
However, he saw one potential issue: how does the city define whether an asset has historical or cultural significance?
“I think no matter what kind of Webster’s definition you go with, there’s room for interpretation,” Dalio said. “Hopefully we can put that in the policy and council can trust the administration of the day to identify assets that we believe have that value.”
As for the process to recoup value for a surplus asset the city wants to dispose of, Dalio recommended against doing it informally. Instead, he recommended the city use a process similar to an expression of interest.
City manager Walter Babicz chimed in to say that the matter of the fire truck came before council a couple of times in October 2024, with administration saying there was a chance it would be relocated but no certain plans were in place at that time.
“Since then, I believe our staff did have conversations with other user groups.”
Director of civic operations Blake McIntosh said after conversations with city partners didn’t lead anywhere, a representative from Shell-Glen reached out and staff thought it was a good use
of the artifact.
“We asked the Regional District (of Fraser-Fort George) if they had any concerns with the liability — we removed it from Lheidli T’enneh Park as we were renewing the park and from a safety perspective that was one of the decisions we made,” McIntosh said. “That was basically the process, then we followed the disposition procedure as it’s written.”
Mayor Simon Yu said he thought the new use for the fire truck was a good thing for the public.
Ramsay and Skakun’s motion to refer a review of the disposition bylaw was approved unanimously.
As for the new playground at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park where the old fire truck once sat, a grand opening was scheduled for the morning of Friday, Nov. 7.
Vote summary
Council refers to administration a review of the disposition portion of the city’s purchasing bylaw to better articulate the selection of non-profit entities receiving surplus city assets, provisions for the disposal of assets with historical or cultural significance and clarity over the processes through which the city recoups the value of surplus assets.
• Approved unanimously.
SUBMITTED BY TRACY BERGMANN
The old fire truck play structure from Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park sits at its new home at the Shell-Glen Community Park after getting installed in August 2025.
If you smoked regularly before Nov. 20, 1998 and were diagnosed with a tobacco-related disease, you may qualify for $14,400-$100,000 from a landmark settlement.
As part of a landmark settlement with Canadian tobacco companies, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) has approved two compensation plans to provide payments to eligible smokers and ex-smokers diagnosed with certain tobacco-related diseases:
● The Pan-Canadian Claimants’ Compensation Plan (PCC); and
● The Quebec Class Action Administration Plan (QCAP)
For those who have died that qualify, payments may be available for their estates. What are the eligible diseases and dollar amounts?
This table shows the diseases covered by the plans and the maximum payment amounts:
Disease
Primary Lung Cancer or
Primary Throat Cancer
Emphysema or COPD
(GOLD Grade III or IV)
You started smoking before January 1, 1976
$60,000 PCC
$100,000 QCAP
$18,000 PCC
$30,000 QCAP
You started smoking on or after January 1, 1976
$48,000 PCC
$80,000 QCAP
$14,400 PCC
$24,000 QCAP
Important: Payments may be reduced depending on the number of eligible claims in each plan. A person will only be entitled to one payment, under one plan, and for one disease.
What are the claim deadlines?
The Claims Submission Periods commenced on September 3, 2025 and the plans have different claim deadlines:
● PCC claim deadline is September 3, 2027
● QCAP claim deadline is August 31, 2026
Important: QCAP deadline is one year earlier than PCC deadline.
hoW many cigarettes and Which brands?
Both plans require the smoker or ex-smoker to have smoked at least 87,600 cigarettes (for example, 20 cigarettes a day for 12 years) between January 1, 1950 and November 20, 1998. The cigarettes must be from brands sold by the tobacco companies. The website has a list of the eligible brands, which include most legal cigarettes sold in Canada.
What are other Pcc requirements?
In addition to the disease and smoking requirements, the smoker or ex-smoker under PCC must:
(a) reside in Canada (or if deceased, must have resided in Canada at the time of death);
(b) have been diagnosed between March 8, 2015 and March 8, 2019, inclusive of those dates;
(c) have resided in Canada at the time of diagnosis; and
(d) have been alive on March 8, 2019.
What are other qcaP requirements?
In addition to the disease and smoking requirements, the smoker or ex-smoker under QCAP must:
(a) reside in Quebec (or if deceased, must have resided in Quebec at the time of death);
(b) have been diagnosed before March 12, 2012; (c) have resided in Quebec at the time of diagnosis; and (d) have been alive on November 20, 1998.
hoW can i get Free helP?
Agents are available free of charge to assist claimants under these plans. Agents will help you (a) complete your claim form; (b) commission your signature on the claim form; and (c) provide guidance on how to obtain the necessary information and documents for your claim.
PCC Agent is Epiq 1-888-482-5852
PCCAgent@TobaccoClaimsCanada.ca
QCAP Agent is Proactio 1-888-880-1844
tabac@proactio.ca
If you do not submit a claim by the applicable deadline, you cannot be eligible to get a payment.
If you are not sure whether you qualify, the website has a simple questionnaire to help you. The plans have been designed so that you do not need a lawyer to prepare and submit your claim. If you have already registered, you will be notified by an Agent about how to complete your claim.
Full information is available at the official website www.TobaccoClaimsCanada.ca and via the QR Code.
OPINION Council is no place for performative politics
KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor
Coun. Kyle Sampson seems to have developed a fondness for calling others “performative.”
But it’s disingenuous for him to throw that accusation against others while indulging in it himself.
The term rolled easily off his tongue at the council meeting Monday, Nov. 3 during a debate over a motion to study ways of easing the blow caused by the two-year closure of the Prince George Aquatic Centre for upgrades.
When a letter from the Barracuda Swim Club came before council last week, its members weren’t grandstanding. They were pleading for their survival.
President Shane Milne’s letter detailed the looming damage of a 24-month pool shutdown: loss of training space, cancelled competitions, declining revenues and even the genuine risk of the club’s extinction.
Coun. Trudy Klassen, recognizing the stakes, moved for administration to report back on ways to shorten the closure period or do the work in phases.
Sampson shot the idea down, calling the club’s letter “performative.” His comment was quickly parroted by Coun. Ron Polillo.
But as Coun. Brian Skakun rightly pointed out, asking for a report is hardly a stunt — it’s the kind of basic due diligence residents expect from
their elected representatives. Even city staff admitted there might be ways to mitigate the impact.
Instead of support, what the Barracuda club got instead was a lecture about timing from councillors unwilling to show the slightest flexibility — and
an accusation of crying foul for attention from two of their councillors.
Not long after, though, Sampson himself delivered an unmistakably performative display during the same meeting.
He introduced a motion directing
Coun. Garth Frizzell, the city’s appointee to the Prince George Public Library board, to “convey council’s message” that the board must find new revenue sources.
SEE ‘VOTERS’ ON NEXT PAGE
We acknowledge the financial support of the government of Canada.
Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.
Kennedy Gordon Managing Editor
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Terresa Randall-Stolz Owner
OPINION
CN Centre is publicly owned, so we should have a say
I was surprised recently when I discovered I’d been blocked from CN Centre’s Facebook page after commenting on its latest “big announcement.”
All I had done was list a few bands currently touring the province that weren’t making a stop in Prince George. I was also not the only one blocked. Like many others in our community, I’d love to see more variety in the shows coming here.
Don’t get me wrong — Bryan Adams and Trooper are Canadian icons — but it would be exciting to also see acts outside of the 1980s catalogue. Our city deserves a mix of entertainment that appeals to different generations and music tastes.
As residents, we should be free to share opinions about local programming without fear of being silenced. Blocking community members for respectful, non-abusive feedback feels unnecessarily petty. It discourages open dialogue with the very audience the CN Centre relies on.
Prince George has a strong and
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Sampson’s motion, which narrowly passed 5-4, was pure symbolism: the library already develops budgets in full view of council and recently completed a five-year financial plan addressing exactly that issue.
Frizzell, backed by the city’s finance director, patiently explained this to Sampson. Mayor Simon Yu warned that Sampson’s motion risked undermining the board’s independence. But when Klassen described the motion as “disparaging,” Sampson interrupted, demanded a retraction and declared himself offended.
The exchange ground council’s proceedings to a halt and was nothing more than a made-for-the-camera moment of feigned moral outrage.
LETTERS EDITOR
to the
passionate arts community, and people shouldn’t have to travel across the province just to see the concerts they want. If the CN Centre truly wants to grow and thrive, it should value honest feedback — positive or critical — because it reflects what the community is looking for.
I hope CN Centre will reconsider how it handles community input. Listening to your audience isn’t a threat — it’s an opportunity to strengthen local culture.
Megan MacInnes
Prince George
Students’ respect shown at European cemeteries inspiring
I just wanted to share how inspiring it was to read about the incredible work being done by College Heights Secondary School teachers Marlo Mahoney and Andrew Tomlinson.
Their efforts to take local students from Prince George overseas to visit the battlefields and cemeteries where Canadian soldiers are buried truly bring
our history to life.
It’s one thing to learn about the wars in a classroom, but it’s another thing entirely to stand where those young men once stood, to see their names on the gravestones and to feel the weight of what they gave up.
What really struck me was the deep respect and emotion these students showed during their visits. They’re the same age as so many of those who went off to fight, and yet they approach the experience not with detachment, but with genuine curiosity, compassion, and maturity.
When Mahoney described how her students often cry at the graves of the soldiers they’ve researched — soldiers they’ve come to know through letters, records, and stories — it reminded me that remembrance is most powerful when it’s personal.
The teachers deserve huge credit for making that connection possible. Their dedication goes far beyond lesson plans. By guiding students through places like Vimy Ridge, Ypres, and Juno Beach, they’re helping them understand not just the history of war, but the
humanity behind it.
It’s heartwarming to know that these trips will soon be open to the wider community, because experiences like that stay with you forever.
Jane McDonald
Prince George
Voters deserve real conversation, not mock outrage
This is not new behaviour for Sampson.
Back in August, at a Regional District of Fraser-Fort George meeting, Sampson confronted rural Director Dannielle Alan after she objected to arming bylaw officers with pepper spray and batons.
When Alan remarked that the regional district “is not the City of Prince George,” Sampson challenged her repeatedly to explain herself, even after the chair asked him to move on. Alan declined to retract her comment and Sampson pressed again until the chair intervened to end the back-and-forth.
It was another scene of needless escalation, one that turned a policy discussion into a personal drama.
In each of these cases, Sampson’s
reaction follows the same pattern: he takes offense, demands retractions and insists on having the last word. His behaviour transforms legitimate debate into spectacle — precisely the kind of “performative” politics he claims to condemn.
The Barracuda Swim Club’s plea was not an act of theatre. Nor was Klassen’s attempt to ensure the city minimizes disruption to aquatic sports.
Those were examples of citizens and councillors doing what they should: asking questions, seeking solutions and keeping public interest at the forefront.
What was performative was Sampson using that moment to project righteousness only to later engage in the very grandstanding he denounces. Sampson is right about one thing:
performative politics waste time and erode public trust.
But if Sampson truly wants to root out empty political theatre, he might start by looking in the mirror. His own record shows a habit of turning serious discussions into stages for indignation and personal posturing.
Prince George residents deserve leadership marked by reflection, respect and restraint — not this pattern of selective outrage and public theatre. We have another year with this particular cast of characters on council. Until they can rise above this kind of nonsense, the city will remain trapped in problems of its own making, with the real work — not just on libraries to swimming pools, but on other important issues — left waiting.
editor@pgcitizen.ca
MARLO MAHONEY PHOTO
A student from Prince George visits a Canadian soldier’s grave at Bergen Op Zoom Cemetery in the Netherlands.
OPINION
How my proposed CBC interview fizzled out over facts
The Back Story
On Oct. 14 a CBC producer from Vancouver contacted me for commentary on President Donald Trump’s latest tariffs on wood products.
He’d contacted me because of my small woodworking business and the fact that at one time I sold products to the United States that these tariffs could potentially impact.
We had our little pre-interview chat and I let him know that as a small woodworking business the biggest threat to my business wasn’t Trump’s tariffs. It was the mountains of cheap offshore wood products that flood our country, often at a lower cost than what I’d pay in shipping to send the same thing from Prince George to Vancouver.
I told him the problem wasn’t about selling to the United States. It was how to compete right here at home against the industrial and logistical behemoth of China and Amazon.
I pointed out that former prime minister Justin Trudeau himself had imposed tariffs on upholstered furniture from Vietnam and China back in 2021.
“I hear your argument,” the producer said, his enthusiasm gone. “But that’s for another show.”
After confirming I no longer sold anything to the US, he had his way out. He hung up to presumably find someone else to say what he wanted them to say.
I tuned in to the broadcast to hear who they had found to support their anti-tariff narrative. I was shocked to hear David Elstone, an active lobbyist in the lobbyist registry for the forest industry. This was not mentioned in the CBC’s description of him, nor is it mentioned online in their description of the interview.
According to Elstone, what the forest industry needed was for Ottawa to not
forget about bailouts for the forestry industry. Then there were the usual demands: opening up the fibre supply, reducing red-tape, and making forestry more “competitive.”
There was no mention of the fact our forest industry in BC has wiped out tens of thousands of good paying jobs while record profits and entire sawmills were relocated to the American south, well before any tariffs happened.
Nor did he mention that these same corporations have our fibre supply locked down and will not sell logs to the small value added woodworkers like myself or startups trying to supply a domestic demand and help build an alternative to this predicament in the first place.
This was not journalism.
This was taxpayer-funded propaganda for not just an industry dominated by predatory corporations that do not have our national interest in mind. This was propaganda for the neoliberal, antiworker, “free trade” economic model we suffer under.
If the CBC was working for the Canadian public, and not the global corporate elite, they sure don’t make that
very obvious.
We have no control over Trump and his tariffs. Our attempts to influence him in the American political arena will be as likely to backfire as not. And why in god’s name is Ontario spending millions on ads quoting Ronald Reagan, a president whose advocacy of free trade pushed the scales in favour of multinational corporate power at the expense of the working-class?
The discussion we need to see happen is not how to further prop up a turncoat industry and subsidize our low-value exports and broken economic model. It’s how to use our own tariffs to shift our forest industry — and economy at large — to fulfilling higher value domestic demands.
We still have Chilean plywood in Home Depot. We have entire condo towers filled with kitchen cabinets direct ordered from China, probably made from the raw logs we send overseas.
We buy offshore steel for structural beams when we could be using domestic engineered wood products developed by our Wood Innovation Centre
right here in town.
We buy pine from New Zealand and Chile for the siding on our Prince George “Canfor” Leisure Pool when we could obviously be doing that ourselves.
We import vinyl flooring by the shipload when we could be doing wood floors the old-fashioned way.
Why would the CBC not share both sides of the tariff story?
Is that because this argument would validate some of Donald Trump’s ideas, even though these aren’t his ideas?
Or is it because the CBC and its producers, like much of the left-leaning progressive Canadian identity, has by some fluke of history, become what they once despised and campaigned against back in the 1980s — proponents of Reaganomics, corporate power, inequality, and cheap offshore products, regardless of how many workers we throw under the bus or how hollowed out and vulnerable our entire society becomes?
The business school elites the CBC regularly platforms might say offshoring our manufacturing and turning our economy into a “service economy” or a dependency on foreign markets for unprocessed or minimally processed raw materials, is good economics.
But that’s not the national strategy we pursued during the golden age of Canadian nation-building, from the middle of the 19th century until the end of the Second World War.
Supporting local manufacturing and a Made in Canada national policy, like what Trump is doing in the United States, might not be as efficient, but it will create more dependable supply chains and more good paying jobs for people here in Canada. And let’s not forget the gains of “efficiency” of global megacorp neoliberalism are obviously going to the top, not the bottom.
If the CBC wanted to try doing some journalism they should maybe start platforming those of us who acknowledge that.
James Steidle is a Prince George writer.
JAMES STEIDLE
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
Why was wood from New Zealand imported to build a pool named after a Canadian forestry company? Tariffs are an issue but there are bigger challenges facing the lumber industry, James Steidle writes today.
OPINION
Prince George has had a total of 39 drug deaths this year
How sad to see these young kids dying. I walked downtown the other night and saw some 20-year-old boy, locked up on the sidewalk.
So when does this failed experiment end? Year after year, the death toll has risen sharply.
Don’t believe me? Go to the Stats Canada website and look for yourself.
Our own premier even admitted publicly it was a mistake, but at least he didn’t have to pay with his life. in fact, I doubt he will be held accountable at all, despite a roughly 500 per cent increase in overdose deaths in the past decade.
Why are they so fixated on overdose deaths? What about the people who are now mentally disabled permanently? Why are these numbers hidden? These are the people, tax payers will be responsible for, the rest of their natural lives.
Why is our society giving drugs to mentally disabled people and letting them live on the street?
Zangief
Share your views on our stories at pgcitizen.ca
Letter to the editor: BC’s health-care system is failing patients
I recently had major surgery and am recovering well.
From pre-surgery to hospital care to at home care Northern Health did an incredible job and they were always the ones to contact me, I never had to chase them down for anything. That’s been my positive personal experience and it may not be others. Thank you to all the health care professionals at NH for your wonderful care and keep up the great work despite all the problems.
BGeez
Nukko Lake Community Hall goes up in flames
What a super sad read. Community halls are the heart of the local area and are offen maintained build looked after by many volunteers. I feel for all the folks that use that hall, especially this time of year.
