Prince George Citizen, Thursday November 6, 2025

Swim club faces ‘existential crisis’

Aquatic Centre shutdown would sink Barracuda, president warns council

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The two-year closure of the Prince George Aquatic Centre could be an existential threat to the Barracuda Swim Club, the organization’s president wrote in a letter presented to city council on Monday, Nov. 3.

The Aquatic Centre is set to close from Jan. 1, 2026 to sometime in early 2028 to facilitate extensive repairs and upgrades, including to the building envelope.

Coun. Trudy Klassen moved for council to direct administration to return a report on minimizing the disruption, but it was ultimately defeated.

While Barracuda president Shane Milne said in his letter that the club supports the work to extend the life of the pool and they appreciate staff working to accommodate users at the downtown Canfor Leisure Pool, he also said

the closure “is poised to inflict severe, long-term damage on aquatic sports across the entire northern region.”

Among the concerns Milne laid out were:

• The Canfor Leisure Pool is fundamentally not equipped to host competitions, lacking things

like starting blocks and electronic timing systems

• The lack of a 50-metre pool and reliance on 25-metre lanes will reduce the fitness and performance of athletes

• The loss of the Aquatic Centre as a regional hub will be felt by all

SwimBC clubs in Northern BC

• Loss of revenues from being unable to host swim meets could mean cuts to training programs and memberships and losing coaches

• It means losing a venue that the city can use during larger events like the 2030 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games for which a bid has been submitted

• The closure creates a financial barrier for swimmers due to costs of travelling elsewhere for competitions

• It could lead to long-term loss in interest in the sport

• Officials could face potential decertification due to lack of practice, potentially requiring officials to be paid to come in from outside of Prince George

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Fans watch the competition during the BCSSA 2025 Provincial Championships at the Aquatic Centre last summer.

Studio Fair celebrates 50 great years

Eric Whitehead of Untamed Feast Mushrooms puts out samples of the soup made from his Wild Mushroom Soup mix on Saturday, Nov. 1. He was one of the more than 300 vendors taking part in this year’s Studio Fair, the 50th anniversary of the annual show, a fundraiser for the Prince George and District Community Arts Council. The fair ran Friday through Sunday and attracted thousands of people to the CN Centre.

Two councillors call Barracuda’s concerns ‘performative’

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Together, Milne said, these factors could result in the extinction of the club like what happened in Williams Lake during a temporary pool closure.

He asked that the city instead phase the construction so that any stretch of downtime is minimized, equip the Canfor Leisure Pool with temporary equipment needed to host competitions and commit to maintaining transparency for the Aquatic Centre’s reopening.

Klassen moved for administration to return a report on options to avoid the two-year shutdown of the pool.

As council discussed the request, Coun. Kyle Sampson said he felt that the request was too late in the process and that the request was performative.

Both Mayor Simon Yu and Klassen noted that the closure was originally supposed to be 10 months, not two years.

Coun. Ron Polillo said he felt it was also too late and performative, also bringing up that city staff have managed to facilitate 95 per cent of Aquatic Centre users during the shutdown.

While it will cause short-term pain over the next two years, the pool’s users will be able to reap the benefits for decades, he said, adding that while the mayor might think there’s an option to minimize downtime, Yu is not experienced in dealing with specialized buildings like this one.

Director of finances and IT services

Kris Dalio said the city has had “very frank” discussions with contractors and they felt this was the only way to do it.

“If there was another way to do this, we would have already brought it to you,” he said.

Coun. Cori Ramsay said it wasn’t proper for this motion to come forward after the city has already hired contractors, signed contracts and started early

work. The building, she said, is liable to fail if the city doesn’t inject some cash into fixing it.

She said that it would not be feasible or financially responsible to keep the pool open during construction.

Coun. Susan Scott said she couldn’t possibly support the motion.

Coun. Brian Skakun said that as the motion was written, asking for a report doesn’t represent the breaking of any contracts.

He criticized his colleagues for their harsh words about the perceived irresponsibility of the motion.

Director of civic facilities Andy Beesley said in response to a question from Coun. Tim Bennett that he only saw the letter late in the day and had early conversations with the city’s aquatics manager regarding acquiring temporary equipment for competitions and there might be something that can be worked out.

Bennett said he hoped city staff would work with swim clubs to avoid the kind of impact that pool closures had during COVID.

Concluding the discussion, Yu insisted that the work could be done in such a way that would preclude major shutdowns, including building an exterior building for mechanical and plumbing elements.

After the debate, Beesley said his staff are also concerned about the length of the shutdown and will do whatever they can to mitigate it.

Vote summary

• Council directs administration to return a report on options to avoid a two-year shutdown of the Aquatic Centre: Defeated, with Yu, Klassen and Skakun voting in favour and Ramsay, Polillo, Scott, Frizzell, Bennett and Sampson voting against.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

New citizen recognition awards program takes shape

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

Prince George city council officially adopted a framework for the citizen recognition program at its Monday, Nov. 3 meeting, almost a year after the program was first proposed.

The idea for the program came from councillors Kyle Sampson, Tim Bennett and Cori Ramsay, who argued on Nov. 18, 2024 that the city needed another way to recognize contributions made by residents beyond the rarely bestowed Freedom of the City Award.

Back in January, council voted to appoint councillors Susan Scott, Garth Frizzell, Brian Skakun and Sampson to the select committee working on the program. Later in the year, residents Chantelle Grafton, Pamela McInroy and Judy Mitchell were appointed to fill out the membership.

At its final meeting on Friday, Oct. 3, the committee adopted a framework,

terms of reference, nomination form and selection criteria to be forwarded to city council for final approval.

The members suggested that the Prince George Community Foundation create an adjudication committee for the Medal of Excellence and Good Citizenship with three to seven members, which will forward nominations to city council for final approval.

Recipients should generally be residents of Prince George, with exceptions made for outsiders who made significant contributions to the community.

They should exemplify excellence in one of several different categories, be committed to improving life for the city and be willing to participate in activities relating to the handing out of the award.

Active elected officials, City of Prince George staff, members of the adjudication committee and those running for public office in the year the award is granted are excluded from

consideration, though posthumous nominations can be made.

Those selected to receive the award are proposed to get a medal made of wood and bearing a ribbon with the colours of the city’s flag and a lapel pin. The city will also contribute $1,000 per honouree to the David Douglas Botanical Garden Society to build and maintain a garden featuring plaques with the names of award winners.

During the Nov. 3 meeting, council also approved spending $5,000 from its contingency fund to help implement the program and include $10,000 in tax-funded spending on the program in future years’ municipal budget.

A report from Scott, the committee’s chair, estimated $12,500 in costs for the first year of the project as well as $8,400 in annual costs in future years.

Bennett said that what the committee came up with was far beyond what he imagined when he signed onto the motion proposed in November 2024.

Ramsay said she agreed with her colleague and really liked the Mr. PG design on the wooden medals proposed for recipients.

Vote summary

• Council approves the framework, nomination form, selection criteria and terms of reference forwarded by the committee for the Medal of Excellence: Approved unanimously

• Council authorizes an allocation of $5,000 from its contingency fund to help implement the program: Approved unanimously

• Council directs administration to include a tax-funded $10,000 contribution to the 2026 budget to support the program’s ongoing operations: Approved unanimously.

• Council dissolves the Select Committee on Citizen Recognition Program: Approved unanimously.

$1 million in city projects reported as behind schedule

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

The City of Prince George had 10 capital projects with a value greater than $1 million behind schedule as of July 31 according to documents presented at the Monday, Nov. 3 council meeting. Twice a year, city administration delivers a report on the progress of active capital projects considered to be significant — those with a budget of $1 million or greater — as well as debt-funded projects, projects funded by the endowment reserve and projects categorized as emergency infrastructure reinvestment.

Under the debt-funded category, there were 16 significant projects with a total budget of $100,470,152. Of those, three were considered behind schedule:

• The replacement of the Four Seasons Leisure Pool with the Canfor Leisure Pool ($39,116,632 budget), which had deficiency work ongoing in the fourth quarter of 2024 and seasonal work taking place in the third quarter of 2025. Completion of the contract is expected in the last quarter of this year.

• Critical streetlight and traffic signal replacement ($5 million budget). While the design for work along Tabor Boulevard is complete and the contract has been awarded to a contractor, construction is still ongoing and is expected to be complete by the end of 2025.

• Fire services thermal cameras ($125,000 budget). Staff said that this product has a niche market with limited options, which is making it difficult to find devices suitable for Prince George Fire Rescue. The city is still soliciting bids for the cameras.

There were three projects that were endowment funded on the list with a total budget of around $4.95 million. Just one project was considered to be behind schedule.

That was the demolition of the old Four Seasons Leisure Pool ($1.198 million budget).

While lighting and signage improvements were finished in the first quarter of 2025, seasonal landscaping at the site was scheduled for the third quarter of 2025.

The rest of the list cites projects from all other funding sources, with a combined total budget of around $178.7

million.

Six projects were listed as behind schedule:

• IT renewal ($1.03 million budget). This includes a refresh of the city’s wired network, a change in software service provider and the replacement of desktop and laptop computers

• PW660 Stage 2 pump upgrade ($1.7 million budget). This project is an upgrade to one of the city’s groundwater wells. While a new pump and motors have been installed, they’re not connected yet to the discharge or electrical systems. Work is underway to purchasing electrical and piping work. On top of being behind schedule, the city is also reviewing the project to see if it will remain on budget

• Sanitary lagoon re-routing ($4.3 million budget). Construction of

new gravity lines for the lagoon is on hold as the city waits for land transaction to be completed. Quotes for the construction of a new lift station are complete and a contract is anticipated to be awarded in the first quarter of 2026. The budget for this project is under review

• Sanitary forcemain and lift station renewal ($4.2 million budget). Work on the forcemain that runs along the John Hart Bridge was in progress as of July 31. In August, the city temporarily closed a lane of the bridge as well as some nearby turn lanes to facilitate work on the main, which would line up with the report’s anticipated completion date of the third quarter of this year

• Seventh Avenue streetscape upgrade ($1.5 million budget). Civil deficiencies and seasonal work were anticipated to be completed in the third quarter of the year

• Kin Centre No. 1 dehumidification ($1.2 million budget). The dehumidifier was in operation, but some work to reinforce the roof parapet was ongoing and expected to be finished by the end of the third quarter

Combined, all the significant capital projects between all categories had a total combined budget of $178,661,935. Council did not discuss the report during the meeting.

Electric kick scooters to soon be legal on city streets

The City of Prince George is ready to join the province’s electric kick scooter pilot project after city council approved a bylaw amendment at its Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 meeting.

At its Wednesday, Sept. 17 meeting, council voted to approve an application to the pilot project, which is aimed at

gathering information on the use of electric kick scooters and other micro mobility devices so they can be incorporated into transportation networks across BC.

The first leg of the project ran between 2021 and 2024 and was then extended for another four years until 2028.

These devices can be used in participating communities once they have set rules for their use. The Province of BC’s

website for the project states that Prince George officially joined on Sept. 22.

On Nov. 3, council approved an amendment to the city’s highways bylaw that modifies the definition of traffic to include the devices involved with the pilot project.

The new language reads: “Traffic includes pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, cycles, electric kick scooters, and other conveyances, either

singly or together, while using a highway for purpose of travel.”

Highways, under the bylaw, aren’t the provincial highways that criss-cross the city.

“Highway means any public street, road, sidewalk, lane, bridge, boulevard, or any other public way intended for the general public for the passage of vehicles within the city, excluding provincial arterial highways.”

CITY OF PRINCE GEORGE PHOTO

This drone shot shows sewer line infrastucture replacement at the John Hart Bridge on Highway 97 in October 2024.

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

There’s something about that moment of silence

RCMP will be part of Remembrance Day on Tuesday; see our special section today on Pages 23 to 29

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Remembrance Day crowds are not as big as they once were but interest remains high for Prince George people who plan to attend the downtown ceremonies on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

RCMP Sgt. Craig Douglass has noticed the rows of empty seats starting to appear in recent years at the Civic Centre, where for six years he was the emcee of Remembrance Day ceremonies.

He remains involved in planning the event as an executive member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43. There’s been a noticeable dip in crowd counts since the pandemic forced people into isolation, which turned the 2020 Remembrance Day ceremony into a pre-recorded virtual event.

Those broadcasts from the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre and Veterans Plaza have continued ever since, with local TV station CKPG broadcasting and streaming the live event. This gives people the option of tuning in without having to leave their homes.

Douglass is not worried about the public losing touch with the reason Remembrance Day exists — to honour the men and women who serve or have

served in the military — but he admits he’d like see a full house for the ceremony on Tuesday.

“I counted every chair in the Civic Centre the night before and basically it was 1,200 seats and it was standingroom-only and the atrium was half full with people,” said Douglass.

“There’s tremendous pride in seeing that, and seeing the community come out to pay their respects for veterans from all wars and right up to now with the current veterans, which not only include the Rocky Mountain Rangers

but also the RCMP, one of Canada’s oldest regiments, which served in several wars in our history.