BCBenny
Willow River seniors get free roof
What a great outcome. This was an awesome gesture, and gift from local companies.
DaisyGlover
Willow River seniors get free roof
Great story -- good job everyone involved -- God bless all. We need more good news stories.
Justsayin2
Letter to the editor: BC’s health-care system is failing patients
The issue is multifactorial, but a major driver in BC is the shortage of primary and community care.
This leads to patients arriving at hospitals later and with more complex, costly conditions.
The shortage of family physicians stems partly from a major pay gap between family doctors and other specialties.
On a full-time basis, most specialists in BC earn about $200,000 more per year, and some such as ophthalmologists can exceed $1 million a year. It’s easy to see why many medical students choose higher-paid specialties.
Until the provincial government and the Drs of BC Association recognize that family physicians are the cornerstone of the health system and pay them accordingly, the shortage will persist.
A more balanced structure is needed; it’s hard to justify a system where some specialists can earn over $1-2 million a year while primary care, the foundation of the health care, remains underfunded.
Perham
Electric scooters now included in city’s highways bylaw
So, who will be enforcing these rules?
Will the vendor be required to include a copy of the pertinent by-law so that all purchasers are aware of the rules (i.e. it’s a sidewalk, pedestrians only). Are there age restrictions for operating an “e-vehicle” on public roadways?
76tech
Show of support from city committee for North Coast Transmission Line
What is the source of all this electricity?
Don’t mention extremely costly inefficient wind generation. That is a non-starter.
Will Highway 37 be upgraded to handle all this industrial traffic?
How about the railway to Dease Lake? Will it be made operational?
There are plans afoot that Alberta and the U.S. will partner to build a railway to Alaska tide water bypassing BC. Now why would they want to bypass BC?
Get off the climate change scam. Our emissions don’t even register against China, India, US. Carbon tax only adds costs to these projects.
Then there are the mountains of red tape that industrial projects have to mine through. Now here is the elephant in the room: land ownership!
HeeHaw
Rural residents reeling after flames claim community hall
MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
The loss of the Nukko Lake Community Hall has residents worried and saddened after losing a staple of their community.
The community hall burned down in the early morning hours of Thursday, Nov. 6, and residents reported that the community came together to prevent the fire from spreading.
Joanne Foot, a Nukko Lake resident who lives close to the hall, described what occurred the night of the fire.
“The fire started on the left side of the building, the same side as the gas meter,” said Foot. “RCMP came. Fortis was called because there was blowing gas from the meter. No fire protection out here, so we were very fortunate with the weather conditions. Another community member got his water pump and hose to keep it down on the right side from going to another house where no one was home, as it is a summer residence.”
RCMP told The Citizen that despitre Nukko Lake being outside the local volunteer fire halls’ jurisdiction, they were called to assist with safety during the blaze.
Work crews are installing temporary fencing around the site ahead of a fire investigation. The fire is not considered suspicious.
Community members in Nukko Lake were greatly saddened by the loss, as the hall has been used since the 1940s for weddings, celebrations of life, community social events and more.
“Everybody’s got memories of that space,” said community member Jim McNichol. “Even if you didn’t grow up here, if you talk to anybody who lives on the Hart Highway, they’ll tell you the same thing — it’s a necessity. We may be a little closer to town because we have vehicles now, but it’s still a necessity. If you look at some of the pictures that have been posted on Facebook, this wasn’t even a two-lane road at one time. It was just a dirt road leading out here. So the importance of a community centre in a small community like Nukko
Lake — it’s the heart of the community.”
Another longtime resident whose son was married in the hall was also feeling the loss of the space following Thursday’s blaze.
“It is a community hub,” said the resident. “The kids had sports in it. A lot of women had craft sales. There was a bingo thing. There was always something happening. We don’t know what’s going to happen now.”
Juanita Fraser has lived in Nukko Lake and has played a prominent role in the hall’s operation.
“I have sat on the recreation commission for maybe not quite 40 years,” said Fraser. “I have lived in the community my whole life. The land was donated by community members in 1947, and then other community members donated supplies and labour to build the hall with minimal cost.
“The hall has always been a huge part of our community, providing events throughout the years, watching changes come and go. The wonderful volunteers we have had over the years — they have been wonderful. We try to do things for everyone. I will for sure miss the hall. I’ve spent plenty of years volunteering at our community hall. It will be nice to have it rebuilt as it was — our community needs our hall.”
Another resident expressed
Nukko Lake resident Joanne Foot alerted the public to the community hall fire with a photo and Facebook post early Thursday, Nov. 6.
dissatisfaction that the region does not have a dedicated volunteer fire hall that could have mitigated damage to the hall.
This resident previously lived in Ness Lake and remembered when that community brought a fire hall to the area despite a debate among residents.
“The biggest thing that people objected to was the fact that the taxes were all going to go up. Well, also your insurance would go down quite a bit if you had fire coverage,” said the resident. “They all got together and they built a fire hall over there. We have no protection out here because there are
too many people who say it isn’t necessary. I tend to disagree, but I’m only one person.”
Brad Burgen, who runs the Lakes Community Church, has seen the impact the space has had since the COVID-19 pandemic and is saddened by the loss.
“There are two things, right? It’s the memories of the past that have just been destroyed — the last kind of touchstone to those days is gone,” said Burgen. “Since COVID, it’s been slowly and surely making a comeback. The momentum, I think, is also gone and that’s a really sad thing.”
He added that he has spoken to community residents about the loss recently and told The Citizen how he’s seen the loss affect the community.
“The one main lady who’s kind of been involved in this all of her life, probably dating back to the early ’60s,” said Burgen. “She has been sick in recent years, but she’s still kept up with it. This is just a devastating loss for her. I guess she’s always just had this to do, right? Like she’s always had bingo nights to go to. I guess the folks that I’ve talked to mostly, they just kind of recounted that — I got married here, I had my graduation party here, I did all these different things here. It’s kind of like, you know that feeling when you move away from your childhood home and then your parents sell it? It’s kind of like that, except it got burned to the ground.”
Despite the loss, plans are already underway to meet and discuss the possibility of reconstruction or alternate spaces.
Burgen added that he has offered up the basement of the Lakes Community Church for event use in the interim.
“We’re all good friends out here, we’re all part of the same community and family,” said Burgen. “They’ve helped us in the past with certain things. We’ve helped them put on Mother’s Day Breakfast and Father’s Day Breakfast. That’s just part of what we want to do as a community. They’ve always been really welcoming to us to help them with that. I know they’d do the same for us.”
CITIZEN PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER
Smoke rises from rubble left over from a fire that destroyed the Nukko Lake Community Hall on Thursday, Nov. 6.
JOANNE FOOT/FACEBOOK PHOTO
Eastview fire causes $150K in damages, nobody hurt
Crews from three halls were able to quickly put it out
MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
Prince George Fire Rescue crews from three halls responded to a structure fire in the Eastview neighbourhood at approximately 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
They found the structure engulfed in smoke, and were able to put out the fire shortly after arrival using an aggressive interior attack.
Smoke was visible in the sky from a distance away.
Fifteen firefighters in total responded to the call to the College Heights home.
Fire Chief Brian Burleigh was on scene and spoke to The Citizen
“Crews came to a report of a structure fire,” said Burleigh. “On arrival, they found smoke coming from (a) side window.”
The fire was compartmentalized in a bedroom and was quickly contained, he said.
A boat inside a shed outside a home on Oxford Drive shows fire damage on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Motorboat and outbuilding are damaged in College Heights blaze
MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
City firefighters were called to an outbuilding fire at a home on the 5700 block of Oxford Drive Tuesday, Nov. 4, Prince George Fire Rescue reports.
Crews from two halls were sent to the fire at about 8:30 a.m.
Crews found a detached shop with heavy smoke coming from the roofline. The fire was quickly extinguished. No occupants or firefighters were injured. Damages to the building and its contents, including a boat, were estimated at $50,000
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
There were no injuries to occupants or firefighters. The home’s occupants were all safe outside when fire crews arrived.
Damage to the home is estimated at $150,000.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER
City firefighters take a breather after dealing with a house fire on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Damage can be seen in a window to the right of them.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER
Life sentence for killer in courthouse stabbing case
Charlene Alexander will not be eligible for parole for at least 10 years
BOB MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The 60-year-old woman who murdered Jessie-Mae Hayward-Lines outside the Prince George courthouse more than five years ago was sentenced Tuesday, Nov. 4 to at least 10 years in prison without parole.
BC Supreme Court Justice Neena Sharma, in her oral decision, emphasized that Charlene Jane Alexander was officially convicted last year of an offence that carries an automatic life sentence.
“The issue before me is the period of parole ineligibility,” Sharma said.
On July 2, 2020, Hayward-Lines, who was homeless at the time, plugged a speaker into a lamppost on the plaza and danced to music over the course of two hours. Alexander crossed the street to confront her twice before returning to the Association Advocating For Women And Community shelter to retrieve her knife.
She returned to the plaza and stabbed Hayward-Lines three times in the chest at 10:06 p.m. Hayward-Lines immediately called 911 and an ambulance rushed her to emergency surgery at the hospital. But the 26-year-old succumbed to her injuries and was taken off life support just before 5 a.m. on July 3, 2020.
Crown prosecutor Tyler Bauman asked for at least 12 years without parole, while defence lawyer Lisa Helps wanted the minimum 10.
“The sentence I’m imposing does not guarantee that Ms. Alexander will get paroled. That is up to the parole board, it is also up to her,” Sharma said. “It’s up to her to continue the steps she’s taken and, moreover, whenever she’s released, she remains under supervision of correction services. Should she relapse, there will be consequences for that.”
Bauman acknowledged Alexander’s
A
lack of criminal record, but questioned the genuineness of her expression of remorse. Helps, Sharma said, told court that the “analysis of the events ought to be more contextual and nuanced.” Both perpetrator and victim were homeless and living on the streets for a period of time.
Sharma reviewed Alexander’s life history, particularly the physical and psychological abuse at Lejac Indian Residential School and being the victim of sexual abuse and assault by both family members and intimate partners. Most of her adult life has been spent addicted to drugs and alcohol and consumed by anger.
“She since learned to walk away from situations that make her feel angry and she isolates herself,” Sharma said. “She attends a healing circle every Saturday, and she resorts to prayer or beading as means of calming herself.”
Sharma also took into account the victim impact statements from Hayward-Lines’s mother, grandmother and cousins.
Cousin Kayla Hayward, an outreach worker, said she has a hard time being in the area around the courthouse.
In a statement she read in B.C. Supreme Court at Alexander’s sentencing hearing, Hayward told Justice Neena Sharma that Jessie-Mae saved her eldest daughter’s life after a Saint Bernard dog attacked her.
“I will forever be in regret of that day I took your daughter, sister, your granddaughter, cousin and friend,” Alexander said. “There is nothing I can say or do to bring her back to you. I will do my very best to better myself, I have learned from this tragedy.”
During her submissions, Helps said her client is sober and “has learned a different way of life” while waiting in custody. She said she will be in an excellent position to reintegrate and not be a risk to anyone in society. The proposed 10-year sentence will provide denunciation and deterrence for the crime that carries a maximum sentence of 25 years, but “doesn’t mean she’s getting out at 10 years. It means she can start applying.”
Grandmother Irene Lindstrom bluntly described her feelings about Alexander: “I am so mad at her, I could bite nails in two.”
Lindstrom’s letter included a broken heart at the bottom.
Cousin Kelsey Hansen recalled seeing Jessie-Mae at the end of June 2020, when she came by to get some acrylic paint.
“She was very artistic,” Kelsey Hansen wrote. “Jessie-Mae and I went for lunch and hung out for a bit. Only if I knew that was going to be my last time with her.”
The judge remarked on a common theme, that Jessie-Mae was a loving ray of light.
“She made the world a brighter place just by existing in it and that she was a great part of everyone,” Sharma said. “Another statement was that they missed her spunky attitude and her beautiful soul, and that she brightened her day every time.”
On the first day of the sentencing hearing, a court worker read mother Paula Hayward’s statement. It said no matter how many years Alexander spends in prison, “I have the life sentence, I do not get to witness Jessie-Mae, in her happiness, have a child, fall in love, get married.”
Before Sharma’s decision, Alexander apologized to the loved ones of Hayward-Lines.
Helps quoted from pre-sentencing reports, including one that focuses on Alexander’s Indigenous suffering. She said Alexander was traumatized between the ages of three and four by seeing her deceased baby brother wrapped in sheets before he was buried. She lived in a chaotic environment where alcoholism was normalized before attending the Lejac Residential School at age five where she was sexually assaulted.
“She is harmed in ways that we should be abhorrent of,” Helps said. “She only went home three times between the age of five and 13. She talks about being lonely and confused.”
Helps said that, when she came home, a family member molested her. That led to decades of drug abuse.
Both of her eardrums were replaced before age 40. Before the murder, she had been experiencing double vision and blurry vision for months. Through the years she has experienced memory loss and confusion, Helps said, “at times, forgetting what she is saying or doing and experiencing confusion in her memories.”
Sentencing was delayed after Sharma agreed May 21 to a defence application for Alexander to undergo assessment to determine whether she was fit to continue. Helps told Sharma on Sept. 4 that Alexander’s fitness had been established.
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
judge handed down the sentence for a woman who stabbed another woman to death outside the Prince George courthouse in 2020.
Woman who assaulted workers now banned from two local shelters
BOB MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A 37-year-old woman guilty of assaulting workers at two Prince George homeless shelters was sentenced to time served and one-year probation on Thursday, Nov. 6 in Provincial Court.
Judge Cassandra Malfair officially sentenced Monique Lee Willey to a combined 105 days in jail, but she had spent 70 days in custody and qualified for enhanced credit.
Malfair prohibited Willey from going within 10 metres of Active Support Against Poverty (ASAP) at 590 Dominion St. and Association Advocating for Women and Community (AWAC) at 144 George St.
Court heard that, on March 30, 2023, a staff member at ASAP called Prince George RCMP to report Willey had assaulted her after Willey was informed
she was banned from the shelter.
Willey grabbed a marker off a desk and the employee followed her in an attempt to take it back. Willey slapped the woman in the face and left on foot.
On Dec. 3, 2024, an AWAC staff member reported to police that Willey swore at her and hit her several times before fleeing on foot.
Malfair said shelter workers are put at risk.
“Shelter workers need to know that the courts will defend their safety and take their safety into account when dealing with persons who attack them while they’re trying to carry out their duties, which are difficult ones and ones that serve a great public interest and common good,” Malfair said.
Willey’s record includes 20 prior breaches of court orders and convictions for drug trafficking and break and enter. She has been convicted 14 times
Judge unhappy about having to ‘rubber-stamp’ plea bargain
BOB MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A Provincial Court judge in Prince George sentenced a man to 12 months probation on Wednesday, Nov. 5, but not before commenting on the way the plea bargain came to be.
Wilfred Charles Duncan, 39, maintained his not guilty plea to a charge that he wilfully resisted or obstructed a peace officer on Dec. 27, 2024 in Prince George. He instead pleaded guilty to the lesser and included offence of causing a disturbance. The arrangement was agreed at a closed-door pretrial conference with another judge.
Judge Michael Brecknell said that he has previously expressed his displeasure to “the powers that be at the chief judge’s office” about having to rubber stamp orders made in private.
“Some citizens are going to say, why
did this judge give this person such a light sentence?” Brecknell said. “So then I end up being the person who wears it and I had nothing to do with making it. That’s not your problem, it’s just me ranting.”
The online court file shows Duncan appeared for an Oct. 2 pretrial conference by video through Surrey court.
Duncan’s lawyer, Charles Hutchinson, earlier said his client, a status First Nation member, “strongly contests” that he was resisting arrest. Duncan had been sober for three years before the incident and returned to counselling in January.
“We have lots of video surveillance, body cam footage, etc.,” Hutchinson said. “The matter was contested and this resolution was suggested through the pre-trial conference process as an adequate resolution, given the facts that were admitted and could be proven based on that.
Shelter
workers need to know that the courts will defend their safety and take their safety into account when dealing with persons who attack them while they’re trying to carry out their duties.”
of possessing stolen property and, in 2020, was sent to jail for 13 months and put on probation for two years for assault causing bodily harm.
Defence lawyer James Emmons said Willey told him she had been diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar disorder.
No bail in theft, assault case
BOB MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A man accused of assault with a weapon, break and enter, theft and mischief will remain in jail after a BC Supreme Court judge agreed with a lower court judge at a Thursday, Nov. 6 Prince George hearing.
Lee Andrew Backer-Forsythe, born in 1992, is facing seven charges and two allegations of breaching a conditional sentence for alleged offences between August 2023 and April 2025 in Quesnel.
After Backer-Forsythe had been granted bail in October 2024, he was charged with two more offences. A judge issued an arrest warrant when he failed to show for a March preliminary hearing. He was denied bail in Provincial Court in April. Justice Matthew Taylor ruled that the judge did not err in choosing to keep Backer-Forsythe in custody.
Judge lectures teen girl involved in swarming assault
She and others lured another girl to a park where she was beaten up and robbed
BOB MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A Provincial Court judge in Prince George delivered a scathing rebuke on Wednesday, Nov. 5 to a 15-year-old girl who pleaded guilty to participating in a swarming assault on a younger girl more than two years ago.
Court heard that the the victim had been rumoured to have called the guilty girl a “bitch.”
The alleged target of the insult told the victim on Sept. 24, 2023 at the Pine Centre Mall that she was over the issue and invited her to hang out. But it was a ruse.
The guilty girl conspired with others to lure the 12-year-old victim to Lorne Park where she was pulled to the ground by her hair and repeatedly kicked while another girl recorded a video of the attack for posting on a social media channel.
The victim suffered a bloodied nose and concussion and her AirPods were stolen.
“If you had a beef with this person and the two of you wanted to go and settle it with physical altercation — that’s
not my recommended way of doing things — but you could do that, but you brought others,” said Judge Michael Brecknell.
“Why did you bring others? You only brought others because you wanted to overwhelm the victim, and she suffered injury.”
Brecknell accepted the 12-month conditional discharge sentence with probation that was proposed by Crown and defence lawyers.
The girl was scheduled to go on trial Nov. 14, but the victim and her mother told the Crown that she would not testify because of anxiety.
Instead, they wanted the guilty girl to undergo rehabilitation because she is
Indigenous.
“I think you should keep in mind that the level of empathy that your victim and her family have had towards you,” Brecknell continued.
“In other words, they don’t want you to suffer unduly. That level of empathy, in my view, is far more than you probably deserve. I’m not even sure you comprehend how generous they’re being in their thoughts towards you.”
On July 16, Judge Cassandra Malfair sentenced a co-accused to a one-year conditional discharge.
Neither the guilty girls nor the victim can be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Stabbing, bail violation nets man another 77 days in jail
BOB MACKIN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A 47-year-old man who pleaded guilty to stabbing another man in Prince George last year and breaching a release order in Abbotsford last summer was sentenced Nov. 3 to another 77 days in jail.
James Robert Maurice, who appeared remotely from the Surrey Pretrial Services Centre jail, was officially sentenced to nine months for assault with a weapon and 30 days consecutive for breaching bail. But he qualified for 227 days time-served credit. After his sentence, he will be on probation for a year.
Charges of wilfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer, breach of probation order and aggravated assault were stayed.
“Luckily for you, the complainant didn’t receive any serious injury, but if you’d struck an organ or something else, the outcome might have been very different,” Provincial Court Judge Cassandra Malfair said to Maurice. “You have multiple prior convictions for violence.”
That includes the most recent, a year for assault with a weapon in April 2023.
Court heard that on June 17, 2024,
Prince George RCMP officers were called to the Ketso Yoh Centre shelter after Maurice stabbed a man with a knife in the shape of a handgun. Officers found Maurice wearing a change of clothing and apprehended him after a foot chase.
Two women were arrested at the Association Advocating For Women And Community shelter, but not charged. Police found the weapon and Maurice’s blood-stained white hoodie.
On Aug. 2, Maurice was supposed to be at the VisionQuest recovery centre according to his bail conditions. Police in Abbotsford found he did not have written permission from a bail supervisor to reside elsewhere.
“Incidental to arrest, (Abbotsford Police) members located a folding knife and a crystal meth pipe in his front pocket,” said Crown prosecutor Anne Baines.
Rather than VisionQuest, Maurice was staying at the Into Action recovery centre.
“So he left VisionQuest, but VisionQuest didn’t report that?” Malfair asked.
Said Baines: “That sounds like the case. I think it was very short turnaround, your honour, just a day or so difference.”
Defence lawyer James Emmons said Maurice grew up in Prince George and Quesnel, a victim of abuse. Both parents
struggled with drug addiction and Maurice, at age 12 or 13, said he discovered his father dead of suicide.
“It has haunted him since that time, he tells me,” Emmons said.
Maurice moved in with an abusive stepfather, who would later be murdered over a cocaine dispute.
Emmons said Maurice has survived fentanyl overdoses, but completed a six-month program at VisionQuest last April.
“Mr. Maurice has told me he would like to go back to VisionQuest, it was a successful program for him,” Emmons said. “He’d been clean for the first time in his life.”
RDNE STOCK PROJECT/PEXELS PHOTO
A man who stabbed a person in Prince George last year will serve another 77 days behind bars after appearing in court via video from a jail in Surrey.
RCMP adds special unit to deal with downtown disorder
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
The Prince George RCMP have established an eight-officer downtown team to respond to street disorder after visits from government and high-ranking police officials last week, according to a release issued by the City of Prince George on Thursday, Nov. 6.
The release said that senior city staff and members of city council met with Glen Lewis, an assistant deputy minister and director of policing and law enforcement for the BC Government, Asst. Commissioner for the BC RCMP John Brewer and RCMP North District Chief Supt. Ken Floyd.
That visit included a tour of the city’s downtown and roundtable discussions “to highlight ongoing public safety concerns, staffing challenges, and opportunities for the province to provide support for treatment facilities, drop-in centres, and other services for
PG RCMP have two empty lots between 15th and 17th Avenues on Victoria Street cordoned off as officers and detectives probed the area on Nov. 7, 2024.
vulnerable residents.”
After that visit, the release said, Prince George RCMP officer-in-charge Supt. Darin Rappel announced the creation of the eight-officer team for the downtown zone.
That team “has been assigned to respond to street disorder, including shoplifting, mischief, arson, disturbances, assaults, overdose assists with Emergency Health Services, and
Encampment cleanup continues
drug-related offences. Two members will be on each shift, seven days a week, supplemented by overtime shifts.”
According to the release, the RCMP is co-ordinating with the city’s bylaw services department and Prince George Fire Rescue where possible and will have “zero tolerance for fire-related incidents.”
As the city cannot direct RCMP
operations, the release said that it will continue to advocate for bail reform, stronger criminal justice measures and additional mental health and supportive housing services with the provincial and federal governments.
City manager Walter Babicz was quoted in the release as saying the visit was not a one-off conversation.
“Maintaining communication between the city and the province remains a top priority, and we are committed to seeing tangible results from our advocacy efforts,” Babicz said.
“We know residents continue to feel frustrated by public safety issues, particularly downtown, and we want to assure the community that addressing these concerns is a high priority.”
The release concluded by saying that the city is working on arranging a visit by more provincial officials, including Premier David Eby, to allow residents to share their perspectives and continue these discussions.
GREAT WHITE
CITIZEN PHOTO BY COLIN SLARK
Work crews continue the cleanup of the former Moccasin Flats encampment on Lower Patricia Boulevard on Thursday, Nov. 6. Bylaw officers were also seen removing materials surrounding a fifth-wheel trailer that has been parked at the site for months. There are a handful of people still living on the site, which was ordered closed by the city after a court ruling earlier this year.
A business-oriented future for old Wildwood school
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
The current owners of the former Wildwood Elementary School received a temporary use permit at the Monday, Nov. 3 Prince George city council meeting that will allow them to rent out parts of the building at 8400 Hart Highway for a variety of businesses.
A report written by city staff for the meeting said that the TUP would allow owners S.P.K. Gill Enterprises Ltd. to allow a daycare with up to 100 kids, a preschool with up to 20 kids and a free-running (parkour) facility at the school, which was closed by School District 57 in 2003.
However, after The Citizen published an online story about the item on Oct. 30, a woman identifying herself as one of the tenants at the former school reached out to say that the proposed parkour business wasn’t going forward.
Instead, Kate Kidd said, she intends to open a business called Sensory Sources offering a sensory space and indoor playground aimed at neurodivergent kids.
“We took over the school in May, but we really just started renovations here over the last couple months,” Kidd said in an Oct. 31 phone interview. “I’m planning for the sensory space to be open by February, March at the very latest.”
She said there will be a climbing structure, sensory swings, monkey bars and other objects geared primarily towards neurodivergent kids but open to all
The former Wildwood school on the Hart Highway, closed since 2003, will become home to a daycare and a new indoor playground for children with special sensory needs.
children.
There will also be a sensory room with bubble tubes, lighting features and more.
“It’s basically all about regulating your emotion and just having a space to get your gross motor play in, things like that,” Kidd said.
The intent is to have the sensory space and playground operate on a drop-in basis at first and then progress to offering more structure programming.
While AiMHi has a type of sensory space called a Snoezelen Room, Kidd said she’s heard from local parents that there’s a demand for more places like it in Prince George.
“We’ve been working on finding a space to do this for a few years now,” she said.
“It’s just finding an affordable commercial space is very difficult. My
background is working with children … and we’ve noticed that there’s nothing in the area that serves that besides indoor playgrounds, which can tend to be very loud and busy and crazy for children on the (autism) spectrum. We just wanted to provide a better space for those kids.”
During the winter, when the contractors have more time on their hands, Kidd said they’ll work on renovating the school’s old gym to turn it into a rentable event space.
She said her background is in early childhood education and eventually she hopes to both open a preschool and offer daycare services for people attending events at the event space.
At the Nov. 3 meeting, city staff handed out a package containing late additions to the agenda.
That included a letter from Alisha Neuman of Nanaimo, who introduced
herself as the executive director of the daycare looking to go into the school, ILA Child Care.
Neuman said she is a University of Northern BC graduate returning to her hometown for this project after spending time elsewhere in the province.
She said the 100 spaces at the daycare would “include infant and toddler programs, which are in particularly high demand and critically undersupplied throughout the region.”
To this point, Neuman said the company had already invested $200,000 to develop the site to meet operational requirements and provincial licensing.
Concluding, she asked that council grant the TUP and said she would attend the meeting to answer any questions that council might have.
Also included in the package was a letter of support from Lorne Wildi, who said he lives in the adjacent Wildwood Trailer Park.
“They have done an amazing job of cleaning up the outside,” Wildi said. “I think their permit should be accepted. It would certainly be a positive change for the neighbourhood.”
During the meeting, director of planning and buildings Deanna Wasnik said the owners were looking to apply for a formal rezoning during the duration of the TUP.
Vote summary
• Council grants a three-year temporary use permit to the owners of 8400 Hart Highway: approved unanimously.
Mill to invest in ‘next generation’ of forestry professionals
ED HITCHINS
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
FORT ST. JOHN — More investment in education will come for a building products company with a heavy presence in the Peace region.
LP Building Solutions, a company with mills in both Fort St. John and Dawson Creek, announced during National Forest Products Week in Nashville,
Tennessee that it will expand its partnerships with ForestryWorks and the First Nations Forestry Council in October.
LP Building Solutions has had a presence in Dawson Creek with an oriented strand board (OSB) wood plant siding mill since 1987, which was converted into a siding plant in 2019, and an OSB mill in Fort St. John since 2005.
ForestryWorks is part of the Forestry Workforce Training Institute, founded in
2018 with its headquarters in Alabama. Its aim is to “provide education, career awareness and hands-on training to build a strong pipeline of skilled forestry workers.”
The First Nations Forestry Council will continue to provide scholarships for First Nations students in the Indigenous Forestry Scholarship Program.
BC First Nations Forestry Council chief executive officer Lennard Joe
said LP Building Solutions’ investment “reflects a commitment to workplace diversity.”
LP Building Solutions’ representatives issued a statement to Energeticcity. ca, saying the partnership “combines classroom learning with a paid practicum and mentorship from industry professionals.”
This story originally appeared at energeticccity.ca.
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Show of city support for North Coast Transmission Line
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
Prince George’s Standing Committee on intergovernmental Affairs voted at its Tuesday, Nov. 4 meeting to send letters to each of the city’s three Conservative MLAs affirming its support for the provincial government’s North Coast Transmission Line project.
The project is aimed at twinning the 500-kilovolt electrical transmission line between Prince George and the Skeena substation near Terrace to help provide power for natural resources projects and liquified natural gas terminals along the north coast and in northwest BC.
Back on Oct. 20, Energy Minister Adrian Dix introduced legislation that would fast-track the estimated $6 billion project.
Premier David Eby then raised the
stakes by saying that a defeat of the bill in the BC Legislature would be treated as a non-confidence motion, sending the province to an early election.
While the NDP has a one-seat majority in the legislature and a confidence and supply agreement with the Green Party, both the Greens and the BC Conservatives have voiced opposition to the bill.
The Conservatives even tried to delay consideration of the bill for six months with a hoist motion, that was defeated by a margin of 48 to 40 votes.
Bill 31, called the Energy Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, received second reading in the legislature on Oct. 29 and will now proceed to the committee stage.
A report by Coun. Garth Frizzell presented at the city’s Nov. 3 committee meeting stated that the development of the transmission line is anticipated to
provide important economic opportunities for Prince George and communities between it and Terrace and delaying the project “may have significant consequences for Prince George.”
Though Frizzell had left the meeting by the time the matter was discussed due to another commitment, the remaining committee members talked about whether to approve sending a draft letter to each of Prince George’s three MLAs voicing the city’s support for the project.
Addressed to Prince George-Valemount Conservative MLA Rosalyn Bird, Prince George-Mackenzie Conservative MLA Kiel Giddens and Prince GeorgeNorth Cariboo Conservative MLA Sheldon Clare, the letter outlines the potential economic and environmental benefits of the transmission line.
“Enabling reliable electricity access
throughout the north unlocks investment potential for industries such as mining, forestry, technology and clean energy,” the letter said.
“Also, the project provides opportunities for future expansion to more rural and remote areas, enhancing stability and connectivity. Finally, the transmission line carries climate and environmental benefits by reducing dependency on diesel, resulting in lowered greenhouses gas emissions, supporting BC and Canada’s net-zero commitments.”
The letter ends with the committee affirming their support for the project due to the local and regional benefits.
The remaining members of the committee in attendance — councillors Kyle Sampson, Susan Scott and Brian Skakun — approved sending letters substantially similar to Frizzell’s draft.
Artemis Gold announces new plan to expand drilling
TED CLARKE Citizen Staff
There’s gold in them thar hills.
Artemis Gold has already proven that with the success of its Blackwater Gold mine 160 kilometres southwest of Prince George since it went into full production in May.
Now the Vancouver-based company is expanding its horizons with the announcement that it will commence exploratory drilling on its 1,500 square-kilometre mining claim in the central Interior.
The initial $5 million drilling program will focus on 15 holes and the plan is to drill a total of between15,000 and 25,000 metres, work that’s expected to continue into early 2026. All but three of the high-priority drill sites are west of the existing mine, which sits on the slopes of Mount Davidson.
“Now that the Blackwater Mine has achieved commercial production and is operating above nameplate capacity, we are turning our attention to the highly prospective region around the mine,”
said Artemis CEO Dale Andres, in a prepared release.
“Over 30 drill targets within economic trucking distance of the existing processing facilities have already been identified,” he said.
“This initial drill program is expected to be part of a broader and longer-term regional exploration strategy over the next five to 10 years to fully test our large and highly prospective land
package.
“Regional exploration drilling, together with our continued optimization efforts and future expansion plans at the operation, aims to reveal the true potential at Blackwater and unlock further value for our shareholders.”
Artemis is taking advantage of extensive prospecting activities from 20092014 conducted by the former owners of Blackwater mine site, New Gold Inc.,
before Artemis purchased the project in August 2020.
The database made available to Artemis includes mapping surveys, ground and airborne geophysics, regional structural analysis and more than 40,000 rock, soil and till geochemical samples.
Artemis used conventional geoscience as well as artificial intelligence to analyze and reinterpret the historical data to help the company determine where it should conduct its drilling operations and mark follow-up targets in the Blackwater area, based on the lithological, geophysical and geochemical datasets.
“As part of this review, machine-learning algorithms were used to identify prospective patterns within these datasets and predict geological domains and potential zones of mineralization,” said Klaus Popelka, Artemis vice-president of mineral resources management.
“This led to the identification and ranking of more than 30 epithermal and porphyry targets through this combined exercise and the recommendation to further drill test these targets.”
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At left is the gold room at Blackwater Gold mine where the gold and silver extracted from the ore is poured into bricks to be sold on the commodities market.
Short delay for new Williams Lake hospital expansion
ANDIE MOLLINS Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Work on the Cariboo Memorial Hospital’s (CMH) new tower is shifting indoors now that construction of the exterior nears completion.
“Steady progress is being made,” said Karen Cooper, executive director of clinical operations for Interior Health’s (IH) Thompson Cariboo Rural region, in an interview with The Tribune.
Cooper said the hospital redevelopment design-builder — Graham Construction — has extended the completion date for the first phase of the project by a couple of months, pushing the opening date for the new tower from late 2026 to early 2027. However, their contract allows for only one extension, so Cooper expects the project will otherwise go ahead as scheduled.
“We’re all excited to be in the new space … but we still provide high-quality care,” Cooper said when asked how the delay might impact access to care. “It will be business as usual until then.”
Al Richmond, chair of the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District (CCRHD), commended the contractors for their work, noting they did a great job navigating the project through the COVID-19 pandemic, which itself presented delays.
“It’s unfortunate, but it’s not a significant delay,” Richmond said of the 59-day push for the completion of the project’s first phase.
Richmond toured the hospital’s new tower, which he said from the outside looks substantially complete, but there remains much to be done inside.
“It’s a really nice facility,” Richmond said, calling it a “massive build” for Williams Lake.