“Seeing the sea of red Mounties is a point of pride. I really enjoyed doing that. I think we’re seeing a little less of that and I know COVID impacted that for sure. I know we have streaming technology now so you can stay home to watch it. But there’s something about being there and that moment of silence where there’s a thousand people around you and it’s just dead quiet.”

As a police officer, Douglass says he

welcomes compliments from people at Remembrance Day ceremonies who approach him while dressed in his red serge uniform to show their appreciation for the job he and the other RCMP members do in their daily duties protecting the citizens of the city.

“No matter what is depicted in the media, we still wholeheartedly believe the core of the population supports us in our daily work and that’s the one day when they get the chance thank us for it, and we appreciate that,” said Douglass.

$45,955* $111,700*

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Prince George RCMP officers take part in the Remembrance Day ceremonies at Veterans Plaza in 2023.

Miracle Theatre is holding a Garage Sale for a cause

Proceeds from the new play will help launch a Mobility Disorder Fund

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Ted Price and Anne Laughlin, founders of Miracle Theatre have announce their 11th annual production and the cause the play will support.

Miracle Theatre has acquired the rights to The Garage Sale by David King, which has received rave reviews from critics and is a personal favourite of theatre owners Price and Laughlin.

The play is a hit comedy that centres on the misadventures of a family hosting a garage sale and the secret plan the father has to escape the rat race.

The announcement was made Wednesday, Oct. 29 at the Prince George Public Library’s Bob Harkins Branch.

All proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships, donations and concessions will go toward establishing a permanent endowment entitled the Prince George Mobility Disorder Fund.

This endowment will be under the trusteeship of the Prince George Community Foundation and will support those in the community who suffer from neurologically based mobility disorders.

“We’re really keen on establishing these foundations because it means that they’re there indefinitely, and in perpetuity,” said Price.

“Each year, what happens is the interest earnings and the investment earnings can go out into the community. The other thing that happens is that, as the fund is in place, each year people continue to contribute. Especially people who are doing their estate planning — they’ll go down to the foundation and find out what would be worthy causes and so on. It’s a fund that is just always there and in most cases continues to grow.”

Price added that they were inspired to

support this cause by seeing the various walks and runs for charitable causes in the community and seeing those their age suffering from mobility issues.

“Ordinary people just keep stepping up to the plate — we just really like that,” said Price.

“That was the thing as we watched year after year, raising all this money, that we thought, well, you know, we’re not walkers and runners, but what we do is theatre. Let’s use the theatre for a similar purpose. Then we see so many people getting older, ourselves included, and as you age, especially when you get past 50, a lot of these conditions start emerging. So that also made us very conscious as we see so many of our peers having to cope with mobility disorders.”

He added that the community also pushed him and Laughlin to promote this cause and was surprised at the ideas that could be supported with this fund.

“What we’re really pleased about is people who step forward with ideas that are really feet on the ground,” said Price.

before, and then they come to the shows. What’s attracted them is they have an interest and a concern for the cause. That’s another very encouraging thing about these meetings — all the strangers that arrive.”

So far, the couple has already raised $17,000 for the fund before the announcement was even made, something they were incredibly surprised and grateful for.

“What’s happened here is a number of people found out and they started coming forward already!” said Price. “There are others that, even though they haven’t written the cheque yet, they’ve said they’ll be there and I know they will be. It’s really encouraging that even when we don’t go public, people step forward.”

The play itself is currently in production and is being cast and contracted through cooperation with the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.

“There are some really sensible, doable programs or initiatives or activities that could be done right in this community and without huge expense. Now, of course, what you love is if somebody donated millions of dollars to create a total treatment centre. But the ideas that people came up with, I think, are very, very achievable. That was really appealing.”

Approximately 70 people showed up for the announcement.

Rae-Ann Noonan, executive director of the Prince George Community Foundation, commended the couple for raising more than $1 million for the local community.

Price spoke about how it felt to see so many locals come out in support while the play was still in early production.

“If these people just come to an information meeting, they’re going to come to the show and bring their friends,” said Price.

“They’re the kind of people who then talk it up. Then the other thing that’s really nice — a significant number of people show up who have never been

A large group of Miracle Theatre supporters is working on carpentry, costumes, painting, promotion, lighting and sound for the production.

Miracle Theatre is also looking for prop donations and is asking the public to donate the following items:

• A radio (can be broken)

• A globe

• An old guitar

• A bird cage

• A TV and a TV table

• A car steering wheel

• A medicine ball

The Garage Sale will be hosted at Artspace above Books and Company at 1685 Third Ave. from March 26-April 19. The venue will be converted for a theatre production and will include a professionally designed set and elevated seats.

Tickets and gift vouchers will be $40, and tickets to specific performances will be available in early December.

Those wishing to donate funds or props can call Miracle Theatre at 250-563-6937.

Miracle Theatre’s latest production is also open to sponsorships. Anyone interested can contact the Community Foundation office at 250-562-7772.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY MATTHEW HILLIER

Ted Price and Anne Laughlin of Miracle Theatre announce their 11th annual production on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Remembrance Day: Past, present and future

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

As we approach another Remembrance Day in Prince George, we need to ensure that there are no empty seats at the Civic Centre. Remembrance is not only about looking back — it’s about staying present.

Several years have passed since Canadian troops were last in active combat zones, yet our military continues to play a vital role in maintaining global peace, security and stability.

The uniformed men and women who serve — from the Rocky Mountain Rangers to Canadians deployed overseas — deserve our continued recognition and support, not just on Nov. 11 but every day.

And several years have passed since thousands of people packed the Civic Centre and lined the streets around it for Remembrance Day ceremonies.

RCMP Sgt. Craig Douglass, who served as emcee for six years at the city’s Remembrance Day ceremonies and remains an executive member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43, told us this week that he’s noticed the gradual thinning of the crowds.

The shift began during the pandemic, when gatherings were replaced by pre-recorded and live-streamed ceremonies. While local TV coverage now allows residents to watch from home, Douglass says the experience isn’t the same.

“There’s something about being there

Nov. 11, 2024. The

and that moment of silence where there’s a thousand people around you and it’s just dead quiet,” he said.

He’s right. That shared silence — shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart — is what binds generations of Canadians. It’s a reminder that our freedom and safety were earned through sacrifice and continue to be safeguarded by people serving today.

Though the battlefields of Afghanistan and other combat zones are now behind us, the Canadian Armed Forces remain deeply engaged in the world.

Canada’s largest overseas mission, Operation Reassurance, contributes to NATO’s collective defence in Central and Eastern Europe.

It includes the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia, naval forces patrolling with Standing NATO Maritime Groups

and an air task force that bolsters deterrence and stability in the region.

In Ukraine, Operation Unifier continues to train and support Ukrainian forces — a mission that has become more crucial than ever in the face of ongoing conflict.

About 300 Canadian personnel are deployed, helping to strengthen the country’s defence and uphold democratic values.

Meanwhile, Operation Jade, Canada’s longest-running overseas mission, quietly continues its work as part of the UN Truce Supervision Organization in the Middle East, while the newly launched Operation Amarna extends Canada’s presence and partnerships through exercises, defence diplomacy and capacity-building in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and beyond.

These missions may not dominate headlines, but they matter.

They represent Canada’s values in action — co-operation, compassion and courage — and they show that the military’s role extends far beyond the battlefield.

Here at home, the Rocky Mountain Rangers to train and serve with distinction. The work of this reserve unit is a reminder that a military career — or even part-time service — isn’t only about combat.

It’s about teamwork, leadership, discipline and community. For young people looking to build valuable skills while serving their country, it remains a worthy path to consider.

As Douglass notes, Remembrance Day is one of the few times each year when Canadians have the chance to thank people in uniform — both military and first responders — for their service.

So this Tuesday, Nov. 11, let’s fill those empty seats once again. The ceremony begins at 9:10 a.m. at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre, followed by the parade to Veterans Plaza at city hall.

Whether you’ve attended for years or are considering coming for the first time, your presence matters, because remembrance isn’t passive — it’s an act of participation.

And the best way to honour those who served in the past and to inspire those who may serve in the future is to show up for those who serve today.

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Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

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CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

The Remembrance Day parade makes its way along Canada Games Way on

annual ceremony returns Tuesday.

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OPINION

The last thing city needs is the return of hotels and taverns

Re: What we need is our dive bars back, Oct. 30

James Steidle’s article underestimates the capacity for change and fails to recognize that people are capable of recovery and responsibility.

The old hotels and taverns he defends were not havens of dignity. They were dangerous, unregulated environments where addiction deepened and violence was frequent. Calling them ‘refuges’ is not empathy, it’s resignation. It sends the message that the poor and addicted should remain contained in pockets of decay, rather than be helped into safer more structured lives. His view of compassion is complacency disguised as care.

The issues Prince George is experiencing today aren’t the loss of these so called dive bars, but the rise of homelessness, addiction and anti-social behaviour. Everyone deserves safety, be that business owners, families or people trapped by addiction and homelessness.

However, without order there can be no amends to the current predicament we all share.

We can care about those on the margins, while still demanding accountability and enforcing standards that protect the wider community. Enforcing laws and maintaining public order should be the keystone and from that flows the avenues of redress. Holding individuals accountable is not cruel but an act of respect.

Addiction is an illness, but recovery demands effort from all parties. Help should come with clear expectations including: engagement in treatment be that voluntary or at times involuntary, respect of public and private spaces, respect towards others and proactively work towards stability.

LETTERS EDITOR to the

However, being homeless or suffering from addiction shouldn’t allow a pass to abide societal norms. Prince George doesn’t need its dive bars back, it needs the courage to confront homelessness and addiction honestly, firmly and fairly.

NJ Perham

Prince George

Dive bars gave downtown a sense of community

Re: What we need is our dive bars back, Oct. 30

I have over 40 years of law enforcement experience in BC and Ontario. Steidle has articulated what I have observed over the years. He is absolutely right in his observations.

I worked in the area of Hastings Street, Vancouver, Front Street, New Westminster and Prince George. I have witnessed the changes. There was a degree of structure in these places. The tough barmaid kept people in line. The hotel staff and their clients had a relationship. There were inexpensive rooms with basic necessities — something that is now lacking.

While it wasn’t always pretty, there was a social support system and a community. Law enforcement dealt with alcohol issues, and not nearly the violence. It wasn’t pretty, but it was better.

Thomas Crispin

Prince George

The city should expand detox facilities, court-mandated rehab, and work-to-housing programs that require participation, not passive dependency. It also requires low-barrier transitional and structured recovery pathways that move people from stabilization to reintegration.

Spraying fertilizer is posing a real risk to our wildlife

Re: Fertilizer from the sky does serious damage, Oct. 9

Doesn’t anyone know that this travesty is being washed into the water systems of our province? No wonder cancer is on the increase. This should be stopped immediately.

Imagine what it does to a person’s stomach and health. Cattle have four stomachs; we only have one. I wonder who in their right mind would have encouraged this stupidity. Our

The 97-year-old old Prince George hotel was torn down 14 years ago, part of a string of demolitions, closures and fires that changed the face of downtown.

population is increasing — so many live, camp out or hike into these areas — so saying it is only on timber blocks would not be correct.

And what about all the other animals like moose, deer, elk and caribou, plus the birds that are getting quite scarce?

Cheryle McLatchy

Prince George

BC’s health-care system is failing patients

I am writing this with great distress about our medical system, which affects me personally. I can only imagine how many other people are affected by the failing medical system.

I have to go to the hospital every eight to 10 weeks for a medical procedure. Because of the shortage of nurses and radiologists, I had to wait for 12½ weeks, which made it serious, causing a bad infection and making the procedure very difficult. Something that would have taken a day to recover took me three days.

I am so disappointed in our government for allowing our medical system to be in such a mess. They are playing with people’s lives. The nurses and doctors are very polite and treat me with the utmost respect, but you can tell they are burnt out. Isn’t it time the government stood up and made the medical system a top priority?

Janet Pattinson

Prince George

Cowichan land decision has local implications

On Aug. 6, the British Columbia Supreme Court handed down its decision in the Cowichan case. The Cowichan First Nation was awarded Aboriginal title to approximately 800 acres of land in Richmond. On Oct. 28, a somewhat raucous meeting was held in Richmond by homeowners who were advised by the mayor of Richmond that the Cowichan decision “may compromise the status and validity of your ownership.”

Yet the results of this kind of lawsuit are not confined to the Lower Mainland. The Lheidli T’enneh in Prince George have advanced a similar claim. After negotiations with the government over a 10-year period, a comprehensive agreement was worked out about land transfer, monetary compensation, self-governance, fishing rights and many other issues. The final draft was well over 200 pages in length.

Notwithstanding this, in 2018 the Lheidli T’enneh voted to walk away from the negotiations and continue their lawsuit.

The trial in the Cowichan case took approximately five years — apparently the longest in Canadian history. The appeal will take several more years. Prince George is on the same track. Is this reconciliation?

James Cluff

Prince George

OPINION

Doctor shortage forces closure of clinic in Superstore

It’s hardly surprising that Prince George continues to struggle to attract and retain physicians. The area faces a welldocumented proportionally higher rate of drug-related antisocial behaviour and generally more complex health issues.