In the coming months, crews will be finishing touches on the new tower, such as installing floors, walls and ceilings, as well as working on electrical, heating and ventilation systems. Crews are also linking the existing hospital with the new tower.
Once phase one of the project is complete, services will move to the new tower, where the maternity unit will
As construction on the exterior of the new Cariboo Memorial Hospital tower nears completion, crews are now working to complete the inside. Phase 1 of the project is expected to open to the public in early 2027.
see one additional bed. Eight additional beds will also open in the new medical/ surgical inpatient unit, bringing the total to 28. Another eight inpatient beds are expected to become operational at a future date.
On the tower’s main level, the emergency department (ED) will move and expand from 11 to 23 bays, as well as include two trauma treatment bays, two specialized procedure rooms, an ambulance carport and a separate public entrance.
A big change is that care will now be provided in separate rooms in the ED.
“Instead of curtains around our beds it will be separate rooms … just really a much nicer experience for our patients,”
Cooper said.
Meanwhile, Graham Construction will begin work on the existing hospital building in early 2027, where the second floor will house a new Mental Health and Substance Use unit with eight beds.
“They will no longer have to travel to Kamloops,” Cooper said, explaining the unit will serve mainly patients in acute mental health crisis but will also include withdrawal treatment.
The current ED will become a space for ambulatory care for minor procedures where patients go for the day rather than be admitted to the hospital.
Phase 2 of the project will also see an academic space built on the third floor of the existing building for the
greatest equipment and technology it becomes a very attractive place to work,” Cooper said.
Richmond agreed. “It will modernize our hospital to present-day standards … and will help us attract health-care professionals,” he said of the redevelopment project.
Cooper added that seven graduating nurses began work at CMH this year and three new physicians have come to Williams Lake — one joined the ED team in August and the other two work as primary care providers, helping keep minor cases from ending up at the ED.
“I know that (recruitment) number will continue to go up,” Cooper said.
University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine.
“It will be a place to call their own,” Cooper said about the space where students on a practicum can learn. “We hope that creates a bit of a pipeline of future providers.”
The project, which currently remains on budget, is expected to be complete in 2029 and will include an interfaith space for traditional cultural and healing practices, smudging in patient rooms and 71 new parking stalls.
IH said it is collaborating with local nations to ensure local Indigenous culture is reflected in the hospital’s new design — such as through a sculpture at the hospital entrance, language translations on exterior and parking signage, and the use of native plant themes throughout the hospital’s interior design.
All this work has people such as city Coun. Sheila Boehm wondering how IH will staff expanding services in Williams Lake — a question she voiced during an Oct. 21 regular council meeting discussion about whether treatment facilities could help address homelessness.
Cooper told The Tribune IH has been doing early draws of operational dollars, allowing it to staff the hospital ahead of time so teams are ready once the redevelopment project is complete, which itself won’t hurt recruitment efforts.
“The two go together, when you have … a new space with the latest and
“Recruitment is a problem throughout Canada and throughout the world,” Richmond said. “We’re competing with Canadians across Canada and against the U.S.”
Upgrading facilities and improving the services available to health-care professionals in the region are a key part of recruitment and retention efforts. Richmond said the CCRHD dedicates $350,000 annually to ensure newly settled or locum care providers are well received and supported in the Cariboo. A point-of-contact person helps newcomers find appropriate accommodations and answers questions such as where to go to register their child for school.
Meanwhile, Cooper said the new Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC) in Williams Lake has been taking on patients who otherwise may end up in the emergency ward.
Since its opening in April 2025 to the date of the interview on Oct. 27, the UPCC has served a total of 7,832 patients — 961 (12 per cent) of whom were redirected to the emergency. With the CMH ED currently seeing an average of 61 patient visits per day, with recent highs in the 70s, wait times for emergency services have ranged from a low of one hour and five minutes in April to a high of one hour and 21 minutes in February. September’s average was one hour and 13 minutes.
This story originally appeared in The Williams Lake Tribune.
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Kitimat residents compensated for LNG annoyances
The new plant’s emissions sometimes smell like burning plastic or styrofoam
MATT SIMMONS
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
LNG Canada offered thousands of dollars in financial compensation to at least one Kitimat resident for their discretion around “additional incremental flaring and noise” from the gas liquefaction and export facility, according to a document reviewed by The Narwhal.
In return, the resident would agree to “not make any complaints or raise any concerns or objections with respect to LNG Canada, the LNG facility or the works with any third parties, including but not limited to members of the media, the (BC Energy Regulator) or the District of Kitimat” related to operations for around one week at the beginning of November.
The document, shared with The Narwhal by a source who asked that their name not be published, details how LNG Canada offered to pay more than $6,000 in estimated costs for the resident and their family to “relocate” around 200 kilometres away to Prince Rupert for a week — or stay and deal with the impacts.
By signing, the resident would agree to “release and forever discharge LNG Canada and its affiliates, shareholders, owners, agents, staff and representatives” from any legal actions against the company, including if the plant’s operations during this period led to “depreciation in property value, or damage to land or property.”
As The Narwhal previously reported, noise and emissions that smelled like “burnt plastic or burnt Styrofoam” from the LNG plant have been disrupting some residents’ daily lives for the past several months.
LNG Canada has been in its startup phase for more than a year and, since September 2024, has posted 25 notifications of planned and unplanned flaring events, where excess or waste gas is
LNG Canada’s Kitimat export terminal is seen in a file photo. The company has offered to compensate some residents of the community who had to move temporarily to Prince Rupert because of flaring and noise.
burnt off. The flame can reach more than 100 metres high.
LNG Canada did not directly answer questions about the details of the document but acknowledged it has “offered temporary relocation support to some residents during the start-up activity.”
“Flaring in this phase is a normal occurrence and can result in a period of elevated noise,” a spokesperson wrote in an emailed statement. “We continue to recognize that this may impact some residents living near the facility.”
The spokesperson declined to specify how many residents have been offered compensation.
Premier David Eby declined to comment and referred questions to the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions, which did not respond prior to publication.
LNG Canada is an estimated $40-billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project jointly owned by Shell, Petronas, PetroChina, Korea Gas and Mitsubishi. The consortium of companies started shipping overseas in late June.
Fossil fuel companies have long used financial compensation as a tool to win community support — and discourage opposition — to projects like pipelines
and processing facilities.
TC Energy, the company that built Coastal GasLink, which supplies gas to LNG Canada, included a clause in one leaked impact and benefit agreement that required a First Nations band council to “take all reasonable actions to persuade (community) members to not take any action, legal or otherwise, including any media or social media campaign, that may impede, hinder, frustrate, delay, stop or interfere” with the pipeline project.
It’s rare, however, for the public to see such a contract.
The compensation offered by LNG Canada to Kitimat residents does not specify wages lost as a result of temporarily relocating to Prince Rupert.
The anonymous source told The Narwhal they are aware of other Kitimat residents who signed similar agreements with LNG Canada but not the amount they were offered. They said a decline in construction jobs now that the facility is built and operating means many locals are feeling the “strain.”
“Families are focused on keeping the roof over their heads, and food on the table,” they said.
This story originally appeared in The Narwhal.
LNG Canada in Kitimat
• LNG Canada is a joint venture between Shell, PETRONAS, PetroChina, Mitsubishi Corporation, and KOGAS.
• It’s the largest private-sector investment in Canadian history, marking a generational opportunity for local and national economic growth.
• The facility exports liquefied natural gas (LNG) from abundant Canadian natural gas reserves to Asian markets, enhancing global energy security.
• LNG Canada operates under a 40-year export license with an initial capacity of 14 million tonnes per year; the first cargo was shipped in June 2025.
• The project emphasizes safety, environmental stewardship, and community collaboration, integrating local and Indigenous knowledge.
• Kitimat was selected for its ice-free port, infrastructure, and strong Indigenous partnerships.
• The facility features low-emission technologies, cogeneration, and BC Hydro power use to reduce greenhouse gases.
What’s happening in PG
Prince George Cougars vs Kamloops Blazers goes Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. at CN Centre, 2187 Ospika Blvd. For more information and tickets visit https:// www.ticketsnorth.ca/event_category/ hockey/
Christmas Faire goes Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 483 Gillett St. Save the date for the annual event featuring a fabulous potter, plus Bread and Buttercream Bakery, Brush with Soul, SoCoSoaps, puzzles, tatting and specialty items.
Flow & Focus: The Art of Watercolour Quick Sketching goes Friday, Nov. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Two Rivers Gallery, with Coral Ye Chen. Discover the joy of capturing life in motion with watercolour quick sketching. Coral Ye Chen guides participants through the balance of looseness and control — where spontaneity meets structure. Learn to analyze the value of your painting, strengthen your black-and-white contrast, and sharpen your observation skills. Perfect for artists who want to paint with freedom while maintaining a strong sense of design and light. Beginners welcome as participants can start from the basics and build confidence step by step. For ages 13+up. All materials included, please bring a notebook if you would like to take notes or take quick preliminary pencil sketches. Cost is $73.50. To register visit www.tworiversgallery.ca/ watercoloursketching
Cabin Fever is a fundraiser for the Prince George Backcountry Recreation Society that goes on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the PG Golf & Curling Club. This event includes live music, club presentations, a silent auction and door prizes and include a burger and beverage. This fundraiser will support the continued maintenance of the log cabins. Tickets are $40 at https://www. eventbrite.ca/e/cabin-fever-pgbrs-fundraiser-tickets-1727375910849
Immaculate Conception School Craft Fair goes Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 pm. at 3295 Cathedral Ave. Visit the Fair for some holiday cheer and crafts.
Get a jump start on your holiday shopping and support some local vendors.
Hiromi Goto Reads goes Friday, Nov. 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Books & Co., 1685 Third Ave. Come out for a reading by award-winning author. This event is part of the week-long 2025 IWAU (Inspiring Women Among Us) presented by UNBC. Hiromi Goto is a queer emigrant from Japan whose first novel, Chorus of Mushrooms, won the 1995 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize Best First Book. Rob Budde will also be doing a short reading to start the evening off.
Rustic Sign Paint Night at the Brewhouse goes Thursday, Nov. 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Canadian Brewhouse, 3026 Recplace Dr. This event is offered by Chantel’s Custom Creations. Choose a size, a stencil and your paint colours. All supplies and instructions included. For more details and to register visit https://chantelscustomcreations.com/
Prince George Cougars vs Lethbridge Hurricanes goes Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. at CN Centre, 2187 Ospika Blvd. For more information and tickets visit https://www.ticketsnorth.ca/ event_category/hockey/ Prince George Cougars vs Edmonton Oil Kings goes Saturday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m. at CN Centre, 2187 Ospika Blvd. For more information and tickets visit https://www.ticketsnorth.ca/ event_category/hockey/ Big Enuff Big Band presents Things That Swing! on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1488 Fifth, downtown PG. A tribute to the Swing Era, presented in ‘theatre style’ seating. This promises to be a great evening, featuring many of the classics from the greats including Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. For tickets visit www.showpass.com/ things-that-swing-2025/
The BC Old Time Fiddlers’ Dance goes Saturday, Nov. 22 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Senior Activity Centre, 425 Brunswick St. Live fiddle music will be performed so folks can do polkas, waltzes, two-steps, barn dances and called group dances. A great family event. Prizes and ice cream bar snacks included. Coffee, water, pop and chips available by donation. Everyone is welcome. Tickets at the door are only $10 for adults, children with parents are free.
Winter is Coming goes Sunday, Nov. 23 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Trinity United Church 3555 Fifth Ave. and is presented by the Prince George Conservatory of Music as part of their Chamber Music Concert Series. Music is for piano, voice, flute, violin and harp inspired by the changing of the seasons. Admission is pay-what-you-can.
Spirit of the North’s Festival of Trees goes Wednesday Nov. 26 to Sunday, Nov. 30 at CN Centre. At the new venue there’s more room for more tree displays and attractions embracing fresh ideas. With extended public hours, more to see and do than ever before, and stunning displays that delight guests of all ages, this year’s Festival promises to be the most spectacular celebration yet, building on 32 years of holiday magic in Northern BC. For more information and tickets visit www.ticketsnorth.ca/ event/2025-festival-of-trees/
A Legendary Christmas at the Prince George Gold & Curling Club goes Thursday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. and features Legends Live! Tribute Show. This is an all-ages show. It’s Elton John’s legendary holiday party and all he wants to do is celebrate and sing with his fabulous friends. Entertainment provided by Cory Hicks as Elton Enough, Kat Fullerton as Almost Marilyn, Audrey Layne as Basically Britney and Tyree Corfe as Pelvis. Seating starts at 5 p.m., show at 7. Ticket are $25 each at www.tee-on.com/PGGolf/ LegendsLive.
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CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT
Charlotte Ludwig turns the motor on to rotate one of the many mobiles at her CharlieG Sublimation booth during the CKS Craft Fair in the Kinsman Hall Sunday, Nov. 9. There are plenty of craft and artisan shows scheduled in the area in the weeks before Christmas.
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Whimsy & Wonder Holiday Market goes Friday, Nov. 28 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Two Rivers Gallery, 725 Civic Plaza. Shop and celebrate in a warm, joyful atmosphere filled with holiday music, offering a raffle featuring works made by spectacular artisans, a cozy café with warm drinks and sweet treats from The Open Door Cafe, and a magical Candy Cane Lane Craft Corner for kids. The market aligns with the 30th Annual Civic Light Up on Friday, Nov. 28.
Tabor Creek Band with Rick Stavely goes Friday Nov. 28 at 8:30 p.m. at Nelly’s Pub, 2274 John Hart Hwy. Great country music with favourite classic covers and some original songs that have been released worldwide. Tabor Creek Band is a local five-piece band featuring recording artist Rick Stavely.
Prince George Spruce Kings vs Chilliwack Chiefs goes Friday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. at Kopar Memorial Arena, 888 Dominion Street. For more information and tickets visit https://www.sprucekings.bc.ca/ tickets
Improv Shmimprov gets Old Timey on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. Improv is back from the past and an awesome night of improv comedy is in store. We’ve got new games and we’re not afraid to use them. Come, relax, have a drink. We will present live theatre, on stage, based on the audience suggestions. You bring the suggestions, we supply the funny. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 each at www.shmimprovimprov.ca/tickets
Elder Citizens Recreation Association Christmas Dinners go Sunday, Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. at 1692 Tenth Avenue. The meal is a traditional Christmas dinner. There will be live entertainment featuring the Theresa Jordan Band on Nov. 30 and Past Due Band on Dec. 6. There are door prizes and a 50/50 draw (must be in attendance to
win). Advance tickets only are on sale at the Centre for $25 each.
Golden Age Social goes Wednesday, Dec. 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Prince George Civic Centre, 808 Canada Games Way. This is a free event for seniors. There is refreshments and entertainment. Doors open at 1:30 and entertainment starts at 2 p.m.
Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland goes Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. at CN Centre. This new show combines breathtaking cirque artistry with favorite holiday music, creating an unforgettable evening for all ages. From dazzling acrobatics and high-flying aerial performances to heartwarming seasonal melodies, Cirque Musica brings the joy and wonder of the holidays to life. For more information and tickets visit www. ticketsnorth.Cirque
Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour goes Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. at The Prince George Playhouse, 2626 Recplace Dr. The Prince George Backcountry Recreation Society is hosting the Banff Mountain Film Festival this year. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students at pgbrs.org/events.
Winterfest 2025 goes Saturday, Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Civic Centre. One of the last big markets before Christmas! Food, drink, arts, crafts and
more! Come join us at the PG Civic Centre where the admission is free. Canadian Cancer Society is looking for Wheels of Hope drivers who make a significant impact on the lives of those battling cancer. By providing crucial transportation to treatment appointments you offer not only a ride but also a supportive presence. This role involves flexible scheduling, confirming travel arrangements, ensuring client safety while adhering to CCS policies. CCS will provide training as you join a dedicated team of more than 1600 volunteer drivers. Commit to a minimum of half a day to one day per week and be part of a mission to support and uplift those in need. For more information contact Wheels of Hope at 1-800-9393333 or email volunteer@cancer.ca or visit www.cancer.ca//living-with-cancer/ how-we-can-help/cancer-travel-and-accommodation-services-bc
Free Food Preservation Workshops go every Thursday and is presented by PG Aboriginal Business Development Centre, 1200 LaSalle Avenue. Want to learn how to make jam or pickle fresh veggies? No experience is needed. Just bring your curiosity. Participants will learn jam-making and vegetable pickling step by step. All supplies are provided and everything made will be shared among participants to take home.
Building community skills, one jar at a time. RSVP by calling Cheryl Doering at 250-562-6325 to register.
Craft & Chat at the main branch of the Prince George Public Library goes every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. in the magazine corner, second floor, where fibre artists are invited to bring their latest projects to share, vent frustrations, brag about successes, get and give help and join in lively discussions. Snacks provided. This event is in partnership with Great Northwest Fibre Fest.
Myeloma Support Group goes every third Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Commonwealth Financial, 575 Victoria St. Everyone is welcome who has been diagnosed, those who are caregivers, family members and friends. Wheelchair accessible parking at the back of the building. For more information call Viv Lougheed at 250-981-2618.
Parkinson Support Group meetings are the 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.
Trivia Night at Nancy O’s goes every other Wednesday at 8 p.m., 1261 Third Ave. There are three rounds per game, each round has five themed questions and five music questions. Book a spot by calling ahead at 250-562-8066. Open Mic at Nancy O’s goes every other Wednesday from 8 to 11 p.m. Open mic is hosted by Danny Bell and friends. Come on down and share songs, poetry, dance, stories, and anything else you can think to do on stage. All are welcome.
If you’ve got an event coming up email us at news@pgcitizen.ca to offer details including name of the event, the date, time and location, ticket price and where to get them and a little bit about what’s happening, too. LOCF
JAMES HASKINS PHOTO
The Big Enuff Big Band will perform at Knox Performance Centre on Saturday, Nov. 22.
Wilderness family finds new life in the woods
They share their adventures on their 80-acre homestead through YouTube
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff
Zero Alpha One One Remote Homestead.
It wasn’t making much sense when I first said it out loud, but now I can tell you the secret.
In the army, the call sign for the tank with the big boss in it is Zero Alpha. And the One One? Well, that’s because they started their love story on the 11th with an online chat, then met in person on the 11th — and that’s all it took for James and Dana to fall in love.
Let’s fast-forward a bit to 2021.
West of Prince George and south of Fraser Lake, there’s an 80-acre homestead that’s as off-grid as you can get, although the family does share its homesteading adventures through a bit of modern technology with a YouTube channel.
Bernie built the house, and it took him 16 years.
It felt like he was looking for just the right owners — and along came the young family that was sick of the city and the super stressful lifestyle that came with it.
When James and Dana kept moving further and further away from city life, they went from Toronto to Alberta, when finally Dana’s online search found the homestead of their dreams tucked away in the Middle of Nowhere, BC. That spurred the family to take the leap into a 3,000-square-foot home that is completely off-grid.
The water comes from a well, and the heat comes from two woodstoves and a 1930s cook stove.
The homesteaders go through 17 full cords of wood to keep the house warm in winter.
“And we’re at our warmest when it’s 40 below outside and all three stoves are blasting,” James said.
There are a few outbuildings but no traditional barn, and the shop is attached to the house for convenience’s sake.
There are rabbits, ducks and sheep to sustain the family, and they see moose, deer, bear, grizzly, coyotes and grouse come for visits regularly — with the rare visit from wolves, wolverines, cougars and lynx. And there are too many birds to count.
The hardest thing about remote homesteading for James was learning to see rabbits and ducks as food. The easiest thing about it is raising his boys, four and one, all day, every day, all year round.
James is from England and served in the military, so he’s seen some things.
“I’m a British army vet and I served in Iraq and Afghanistan in infantry,” James said.
“I joined at 16 and left at 24. After that I just couldn’t go back home, so I got a working holiday visa to Canada and
landed in Toronto.”
He got sponsored by a company doing underground pipeline rehabilitation, and a couple of years later he met Dana, who lived in Burlington, Ont.
They met, fell in love and married.
“And then our dream of leaving the Big Smoke began, so we packed up the condo and moved out west to Medicine Hat, Alta.,” James said.
That’s where he used to train in the military, and it was the only place he knew out west, so that’s where they started.
“I thought that might be a good place to go to meet some people and make some good connections,” James said.
“So we were fresh to the West, and we ended up moving to Okotoks for a job. I was doing construction and Dana found remote work for a company in Ontario. So working full time, we then had our son, Cruz, and we stayed for about eight or nine months. Then we realized city life still wasn’t for us, so I got a job at
a ranch in Tomahawk as a ranch hand and ended up cowboying for a couple of months.”
They were living on the ranch, but it was still a grind because it was all about the never-ending needs of the cattle.
James liked the being-outside part, but he’d rather enjoy it than work it like that.
He and Dana were all about camping in the bush, foraging and exploring in nature, he added.
“It was better than what we had, being at the ranch, but it wasn’t right for our family. Then one day I was in the shower after a night shift of calving when Dana sent me a text, ‘Look at this listing.’ We were always just kind of browsing anywhere and anything, and when she showed me this one after everything we had looked at, I thought, ‘Man, we’ve got to go and see this one.’”
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0a11 Remote Homestead is a YouTube channel run by a family living off the grid west of Prince George. In the photo are James and Dana with sons Salvatore and Cruz with their dogs.
YouTubers preparing to be snowed in for another winter
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Seven hours later, they had contacted the real estate agent, made arrangements to view it and put in an offer sight unseen in person.
“We hadn’t seen the property — we had a 40-second video of him walking around the house and property, and we looked at it and the house felt like home. I thought, ‘Is this place even real?’” James recalled the wonder of it all.
“We came to the property and met Bernie, who is a legend out here. He’s built multiple houses, some that have been burned by forest fires. So we came to look at the house and it was unbelievable. We came up the driveway and it was everything we wanted our house to be. We came from Toronto where our condo was worth $400,000, and this house cost $250,000-$300,000 — and what we got for our money is breathtaking.”
The property wasn’t an established homestead.
“It was a clean slate with a beautiful house and some logged land,” James said.
Bernie helped the couple settle in, teaching the ins and outs of rustic living. There’s maintenance and upkeep for the well, septic system and wood stove efficiency.
“He was always on hand,” James said.
“I’m from just outside London and Dana’s from just outside Toronto, so we’d never seen anything like it. He helped us out a lot, and four years later we still stay in contact with him.”
The homestead sits on a ridge with plenty of hills and valleys.
Over time, James, 34, and Dana, 38, have named a few spots on the property, including the Forbidden Forest, which always stays cool even in the scorching heat; Matchstick Hill, because it’s the poplar stand and matchsticks are made from poplar; Enchanted Forest, because it’s a beautiful place to be; and Bone Valley, where animal bones are discarded well away from the homestead. There’s Moose Forest, because that’s where the moose come down the hill on their way to the
river, and Dancing Ridge, because when the wind blows those trees always bend but never break — kind of like this family.
Days are spent hunting, fishing, foraging and exploring the land.
“I’ve found quartz out here, the berries are unbelievable, the wildlife is insane,” James said.
Because there is no more active logging in the area, the logging road they use to access the homestead is not maintained anymore.
They are snowed in for the winter, and this will be their second year prepping for that eventuality.
“We have to plan from spring ‘til fall — it’s all about preparing for winter — and we have to stock up for seven to eight months of living. If you forget something, that’s it — you have to make do without it,” James said.
People have suggested he get a snowmobile, but the risk of travelling such a distance in freezing temperatures is too great.
“Last year was our first winter being snowed in, and it went well,” James said.
Because they gained knowledge during that experience, they are coming into this year knowing better what they need and what they didn’t.
There are two freezers full of rabbit and duck. They rely on canned food they’ve prepared themselves, and the homestead continues to expand as time
road and set up your tent and explore and forage — and people in England would die for that,” James explained.
“So in Prince George you’re surrounded by bush but have all the amenities, but out here the alone is everything. We wanted to leave the city to free ourselves. In our spare time when we were living in the city, we would drive up deep into the mountains and camp on forest roads in a tent, me and Dana, before we had kids. We then realized that if that’s what we loved to do, we needed to find a lifestyle that replicates that.
goes by.
James said they’re not rich by any means, so everything develops slowly as they can afford it.
And when things go wrong?
“When you’re living in a city you can ring somebody to come fix it when the heat stops or the water stops. But here you can’t ring anybody — you have to learn to fix it yourself,” James said.
“That responsibility rests in your hands because you want your wife and kids to be warm and settled. It was a big change, but the more we live out here it seems it’s the only way to live. We can’t imagine going back to the other way now.”
The gardens failed the first couple of years because there was frost every single month.
They’ve figured it out a bit better now, but it’s still not ideal, so that continues to be a challenge.
James has turned to wood carving now, and that is ideal as a winter pastime.
“My boys are just thriving out here,” James said about Cruz, four, and Salvatore, one.
“They are total bush babies.”
James reflected on why this lifestyle appeals to him so much.
“In England you can’t find a remote spot and pitch your tent and go exploring. It’s all concrete. But here you can drive out of a city and find a logging
“So being in the bush — maybe not being as comfortable as you could be in life — but being in a place that is beautiful and in nature — is healing, and your mental clarity and mental health are really good. You keep active, and it’s just a great way to live. In spring and summer you work hard, and in winter it all calms down and you hibernate like the bears.”
In this day and age, social media is a big thing, and there’s a way to make money from posting online using different apps.
James first ventured into Instagram and TikTok, but has come to roost on YouTube, where the culture is a little kinder, people are a little gentler, the pace is a little slower and lasting connections can be made.
The family offers little glimpses into their homesteader lifestyle, and the sheep-chasing episode of 0a11 Remote Homestead is hilarious. In it, James is trying to chase down the little ram when he’s just not ready to retire for the evening, and it’s charming to watch the process and the cuddly moments at the end.
“I love YouTube, where people can watch longer videos and people enjoy watching those videos on their TVs,” James explained.
“Having a YouTube channel is just more suited for our homestead videos. I feel at home on YouTube, and I love it on there — and that’s where we’ll stay.”
To watch the 0a11 Remote Homestead introduction video, visit www. youtube.com/watch?v=2FfrhnEuZy0
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The family’s 80-acre homestead is located west of Prince George and features a cabin, a shop and several outbuildings atop a ridge.
All aboard! Extensive new playground welcomes kids
It features plenty of activities for children and is close to local daycare facilities
MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
Despite rain and clouds, dozens of local children from Lheidli Littles Lodge and Preschool North and Childcare were the first to test out the brand-new playground in Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park on Friday, Nov. 7.
The park includes a wheelchair-accessible train structure and spinning surface, climbing ropes, monkey bars and lots of slides and swings.
The playground also pays tribute to Prince George, with playground fixtures featuring local landmarks such as the Little Prince train, the Nechako and Fraser rivers, the fire engine that was a feature of the previous park, and, of course, Mr. PG.
One young playtester from a local daycare spoke to The Citizen about the new park.
“I really like the slides and swings,” the child said.
Another rave review described the new playground as “awesome,” while another child gave the seal of approval to the big slide and noted that the rain made them slide down much faster.
The space the current park stands on was previously home to the Rotary Playground, which was installed in 2000. That playground had reached the end of its life when it was deemed to no longer meet current play area design standards for accessibility. The wooden structure was also in poor condition, and a playground safety audit in 2021 recommended that reinvestment was necessary and should be a top priority for the city.
The playground renewal project that brought this new play space to life began in November 2024, following the removal of existing equipment to prepare for archaeological testing in the spring.
The city reports that the project was
both on time and under budget, despite the archaeological monitoring and site mitigation obligations required under the Heritage Conservation Act due to the cultural significance of the area to the Lheidli T’enneh.
Work began in May 2025 following the archaeological survey. The park itself was designed and built by Canadian Recreation Solutions.
The project also received a $30,000 grant from the Northern Development Initiative Trust Community Places program to help purchase new equipment.
The city reports that the renewal project to date has cost $2.75 million of its $3 million budget.
Mayor Simon Yu spoke to The Citizen about how important it was to him to see this project come to fruition.
“We have so many daycares around this area,” said Yu. “The French club daycare’s here, and the Lheidli T’enneh little lodge, the museum’s here, they always have a lot of elementary school kids visiting during the school year. With this piece of playground equipment here, the kids can have multiple events. They can stay here a little bit longer and get on the fire truck, have a picture taken with Mr. PG, and
Logan also said the new playground will benefit nearby daycares amid provincewide staffing issues.
“Now that they realize how close it is to the playground, enrollment should go up,” said Logan. “It’s not only enrollment — unfortunately, there are also staffing issues. It’s across BC, everyone’s having staffing issues and having trouble recruiting. That’s the main thing — to recruit and have them all stay here.”
Also attending was Michael Le Morvan, the project manager for the renewal.
Le Morvan was all smiles when he saw kids from nearby daycares enjoying the park and spoke to the media about how it felt to see his hard work come to fruition.
go down to the Fraser River run. This sort of thing is not just a symbol — the kids actually really learn while they’re playing.”
He added that personally, as a grandparent, he is excited to experience the park more often with the new equipment installed.
“I have quite a few grandchildren,” said Yu. “They all enjoy this. I have a lot more reasons to come down to this part of the park to enjoy my weekends. I’m sure many families throughout the region will come down here to enjoy this beautiful playground.”
Chief Dolleen Logan, who also spoke at the event, said she was particularly happy to see the playground built on an area so culturally significant to the Lheidli T’enneh.
“Children make you smile, right?” said Logan. “Every culture loves kids and seeing them happy and playing — and especially in this area. It’s our original village site, so we’re a little from here, and our active grave site is there. But this is a happy moment. These are the ones that make you smile and remember, and I know our elders are always smiling down on us, watching these kids play. They are amazing little buggers.”
“I think the moment for me when I knew that we did well was when I saw the kids’ reaction,” said Le Morvan. “This is the moment I was waiting for. No people from the construction — just to see the kids playing on it. This is what I wanted.”
He added that he’s heard some mixed comments from the local community during construction but was happy to see the impact it is now having.
“My problem is sometimes I see social media, I read comments and it can hurt, right?” said Le Morvan. “But I have to see the positive ones. I see what has been building up, and the excitement. Now that we see the result, it will be interesting — I think it’s going to be welcome, it’s going to be really positive. The judges are the kids, and if the kids are happy, we are going to be happy.”
He added that the project itself went relatively smoothly and that the completion date was only a week off the expected timeline.
“We said that it was going to be done by the fall,” said Le Morvan. “That was our target — end of October. We were having issues with some of the little pieces that were missing, and we didn’t want to open until those pieces were in place just for safety. So, probably we were like a week off. But in the context of time, we were actually well within the schedule.”
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
Children visit the wheelchair-accessible train, part of the fun at the opening of the new Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park playground on Friday, Nov. 7.
Huge art piece reflects residential school experiences
Artist travelled across Canada to collect artifacts and stories
MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff
The College of New Caledonia (CNC) has announced that it will soon host a new major art installation at its Quesnel campus, and shortly after, at its Prince George campus.
The exhibit, entitled The Witness Blanket, is the creation of artist Carey Newman.
It recognizes the experiences of survivors of residential schools and the ongoing journey toward truth and reconciliation.
Newman, whose traditional name is Hayalthkin’geme, is a multi-disciplinary Indigenous artist, master carver, filmmaker, author and public speaker.
Through his father he is Kwakwak’awakw from the Kukwekum, Giiksam, and WaWalaby’ie clans of northern Vancouver Island, and Coast Salish from Cheam of the Sto:lo Nation along the upper Fraser Valley. Through his mother his ancestors are of English, Irish and Scottish heritage.
Inspired by his father’s experiences at a residential school, Newman travelled across Canada in 2013–14 to collect items that tell stories of loss, strength, reconciliation and pride.
The exhibit is created from 887 reclaimed and donated objects from residential schools, churches, government buildings and cultural structures across Canada, and stands as a
reminder of — and symbol of — the Truth and Reconciliation movement.
The reclaimed objects include photographs, letters, bricks and fragments of the everyday lives of those in residential schools.
“The Witness Blanket helps us connect to truth in ways that are both emotional and educational,” said Jessie King, CNC’s vice-president, Indigenization.
“When we take time to listen, to reflect and to talk with one another, we create space for healing and understanding — one story, one person and one community at a time.”
The exhibition will be on display at the CNC Quesnel campus from Nov.
5 to 21 and at the CNC Prince George campus from Nov. 27 to Dec. 30.
The opening event at the Quesnel campus is a collaboration between the Quesnel Tillicum Society and CNC, and it is open to both the college community and the public. It was set to take place Thursday, Nov. 13 at 10 a.m.
CNC stated that the purpose of the event is to honour all Survivors of residential schools and to provide a safe space for Elders to share their stories and experiences.
The college will also show the documentary Picking Up the Pieces: The Making of The Witness Blanket, which follows Newman’s journey in creating
this monumental project.
The college stated that details for the Prince George opening event will be announced soon.
Admission is free, and members of the public, Survivors, Elders, students and local community organizations are warmly invited to visit The Witness Blanket during its time at both CNC campuses.
“We hope this exhibit will bring people together,” added King. “Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or returning to it, each visit offers a new opportunity to witness, to listen and to honour the truths held within these pieces.”
CNC PHOTO
The Witness Blanket by artist Carey Newman will go in display at College of New Caledonia campuses in Quesnel and Prince George.
Brewing up a new kind of local festival
More than 100 people attend one of the two two-hour sessions of the first ever Perk Up PG Coffee Festival, bringing together local roasters, coffee shops and coffee lovers at Two Rivers Art Galleray on Saturday, Nov. 8. Proceeds went to support the Nechako Karate Club’s high-performance athletes.
New Studio 2880 exhibit has 21 painters going small
CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff
Joined by the Brush 6x6 is the latest exhibit to grace the walls of the Feature Gallery at the Prince George and District Community Arts Council, featuring works from members of the Federation of Canadian Artists, Central Interior Chapter.
Offering a showcase of 38 works of sixinch by six-inch art, the opening night takes place Thursday, Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. at Studio 2880.
Twenty-one artists are featuring their work during the event, which highlights a wide array of styles — from minute details created with a three-hair brush to bold strokes that make a big impression on a tiny canvas.