Financial incentives for working in PG remain insufficient to draw doctors and other healthcare professionals away from more desirable southern locations.

The long-standing stigma of the pulp smell has also discouraged newcomers. Council could have mitigated this years ago by requiring operators to install better emission filters, but reluctance to ac fearing pushback over cost, showed a lack of leadership.

Municipal and provincial politicians have underestimated the immense economic cost of their inaction.

We need proactive, not reactive, leadership that is willing to make noise and push for meaningful change.

Put your head above the pulpit, take responsibility, and stop clinging to the status quo.

Perham

Doctor shortage forces closure of clinic in Superstore

Here’s a few ideas:

1. Allow pharmacists to renew more routine prescriptions. If someone is in something like blood pressure medication for their entire life, just allow the pharmacist to take some basic readings, ask some questions, and renew. If anything is off, refer them to a doctor.

2. Expand the practice of nurses and nurse practitioners. These are skilled medical professionals who can do much more for common illnesses. Again, for complex care, they can refer to a doctor.

3. Expand telehealth and virtual visits. Many common visits such as prescription renewals or mental health checkups can be done this way. It’s much easier to get an appointment with a medical professional in Vancouver this way than trying to visit a medical professional in rural areas.

I agree with James on many issues, but this is not one of them. Sorry, but restoring dive bars is not going to fix anything.

The cost of living has risen beyond most low income peoples means and continues to rise, thats the unfortunate reality.

There are many other factors, but that is the key factor driving homelessness. Inflation, brought on by unprecedented government spending and debt. It affects everybody, but the people on the bottom rung of society feel it the worst.

Fentanyl is of course another factor. Exasperated by the fact our own government has flooded the streets with safe supply opioids being exchanged for lethal doses of drugs.

Our own activist lawyer/ premier has admitted the safe supply program was a mistake. Yet despite rapidly escalating death and mental disability year after year, they blundered forward with a program, that maimed and killed people, by tens of thousands.

Who is accountable for that? Who is responsible for these people?

Zangief

Share your views on our stories at

Tying our entire medical system to doctors and having them commit to physical checkups is the big bottleneck for our system.

Haakon Sullivan

Very good article. There is a reason behind homelessness not always voluntary what may have started out as temporary ending up more permanent. We want them to clean up and get a job but no place to clean up and no one to hire.

It is a societal problem ,a reflection of the city’s non homeless people more than that of the homeless. Unless we are willing to fix the social issues we as a whole created then we will never fix the issue.

Social program are an issue. As a person with physical issues I tried to get disability even short-term to get better to a point I could return and ended up having doctors and social workers push mental health disability and refuse to try as physical disability due to being harder to get on. That’s a huge label to put on someone. Everyone complains about people on social programs receiving “free” money from taxes but nobody complain about corporate handouts that go straight in directors’ pockets, or lobbying perks local, provincial, federal political receive.

Jonathan Shiptonold school

James Steidle: Downtown Prince George needs its dive bars back

James Steidle: Downtown Prince George needs its dive bars back

Alpine Village arrest

Prince George RCMP officers lead a handcuffed man out of an Alpine Village home on Friday, Oct. 31 after a shooting that left a man injured. Police said the wounded person was found bleeding on Upland Street and was taken to hospital. The investigation involved the North District Emergency Response Team and Police Dog Services. The case remains under investigation.

Shoplifter pleads guilty, lands house arrest and curfew

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A 57-year-old Vanderhoof man pleaded guilty Oct. 24 in Provincial Court to eight charges and will spend the next six months on house arrest and then three months under curfew before two years on probation.

Jeffery Bryan Arnold admitted to impaired driving and driving while prohibited on Nov. 19, 2021 in Prince George. He will be allowed to leave his residence for employment and medical treatment and for a three-hour period on Wednesdays during the first six months of the sentence. His curfew, for the remaining three months, runs from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily.

Judge Judith Doulis agreed to the joint sentencing proposal from Crown and defence lawyers, which includes a threeyear driving ban and $2,000 fine with a deadline to pay in 2027.

Doulis also sentenced Arnold to

concurrent conditional sentences of:

• Three months for a June 19, 2024 theft under $5,000 from Real Canadian Superstore

• Five months for theft under $5,000 between Aug. 17-Oct. 3, 2024 at the Liquor Distribution Branch

• Two months for thefts between May 26-June 3, 2024 and April 22,May 4, 2024 at Save-On-Foods

• Two months for driving while his licence was suspended on May 25, 2025 in Hixon

Each additional sentence came with a concurrent probationary term of two years.

Defence lawyer Airi Cipelletti said Arnold’s guilty pleas were mitigating factors and saved the court considerable trial time. She said Arnold is in treatment for multiple serious health conditions affecting vital organs, has battled alcoholism and dealt with multiple family tragedies. He lives on a disability income of $1,348 per month after losing work due to his health. She called that a “steep decline” from the $100,000-a-year he earned as a chef in oil patch work camps.

“Mr. Arnold is regretful of his conduct and he’s ashamed,” Cipelletti told Doulis.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

A man from Vanderhoof admitted to impaired driving before being sentenced on several theft charges.

Ten years in jail for Vancouver murder

The ‘cowardly and callous’ crime happened near a homeless camp

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A 21-year-old man who formerly lived in Prince George will spend 10 years in jail without parole for the second degree murder of a man near a Vancouver homeless camp.

David Bentil, who was born in Surrey and also lived in Shawnigan Lake and Calgary, was found guilty in the May 7, 2022 death of Andrew Wadden.

BC Supreme Court Justice Jan Brongers described it as a “cowardly and callous” crime in his Oct. 16 sentencing decision. Last June, Bentil’s co-accused, Eric Gaon Kim, 29, was sentenced to 14 years.

The Crown wanted a 12-year sentence for Bentil, but Brongers agreed with the defence proposal of 10 years, the mandatory minimum for the crime.

Bentil and Kim lethally assaulted Wadden, who was trying to get away from his attackers. Brongers said Bentil showed no concern for the impact of his actions on bystanders, including children, who witnessed the crime in broad daylight.

Local man given probation and time served for theft from store

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A man who pleaded guilty to stealing $322 worth of goods from the Winners store in Pine Centre Mall last spring was sentenced on Thursday, Oct. 29 to time served and ordered to spend 18 months on probation.

Provincial Court Judge Peter McDermick was told that Norman Frederick Jr West, born in 1986, was accused of committing theft under $5,000 on March 28.

A loss prevention officer called Prince George RCMP on April 4 after reviewing the store’s surveillance video footage.

Brongers also noted that the incident that led to the murder began with a fight at CRAB Park initiated by Wadden and he prolonged it by following Bentil to the Main Street overpass.

In court, Bentil expressed regret for his actions and apologized to Wadden’s family.

Brongers took into account several mitigating factors: Bentil’s Jamaican,

Indigenous and African background, that he was raised by his divorced mother and faced abuse.

Brongers said Bentil struggled with mental development issues, dropped out of school in Grade 10, joined a drug gang and became a heavy user of ecstasy and cocaine.

Yet, he had no criminal record until the murder.

The officer recognized the images of West from his interactions with police in Burns Lake and Prince George, court heard.

West was arrested June 27 on a bench warrant.

He remains in custody while facing charges from an unrelated Nov. 19, 2024 incident.

He is accused of firearms possession and storage charges.

Man sentenced after being caught violating his curfew

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A 36-year-old man was sentenced to 15 days time served Oct. 29 in Prince George Provincial Court for breaching a release order.

Judge Peter McDermick agreed to the joint sentencing proposal from Crown and defence lawyers after hearing that Matthew Douglas Sweder violated his curfew order.

A Prince George RCMP officer conducting a routine check visited Sweder’s basement suite on May 7 at 1:13 a.m.

The officer knocked on the door intermittently for 10 minutes and then on all basement windows before calling the hospital to confirm Sweder was not there.

The officer remained parked outside for 40 minutes and there was still no sign of Sweder.

Sweder was finally arrested Aug. 9 on a bench warrant and released from custody on Aug. 18.

McDermick heard that Sweder is Indigenous and has mental health issues and agreed to the time served proposal.

On Oct. 23, Crown counsel stayed charges against Sweder for careless use or storage of a firearm, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possessing a firearm without licence and/ or registration and occupying a vehicle while knowing a firearm is present.

The charges stemmed from a Dec. 3, 2023 incident in Prince George.

BC Prosecution Service communications counsel Damienne Darby said the decision to stay the charges against Sweder was made after a voir dire, a hearing for a judge to decide whether certain evidence can be admitted.

“After reviewing the evidence and the rest of the file materials the prosecutor concluded the charge approval standard was no longer met,” Darby said. “In these circumstances a stay of proceedings is the appropriate course of action.”

Sweder had previously been sentenced to seven days in jail and probation for a year in 2022 for resisting a police officer and breaching a release order. In 2019, he was sentenced to a 70-day conditional sentence and 18 months of probation for mischief under $5,000 and assault.

WPCPEY PHOTO

The atrium of the Vancouver Law Courts is seen in a file photo. A former city resident was in Vancouver court in October in connection with the 2022 death of a man near an encampment at Crab Park.

Cats saved from ‘hoarder house’ heading to new homes

They were in rough shape when found but are now doing OK

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Prince George Humane Society wants the community to know that 11 of the cats rescued by bylaw officers from a “hoarding situation” are now available for adoption.

The Humane Society stated that when these cats were taken in, they were suffering from malnutrition and some of the worst cases of ear mites the organization had seen.

“They all had fleas, as well as ear mites, and a lot of them had skin infections as a result of the fleas,” said Angela McLaren, executive director of the Prince George Humane Society. “Some of them actually just had such ear damage — we didn’t remove the ears, but it’s such bad damage to the ear and the ear canal, that’s what you’re seeing there. We put them through treatment with the vets — treatment for the fleas and the mites, as well as the ear infections that came with the mites — and put some of them in foster care to gain weight.”

McLaren noted that currently, two of the cats and kittens rescued are in foster care to help them recover, but that the rest are happy and healthy despite some early skittishness.

“They were super-terrified, and I think it’s just taking them from the environment that they were in and then in a kennel and then arriving at the shelter,” said McLaren.

“They were really fearful. We noticed after about 24 hours they started to cling. I think they were just super grateful that we were treating the fleas and treating the ears. Yeah, they all came around in about 48 hours, and they were just super happy to be here. They are super-friendly — you don’t always see that.”

The Humane Society noted that the cost of treatment for these cats was outside their monthly medical budget.

HUMANE SOCIETY PHOTO

This is one of the 11 cats rescued from a hoarding situation that is now up for adoption in Prince George.

Fortunately, through donations of funds and shelter supplies from locals and businesses like Costless Liquor, Powerhouse Realty, Col Juicery, Rockford Grill and Wildroots Botanicals, the animals were able to receive the treatment they needed.

“We just couldn’t believe how Prince George actually stepped up for the animals,” said McLaren. “Sometimes we find the cats don’t get as much attention as dogs necessarily would, and so it’s just so great to see that the community is supporting the animals. Thank you for supporting us, whether it comes to caring for them or making donations. It’s made a world of difference for us, and we couldn’t continue to do this type of work if the community didn’t support the organization.”

If you want to adopt these cats, you can fill out an application in person at the society’s location at Lansdowne Road and First Avenue or online at https://adopt.adopets.com/shelter/ prince-george-humane-society

TOYS

Chamber celebrates business excellence with awards

CITIZEN STAFF

The Prince George Chamber of Commerce celebrated the city’s top entrepreneurs and organizations on Saturday night at its 40th Annual Business Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the local business community.

An audience of more than 400 gathered at the Civic Centre for dinner and the awards presentation, which saw short video clips introducing the finalists in each category before the winners were announced.

Kyndra Farrell, owner and operator of Worth A Shot Mobile Bar and Champagne Events, was named the 2025 Business Person of the Year.

MDN Trinity Financial Services took home the Business of the Year Award.

The House of Ancestors earned the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) Business of the Year Award.

The chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to The Citizen. This award was announced in advance.

Other award recipients included:

• Excellence in Promotion and Marketing: Busy Boss Communications

• Excellence in Food and Beverage: Open Door Café

• Excellence in Entertainment and Attractions: Caledonia Nordic Ski Club

• Excellence in Business Philanthropy: Four Rivers Co-Op

• Excellence in Technological Innovation: Stackd

• Excellence in Customer Service: Birchwood Veterinary Clinic

• Excellence in Environmental Impact: Goodsir Nature Park

• Excellence in Not-for-Profit/ Community Service: Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation

To mark the event’s 40th anniversary, the chamber welcomed the Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould, former minister of justice and attorney-general of Canada, as the evening’s keynote speaker. Wilson-Raybould, the bestselling author of True Reconciliation: How to

and Benjamin Bauman

in Customer

Aimee Cassie accepts the award for Excellence in Not For Profit and Community Service for Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation from Rae-Ann Noonan, executive director of sponsor Prince George Community Foundation.