“Because the Feature Gallery is not a huge space, we thought, let’s go with 6x6 paintings, and that has been quite successful in the past for Studio 2880,”
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Soon to Bloom by Megan Long will be featured during Joined by the Brush 6x6 an art exhibit at Studio 2880’s Feature Gallery.
said Wendy Framst, artist, illustrator, educator and member of the Federation of Canadian Artists.
“You’re going to see there are watercolour artists, acrylic artists and oil painters. As for the subject matter, everybody got to choose whatever subjects they wanted, so as you can imagine,
landscapes are a popular theme given that we live in such a beautiful area.
There are also some florals, still life and animal pieces. So there’s quite a variety of subject matter.”
For Framst, the six-inch-by-six-inch canvas is a different size to work with.
“I have done some very large paintings, and the smaller canvas appeals to me because I can focus on the detail,” she said.
“My students and I often joke, ‘Oh, Wendy’s getting out her three-haired brush again!’ This gives me the opportunity to paint really fine details — although not all of the artists do. You’re going to find some very bold work. They have to be really good artists to get across a big idea in a small space.”
Framst was teaching this fall, and one of the themes was waterfalls.
“So I focused on painting small waterfalls,” she said. “Those completed works are the ones I am submitting into this exhibit.”
The Federation of Canadian Artists is a long-standing group of artists from across the country, divided into chapters.
The Central Interior Chapter covers a large geographical area and includes members in Lac La Hache, Prince Rupert, Fort St. James and Quesnel, with the majority living in Prince George.
“When people come to see the exhibit, I hope they learn a little bit more about who our group is,” Framst said. “And I’m excited that they’re going to see so many different styles in so many different media in one place. It’s a really concentrated show.”
During opening night at Studio 2880, Framst will say a few words, and other artists are welcome to speak as well.
Everyone is welcome to attend opening night on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 5 p.m., and the exhibit will be on display until the seasonal shutdown.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT
Throwback Thursday: Week of November 13
Nov. 12, 1964: The founders of the new Prince George Home Builders’ Association take part in an organizational meeting. Seated were president George Creuzot (left) and B.J. Bernard, executive vice-president of the National Home Builders’ Association in Ottawa. Standing were Norman Kelsey (left), Wayne Thompson and Erwin Lindenbach, directors of the new local association, and George Olson, the association’s secretary. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
Nov. 14, 2014: Lyndia Susag, a chemistry instructor at the College of New Caledonia, reacted with a laugh after seeing how much hair Jody Vaughan had cut off during the Bald is Beautiful Shave-a-Thon for the Canadian Cancer Society. The event raised more than $3,300. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY
Nov. 12, 1982: Wes Mottishaw showed Citizen readers a broken microphone stand that was used by vandals to damage property and equipment at Studio 2880 during a break-in. The crooks smashed doors and sprayed fire extinguishers before trying to get into the gallery next door and attempting to break into a floor safe. Five young people were arrested at the scene; they didn’t realize they’d tripped a silent alarm. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY BROCK GABLE
Nov. 14, 1995: “Is the honeymoon over?” That was the question asked on the front page of The Citizen under a photo of a fan wearing a paper bag to show his frustration with the Cougars’ 10-3 loss to the TriCity Americans — the team’s 15th loss in a row. The Cougars had moved to Prince George from Victoria the year before. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY BRENT
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OT spotlight: Micaela Stevenson and Ashleigh Strydom
KATHRYN HARRINGTON Northern Health
It’s time to celebrate the vital role occupational therapists (OTs) and rehabilitation assistants (RAs) play in supporting health and well-being across Northern Health.
We’re shining a spotlight on two of our own — Micaela Stevenson and Ashleigh Strydom, who answered some questions jointly and others separately.
Describe your role as occupational therapists in your practice setting
As occupational therapists on the Inpatient Rehab Unit at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia, we work with clients to help them regain the skills and independence needed to perform activities of daily living.
Areas we support can include cognition and visual perception, arm and hand function, learning new strategies for getting dressed or making a meal, and more.
We often work with individuals who have sustained a stroke or amputation, or who have lost strength or muscle mass due to prolonged hospital stays. We also provide equipment, including wheelchairs and home safety devices, for discharge.
Our scope on the rehab unit is broad — we focus on function, safety, and quality of life, ensuring clients can manage everyday activities as independently as possible before returning home or moving on to the next stage of care.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
We value having the opportunity to support our clients as they work toward their goals and re-engage in the parts of their days that they find meaningful. It is rewarding to help a client re-learn how to get dressed, independently navigate in their wheelchair, or cook a favourite meal again.
With typical rehab unit admissions of four to eight weeks, we’re able to build strong therapeutic relationships and
witness progress and the impact it has on the lives of clients and their families.
How do you collaborate with other health-care professionals in your roles?
On the rehab unit, we work collaboratively with physiotherapists, rehabilitation assistants, social workers, speech-language pathologists, nurses, and health-care assistants to provide client-centred care.
As a team, we meet twice weekly to collaborate on goals, care plans, and discharge planning.
Can you share a moment that made you feel especially proud to be an OT?
Strydom: One of the most rewarding aspects of working on the rehab unit was the opportunity to incorporate kitchen-based therapy into my clients’ recovery.
Cooking engages a wide range of skills, including fine motor, visual-perceptual, attention, memory, and more. This past winter, I had the privilege of
supporting an Indigenous client as she returned to the kitchen for the first time since experiencing a stroke.
While in the kitchen, she taught me a cherished family recipe for bannock. She later shared the treat with staff and her fellow patients, and as she watched others enjoy eating what she had made, she was moved to tears.
This moment made me feel proud to be able to help clients regain independence and reconnect with the parts of life that bring them joy. As an OT, I cherish every small step my clients take toward recovery.
Stevenson: Every opportunity we have as OTs to support clients in achieving their goals and enhancing their quality of life is rewarding. One experience that stands out for me is working with a client who had sustained a brain injury and who some team members believed had a poor prognosis for functional recovery.
Through strong advocacy and intensive physical and cognitive rehabilitation, he defied the odds and re-learned to walk, dress himself, prepare meals,
and ultimately return home.
His journey was a reminder not only of the incredible capacity of the human brain to recover, but also of the privilege and responsibility we have as OTs to advocate for our clients and use our unique skill set to support their engagement in activities that matter most to them.
What would you like more people to understand or appreciate about occupational therapy?
We would like more people to learn about the diverse scopes of practice that we can have. OTs work across the lifespan with clients of all ages and abilities.
They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, mental health, community programs, clinics, and clients’ homes.
We often encounter preconceptions that OTs work exclusively in return-towork or hand therapy settings, and we would love for more people to learn about the different settings in which OTs can play a role.
NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO
Micaela Stevenson and Ashleigh Strydom soak up the charm of Granville Island, Vancouver. They both work as occupational therapists at the University Hospital of Northern BC.
Planning and analytics team honoured for innovation
SANJA KNEZEVIC Northern Health
Northern Health’s (NH) Human Resources (HR) Planning and Analytics team has been recognized with a prestigious provincial award for its outstanding contributions to HR and labour relations.
Presented by the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC), the Health Care Employee Relations Awards of British Columbia celebrate professionals who help create workplaces that support high-quality health care. This year, the award for leading human resource and/or labour relations practices in the health authority category was presented to NH’s Planning and Analytics team.
The team was honoured for its innovative use of technology to tackle complex workforce questions. By developing tools that provide accessible, real-time data, the team has helped
streamline decision-making processes, reduce costs and improve employee satisfaction across the organization.
In a short video produced by HEABC, the team’s work is showcased as a model of excellence in data-driven HR planning. Its efforts have not only made a difference in NH but have also caught
City committee wants update on medical specialist recruitment
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
Prince George’s Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs voted at its Tuesday, Nov. 4 meeting to request a meeting with Northern Health regarding the recruitment and retention of medical specialists.
The motion came out of a discussion on a shortage of obstetrical specialists the University Hospital of Northern BC faced this past summer.
On July 21, Northern Health announced that due to a shortage of Royal College-certified specialists, high-risk pregnancies might need to be transferred out of UHNBC to other health centres in August.
However, in early August, Northern Health announced that the issue had been averted after staffing gaps had been filled in time.
At the Nov. 5 meeting, senior advisor for intergovernmental relations Catharine Sikobe said after recapping the situation that in September, the provincial government announced it had received more than 1,400 job application from US health-care workers looking to come to BC and more than 140 qualified doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and other allied health professionals had accepted job offices.
At the Union of BC Municipalities convention in Victoria that same month, Sikobe said the committee spoke with Health Minister Josie Osbourne and Northern Health about medical recruitment and retention.
Ultimately, the committee unanimously voted in favour of inviting Northern Health to one of its meeting to discuss the recruitment of medical professionals for Prince George and the surrounding area.
practices in the health authority category.
“It was amazing to be recognized and to hear how the work we’re doing is having meaningful impact in streamlining decision making for the organization, which ultimately means providing better care for people in the North. It was also incredible to hear from other health authorities at the event who were interested in our work and setting up similar re-sources for their organizations.”
Carri Hora, regional manager, HR analytics, rotations and staffing education, reflected on the team’s journey.
the attention of other health authorities across the province.
Ben Laverdure, human resource analyst, shared his excitement about the honour.
Andrew Toms, HR systems analyst, accepted the HEABC award for leading human resource and/or labour relations
“Very proud that the team is recognized for the years of hard work that has gone into developing tools that assist the organization in decision making and planning. We have come a long way over the years and are now able to answer questions in real time, recognize trends, and strategically plan to address the workforce needs.”
A different kind of workout
NORTHERN HEALTH PHOTO
The Northern Health HR planning and analytics team includes, from left, Lucas Gable, analytics HR/payroll; Carri Hora, regional manager, HR analytics, rotations and staffing education; Andrew Toms, HR systems analyst; and Ben Laverdure, human resource analyst.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT
Shaun Le Grange, left, and Jacobus Jordaan take advantage of the warm weather to rake up the leaves at a condo complex on Seventh Avenue on Sunday, Nov. 8. Raking leaves and doing other yardwork is a good way to sneak in some cardiovascular exercise before winter, health experts advise.
Local Sports Vandenberg’s buzzer-beater is a killer for
TED CLARKE Citizen Staff
The Trinity Western Spartans reminded the UNBC Timberwolves there’s a fine line between winning and losing.
With less than four seconds to work with Saturday at the Northern Sport Centre, the Spartans snatched victory out of the hands of the T-wolves.
That’s all the time it took for Jack Vandenberg to grab an inbound pass and hit a buzzer-beating three — his fifth of the night — lifting the Spartans to a 65-64 win and a weekend split with UNBC.
It took a determined fourth-quarter comeback from UNBC to have a chance of coming out on top. Trailing by 10 with 8:24 left, the UNBC pushback began when Miller Davies hit a free-throw, and Bias followed with a layup. Tony Kibonge then found paydirt from deep, pushing the Spartans lead to just four. Then, the NSC crowd went nuclear as Sunga found Baukin for an alley-oop. All of a sudden the gap was two.
An Evgeni Baukin layup and threes followed from Kibonge and Sunga, and a 10-point gap was now a six-point UNBC lead.
Vandenberg and Sipma swiped momentum back with consecutive threes for Trinity, and the score was tied 60-60 with a minute left.
Platz hit two free-throws putting Trinity back up by two, but Baukin answered with a put-back to make it 62-62.
Then, with time winding down, Baukin drove to the hoop, and somehow maintained his balance in the air, and converted on a challenging layup in traffic to give UNBC the lead again with 3.9 seconds left.
It all came down to one final play, and after a successful inbound, Vandenberg took a pass at the corner, turned around and heaved up his 12th three of the night. It connected, silencing the
NSC crowd, and giving the Spartans (2-4) a massive win and a split of the weekend up North.
Baukin, who entered the weekend as the top scorer in Canada, poured in 30 points for a third time in five games. The reigning Canada West Player of the Week also grabbed 14 rebounds to lead all players on Saturday.
It was a scrappy first quarter which resulted in a 16-12 lead for Trinity Western after one. Shankar and Sipma combined for 11. For UNBC it was Baukin who led the way with six while Miller Davies, Isaiah Bias and Haukur Davidsson all added buckets. Vandenberg totaled 18 points and had
seven assists and five rebounds. Marcus Shankar collected 12 points.
After being lit up from three-point land in Friday’s 75-65 loss to UNBC, the Spartans defended the three much better in the first half on Saturday, holding UNBC to a zero-for-three clip in the first, and zero-for-seven in the half.
On the flip side, Trinity had seven first-half threes — four of which came in the second quarter. Shankar had three while Vandenberg hit for two and Sipma and Pearse each had one. Despite the lopsided edge from downtown, the Spartans only led 33-31 at half.
Trinity Western struck three more times from deep in the third quarter,
which ultimately led to a 19-13 edge and a 52-44 lead.
Vandenberg, Shankar and Logan Stewart connected on those threes while Platz added a pair of layups and Caleb Gremaud supplied a dunk.
For the TWolves (2-3) it was a heartbreaking conclusion, but still another encouraging outing as they now get set for their first road games of the season beginning Friday in Kelowna at UBC-Okanagan.
Women’s
Timberwolves drop to 0-5
The UNBC Timberwolves came agonizingly close to their first win of the season, dropping a 55-53 decision to the Trinity Western Spartans Saturday night at the Northern Sport Centre.
Colette Van der Hoven led Trinity Western with 17 points and added 10 rebounds while Blessing Ibekwe snagged an additional 14 boards for Trinity Western.
At the other end, Viktoriia Filatova put forth an incredible offensive performance for UNBC.
The third-year Russian guard finished with 26 points which matches her previous career-high, and she buried six of her eight threes. On the glass Aurora Cabrera pulled down 16 rebounds, added three blocks and nine points in defeat.
The first bucket of the night from Filatova was an elbow three which opened up an 11-9 advantage for the hosts, but the Spartans answered with a 7-0 run. With seconds ticking down in the quarter, Filatova took a pass from Lorenn Caceres and drilled her second triple of the period, pushing the score to a slim 16-14 lead for Trinity Western.
Filatova’s third trey of the evening opened the second quarter scoring, and moved UNBC up by one. But Van der Hoven answered with a triple and a layup at the other side to put TWU back on top.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT
Spartan guard Jack Vandenberg leaps around the block of Timberwolves guard Tony Kibonge on his way to the hoop at the NSC Friday, Nov. 7.
Cougars home after lengthy road trip
The Prince George Cougars celebrate on the ice in Everett, Wash. after Lee Shurgot scored in overtime to defeat the Everett Silvertips 5-4 Friday, Nov. 7. The Cougars won three and lost three on the road, picking up wins against Seattle on Nov. 1, Portland on Nov. 5 and Everett on Nov. 7, with losses in Portland on Oct. 31 and Vancouver on Nov. 2 before ending their trip Saturday with a 2-1 loss to the Wenatchee Wild. After six road games the Cougars are back in familiar surroundings, starting a five-game homestand Tuesday afternoon with a Remembrance Day matinee against the Victoria Royals and a rematch against them Wednesday. The Cougars play Kamloops on Friday at 7 p.m. at the CN Centre.
Timberwolves teams back on the court this weekend
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
The two buckets from Van der Hoven kickstarted a 9-0 run for the Spartans, but Filatova’s fourth and fifth threes halted the run, and gave her a team-high 15 points with 2:08 to go in the quarter.
A three-point play from Cabrera then sparked the NSC crowd and got UNBC back within two. After a single Spartan free-throw, Claire Huang responded with a tough layup in traffic, pushing the score to 30-29 for the Spartans at half.
The Spartans who opened the third quarter on an 8-2 run with Van der Hoven supplying four of them. That run ended with a terrific turnaround two from Hazel Phillips, another layup in traffic from Huang and a single freethrow make from Filatova which made it a two-point deficit for UNBC. Neither squad was able to separate from the other as Trinity held a slim 48-45 lead with two minutes remaining.
Cabrera hit a layup to move UNBC back within one.
Once again though, Van der Hoven hit a timely jumper and Malveen Chahal followed with a three, and the gap was again at six with less than a minute to play for UNBC.
A single free-throw late from Savannah Vander Kooi provided a six-point lead with 13 seconds left. Phillips hit a layup and Filatova finished with a buzzer-beating three to make it close at the end, but for a second straight night the Spartans (4-2) were able to stave off a scrappy Timberwolves squad to earn a 55-50 victory.
Despite a pair of losses this weekend, the Timberwolves (0-5) can hold their heads high knowing they put forth two commendable efforts against a division rival. They’ll look to build off this weekend when they head to UBCO to battle the Heat next weekend on Friday and Saturday.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT
Timberwolves guard Claire Huang drives toward the basket under the guard of Spartans guard Cassidy Buchanan at the NSC Saturday, Nov. 7.
EVAN MORUD PHOTO
Alberni Valley Bulldogs chomp down on Spruce Kings
TED CLARKE Citizen Staff
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs completed a weekend sweep of the Prince George Spruce Kings with a decisive 4-1 victory Saturday at Kopar Memorial Arena, largely thanks to a red-hot power play and continued stellar goaltending.
The Bulldogs’ special teams set the tone early.