Be a Force for Change, focused on the growing partnerships between Canadian businesses and Indigenous communities and the shared commitment to building a prosperous, inclusive future.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Melanie

of Birchwood Veterinary Clinic pose for a picture after receiving the award for Excellence

Service presented by Kendall Kershaw, representing sponsor Canadian Tire, at the PG Chamber of Commerce 2025 Business Excellence Awards held at the Civic Centre Saturday, Nov. 1.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Prince George Citizen owners Terresa Randall-Stolz and Cameron Stolz pose for a picture with staff and chamber representatives following the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award by sponsor representative Troy La Londe (left), Canfor senior director of human resources, at the awards.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

New local treatment facility needed in Williams Lake

ANDIE MOLLINS Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The City of Williams Lake is sending a letter to Interior Health (IH) to reinforce councillors’ interest in having a treatment facility built in the city.

After a discussion reviewing the 2025 Point-in-Time Homeless Count (PiT) in Williams Lake during council’s Oct. 21 regular meeting, councillors expressed their belief that a treatment facility is needed to help address homelessness as well as mental health and substance use issues in the area.

“There’s a lot of people that don’t understand some of the facts that are there and this document explains that,” said Coun. Joan Flaspohler about the local PiT report, encouraging the public take a look at it. “This is boots on the ground talking to people on the streets and understanding.”

The report was released in early October and showed that the number of people experiencing homelessness at a particular point in time — that is, April 2, 2025 — and who agreed to speak with those conducting the count was 100. This is 23 more people than were counted in the previous local PiT count done in March 2023.

While the report only shows with relative certainty that homelessness is on the rise, some of the councillors expressed a concern that substance use and mental health issues were also increasing in Williams Lake.

The percentages in fact show that the number of those struggling with substance use today is lower than in 2023 while those struggling with their mental health is higher. However, the number of respondents answering these particular questions in 2023 is unknown and thus the percentages cannot necessarily be compared with those from 2025.

In any case, both reports show that many people within the homeless population are indeed struggling with mental health issues and substance use.

The PiT report notes that in most cases, there is no one thing contributing to housing loss but rather a multitude of factors. The top three reasons attributed

to housing loss by local respondents this year were ‘Not Enough Income’ (45 per cent), ‘Unfit or Unsafe Housing’ (27 per cent) and ‘Substance Use’ (21 per cent). Seventy-six respondents said their situation led to an eviction.

People counted as experiencing homelessness in the report included those who were staying outside on the night of the count as well as those staying in shelters, transition houses, hospitals, detox facilities or at another’s place.

The city’s chief administrative officer, Gary Muraca, told The Tribune that the city is seeing fewer encampments, and since there is capacity in Williams Lake to shelter anyone experiencing homelessness, encampments outdoors are not permitted at the moment.

“We don’t want those people to be violent on the streets either,” Muraca said of the small number of people he said who do try to put tents up because they have been kicked out of shelters.

Nelson claimed IH was holding the city back, noting council had previously proposed to no avail that a treatment facility be built in Williams Lake.

Coun. Michael Moses, who initiated the discussion on the PiT count and noted that Indigenous people are overrepresented among those experiencing homelessness, put forward a motion to send a letter to IH reinforcing their desire for a local facility.

“If we can position ourselves to be in front of the line for that, we might get

and IH manager of clinical operations Katie Matuschewski said this was not something the health authority is planning at this time.

“We have only seen an increase in services, we have not seen a reduction at all,” Matuschewski said of IH Mental Health and Substance Use services (MHSU) in Williams Lake.

For the most part, Matuschewski said clients have not said a treatment facility is what they need in Williams Lake. Rather, she said people want to see access to services and fewer wait times, and those services vary from one person to another.

one in five years instead of 20 years,” Moses said after the discussion suggested the province wants to build more treatment facilities, something the councillors were told during the Union of BC Municipalities Conference in late Sept. There has been no official announcement about this, however,

Matuschewski acknowledged that needs change, however, and encouraged anyone who wants to share feedback to reach out via 310-MHSU (6478). She also said that anyone seeking help should call this number to speak with a nurse.

This story originally appeared in The Williams Lake Tribune.

ANDIE MOLLINS, LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER PHOTO

This homeless shelter was found in Williams Lake and torn down by city bylaw officers just a few days after the 2025 Point-in-Time count by the Homelessness Services Association of BC.

What’s happening in PG

Russell Peters: RELAX World Tour goes Thursday, Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. at CN Centre. Comedy superstar Russell Peters brings his critically acclaimed tour to Prince George. Known for his razor-sharp wit, hilarious cultural observations, and unforgettable crowd work this is chance to see one of the world’s top comedians live. Get ready for an evening of laughter, insight, and side-splitting stories as Russell Peters takes the stage. For tickets visit www. ticketsnorth.evenue.net/RussellPeters.

Prince George Spruce Kings vs Alberni Valley Bulldogs goes Friday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. at Kopar Memorial Arena, 888 Dominion Street. For more information and tickets visit https://www.sprucekings.bc.ca/ tickets

Coldsnap presents Jeremy Dutcher on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. at Knox Performance Centre, 1448 Fifth Ave. Two-time Polaris Music Prize winner, Jeremy Dutcher is a classically trained tenor, Two-Spirit song carrier, polymuse, activist, ethnomusicologist, and member of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) in Eastern Canada. Jeremy’s music transcends boundaries: unapologetically playful in its incorporation of classical and jazz influences, full of reverence for the traditional songs of his home, and teeming with the urgency of modern-day resistance. For tickets visit www.coldsnapfestival.tickit.ca/ jeremy-dutcher.

Winter Gathering, Cozy Vibe Local Finds goes Saturday, Nov. 8 and Sunday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the House of Ancestors Conference Centre and Café, 355 Vancouver St. Local vendors will be selling handmade, unique gifts just in time for the holidays. Discover cozy winter décor, artisan treats, handcrafted jewelry, and more while enjoying a family-friendly, festive atmosphere. Support small businesses, explore the creativity of Northern BC. This is a free event hosted by the Vendor Vault.

Pineview Craft and Small Business Fair goes Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m.

to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pineview Hall, 6470 Bendixon Road. Full concession both days. Enjoy the regular concession menu plus a couple new delicious items while shopping for those special gifts. To book a table please call Judy at 250-9639723. Space is limited.

Perk Up Prince George Coffee Festival goes Saturday, Nov. 8 with two session from 9 to 11 a.m. or noon to 2 p.m. at the Two Rivers Gallery, 725 Canada Games Way. This is a curated coffee-tasting experience featuring u to a dozen local artisan coffee roasters and shops. This is a chance to sip, sample and celebrate incredible coffee culture here in Prince George. All proceeds support youth athletes of the Nechako Karate Club, helping them represent

Prince George on provincial, national, and international stages. Live music provided by Pat Emery. For more information and tickets visit www.zeffy. com//perk-up-pg--2025

Anchoress and Friends Live in PG goes Saturday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. at Legion 43 PG, 101-1116 Sixth Ave. Dusty Trails Promotions presents post hardcore veterans from the grimy streets of Vancouver Anchoress, with supporting acts Anomalist, Dead Horse Mill, Cynnical. Event is 19+, please bring ID. $20 at the door.

Handy Circle Resource Society

Christmas Craft Fair goes Saturday, Nov. 8 and Sunday, Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at AiMHi’s Gym, 950 Kerry St. This Christmas Fair is the perfect place to find unique gifts for

everyone on that list. There is a 50/50 draw and free draws.

Taste of Middle Earth goes Sunday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. Presented by Deadfall Brewing and the Wells Hotel at Deadfall Brewing Company, 1733 Nicholson St. S., two local, independent food and beverage creatives team up to present culinary collaboration rock a Sunday afternoon. This is a six-course brunch menu where people are encouraged to dress up in Middle Earth attire. Tickets are $75 each and available in advance at Deadfall Brewing. For all the details, including the menu visit https://www.facebook.com/ events/4215606418652058

Homespun Holiday Reveal goes Wednesday, Nov. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 3110 15th Ave. Step into the season with intention. See the holiday collection — a thoughtfully curated selection of sustainable, Canadian-made gifts designed to inspire meaningful giving. Throughout the day enjoy exclusive hands-on experiences like Soaking Salts Make & Take — blend your own luxurious, therapeutic salts and Wood-Burning Ornaments — craft timeless keepsakes with artisanal charm from 5-8p.m.

Prince George Cougars vs Victoria Royals goes Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 12 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 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.

JEREMY DUTCHER/FACEBOOK PHOTO

Tenor Jeremy Dutcher performs Saturday, Nov. 8 at Knox Performance Centre in a concert presented by Coldsnap.

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

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.

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! goes 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.

Free Food Preservation Workshops go every Thursday 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.

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

Timberwolves fundraise for domestic abuse survivor

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Timberwolves Athletic Society (TAS) has named Bianca Encina-Prosser and her family as their MVP of the year.

The student-run organization usually selects a local resident in need of financial assistance monthly, but Prosser and her family’s struggles in the wake of escaping an abusive situation have inspired the society to go above and beyond.

The society has launched a GoFundMe in support of the Prosser family. TAS internal communications member Abbey Bradley spoke to The Citizen about what inspired them to support Prosser and her children.

“Normally, we do an MVP of the month,” said Bradley. “But we wanted to make it like a year-long thing and just raise as much money as we could, while reaching out into the community. We found Bianca and thought that she and her two kids would be the perfect candidates, as she’s been through the unimaginable. We really felt she was just a perfect candidate and someone that we could really help support and possibly better the future of her and her children.”

Bradley added that survivors of abuse and their experiences are often not discussed because of the heavy subject matter — something the TAS hopes to change.

“Domestic violence is a very heavy topic and it’s hard to talk about,” said Bradley. “Being able to support those who are victims and survivors of domestic violence will also bring attention to what these victims are going through. Just being able to provide them with resources and help that they need to get past these traumatic events is something that’s very important to us.”

The Citizen spoke to Prosser about her experiences with domestic violence and what led her to the situation she and her family are currently in.

“I came to Prince George in January with my ex-partner of nine years and the father of my children, who came here for his work,” said Prosser. “Problems in

Bianca Encina-Prosser and her children are rebuilding their lives after her ex-husband was convicted of abusing her. Now the UNBC Timberwolves are helping raise funds for the family.

the relationship came up as they do in life, but unfortunately, things really just kind of degraded to the point of abuse.

“It started kind of in an insidious way, as it often does, through emotional and financial abuse. By the end of July, it became very physical. He ended up assaulting me. It was a brutal assault — a lot of kicking over the body and the head over a period of about a day and a half. He was convicted of this and pleaded guilty. The worst part of it is that, unfortunately, my children witnessed this. They were present during the domestic violence incident, and it has left just irreparable damage.”

Since her ex-husband was convicted, the Prossers have stayed at Phoenix Transition House Shelter and have recently transitioned to second-stage housing.

Prosser was ecstatic to hear that the TAS would be supporting her and her family and was overjoyed at the amount of local support she had already received.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Prosser.

witnessing his mother being assaulted and has needed psychiatric care.

“It’s going to be going first and foremost directly towards the children — to get them into programs, get them into clubs, to pay for some private services just to help support me at home with Roman’s behaviour challenges and his special needs,” said Prosser. “I also will be using the money to help support their RESP accounts and just make sure that no matter what they see, that some good has come of this, and that even though they had all of the odds set against them, they were able to beat that and that people really believed in them.”

Any additional funds will go toward extra furniture for the Prossers’ home and supporting Prosser herself as she plans to attend post-secondary school and driving school, as she was dependent on her ex-husband for rides previously.

She added during her interview with The Citizen that it’s important to have conversations around domestic violence, especially during the victim’s recovery.

“When I received the phone call that they were considering nominating me, I was just absolutely blown away. First of all, I never really considered my personal circumstances to be as significant in the grand scheme of things. To see that the community and the people of Prince George actually care about my family...

“To know that UNBC is thinking of us even beyond that and really just truly hopes for the best for me and the kids — it really touched me. It really helps restore a lot of faith in humanity and the concept of a village. It’s a privilege, it’s an honour. This is something that my children will hopefully look at one day and just feel inspired, and hopefully it gives them some real evidence that community exists, humanity is good, and no matter what happens in life, we can keep moving forward and people will show up for you.”

Funds raised by the TAS will go toward supporting the family’s needs, as well as helping Prosser’s son, Roman, who has been suffering from PTSD since

“It’s really so meaningful to bring awareness to domestic violence and the impact that it has, not just during the event but after the fact,” said Prosser. “I think that October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month is just really all the more touching — that Prince George is really considering my family and what we’ve gone through. I just hope that if anybody else is in a situation where they’re feeling unsafe, that they don’t wait until it goes too far and see us, because your children are worth it.”

UNBC and the TAS will also be hosting a basketball tournament at the Northern Sports Centre this Sunday, starting at 10 a.m., in support of Prosser and her family.

This will be the first of three fundraising events held by TAS.

If you want to donate to the Prosser family, please visit the following link to donate to their online GoFundMe campaign at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ tau83b-help-biancas-family-rebuild-theirlives

BIANCA ENCINA-PROSSER PHOTO

RCMP brings Purple Lights Nights campaign to PG

Its goal is to raise awareness of domestic violence

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and local RCMP set out to bring attention to a campaign to raise awareness about intimate partner violence.

So why purple? Since 1987, purple has been known as the colour of domestic violence awareness, and the third Thursday of October is also known as Purple Thursday.

A community partner-based working group in Prince George called the Violence Against Women in Relationships (VAWIR) committee has taken this issue to heart and wants to begin a new campaign in the city.

The Purple Light Nights campaign originated in Covington, Washington, in 2006, and members of the VAWIR committee in Prince George are hoping to spread the campaign across the community.

RCMP urges people to report crime instead of posting it

The campaign encourages local businesses and homes to display purple lights to send a message against domestic violence.

“On Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, Prince

The Prince George RCMP has announced a new campaign designed to help locals feel comfortable and confident in reporting crime to their local police.

The campaign, called See Something, Say Something, will run throughout November and encourage residents to report criminal activity, whether witnessed in person or captured on surveillance footage.

While the RCMP notes that crime in the city may have recently dropped, they are concerned this may be due to a lack of reported incidents.

“Recently, we have seen a trend of videos and photos that show crimes being committed, which are getting posted to local social media sites instead of being properly reported to police. This

limits our capacity to investigate the incident, identify suspects and prevent further crime from occurring. We hope this campaign will serve as an important reminder that reporting incidents directly to police is the most effective way to keep our community safe,” said Darin Rappel, detachment commander for Prince George RCMP.

City of Prince George bylaw services manager Kent MacNeill said residents always have a role to play in keeping Prince George safe.

“Prince George Fire Rescue and the city’s bylaw services team rely on reports from residents,” said MacNeill. “Everyone in our community has a role to play in keeping Prince George safe — whether that’s reporting crimes, bylaw infractions or fires to the correct authority when you see them happening.

To report a crime, call RCMP at 250561-3300 or call 911.

George RCMP participated in the firstever Purple Light Nights campaign in the city,” stated Jenna Moore, media relations officer with the Prince George RCMP.

“The Prince George VAWIR committee worked together to present a proclamation to the city, declaring that annually, between Oct. 16 and 30, the Purple Light Nights campaign is recognized in the City of Prince George.”

The initiative aims to increase awareness of the effects of domestic violence, honour victims and survivors, and provide education on prevention and available resources.

Prince George RCMP said they look forward to seeing community members display purple lights in October 2026.

For more information on the local Purple Thursday campaign, visit the local VAWIR Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61580967454380

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RCMP PHOTO

Supporters and members of the Prince George Violence Against Women in Relationships chapter gather for a picture on Purple Thursday.

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Great finds for thrifters mean more funds for UHNBC

One-year anniversary for the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop

CHRISTINE DALGEISH Citizen Staff

Celebrating its first anniversary in the new location, the UHNBC Auxiliary Thrift Shop is bigger and brighter than ever.

The Thrift Shop that used to be tucked away on Third Avenue is now located at 1655 South Nicholson St., off 15th Avenue.

There’s 600 more square feet than before, and there’s storage on the mezzanine.

The entire staff is made up of volunteers, and there’s a place for everyone to shine.

“We have one person for toys, one person for wool, one person for books — I oversee most of the stuff in the store — and the sorting. We have a whole process now and we’ve got enough room to do it,” said Cheryl Rossignol, Thrift Shop director.

They’ve got a volunteer, Dale, who checks anything you plug in to make sure it works before it goes out into the store.

“He always does a great job,” Rossignol said.

There’s a shoe lady and a jewelry lady, too.

“It was a clean slate we started from when we moved into the new location, and we get lots of compliments about the Thrift Shop,” Rossignol said.

“We like our volunteers to get to know the store themselves so they can offer better customer service, which is important to us.”

There are about 42 volunteers on the Thrift Shop roster, and there are more than 100 UHNBC Auxiliary members.

“It’s a wonderful array of women, and we all get along,” Rossignol said.

“And I love it so much.”

There’s a toonie rack at the front of the store, and every now and then there’s a pop-up sale with bargains galore, Rossignol added.

If something sits in the Thrift Shop for more than a few weeks, it gets put on the toonie rack to help move it out of the store.

“It might be a really nice piece of clothing, but nobody’s found it or seen it, so we’ll put it on the toonie rack and watch it disappear,” Rossignol said.

When there’s a surplus, the UHNBC Auxiliary donates extras to the Salvation Army Thrift Store in the neighbourhood, Rossignol explained.

“We are not competitors. We work hand in hand with the other thrift shops, and we try to move items along quickly,” Rossignol said.

“We get such great support from the community,” said Loretta Sumanik, a 15-year volunteer with the UHNBC Auxiliary. “People have been so wonderful to us.”

Is there a trend — something that disappears out of the Thrift Shop as soon as it comes in?

“It’s happenstance,” Sumanik said.

“People will come in and browse, and then they see something and they say, ‘I have to have that,’ and we might’ve all thought it was a little…” she laughed, shrugging her shoulders. “… but they loved it! So you never can tell!”

It’s becoming cool to go thrifting nowadays, the women noted.

“And people want vintage,” Sumanik

said. “And vintage clothing is so well made and made with such great material.”

“I have friends who would never thrift, but I grew up in a family of 10 kids, so hand-me-downs and neighbours’ extras always found their way to our house,” Rossignol said.

The customers seem to be getting younger and younger as thrifting — the ultimate in clothing recycling — becomes more popular, the women agreed.

The Thrift Shop recycles as much as possible, Rossignol said.

It takes a village to keep the Thrift Shop running smoothly, so there’s someone who recycles the metal and someone else who bundles damaged cotton items that get sold as rags.

There’s even a longtime volunteer who takes donated material and upcycles it by sewing heirloom aprons to sell in the Thrift Shop. Another woman takes wool sweaters that have a stain or are slightly damaged and sews woollen mittens out of the good pieces.

“There was even a lady who would take the used candles people donate to us and would melt them all down, creating new candles and sending them to third world countries,” Rossignol said.

“So anything that we get like that is put to good use.”

There’s a non-profit that helps people

at risk downtown that gratefully accepts items not considered sellable but still usable, and those items get distributed to people living on the streets of Prince George, Rossignol added.

“We pass along clothing to the emergency room for people who come in and have to have their clothing cut off their bodies so they have something to wear,” Rossignol said.

“We also do sleepers for the pediatric unit. So we do a lot of recycling.”

If people are looking to donate items that are not deemed sellable, they’re asked to put them in a bag marked “rags” if they are more than 50 per cent cotton, to save the volunteers some time when sorting donations.

Since the UHNBC Auxiliary Thrift Shop moved to the Nicholson Centre, it now accepts cash, debit and credit, which Rossignol said has helped increase sales.

The UHNBC Auxiliary has been in the community since 1919, raising funds and supporting the hospital, mainly with medical equipment. The group has raised more than $6 million that directly benefits residents of Prince George and the surrounding area.

The Thrift Shop is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and donations are gratefully accepted during store hours.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHRISTINE DALGLEISH

UHNBC Auxliary Thrift Shop has handmade aprons sewn by a volunteer using donated fabrics.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #43 Poppy and Wreath Supporters:

Assman’s Funeral Chaple

Lakewood Funeral Chapel

Fraserview Crematorium

Hart Drug Mart

Prince Sheet Metal

Windsor Plywood

Knights of Columbus, Father Thomas Assembly

College of New Caledonia

The Salvation Army

Regional District of Fraser Fort George

Dulux Paint

Velocity Truck Centre

Riverbend Manor

Kiel Giddens, MLA

Sheldon Clare, MLA

Rosalyn Bird, MLA

Joy Global

Craftsman Collision

All Points Fire Protection

Save-On-Foods, College Heights

Save-On-Foods, PineCentre

Save-On-Foods, Spruceland

Inland Truck & Equipment Ltd.

Bryant Electric

Rocky Mountain Rangers

Prince George Veterinary Hospital

PPWC, Len Shankel, Local 9

Culligan Water

Prince George Truck & Equipment (2000) Ltd.

IBEW Local 993

Earls Kitchen & Bar

Twin Rivers Developments Ltd.

Sunset Glass

Tsay Key Dene

Municipal Pension Retirees Association

Huber Farm Equipment

National Federal Retirees Association PG Branch

BC15

Guru Gobind Singh Temple Association

Hub City Volkswagen

United Steelworkers Local 1-2017

Unifor Local 603

Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary

Cobalt Industries Ltd.

Nechako 86 Masonic Lodge

Sources

Hospital Employees Union Prince George

RiverBend Seniors Community

City honours the wartime sacrifice of the fallen

Remembrance Day Ceremony

Presented by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43

• Tuesday, Nov 11, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

• Ceremony starts at 9:10 a.m. at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre. Attendees are asked to be there to be seated by 8:30 a.m.

• After the indoor ceremony the ceremonial parade will assemble along Canada Games Way starting at 10:30 a.m. At 10:45 a.m. the parade begins to Veterans Plaza Cenotaph at city hall.

• Those attending the cenotaph ceremony are asked to stay within marked areas and leave room for honoured guests, the honour guard and parade participants.

• At 11 a.m. the last post will be delivered, followed by two minutes of silence, the lament and rouse.

• After the ceremony, everybody’s invited for refreshments at the Prince George Legion Branch 43 lounge at 1116 Sixth Ave.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

Prince George firefighters march through the people-lined streets during the 2024 Remembrance Day ceremony.

Branch 43 set to host community after ceremony

On Tuesday morning, once Remembrance Day services are done and the parade from Veterans Plaza to Canada Games Plaza has reached its destination, there’s an open invitation for people to gather for refreshments at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43. Better get there quickly to avoid a lineup. The lounge and restaurant at 101-1116 Sixth Ave. has room for 110 seated guests, and if the crowd is bigger than that, Legion staff will find a way to deal with it — but you might have to wait.

The Prince George Legion has had to reinvent itself with a new business model that keeps its lounge open for lunch five days per week, dinner four times a week and as a venue for live entertainment.

“We’ve started to make this thing viable again,” said Legion Branch 43 president Eric Callaghan.

and Junior Canadian Rangers Group, and his son Capt. John Callaghan, Regional Cadet Support Group (Pacific), in front of the stage at the Legion lounge Thursday, Oct. 30.

“I’m trying to bring it back to what we used to have. We were willy-nilly for 10 years and now we’re coming back. We’ve got a great crew on the executive now and new people looking at running for positions that are very good.”

Callaghan says the lunchtime crowds (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.) are regular enough on Thursday and Friday to make it profitable, but they have to work on convincing more customers to come Monday to Wednesday. Supper is served 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, and they also put on pancake breakfasts every fourth Saturday of each month. Steak is on the Legion menu for Remembrance Day, with three sittings planned starting at 5:30 p.m. Save-On-Foods

is donating all the food.

Callaghan admits the lounge came close to closing permanently only a few years ago, and Prince George was not alone feeling the pinch.

“I’d say half the Legion branches have lost their lounges, but they still have their branches,” said Callaghan. “The lounge could have folded but the branch would have succeeded. When I took over as president (in 2022) it could have gone either way, it was that tight. Our treasurer at that time, Jennie Ryder — how she did it I still can’t figure out — but she kept our doors open.”

In June, the Legion announced the lounge is available as a rental venue for bands or other entertainers who want to play their music for live audiences.

The Legion board saw that as a potential revenue generator, and it’s worked well so far, packing the place for heavy metal bands, Elvis, Johnny Cash and Shania Twain impersonators, burlesque shows and comedy acts. The lounge is also popular as a venue for banquets and celebrations of life.

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Legion experiencing ‘new life’ after reinventing itself

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The performers set the ticket prices and keep the gate receipts, and the Legion provides the venue and keeps proceeds from liquor sales at the bar.

Callaghan says weekend nights are booked solid for the rest of the year.

“It’s a place for them to play because there’s not many places left in town, and from what we’ve heard, everybody else charges them a fee to come and play in their place and we don’t,” said Callaghan.

Branch 43 created two full-time restaurant and lounge positions and in October hired a general manager, hoping to capitalize on the momentum created this summer with the live acts and a revamped restaurant menu to attract customers.

“We’re rolling the dice to try and make it work,” said Callaghan. “We’re trying to go back to what we were 15 years ago, when we had a manager and staff working, and we’re trying to bring the volunteers back as volunteers. For the last eight or nine years it went south, where certain volunteers were taking

all the gratuities home and they turned it into a job themselves.

“It’s out there, but it’s a lot of work to run,” said Callaghan. “The Legion is a veterans organization and it’s open to the public, but the lounge is a business.”

Branch 43 has been leasing its current 5,000-square-foot headquarters on Sixth Avenue since 2013, when it sold its 20,000-sq.-ft. building a couple of blocks away.

“If we don’t open the door it’s still a $10,000 bill per month by the time you pay your rent and your hydro and all the fees the government throws at you,” Callaghan said.

Callaghan, 65, retired as a Prince George firefighter nine years ago, and in March of this year he retired from the military after serving 44 years of reserve duty in the Canadian Air Force. He remains a civilian instructor with the air cadets.