Forward Kai Matthew potted two consecutive power-play goals just 12 seconds apart late in the first period, giving the visitors a commanding 2-0 lead going into the intermission. Matthew’s first goal came at 16:53, assisted by Brandon Gill and Jacob Terpstra. He followed up quickly at 17:05 with the man advantage, assisted by Caden Tremblay and Wyatt Davis, completing the critical one-two punch.
Prince George responded in the second period, finally breaking through with a power-play marker of their own at the 12-minute mark, as BCHL scoring leader Kazumo Sasaki scored to cut the lead to 2-1.
However, the Bulldogs quickly regained their two-goal cushion just five minutes later when Kye Benoche scored a timely even-strength goal at 16:55.
The Spruce Kings outshot the Bulldogs 31-25, including a heavy 16-shot push in the second period, but Ryder Shea remained a wall in net for Alberni Valley.
Shea, named the first star for the second consecutive night, stopped 30 of 31 shots faced, frustrating the Prince George offense throughout the evening. In the final minute of the game, Bulldogs captain Caden Tremblay sealed the 4-1 victory with an empty-net goal at 18:47.
Alberni Valley’s power play finished an efficient 2-for-6, while Prince George managed to convert on one of their five opportunities.
The Bulldogs left Prince George having swept the two-game set, propelled by outstanding individual performances from Matthew (two goals, second star) and Shea. Tremblay earned the third star with a goal and an assist.
Spruce Kings forward Tai Ushio is knocked
his
Shea stops his shot at Kopar Memorial Arena Friday, Nov. 7.
Friday night
Ryder Shea made 37 saves in the Alberni Valley net as the Bulldogs knocked off the Prince George Spruce Kings 4-2 Friday night at Kopar Memorial Arena.
The Bulldogs touched off the scoring 6:03 in when Teague McAllister deflected one upstairs past Ryder Green off a Wyatt Davis point shot.
Prince George responded at 9:01 as Carter Hesselgrave split the defence to finish off a pass play set up by Matic Percic and River Arnason and Hesselgrave slipped a perfect shot past Shea to tie the game.
McAllister scored his second of the night just 35 seconds later to give the Bulldogs the lead back.
Spencer Masters tied it 2-2 when he snapped one past Shea at 15:19 off a pass from Kazumo Sasaki. Sasaki stayed onside to receive a high aerial pass from Marcus Lougheed, then out-waited the Alberni Valley defenders setting up in the slot to find Masters coming off the bench.
Alberni Valley responded just 1:42
Spruce Kings right winger Ryan Wachtel races to get away from Bulldogs forward Brandon Gill to take the puck from fallen right-winger Jacob Terpstra at Kopar Memorial Arena Saturday, Nov. 8.
after as Kai Matthew scored his eighth of the season off a rebound in tight.
Samuel Leonard gave the Bulldogs some insurance early in the third period as he eluded detection from the Spruce Kings defence to receive a pass from
Davis and beat Green.
The Spruce Kings fired 14 shots on goal in the final frame and Shea stopped them all.
The shots ended up 39-26 in favour of Prince George.
CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT
off
skates by Bulldogs defenseman Brayden Kaldenbach as goalie Ryder
CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT
Swimsuit dryer be installed at Canfor Leisure Pool
Aquatic Centre members may be able use a different gym for the next two years
COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff
Prince George city council made two moves to mitigate the impact of the upcoming closure of the Aquatic Centre at its Monday, Nov. 3 meeting.
At the meeting, city staff handed out a package of late correspondence sent in by residents, which included a letter from Amelia Merrick.
Merrick said that with the upcoming two-year closure of the pool to facilitate extensive repair work, there’s a chance that the traffic redirected to the downtown Canfor Leisure Pool could be a boon if the right decisions are made. She suggested that to maximize time for people needing to travel longer to the other pool, the city should consider buying and installing a bathing suit dryer for the Canfor pool so that people don’t need to take their wet bathing suits to work.
Also, she proposed that the city consider finding a space in the Stantec building across the street from the Canfor pool to set up a weight room as people who use the exercise facilities at the Aquatic Centre will lose access for two years.
Discussing the letter, Coun. Kyle Sampson said he hadn’t considered the issues Merrick had raised. He proposed that the city proceed with the purchase and installation of a dryer at the Canfor Leisure Pool unless staff determine that it would require extraordinary measures, in which case they would return with a report to council.
Coun. Ron Polillo asked how the city would pay for the dryer. Sampson said based on his limited knowledge, he didn’t think it would be a significant investment beyond the resources of the current budget and if it was, his motion directs staff to return to council.
Director of civic facilities and events
Andy Beesley said staff would be able to find space at the CLP for the dryer as they are small units.
Coun. Garth Frizzell asked where the funds would come from in the budget.
Beesley said the Aquatic Centre budget is tight and as a result they would likely look for the funds in the general operating budget and add it as a yearend variance. The devices, he said, are priced in the neighbourhood of $5,000. Director of finance and IT services
Kris Dalio said he thought that the city’s budget could accommodate the dryer within the existing budget and the contingency put in place. The only real wildcard left, he said, is how much money it will take to clear snow in the last two months of the year and it’s been mild thus far.
Frizzell then asked about the potential
the city is an equal shareholder in the facility.
As part of the second motion, he requested that staff gather information on low-cost options provided by the local YMCA to potentially provide people with an inner-city option.
Coun. Brian Skakun said he had reached out to the owner of the downtown Gold’s Gym that morning to inquire about the possibility of a similar arrangement.
Dalio cautioned council, saying that council might not be able to enter into the same kind of agreements with for-profit gyms that it can with non-profit ones.
Coun. Susan Scott asked whether the city had reached out to the Northern Sport Centre to make arrangements during previous pool closures. Beesley said that it hadn’t happened recently, but temporary memberships had been arranged and contact had been made a couple of weeks ago to start negotiations for the upcoming closure.
Scott wondered if the two-year duration of the pool closure presented a problem for the Northern Sport Centre, especially if the NSC has to close for maintenance of its own.
risk to the city from the dryer damaging objects placed in it. Beesley said he was told by the city’s aquatics manager that reviews of the devices are mixed as they shake and squeeze water out of objects placed in them rather than using heat, which can occasionally cause damage.
“What we would do is, if we’re directed to install this, is to put clear signage saying ‘use at your own risk,’” Beesley said.
Should the cost be higher than the existing budget can absorb, Dalio suggested that council’s contingency fund could be used for the device.
Sampson also moved for council to direct administration to investigate partnering with the Northern Sports Centre to provide Aquatic Centre gym users with access to those facilities at a comparable cost during the closure as
With a meeting of the Northern Sports Centre board coming up in December, city manager Walter Babicz said staff should be able to return to council with an answer by the end of the year.
Both measures were approved unanimously.
Vote summary
Council directs administration to install a bathing suit dryer at the Canfor Leisure Pool, unless staff determine that it would require extraordinary measures, in which case they’ll report back to council.
• Approved unanimously
Council directs administration to secure a temporary arrangement with the Northern Sport Centre to provide Aquatic Centre gym users with temporary access to facilities at a comparable cost during the pool’s two-year closure and to investigate low-cost options at the YMCA as well.
• Approved unanimously
CITIZEN FILE PHOTO
The Canfor Leisure Pool will be the city’s only indoor swimming facility once the Aquatic Centre is closed for two years.
Local cowboy spurs his way to all-around season title
TED CLARKE Citizen Staff
Climbing on board in two of the toughest events in rodeo — bull riding and bareback riding — it didn’t seem to matter to Decker Passey. Bulls or wild horses, he stuck to them like glue.
The 19-year-old Prince George cowboy got to the whistle often enough to earn the season title as the all-around champion of the BC Rodeo Association.
Rodeo season titles are based on money earned, and the all-around crown goes to the contestant who earns the most cash in at least two events.
Passey competed in 20 BCRA events, and his bull riding winnings for the season totalled $12,305.90. He added another $9,901.84 in bareback earnings for a season total of $21,397.74.
“It was just basically going to every one of them and just showing up and being there,” he said. “A lot of people don’t go to all of them and don’t go to the practices. It was just trying your best.”
Passey won his first big jackpot of the
season at the Kispiox Valley Rodeo, May 31–June 1 ($5,102.75), and also cashed in riding bareback horses at Pritchard, July 12–13 ($2,545).
He collected another big cheque in the bareback event in Bella Coola, June 28–29 (winning $1,183 both days), and had a couple of great bull riding days ($3,552 total) at Billy Barker Days in Quesnel, July 18–20.
“Decker had a great year. He put a lot of effort and a lot of time into it,” said Kevin Cunin, president of the Prince George Rodeo Association. “You don’t get a lot of guys riding bareback horses and bulls, especially when you get to the level he’s at, because it’s so demanding.
“It’s a testament to the work he’s putting in, in the arena and outside the arena, to be in shape and be there mentally and do everything he needs to. There’s a reason very few people do it. It’s a lot of fun and you fall in love with the adrenaline, but it’s tough on the body. Especially being a young guy like that, you’ve got a lot of pressures outside — relationships and friendships
Avoiding injuries was key for Passey. He suffered a broken foot when a bull stepped on him at an indoor event in Vanderhoof, but that only kept him sidelined for one weekend.
Injuries are to be expected in a sport as dangerous as rodeo, but Passey had no idea what was in store for him on Aug. 22.
Ten days before the BCRA Finals, he was waiting in line at a fast-food restaurant in Vanderhoof when he suffered a seizure and had to be hospitalized for a couple of days in an induced coma.
“They did a bunch of testing and everything came back absolutely perfect,” said Passey. “It was the best-case scenario with seizures, and they think it’s a one-off deal. They don’t have an answer, and there’s zero history in my family with seizures.”
Practice makes perfect, and Passey makes regular trips to Teepee Creek, Alta., northeast of Grande Prairie, to work out the bugs in his technique in the indoor arena.
— and it’s good for him to prioritize rodeo.”
He went to Vancouver Island, Aug. 15-17, for the Bulls, Broncs and Barrels event in Coombs and won the Bareback Riders Pot of Gold, earning a healthy cash payout. He also received a lifetime membership in the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
His success this season has taught him not to get down when the chips don’t fall his way, and he’s become better at accepting his results, even if he doesn’t place in the money.
“With all the winning that I have done, I’d say I’ve become better at losing,” Passey said. “My goal was shooting for three saddles and I got second in the bulls and the bareback and won the all-around. This was a big building year for me.”
Passey got bucked off his bulls at the BCRA Finals in Barriere on Labour Day weekend but tied for first on the first day in bareback. He ended up the season leader in bull riding earnings and finished second to Chase Siemens of Chetwynd in the bareback season standings.
Passey inherited his passion for roughstock events from his dad, Derrick, who rode bulls and bareback horses for 15 years. Derrick is also his boss in his day job as an aspiring electrician.
“All four of my older sisters rode horses and they did that all through their childhood and their teens. It’s definitely been in my blood since I was young,” said Passey.
Asked which he prefers — bulls or bareback horses — Passey said it depends on the day.
“I find horses a little bit scarier, but I prefer whatever I do better on that day,” he said. “Horses are faster, there’s a lot more power and you cover more ground.”
He was just 10 years old in his first rodeo season when he tied with Siemens after two days of riding wild ponies in the mini bareback at the Prince George Rodeo.
There was only one buckle available, and the championship was decided with a coin flip, which Siemens won.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Decker Passey of Prince George takes a saddle bronc horse for a ride at an indoor practice earlier this year at Teepee Creek, Alta.
UNBC defender named to U SPORTS All-Rookie Team
DAN O’CONNOR UNBC Athletics
An unforgettable first season of soccer at UNBC for Jamie Wildash-Chan has reached even greater heights.
Wildash-Chan, a native of Wellington, New Zealand, has been named to the 2025 U SPORTS Men’s Soccer All-Rookie team.
He’s the first player in UNBC program history to be named a U SPORTS All-Rookie.
Wildash-Chan was recognized earlier today in Toronto at the U SPORTS Men’s Soccer awards banquet ahead of the men’s national championship tournament, set to begin Thursday.
Since committing to UNBC in April, Wildash-Chan has wasted no time making his mark.
He announced his arrival with backto-back game-winning goals during the Timberwolves’ home-opening weekend versus TRU, setting the tone for his
standout rookie campaign.
In 15 starts, the explosive right wing back tallied three more goals and an assist, tying for the team lead in points
Passey plans to go pro in 2027
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
They’ve been good buddies and travelling partners throughout their rodeo careers, and Siemens has bragging rights again, winning the bareback season title this year.
Siemens is turning pro next year, and Passey plans to follow him to the CPRA in 2027.
Passey wasn’t the only Prince George contestant whose 2025 achievements were highlighted at the BCRA awards banquet Oct. 25 in Kamloops.
Steer wrestler Zach Kemp won the top rookie award after earning $4,210.94 in his first year as a bulldogger.
Kim Meise won the ladies barrel racing season title, and her horse Replay was the open class horse with the most heart award winner. Meise’s daughter Ainslee rode Cinch, judged to be the horse with the most heart in the junior barrel racing class.
Longtime Prince George Rodeo
Decker Passey is presented with a saddle for winning the BC Rodeo Association all-around title at the BCRA awards banquet in Kamloops on Oct. 25.
Association and BCRA director and rodeo judge Carl Hyde, a former saddle bronc rider and steer wrestler, was chosen for the BCRA lifetime achievement award.
“Jamie is well deserving of this recognition,” said UNBC men’s soccer head coach Steve Simonson. “He has proven to be a top player this past season, but less visible from the outside is his character and quality as a person. Jamie epitomizes what it means to be a top university athlete and we are so proud of his accomplishments.”
Wildash-Chan joins some elite UNBC company. Since joining U SPORTS in 2012, the following student-athletes/ coaches at UNBC have been recognized with awards:
• Maria Mongomo: 2016 U SPORTS Women’s Basketball All-Rookie Team.
• Francesco Bartolillo: U SPORTS 2018 National Student-Athlete Community Service Award
(six) alongside Isaac Tate and Wyatt Lyon. His 1,321 minutes on the field were second-most on the team, just one minute shy of Mark Talisuna’s total.
• Michael Henman: 2022 U SPORTS Men’s Soccer First-Team All-Canadian
• Steve Simonson: 2022 U SPORTS Men’s Soccer Coach of the Year
UNBC ATHLETICS PHOTO
UNBC Timberwolves men’s soccer defender Jamie Waldash-Chan receives his U SPORTS All-Rookie Team award at the awards banquet Wednesday in Toronto.
Steer wrestler wins BCRA’s top rookie award at 29
TED CLARKE Citizen Staff
There aren’t many 29-year-old rookies in rodeo.
Almost everyone who gets involved in the sport starts long before adulthood, usually as the offspring of parents who rode or roped when they were young.
Zach Kemp is an exception to that rule — and he’s got a shiny belt buckle to prove it as the BC Rodeo Association’s top rookie of 2025.
He doesn’t come from a rodeo family, but he’s always been interested, and this year Kemp finally realized his ambition to become a steer wrestler.
Despite missing half the season with an injury, he won $4,210 on the provincial circuit — more than enough to cover entry fees and gas money to get him there.
“It’s new for me. I always wanted to do it and started with bronc riding a few years ago, and that sport got really rough really quick,” said Kemp. “I missed the rodeo and wanted to do something, and steer wrestling seemed like a good choice. I always watched it on TV and I always wanted to do it.”
Kemp contacted Derrick Passey, part of the Prince George Rodeo Association executive, who put him in touch with Gary Nicholson, who runs a rodeo school in Quesnel.
That got him travelling south each week for Wednesday practices that started a year ago.
“I started on the ground, on our feet, and slowly introduced horses. I started in April or May and went to as many rodeos as I could,” said Kemp.
He bought a horse, but they didn’t have much time to work together in practice before the season started. Diving off the flank of a horse at speed to put the wrap on a steer’s head takes guts and know-how, and Kemp went into the season plenty short on experience.
“I wasn’t much of a horse rider to begin with, so I had a lot to learn,” said Kemp.
“It’s definitely nerve-racking, for sure. It doesn’t look that fast from
the sidelines, but when you get on that horse and hear the wind blowing through your hair, you realize how fast they’re going — and you realize, I don’t want to jump off now.”
Kemp started rodeoing in 2023 as a saddle bronc rider. His first competition was Rodeo PG that year.
He tried steer wrestling for the first time indoors at a Quesnel Steer Wrestlers Club event in Quesnel on March 29 and won the first BCRA rodeo of the season May 10 in Vanderhoof. After a forced injury break that kept him out of action for two months, he went for winning rides in Quesnel and Smithers and claimed top day money Aug. 31 at the BCRA Polaris Finals in Barriere.
“I got lucky and won a few,” he said. “I definitely wouldn’t have been able to do it without Gary and all the guys from Quesnel.”
Kemp probably would have finished further up the BCRA standings if he hadn’t hurt his knee jumping off his horse in Clinton on May 24.
He learned it’s not always a good idea to jump onto a steer that’s had a chance to get up to speed running far from the chute.
That hard landing tore his MCL and he had to miss the next eight weeks, but the cartilage was left intact and his injury healed without surgery. He came back almost as good as new, wearing a knee brace.
Kemp is blown away by the camaraderie of the sport and how cowboys go out of their way to help each other.