He has long been a Legion board member, and when he began his four-year term as president Jan. 1, 2022, one of his primary objectives was to bring back paid staff to the lounge — and he’s helped make that happen.

“I think we’re moving the right way ahead,” said Callaghan, who announced he won’t be running for a second term in the board election later this month. “We now have seven staff total at the Legion, with a core of volunteers. It’s a small core right now, about 20, and that’s including the executive, and we’d like to build that back up. Nine or 10 years ago we had over 100.”

Callaghan said there’s always room for more volunteers, whether it’s for the poppy campaign, helping staff the gate on concert nights or assisting restaurant and cleanup staff.

Membership is open to everyone in the community, unlike previous decades when it was a requirement that members be involved in military service or be the family member of a serviceman. But only members can vote on Legion decisions. Annual membership costs $60. The branch gets $10 for each member and the rest is sent to dominion command and BC/Yukon provincial command. Branch 43 has about 450 members. For more information, go to the Branch 43 website or see their Facebook page.

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Inspiring and humbling: Students visit battlefields

TED CLARKE

Citizen Staff

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

The words of Canadian physician John McCrae in his famous poem In Flanders Fields come back to life each spring in the poppies that bloom brilliant red, scattered in the battlefield graveyards of northern France and Belgium.

For 10 years, Marlo Mahoney has been taking her Prince George high school students on spring break holidays to see the long rows of graves and form connections with dead soldiers.

The fields of thousands of identical white crosses that mark the graves of Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice for the war effort touch a range of emotions in the students as they walk through the graveyards, and the sense of loss deepens when they see some were as young as 16 when they died in the fighting.

“The students we take over are the same age as a lot of these men who enlisted and who fought — you

had to be 18 but a lot of them lied,” said Mahoney. “They didn’t have birth certificates and especially in World War 1 it was really easy for someone who looked older to enlist.”

Military recruiters sometimes looked the other way and would allow a too-young soldier to enlist, even after learning their actual age. They were told to walk around the block and age two or three years before they came to fill out another recruitment form.

Mahoney tasks her social studies students at College Heights Secondary School with learning details of the lives of soldiers taken in the First or Second World War. The students she takes to Europe are each assigned a soldier to research and they find out details of their lives before they visit the grave where they were put to rest.

“When they go and find their soldiers, it’s like finding a long-lost friend for a lot of them because they’ve learned so much about the young man,” said Mahoney. “Quite often there’s tears, because they become so attached. It’s almost like they’re talking about one of their friends — it’s a pretty emotional journey for a lot of them.”

Mahoney has visited battlefields in Belgium, France and Italy, and each time the experience gives her more of a sense of what it was like to have been there during wartime.

“You can’t describe it,” said Mahoney. “It’s inspiring, it’s humbling, it makes you feel proud, it makes you feel sad, there’s just so many emotions. When we take students over it’s an extension of the curriculum that they learned, so they have some understanding of what happened. But when they actually get there to those locations it really brings it home for them.

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MARLO MAHONEY PHOTO

Students from Prince George visit the Vimy Ridge memorial monument in France.

Tours help connect families over decades, generations

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“To actually be there is awe-inspiring. To walk through the trenches on Vimy Ridge and stand in front of that monument and see the battlefield — it doesn’t matter how many times you’re there, it’s very emotional and it’s different every time.”

Mahoney’s work as a military historian with the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation, starting in 2010, has involved hours of research. Much of her work lately has been focused on the Prince George soldiers who signed up for either of the world wars.

For the First World War, 260 local soldiers enlisted at recruiting stations in Prince George, Fort George, South Fort George or Quesnel at a time when the male population in the area was between 750 and 1,000. Most of them were sent overseas. Seventeen of those soldiers killed are named on the regional cenotaph at Veterans Plaza in Prince George, and Mahoney has uncovered the names of 15 more that could be added.

Mahoney learned those details through Library and Archives Canada, which has information on soldiers as far back as the Northwest Rebellion. All files on First World War veterans are available, but finding details about Second World War soldiers’ lives is more difficult because only the files of those killed in action are released to the public.

Mahoney. “Their mother refused to talk about it. She thought that Val would return home and that never happened.

“He enlisted near Enderby, so my first trip over was presenting his story at graveside to all of the teachers that I went with. A few years later I was able to take my son, Conner Wales, over on one of my school trips and he stood on the beach where his great-uncle came ashore.

“There’s still German bunkers there so you can see the German defences. Later that afternoon we were at the cemetery and Conner did the same thing I did — he stood by his uncle and told the students the story.”

Valmar joined the Scottish army and his infantry regiment was at Putot-enBessin backing up another regiment that was drawing heavy fire from the German forces. He was part of a reconnaissance mission crossing a railway bridge when they were fired upon and the bridge was blown up. None of them survived.

One of the high points of the battlefield tour is at Ypres, Belgium, where there’s a road that goes through the Menin Gate war memorial. Every night at 8 p.m., there’s a service to remember the 54,395 Commonwealth soldiers who died in the Salient defending the Western Front at Ypres in the First World War. The names of the missing soldiers are on the walls of the monument, and except for the years of German occupation in the Second World War the service has been a nightly tradition since the first war ended in 1918.

On November 11th, we are reminded of the freedoms we have due to the sacrifice for our country.

On behalf of City Council and all of Prince George, we honour those who have served, as well as those currently serving.

Mahoney’s family is from the Drumheller, Alta., area. Her uncles enlisted in the air force and all made it back from the Second World War. But her ex-husband had an uncle, Valmar Wales, who landed June 10, 1944, at Juno Beach on D-Day and did not return. Her research uncovered details about him that were unknown to his family in Canada.

“I was able to sit down with my father-in-law, who was born after his older brother was killed, and tell him the story of what happened,” said

“It’s spectacular,” said Mahoney. “When you drive through Belgium and northern France, where the First World War happened, you can’t drive five minutes without seeing a cemetery or monument or some kind of sign that the war was there.

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MARLO MAHONEY PHOTO

A student visits the grave of Prince George soldier J.A. Aitken at Brettevillesur-Laize Canadian Cemetery, Normandy, France.

Joe Comeau opens the ceremony at Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing, Ypres, Belgium, in 2012. The Burns Lake veteran accompanied local students on their tour of Europe that year.

Vimy stands as a tribute to Canada

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“On Menin Gate there are actually some Prince George soldiers named on that monument.”

Vimy Ridge brought all four Canadian army divisions together for the first time to fight in the First World War, and the Canadians finally took the ridge on April 9-10, 1917.

The monument is the centrepiece of a 280-acre battlefield park, which preserved the tunnels where Canadian soldiers lived while the attack was being planned, and the tunnels brought them to the front lines. Visitors can also walk in the trenches that separated the two fighting armies only a few metres from each other.

“Vimy is special because it was given to Canada to become a park — it’s actually Canadian soil,” said Mahoney. “You’re standing on a piece of home that’s covered in Canadian blood.”

The Vimy Memorial opened in 1936, after 11 years of construction, and on it are the engraved names of 11,285 Canadian servicemen who died in France during the First World War. While other First World War memorials were purposely destroyed by the Germans in the Second World War, Vimy was left untouched by Hitler’s armies because it did not glorify the defeat of the Germans in that battle.

fields and we actually go to the Essex Farm Cemetery, where John McCrae wrote the poem, where he served as a medical officer,” said Tomlinson.

“You still see the fields where he was in the dressing station and in that cemetery is the youngest British soldier, Valentine Joe Strudwick, who was 15 and did so by lying about his age. His gravestone is there and it’s so visited they’ve had to put fake grass in front of that area of his grave.”

On their battlefield tour in 2012, Joe Comeau of Burns Lake accompanied the students. At the time he was in his 80s, and he has since passed away. When the Second World War broke out, Comeau signed up with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, close to his home, and was at a training base when a group of military police came through barracks and recruited him as an MP. All of his service was in Canada and his job was to meet prisoners of war as they were brought in by boat at Halifax and escort them on trains to POW camps.

“Taking him overseas was amazing, watching him with a bunch of teenagers was hilarious,” said Mahoney. “He was like a big kid.”

The tour stopped at the Abbey d’Ardenne near Juno Beach, where Canadian soldiers were captured during a tank battle days after the D-Day landing.

Tour will be open to public in 2026

“When you walk up to Vimy Ridge for the first time after being in the trenches you see how colossal it is — it portrays the loss of the person and not the success over the enemy. It shows the loss of life,” said Andrew Tomlinson, a history teacher at College Heights Secondary who also accompanies the students on the European tours.

Ypres has 27 war monuments, including the Flanders Field museum, and poppies — the symbol of Remembrance Day for Canadians — are not hard to find around the Belgian city.

“You see poppies growing in the ditches and the

“That was really hard for Joe,” said Mahoney. “A group of men from the North Nova Scotia Highlanders were taken prisoner by the 12th SS Panzer Division. They were taken to the Abbey d’Ardenne and tortured and then they were murdered, and their bodies were buried in secret. Joe knew some of those men and he came to the realization if he hadn’t joined the MP he probably would have been killed.

“It’s these types of things that make these trips really important. There are so many Canadians who don’t know the full story. Visiting these sites and talking about what happened there really drives home how horrific the wars were for people.”

For 10 years, Marlo Mahoney has been taking her Prince George social studies students to Europe to visit world war battle sites.

The tours have been exclusively for students and their teachers, but the next one, a 10-day Juno Beach tour set for March 16-25, 2026, will be open to community members and their families.

Tour organizers/guides Mahoney and Andrew Tomlinson, both teachers at College Heights Secondary School, have teamed up with the Royal Canadian Legion Prince George Branch 43 to promote the tour and open it to anyone who wants to go, including youth accompanied by an adult.

“To make it a community tour it gives people the opportunity to go to places they normally would not got to,” said Mahoney.

“A lot of people going have an interest in World War 1 or World War 2, either a personal family relationships or it’s something they remember from school and it’s always interested them.”

The cost of the all-inclusive trip, conducted by EF Educational Tours, will be slightly more than $7,000. That includes guided tours of memorials, museums and battlefields, all transportation and two meals per day.

The tour starts and ends in Paris and includes stops at Flanders (Ypres, Passchendaele) Vimy Ridge), Dieppe and Normandy (Pegasus Bridge, Bayeaux, Juno Beach, Arromanches, Abbey d’Ardenne, Verrieres Ridge, Caen).

For more information and to register, go to www. eftours.ca/tour-website/2924589KP. Space is limited and early enrollment is recommended to ensure the best pricing and availability.

Mahoney and Tomlinson will host an informational meeting in the coming months. They can be reached at pgbattletours@ gmail.com.

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

MARLO MAHONEY PHOTO

History teacher Marlo Mahoney will lead another tour to Europe next year.

MARLO MAHONEY PHOTO

Throwback Thursday: Week of November 6

Nov. 12, 1957: The dead of two wars were honoured on Remembrance Day as 1,500 people turned out to a service at the Civic Centre and at the Cenotaph outside city hall. It was the largest such service since the end of the Second World War. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

Nov. 12, 2009: Jessica Houston and Michael Elder provided the musical opening to the 2009 Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph as John Scott and others stood at attention. The Citizen reported that the crowd filled the city hall grounds and continued up George Street, with more people on Seventh Avenue and Patricia Boulevard. CITIZEN FILE

Nov. 11, 1995: Kayla Krause, 6, sang with the Quinson Elementary School Choir during a Remembrance Day ceremony at the school, one of many held leading up to the city ceremony at the Civic Centre. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY BRENT BRAATEN

Nov. 12, 1971: Local children were front and centre at the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph, with about 1,000 people turning out in what was described as chilly weather.

CITIZEN FILE

PHOTO BY RICK HULL

PHOTO BY DAVID MAH

You have nothing to fear: How to co-exist with bats

Of the 15 species in BC, seven can be found in the Prince George area

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Omineca Bats is inviting people to learn more about — and learn to live with — night creatures closely associated with the holiday that just passed.

Tina Watters, BC Community Bat Program coordinator for the Omineca region, highlighted some of the benefits that bats bring not only to the local community but to the world.

“Bats are remarkable creatures that play a vital role in maintaining the health of our natural world and economy,” said Watters. “In British Columbia, there are at least 15 species of bats. Bats contribute to natural pest control by consuming mosquitoes, as well as pests of agriculture and forestry. Bats also cycle nutrients between aquatic environments where they eat and upland environments where they sleep and poop.”

Watters has also seen the viability of bat guano as fertilizer, and their habit of eating insects helps gardeners across the province.

“Say somebody does have a bat box,” said Watters. “You can place a garden underneath a bat box, and then the guano will really help, but also bats will eat those insects — the pests that might destroy your garden. Not all of them, but they’re gonna eat your insects to kind of help protect the garden that way.”

Of the 15 species in BC, seven are found in the Omineca region, with two migratory species — the hoary bat and the silver-haired bat — threatened by wind turbines as they migrate.

Half of the bat species in the area are listed as at risk.

Currently, one of the biggest threats to bats in the province is white-nose syndrome, which is killing bats in Alberta and Washington.

The disease presents as a white

Bats contribute to natural pest control by consuming mosquitoes, as well as pests of agriculture and forestry.

substance around a bat’s nose, wings and ears. It wakes up bats during their hibernation cycles, causing them to burn through stored fat, which can lead to dehydration, starvation and death.

Although the Omineca region has not seen any cases, the disease is expected to spread to BC eventually.

Watters emphasized that locals should report any bats showing signs of the disease or any that are awake during the winter to Omineca Bats.

“We are monitoring it in BC by asking the public to report dead bats or winter bat activity,” said Watters.

Those who spot a bat in need are advised not to touch or handle it, and instead call Omineca Bats for assistance.

“Remember to never touch a bat. Rabies is extremely rare and preventable if you don’t come into contact with bats,” said Watters. “Less than one per cent of bats carry rabies, and it is only transferred by a bite or scratch. Fewer than 30 people have died in the last 100 years from rabies in Canada. Together, we can help protect these fascinating creatures and the ecosystems they support.”

Omineca Bats has also released the following tips to help locals protect

their community’s bat population:

• Follow best practices when bats are found in homes, barns or buildings

• Plant bat-friendly gardens, keep cats under control and use organic options for lawns and gardens

• Reduce light and noise pollution at night to protect bats’ echolocation abilities

• Prevent the spread of whitenose syndrome by following decontamination protocols when entering caves or travelling long distances

Another danger to the bat population in BC is their low reproductive rate, as bats often give birth only once a year.

During her interview with The Citizen, Watters also shared some ways her organization and local volunteers keep track of the bat population throughout the year.

“We have about 20 or 30 roosts in the area. I’m slowly building my roost list,” said Watters. “I always get volunteers, and we go out at sunset or a little before, get ready. I give everybody a tally counter — one of those clickers for races. We position ourselves to look at the bat box with the sky in the

background, and we count the bats as they come out. We call it an emergence count. We count for either an hour or until you can’t see anymore.”

Besides helping with the insect population and fertilizing gardens, Watters explained why she continues to spread the word about the bat population in BC.

“I didn’t really think about bats before I got this position, before I started studying them,” said Watters. “I wouldn’t say I was terrified of them, but I had that regular caution that people have. People are scared of things that go bump in the night, and I think just sharing information — getting people a little bit less afraid of bats — will help get people more on the side of bats. I think the biggest thing is public perception. Bats are like snakes — people are kind of scared of them. They’re not those big fuzzy lions or tigers or bears, the big charismatic megafauna. People think bats are a little bit creepy, so I do try to dispel all the myths that bats aren’t gonna fly at you, they’re not gonna bite you randomly, and bats aren’t gonna fly into your hair.”

If you are interested in learning more about bats in BC, visit Omineca Bats’ website at: https://bcbats.ca/regions/ omineca/

Artisans starting the season with Winter Gathering

New show is coming to House of Ancestors on Nov. 8 and 9

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

After being born and raised in Prince George, then spending most of her adult life away, Jode Phillippe recently moved back to be closer to family — and decided she wanted to create an inclusive space for local artisans to showcase their wares.

The Winter Gathering, a brand-new artisan fair taking place Nov. 8 and 9 at the House of Ancestors — Uda Dune Baiyoh — Conference Centre and Café, will feature 47 vendors registered to attend so far, with a little more than half being Indigenous artisans, including Phillippe herself.

“This event is open to all vendors, including small business owners, crafters and artisans, and we do have some Indigenous vendors whose work is incredible,” said Phillippe, who organizes events under the Vendor Vault name.

“I am quite excited about this event.”

Recently, Phillippe’s family acquired their First Nations status, and it’s important to her to support her community. She plans to host more events like this starting early next year.

“It’s really about finding the culture and the community that was taken from our ancestors,” Phillippe said about the importance of showcasing Indigenous artists.

“I think it’s just about giving them a platform to celebrate what they bring — they’ve got their own culture, their own history, and a lot of them have kept with their own traditions. It’s really nice to see their vision and their items and their products being showcased.”

As for her own artistic pursuits, Phillippe was looking for something to keep her busy at home and decided to explore the art of sublimation.

Sublimation crafting is a permanent design transfer technique that uses heat to infuse special ink into compatible

items, creating a vibrant, durable and seamless print that won’t peel or fade.

“So my focus is on reusable leather journal covers. I create the designs and then create the products, and of course I do tumblers and mugs, but mostly I do the journal covers,” Phillippe said.

The more she created, the more she realized how much she liked the process.

“I’m not crafty in that if I was to draw a horse or a cow, they all look the same — they’re all stick animals — maybe with a different tail, maybe with different ears,” Phillippe laughed.

“I’m not good at drawing, but I am good at finding the vision that I’m looking for.”

Once she has that vision in her head, she can use a computer to bring it to life, she added.

Over time, Phillippe did the research and developed her skills.

“And now it’s something I can do for other people, too.”

Phillippe’s small business, Sparrow Design Co., creates items she says are made with heart, meaning and creativity.

When she decided to organize the Winter Gathering, it all started with a post on social media.

“As soon as I started posting about the event, a lot of Indigenous creators and businesses came forward right away,” Phillippe said.

“So that’s really nice.”

Artisans taking part in the two-day event will include handmade jewelry makers, crocheters, knitters and wood workers showcasing their products. Bath products, healing creams and balms, handmade candles and much more will be available for patrons to browse.

Winter Gathering: Cozy Vibes, Local Finds takes place Saturday, Nov. 8, and Sunday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the House of Ancestors — Uda Dune Baiyoh — Conference Centre and Café, 355 Vancouver St.

This is a free, family-friendly festive event. The café will offer a variety of specialty bannock and coffees during the weekend.

Organizer Jodie Phillippe will be selling journal covers, mugs and other sublimated items during the Winter Gathering, artisan fair, at the House of Ancestors Uda Dune Baiyoh on Saturday, Nov. 8 and Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 355 Vancouver St.

New program helps local seniors dealing with dementia

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

The Prince George Council of Seniors has a variety of services available to support the elderly in the city.

The Compassionate Dementia-Inclusive Community Program is the latest service that will focus on inclusivity, awareness and support for people living with dementia. The program aims to create communities where people with dementia can live without stigma and with supportive social networks.

These goals will be achieved through partnerships, events and person-centred programming.

With funding from Health Canada and a contribution of a toolkit from UBC Okanagan researchers, the Prince George Council of Seniors is partnering with the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society to present this comprehensive program.

“This program will provide support to the caregiver and the person living with dementia,” said Gagandeep Kaur, program coordinator, said.

“Hospice focuses on the those living with dementia.”

Connecting Minds Through Compassionate Hearts is a program for people in the early stages of dementia and sees companion volunteers matched with participants based on shared interests, including things like gardening, music, woodworking, art or walking. There are 18 volunteers who have joined the program who are compassionate, integrated, and trained in dementia care.

They will offer warmth, empathy, and shared purpose to those living with dementia in Prince George, helping to rekindle connections to life’s pleasures.

“And from my side the focus is on the caregiver,” Kaur said.

“So we are taking care of those persons who are taking care of someone who has dementia.”

Another duty Kaur has taken on is community navigation where information, referrals and emotional support is offered.

“So if they need help with meals we

would look at Meals on Wheels,” Kaur said as an example.

Kaur said she will help with any support the caregiver might need, knowing as the dementia journey continues, the need will increase.

The Council of Seniors offers a program called Friends & Family Caregiver Support that includes one-on-one support, respite and friendly visits, learning and self-care, social time and connection.

“I have done some of the friendly visits myself and most people living with dementia talk about being lonely and not having anyone to talk to,” Kaur said.

Kaur said her grandfather had dementia when she was younger and she didn’t understand what was happening.

“My grandfather would tell the same story 100 times and I just never understood that it was new to him every time he told it so when I took the two-day training workshop about people living with dementia I was so, so emotional,” Kaur said. “I was so mad at myself for feeling impatient with him. That’s why I like that we have the workshops to educate people about those living with dementia so they can get to know how to communicate with them. People living with dementia need to be allowed to be where they are at in that moment and we just need to listen to them.”

Volunteering to help ease loneliness is very rewarding, she added.

“The Prince George Council of Seniors

and Hospice partner to do activities that include both the caregiver and the person living with dementia,” Kaur said.

Recently Hospice hosted a paint workshop for the caregiver, the person living with dementia and the volunteers, she added.

Coffee & Talk sessions take place every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon at the Seniors Resource Centre, 1330 Fifth Ave., where caregivers and seniors can enjoy coffee while connecting with others to share stories of lived experiences.

For more information about the Compassionate Dementia-Inclusive Community program visit www.pgcos. ca, email cdic@pgcos.ca or call Kaur at 250-564-5888.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY CHRISTINE DALGLEISH

Gagandeep Kaur, the new coordinator of the Compassionate Dementia-Inclusive Community Program at the Prince George Council of Seniors, stands in front of the Volunteer Wall at the Seniors Resource Centre at 1330 Fifth Ave. in downtown Prince George.

Local Sports Nechako Valley Vikings reclaim PG Bowl

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Two years ago when the Nechako Valley Vikings cruised to the PG Bowl championship, Ryder Lybbert was a passenger watching from the sidelines.

Saturday afternoon in the championship rubber match to decide the BC High School Football Association North Division title, Lybbert was the engine who drove the train.

“Diesel” had plenty of fuel to drive those legs and the Cougars couldn’t stop him.

The six-foot, 230-pound Vikings running back racked up 145 rushing yards on 32 carries and scored two touchdowns to overpower College Heights in a 24-6 victory at Masich Place Stadium.

For Lybbert, a Grade 12 senior, his last high school game played close to home in Vanderhoof was memorable for all the right reasons.

He was limited to special teams duty only for the Vikings two years ago when they blanked the Cougars 26-0 for the PG Bowl title, but on Saturday, with a chance to hoist the Matt Pearce Memorial Trophy and avenge last year’s seven-point loss to College Heights, Lybbert rarely left the field.

“When we won it two years ago I was on the bench and it didn’t mean much to me, “ said Lybbert who also had two catches for 21 yards and also made one tackle as a defensive lineman. “My team won but I didn’t really contribute, so it’s a blessing to contribute and really be part of it. It means the world to me.

“I love the challenge, I love the team, I love playing College Heights and Kelly Road — football in the North. I’m excited for future games.”

The eighth-ranked Vikings get a bye into the BCHSFA double-A quarterfinal round and they’ll play the No. 1 ranked Vernon Panthers.

Two years ago Nechako Valley scored a win over Westsyde of Kamloops to

advance to the semifinal round and they would love another shot at trying to reach a provincial title on the indoor turf at BC Place Stadium.

Buchanan and Lybbert have been football teammates since they were young boys learning the game and seeing that No. 44 jersey breaking through the holes the Viking blockers created was a reassuring sight to the Grade 12 pivot.

“I’ve been playing this game since I was a little kid and it’s funny because I was in his position when I was a little kid and I was the star shining and I’m just glad he’s the shining star now,” said Buchanan, who passed for 90 yards and had one touchdown and just one interception.

“I’ve been playing with these guys my whole life and it’s a great experience. Hopefully we’ll get another win and go down to BC Place with a chance to win it.”

The Vikings were dominant from the

start. They recovered the opening kickoff and their offence was on the field for much of the opening quarter. Lybbert’s 30-yard sideline run got them deep in Cougar territory but the College Heights defence stood tough, stopping him out of the shotgun formation on a goal-line stand to take over the ball.

Not long after, the Cougars fumbled and that led to a two-point safety. Lybbert finished off a drive late in the quarter with a six-yard touchdown run and just before halftime Charles Cuesta took a screen pass from Linden Buchanan and ran it 29 yards for the major and a 16-0 lead.

The Cougars started the third quarter with an electrifying 75-yard kickoff return from Troy Weatherly, who picked up some blocks and didn’t stop until he found the end zone.

The Vikings got that one back a few minutes later, set up by an interception from linebacker Ivan Legebokoff. Nechako Valley took over just past midfield. A long

run from Lybbert took the ball to the 29 yard line and he eventually punched it in from two yards out for his second touchdown and the Vikings added a two-point convert to cap the scoring.

“It’s tough, all it comes down to is a 48-minute window to decide who’s a stronger team,” said Weatherly, a Grade 12 senior who also played at wide receiver.

“We’re here every year with these guys and it was a tough game. All I can say is I hope they go down there and whoop someone in the Interior.”

Ethan Curzon, the Cougars’ Grade 12 offensive tackle/defensive lineman, was on the field most of the game until he got hurt in a collision with Legebokoff, just after he picked off Thomas Wightman’s pass at midfield.

Curzon said the Cougars had three weeks to prepare for the Vikings and they were as ready as they could have been.

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

NVSS running back Ryder Lybbert breaks free of a tackle and charges toward the CHSS defensive line during the PG Bowl at Masich Place Stadium Saturday, Nov. 1.