“It’s like the only sport where the guy you’re competing against will do everything in his power to help you win,” said Kemp. “A lot of the guys, if you needed a horse, they’ll let you use their horse. You don’t see that in too many other sports.”
Kemp’s best time of the year came at the BCRA finals Aug. 31 when he clocked 3.5 seconds.
He plans to devote more time in the off-season to working out with weights to add some muscle to his six-footthree, 200-pound frame. He knows bulldoggers have to rely on raw power sometimes to get steers off their feet in the dirt.
“I want to spend more time doing it, but it’s expensive and it’s tough,” Kemp said. “The school is starting up again in December, but going to Quesnel every
Wednesday is expensive. It’s 150 kilometres from my house to Quesnel, so the fuel starts adding up.
“The guys who are winning are the guys who seem to be practising every day, hitting it hard. I’d like to do better next season in the BCRA and maybe in a couple of years, if I can win BCRA, I’ll check out the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association.”
The Prince George Horse Society has an active group of team ropers, and Kemp says he’d like to join them. He has a horse he thinks will be well-suited to that, but it needs to be trained, which takes time.
Kemp runs his own business as an electrician, and he has a two-year-old daughter he’s raising with his wife. They’re still in the process of getting their 80-acre property at Salmon Valley fixed up the way they like it, and sometimes that means rodeo has to take a back seat.
“That’s one reason I’m starting so late, because I didn’t want to board a horse somewhere and we didn’t have property or nothing else, and by the time I got it set up, I’m almost 30 years old,” he said.
B.B. PIX/FACEBOOK PHOTO
Steer wrestler Zach Kemp of Prince George was the top rookie this year on the BC Rodeo Association circuit.
Kodiak Classic action
The Prince George Youth Volleyball Club’s Kodiak Classic was held over the weekend at D.P. Todd Secondary School. The juniors competed last weekend; the senior action happens this weekend.
ABOVE: Emma Breen of DP Todd spikes the ball over the tips of FSJSS blocker Ava Howell’s fingers during the PG Youth Volleyball Club Kodiak Classic tournament at DPSS.
LEFT: PGSS hitter Hunter Anderson gets high above the net as he prepares to spike the ball down through the block of DPSS’ Santi Gonzalez.
LEFT: DP Todd hitter Eva Allen spikes a ball past FSJSS blocker Ava Howell.
Life Events
February 11, 1933 - October 21, 2025
- A friend to many in the Business & Church Community -
Our Dad went peacefully home to his Lord and Saviour on the morning of October 21, 2025. He was 92 yrs old.
Ed was born in Hythe, Ab to Steve and Aranka Olichny in 1933, he was the 2nd oldest of 6 children. His early years were in the Peace River area until he made the move to Prince George, BC in 1968 with his wife Muriel and their young family. He has resided there ever since.
After 11 successful years with Erwin Homes Ltd., Ed decided to venture out on his own and started Tropical Recreation which later became Tropical Pool & Spa. His company received Beachcomber Dealer of the Year several times, Award of Excellence 10 times and many other awards which spoke to his customer centred focus and his business integrity. The business was sold upon his his decision to retire in his late 60’s.
Perhaps one of our Dad;s greatest legacy will be the time and effort he poured into people. He wanted to know a person’s perspective and truly get to know them.
Ed loved his family, his friends and people in general (he would never turn down a good conversation!) and he passionately loved the Lord. Ed is predeceased by his dear wife Muriel. He is survived by their three children Lorne (Lana, Dennis (Denise), Carolynn (Terry), 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and his youngest sister Marg ( Margie) Cobb.
Memorial Service was held on November 7th at 3:00 pm at Lakewood Alliance Church, Prince George, BC
Jessie
Johnson
February 23, 1939 - October 13, 2025
Jessie May Johnson, 88, of Prince George, BC passed away in Hospice on October 30, 2025. Jessie is survived by her four sons Howard, Donald, Douglas, Keith (Candy), four grandchildren, and seven greatgrandchildren. Jessie will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
In Loving Memory of LARRY PETER NORBECK
Jan. 24, 1945 - Nov. 16, 2018
Our time together was special — as were the memories we made, memories that will never fade — You’ll always be remembered, but nothing is the same — A piece of us is missing, since the day you passed away...
We miss you so much,
February 7, 1939 - November 4, 2025
The family of Loreen Erb (nee Fitzsimmons) of Prince George, is saddened to announce her passing on November 4th, 2025 at the age of 86. She is preceded in death by her husband Edward, mother Laura, father Bill and three sisters and three brothers. She is survived by her sisters, Muriel Robinson and Evelyn Smaaslet, and her kids, Ken (Laurel), Lee-Ann, Don (Sarah), as well as many grandkids and great grandkids. Loreen will be missed for her sense of humour and love of family and friends.
Pamela Mary Hoecherl
July 31, 1950 - October 18, 2025
It is with broken hearts, we share the passing of a beautiful soul, Pamela Hoecherl. She leaves behind her devoted husband Chet, her daughters, Kerry-Anne (Fabian), Tennille (Dean), Farrah (Graham). Six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Her sister, Sharlene (Eric), nephews, nieces and many dear friends. Taken too soon, although forever would not have been long enough. Love you always and forever, to the moon and back.
Celebration of life will be Saturday May 2, 2026, 1pm at the Hart Pioneer Centre.
Edward L. Olichny
Cy Fortin
Loreen Erb
Evelyn Miller
It is with deep love and sadness we announce the passing of Evelyn Miller (Neé Fournel), who passed away peacefully with family by her side on October 27, 2025, in St. Albert, AB, at the age of 89.
Evelyn’s early life was spent on the farm near Colinton, AB. After high school, Evelyn moved and established her life in Prince George, BC, where she had a long career with BC Tel (Telus). Her professionalism and commitment to her work earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues. In her personal life, Evelyn was known for her love of cooking and entertaining. Her home was a welcoming space, often filled with laughter and the aroma of her delicious meals. She enjoyed Paper Tole and gave back to others through lessons in her home. Her works of art are cherished memories for many.
She is remembered as a beloved sister, aunt, and friend. Evelyn is survived by her cherished sisters Julienne Pylypiuk and Louise Moreau (Bill Chappell), niece Jacquie Pylypiuk (Sandro Berardocco), numerous great nieces, great nephews, relatives and friends. Evelyn was predeceased by her father and mother, Henri and Germaine, her stepfather Joseph Moreau, infant sister Yvonne Fournel, brothers Maurice Fournel, Wilfred Fournel, and Raymond Moreau.
Disposition will be by cremation. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at both Citadel Care and Everitt Gardens in St. Albert as well as her physiotherapist Troy for their care and compassion. Your dedication to Evelyn’s well-being was greatly appreciated.
Memorial donations may be made in Evelyn Miller’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories.
Arrangements entrusted to Connelly-McKinley St. Albert Funeral Home.
“The clock of life is wound but once and no one has the power, to tell just when the hands will stop, on what day or what hour. Now is the only time you have so live it with a will; don’t wait until tomorrow, the hands may then be still.”
Laurence
Herbert July 18, 1933 - October 27, 2025
It is with tremendous sadness that the family of Laurence (Larry) Herbert announces the passing of a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa, and friend.
Laurence was born in Kislőd, Hungary on July 18th,1933, and passed away peacefully on October 27th, 2025, at the age of 92 years old in Prince George, BC.
Cy Fortin
February 23, 1939 - October 13, 2025
Laurence is survived by his soulmate, best friend, and the true love of his life for what would have been 69 years this December, Anna Herbert.
Laurence worked at Intercontinental Pulp in Prince George as a millwright and retired in 1993 after 24 years on the job.
With many friends in Edgewood Terrace, at Cluculz Lake, and on the Hart, Laurence is fondly remembered for making people smile with his kind, easy-going nature, sense of humour, and passion for life. He could always be seen walking around the subdivision visiting with those that passed his way.
Laurence was famous for his garlic growing skills and said that garlic was the key to his longevity. If something was troubling, he would say to “brush it off” as he would motion with one hand on his other arm. Laurence loved fishing, hunting, playing chess, and making wine. He spent many hours tending to his garden, building swallow houses, being outside enjoying the weather, and was always saying, “ahhh that beautiful sunshine.”
His two grandchildren, Ryan and Sarah, brought him tremendous amounts of love, joy and pride. His love of his three children, John, Larry (Linda), and Elizabeth (Norm), was evident by the twinkle in his bright blue eyes. He was treasured by his friends, the three amigos (Bowdens, Camerons, and Byers) and the Waldner family.
As per Laurence’s request no funeral will be held, and in lieu of flowers please take a moment to look up into the sky, smile, and say
May 22, 1969 - September 26, 2025
It is with great sadness that the family of, Michael Dwayne Butterworth announces his unexpected passing on September 26, 2025, in his home.
Cy Fortin
February 23, 1939 - October 13, 2025
Mike was born May 22, 1969. He grew up in Prince George out in countryside of Pineview. Mike’s spirit lives on through his mother Arlie that he loved dearly. And he is now reunited with his father George along with other family and friends. His sister Myrna, nephew and extended family cherish the time they shared with him. It was 18 years ago that he encountered his life partner, Denise, their love will endure forever; her children and grandchildren regarded him as family and will sorely miss Mike.
Mike’s life was a shining example of hope and inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know him. His passing has left an immense void in the hearts of his family, friends, and countless others whose lives were forever transformed by his presence.
Mike enjoyed participating in outdoor pursuits such as riding his ATVS and his skidoo, particularly up to Tabor Mountain. Along with fishing and hunting with long time friends.
Mike’s legacy lives on through the countless memories of his ridiculously contagious smile and laughter, which continue to inspire and uplift all who were fortunate enough to have known him. A memorial service will be held to celebrate Mike’s life. Shenanigans will ensue at Blackburn Hall from 3-8, Mikey style. Giggity giggity! Nov 22, 2025.
Michael Dwayne Butterworth
Classifieds
MANAGEMENT PLAN NUISANCE MOSQUITO CONTROL
Applicant: The City of Prince George, 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC, V2L 3V9, Telephone #250-614-7816 Attn: Neil Matheson, Supervisor, Parks and Solid Waste.
The purpose of this Pest Management Plan (PMP) No. 567-0012-26-31 is to reduce overall mosquito annoyance within the City of Prince George by controlling larval development using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to control. This PMP is an updated version and replaces the previously approved 5-year PMP which expires April 2026. The proposed duration of this renewed PMP is from 15 April 2026 to 14 April 2031.
Larvicide products proposed for use include VectoBac 200G and AquaBac 200G, which contains the natural-occurring soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, (PCP #18158, #26863) and VectoLex CG or VectoLex WSP (PCP # 28008, # 28009) made with a similar bacterium Lysinibacillus sphaericus (formerly known as Bacillus sphaericus). Both of these products are classified as bio-rational products, they do not accumulate in the environment and provide species-specific control of mosquito larvae. These products are non-toxic to other organisms including insects, fish, birds, wildlife, man and domestic animals. For VectoBac or VectoLex product information please see the manufacturer’s website www.valentbiosciences.com.
Mosquito larvae require stagnant or non-flowing waters, temporary or permanent, to develop. Development habitats include salt marshes and
freshwater marshes, ponds, ditches and other open water habitats which may produce larval mosquitos. Total area for larvicide treatment is not to exceed 500 hectares of public lands in each year of the PMP. Applications of VectoBac, AquaBac, and VectoLex will be made using ground-based, hand-broadcast or motorized backpack spreader methods. All applications will be conducted within, and immediately adjacent to, the City of Prince George.
This PMP is being prepared for the City of Prince George by Duka Environmental Services Ltd., an environmental services firm with extensive experience in pest management plan development and local mosquito control operations. Information on proposed treatment areas, annual mosquito control program operations and this PMP are available to the public by request through Duka Environmental Services Ltd., 13787 – 100 Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3T 5X7, Telephone (604) 881-4565, Facsimile (866) 759-5902, or email; info@dukaES.com.
A person wishing to contribute information regarding a proposed treatment site, relevant to the development of this Pest Management Plan, may send copies of the information to Duka Environmental Services Ltd. (agents for the City of Prince George) at the contact addresses above within 30 days of the publication of this notice. The identity of any respondents and the contents of anything submitted in response to this notice and application will become part of the public record.
Booking deadline: Friday noon
Approval deadline: Monday at noon
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER
Location: Smithers B.C.
Travel: Required to all NWCDC locations throughout Northwest British Columbia. Travel compensation is provided.
Salary Range: $85,000 -$98,538 www.nwcdc.ca | Apply to hr@nwcdc.ca
Dunkley Lumber’s Forest Operations Map # DLL A18160 2025-2 is open for public review and comment from Nov 13, 2025 – December 12, 2025. Use link below, or in person by appointment MonFri 9am-4pm. Contact the Dunkley Lumber forestry department at the email or phone number below in order to schedule an appointment. 17000 Dunkley Rd, Hixon, BC, V0K 1S1. This FOM is applicable for 3 years. It may be relied upon to apply for a cutting permit or road permit, or to harvest a cutblock or construct a road that is displayed on the FOM. 250-998-4421
To anyone related with DUDDY, DORIS LILLIAN about the trailer MHR# 029787, Serial# MW593, 1973, GLENDALE ELMONTE, located at #89 – 3730 Lansdowne Rd., Prince George, BC. 0868732 BC Ltd., the owner of Sunrise Valley MH Park, 251-3381 Cambie St., Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 4R3 (604-248-7505), will dispose the above-mentioned trailer unless the person being notified takes possession of the property and establishes a right of possession of it within 30 days from the date the notice is served on that person.
Sekani Forest Products Ltd. Operations Map #2701, public review and comment from November 17, 2025 to December 17, 2025, at link below, by mail, or in person by appointment Mon-Fri 9am-4pm. Contact the forestry department at the email or phone number below to schedule an appointment. This FOM is applicable for 3 years and may be relied upon to apply for a cutting or road permit to harvest a cutblock or construct a road displayed on the FOM.
Strategic Natural Resource Group
931 Great St, Prince George, BC V2N 5R7 778-763-0999
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) There could be an unexpected change in plans for your upcoming holiday travels. But keep in mind that a little flexibility goes a long way in resolving any disappointments.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A new relationship might not be responding quite as quickly as you’d hoped. Could you be expecting too much too soon? Try to ease up and let things happen at their own pace.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) As we approach the frenetic pace of preholiday planning, take time out now to reconnect with the wonderful people who share your life, especially the one who also shares your dreams.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A misunderstanding should be resolved before you get caught up in the flurry of holiday preparations. Set your pride aside and deal with it, regardless of who might have hurt whom first.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Being told that a colleague might have been trying to undercut your effectiveness might or might not be true. Get all the facts before you even think about acting on this so-called information.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) It’s a good idea to start your holiday preparation plans early in order to avoid a time crunch if an unresolved workplace situation causes a problem. Meanwhile, an old friend might have some welcome news.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)
A family member’s actions continue to surprise you -- but this time with positive results. Could it be that your wise counsel finally got through? It’s like having an early holiday gift, isn’t it?
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your reluctance to act in a current situation could be traced to your inner self advising you to take more time to study its complexities before you attempt to deal with it. Good luck!
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Soothing hurt feelings before they can ignite an angry outburst is the wise thing to do. And of course, when it comes to doing the “wisdom thing,” you do it so well.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Budget your time so that you can handle both your workplace duties and your personal holiday planning -- including travel arrangements -without burning out on either end.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) You might find that you still need to firm up one or two of those stilloutstanding decisions so that you can finally move forward as you had planned. Weigh the facts, then act.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You usually don’t carry grudges, but you might feel this is one time when you’re justified in doing so. But aren’t you spending too much energy holding onto it? Let it go and move on.
Safely Setting Up Your Outdoor Christmas Lights
Hanging outdoor Christmas lights can feel a bit like dressing your home in its holiday best. The sparkle is worth it, but safety should be the first thing you plug in before any strand hits a gutter or tree. With a little planning, you can keep your display shining bright without any unwanted surprises.
Start by checking your lights before stepping outside. Plug them in indoors and look for flickers, frayed wires, or cracked bulbs. One tired strand can spoil the whole show, so swap it out if anything seems off. Make sure the lights are rated for outdoor use. Indoor strings are not made to handle cold nights, wet snow, or prying wind.
Once everything looks good, head out with a sturdy ladder. Pick a flat, dry spot so the ladder does not wobble like a nervous reindeer. If someone can hold the bottom, even better. Keep your hands free by using a tool belt or bucket for clips and bulbs. Metal nails or staples might seem quick, but they can pinch wires and create hazards. Plastic light clips keep everything locked in neatly and safely along eaves and trim. Be mindful of how much you plug into each outlet. Every light package lists how many strands you can connect in a single run. It is tempting to push your luck when the spirit of decorating takes over, but overloading
a circuit is more trouble than it is worth. Use outdoor rated extension cords and plug everything into a ground fault circuit interrupter, often called a GFCI outlet, so the power shuts off automatically if something gets wet.
The weather plays referee too. Pick a calm day when the wind is low and the ground is not icy. Once the lights are up, set a timer so they turn on and off without you braving the cold each night.
With steady steps, good tools, and a little patience, your outdoor lights can glow safely all season long. Your home gets its holiday sparkle, and you get peace of mind along with it.