Rivermen outscore Spruce Kings in afternoon clash

The team also hosted Langley at Kopar over the weekend

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Former Spruce Kings goalie Dylan Johnson made 45 saves to backstop the Langley Rivermen to a 4-2 win over the Prince George Spruce Kings Sunday afternoon in front of a crowd of 856 at Kopar Memorial Arena.

The Rivermen led after one period despite being outshot 20-11. Andreas Mikrogiannakis beat goalie Colin Reay with his shot after Andrew Petruk separated a defender from the puck, then tapped it out front for the assist.

Kazumo Sasaki picked up his fifth point of the weekend to take over the BCHL scoring race with 22 points on the season when he scored on a breakaway 4:06 into the second period. Ryan Wachtel sent Sasaki in alone on a stretch pass.

Prince George took the lead at 10:39 into the second when Evan Bellamy hit a bullet of a one-timer off an Ozbej Rep pass to the top corner to make it 2-1.

Zachary Benayon tied it for the Rivermen, 1:40 into the third period. Tanner

Spruce Kings centre Marcus Lougheed lets loose a shot on Rivermen goalie Dylan Johnson while defenseman Kalan Anderlini checks

Memorial Arena Sunday, Nov. 2.

Winegard potted the game-winner at 7:24.

Aaron Reierson sealed it with an empty-net goal.

The Spruce Kings outshot the Rivermen 47-32.

The win moved the Rivermen (7-8-0-0) into a tie with the Spruce Kings (7-6-0-0), each with 14 points.

Prince George (second in Coastal East) has played two fewer games than Langley (third place).

College Heights

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“We knew they were a powerhouse and knew they would be rough and in practices we did everything we could, push-ups every 15 minutes and an extra half-hour, but they’re a good football team and they deserve it,” said Curzon.

For Vikings head coach Sheldon Brown, now in his 10th season, winning the PG Bowl again was just as sweet as it was in 2023.

“We’ve been to the dance a lot of times but I’ve only brought it home twice,” said Brown. “We came out as a team and we played as a team and it’s

who dropped it back to Campbell. His wrist shot deflected off a Silverbacks defender and past goalie Daniel Dirracolo to open the scoring.

Sasaki set up the second goal of the night with a good battle to get the puck on the side boards, and again got it to Ushio, this time below the goal line.

Fraser Leonard jumped down and Ushio put a brilliant pass on his tape moments later as Leonard tucked it in the open net to make it 2-0.

Liam Bursaw responded for the Silverbacks on the power play before the halfway mark of the frame, as his shot from the right side beat Green to make it 2-1.

Saturday’s game

The Spruce Kings got a four-point game from Sasaki and 26 saves from Ryder Green in a 4-1 victory Saturday night over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks at Kopar Memorial Arena.

Kings winger Tai Ushio, the game’s first star, had a goal and two assists.

Dracen Campbell opened the scoring for Prince George as Sasaki dumped the puck around behind the goal and it came up the side boards to Ushio,

The Spruce Kings scored the only goal of the second period as Marcus Lougheed got his fourth of the year on the power play from a tight angle off Dirracolo, after receiving a cross-seam pass from Sasaki.

Rep picked up the second assist. Ushio scored in the third period. Sasaki’s shot hit Lougheed in front, who then pushed the puck across the front of the net, where Ushio popped out and pushed it over the line to make it 4-1.

The Spruce Kings will be back on home ice Friday and Saturday to face the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

coach is retiring after this final game

a great group of guys and I can’t ask for anything else.

“Our Diesel (Lybbert) went to work today and he did really well and he was fantastic for us all year. To finish those Grade 12 years as PG Bowl champs is unbelievable. Lynden (Buchanan) was very calm, cool, collected in the pocket and delivered when he needed to, a few mistakes here and there but that didn’t cost us.”

College Heights head coach Grant Erickson admitted they were beaten by a better team that had a significant size advantage and used it to push their way around the field.

“I’m just proud of my guys for not quitting, they played hard right to the end,” said Erickson. “That’s a big tough team over there and unfortunately we just had a few hiccups and didn’t get any traction offensively and it was tough to move the ball.

“I think we did pretty good on defence.”

Erickson is retiring from teaching at the end of the school year and after 20 years at the helm with the senior team he said Saturday’s game was his last.

“I was going to hang ‘em up when my son’s group finished in 2020, they didn‘t get to play (because of the pandemic)

and I just thought I’d come back to help Tommy (Heinzelman), who was coaching the freshmen and the senior team that year (2021) — I could give up a few days a week to go coach freshmen,” he said. “You get a crop of players and just take another run at it.

“I have no regrets, it’s been an amazing experience and honour to coach these kids for 21 years. It is a huge job and huge commitment and the reward is the relationship you make with the players. The football community is the best sporting community there is, down-to-earth people that give you their heart and soul.”

CITIZEN PHOTO BY CHUCK NISBETT

him at Kopar

Ringette ambassador had a passion for the game

Keith Sullivan has died at age 75

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

From the day he got involved as a parent watching his daughter learn the game, Keith Sullivan was hooked on ringette.

In 1983 he dove headfirst into learning how to teach “the fastest game on ice” to a group of young teens on the Prince George junior team that had no coach and was in danger of folding. His involvement in the Prince George Ringette Association as a coach, manager, referee and board executive went on to span four decades.

He coached daughters Cindy and Kelly and five of his grandchildren and remained involved long enough to coach the offspring of some of his former players. Known throughout the province as the Prince George ringette ambassador, Sullivan coached virtually every local player during his time and everybody knew who he was.

His passion for the sport burned bright until his death on Oct. 10 at age 75 after a three-year battle with cancer.

In October 2024, when he received the Sport BC President’s Award, longtime Prince George coach Madeleine Crandell summed up Sullivan’s dedication to growing the game when she wrote:

“Every ringette tournament from the annual Joy Hoffman to the Canadian Ringette Championships in 2000 and in between, Keith has been involved,” said Crandell. “Keith’s positive attitude and energy allows him to connect to his players and parents, creating an environment where everyone is comfortable and motivated. Keith Sullivan is ringette, he breathes ringette and he loves ringette. He is ringette for Prince George.”

Sulivan coached Crandell’s two daughters, among several players who went on to play for provincial teams.

“He was always there for the players, it was all about them — he would take reffing courses and coaching courses and was involved in so many things,” said Crandell. “It was never for recognition

for him. He’d never miss a practice, never miss a game. He kept ringette going in Prince George from Day 1 when he got involved over 40 years ago.”

As much as Sullivan loved coaching and cared for everybody connected, the feeling was mutual, and he felt their love when the ringette community rallied around him in March 2023 when he was too sick to coach and had to step away from the game. The Northern Selects junior team came to the front yard of his house for a visit all sporting “I play for Keith” T-shirts they wore at the provincial tournament.

Darian Campbell will never forget being part of the Northern Lights U16 team for a 10-day tour representing BC at the International Ringette Festival in Finland in January 2016, with Sullivan behind the bench.

“That was an amazing experience for us to go across the world to play teams from Finland, Sweden and Czech Republic,” said Campbell. “I was 16, a year overage, but Keith got special permission so I could go.”

Campbell comes from a large family

“On that Finland trip, males weren’t allowed to play there and we did have males on the team and he still found a way to bring them and include them so they did feel they were part of the team. It wasn’t just a team to Keith, it was a family.”

Three years later the Prince George Rush, made up of players that went to Finland, won the provincial A 18-plus championship on home ice.

Sullivan coached in the double-A Northern League, BC Games and Northern BC Games and took local teams to provincial and Western Canadian championship tournaments.

He had to brush up on his skating skills to become a referee for BC Ringette and served as Prince George Ringette’s officiating director and coaching director.

and it wasn’t always possible for her parents to take her to tournaments. Sullivan thought nothing about taking on the driving duties to get her to the provincial tournament in Vancouver and back, then head out the following day to drive from Prince George to Regina for the Western Canadian championships.

No matter where he went with his players he always brought a cooler loaded with canned salmon sandwiches to keep them fortified on the trip.

Georgina Scully was a Prince George team manager for nine years from 2012-21 and she saw what Sullivan did to develop provincial-calibre players and how he used his influence with BC Ringette to open doors for players from northern BC to get invited to provincial team camps.

“Keith would always go out of his way to make it so that players had the opportunity to be involved in these teams, whether it was supplying them with equipment, giving them rides, making it affordable to get there,” said Scully.

When he first got involved ringette was a new sport in BC, starting in the Lower Mainland in 1974, and it started to catch on locally following the formation of the Prince George Ringette Association in 1980. Teams sprung up in Vanderhoof and Fraser Lake and in 1982 they competed at the provincial level for the first time and by 1985 there were teams in Burns Lake, Terrace, Smithers and Kitimat.

Introduced at the 1988 BC Winter Games in Dawson Creek, ringette became a mainstay in BC Games and Northern BC Winter Games. It became a Canada Winter Games sport in 1991 and the tournament was one of the highlights of the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George.

Prince George hosted the national championships in 2000, Western Canadian championships in 2008 and provincial A championships in 2010 and 2019 and Sullivan was part of each organizing committee.

Inducted into the Ringette BC Hall of Fame in 1996, Sullivan received the City of Prince George Recreation Award of Merit that same year.

Born in Haileybury, Ont., he grew up in Newmarket a passionate Montreal Canadiens fan.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Keith Sullivan, the Prince George ambassador of ringette who was involved for 40 years as a coach, referee, manager and league executive, died Oct. 10 at age 75.

Tribute to Sullivan planned for Joy Hoffman Tournament

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Sullivan moved to Prince George in 1972 to take a job as a power engineer at Isle Pierre Pulp Mill, later moving on to Prince George Pulp and Paper Mill where he worked as a millwright for most of his 38-year career until he retired on Jan. 21, 2010.

That day he found out he’d been chosen for Ringette BC’s President’s Award.

“Needless to say, I’m honoured and humbled by it,” said Sullivan in a Citizen article.

“You don’t go in it for stuff like that, you go in it for the kids and a good time. I still have a good time with it.”

At that time he was coaching three teams. He was head coach of the Belle team his 16-year-old granddaughter played for and was also an assistant with the junior and women’s teams.

“I thought I’d give coaching another year but my wife (Lynn) is still after me to stay longer,” said Sullivan. “It gets me out of the house for her.”

He always kept roadtrips fun, no

Cougars busy

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

The Prince George Cougars wrapped up a three-games-in-three-nights stretch with a hard-fought 2-1 loss to the Vancouver Giants on Sunday at the Langley Events Centre. Goaltender Josh Ravensbergen was outstanding, turning aside 20 shots, while Jett Lajoie scored the lone goal for Prince George.

Prince George product Cameron Schmidt broke in alone behind the Cougars’ defense and snapped a perfect shot past Ravensbergen to break a 1-1 deadlock 14:20 into the third period — the 11th goal of the season for the Dallas Stars’ third-round draft pick.

Despite late pressure from Prince George, the equalizer didn’t come, and the Giants held on for the 2-1 victory.

“I thought we stuck with the game plan tonight,” said Cougars assistant

matter how well the team did. After they finished last at a BC Games tournament, Sullivan went to the dollar store and bought plastic last-place medals for each player.

He promised another team at provincials he’d dye his thick crop of white hair pink if they made it to the goldmedal game, which they did, and he owned up to his end of the bargain.

Nikki Langley, a former player

coached by Sullivan, in a Facebook post spoke about how privileged she felt in the years she had him as her team’s mentor.

“Keith, your motivation and encouragement ran deep — you didn’t just teach us how to play; you taught us how to believe in ourselves, how to work hard, and how to show up for others, even when we felt defeated,” said Langley. “You coached with your whole

heart, and it showed in every single player who left your team stronger than they arrived.

“The impact you made on the PG ringette community is immeasurable. Decades of dedication, generation after generation; all driven by your genuine love for the game and the people in it. What you built went far beyond the rink. You created a legacy of grit, kindness, and connection. The kind of legacy that doesn’t fade. I know you’ll be honoured and remembered forever.”

The Prince George Ringette Association will host a tribute to Sullivan on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 6:45-7:45 p.m. at CN Centre during the Joy Hoffman tournament.

Commemorative lanyards and stickers are being sold with proceeds to go a legacy fund to help families in need pay for player equipment or registration fees. All the Prince George teams U12 and older are wearing his initials on their game jerseys this season.

A memorial service is planned for the spring of 2026.

with three road games over three nights

WILTON PHOTO

ROB

Josh Ravensbergen denies Adam Titlbach with one of his 21 saves in Sunday’s 2-1 loss to the Vancouver Giants in Langley.

coach Carter Rigby. “We made a few mental mistakes with some of their guys getting in behind our D. We’ve been relying on our power play to win games lately, and it wasn’t clicking tonight.

We had lots of looks, which was great, but give Vancouver credit — they did a good job taking away seam passes and clearing rebounds in front.”

The Giants came out strong in the opening period, outshooting the Cougars 5-1 early. Vancouver opened the scoring on a two-on-one rush when Adam Titlbach finished a cross-ice feed from Tyus Sparks, giving the home team a 1-0 lead. The Cougars pushed back with sustained pressure late in the frame, but the score remained 1-0 after 20 minutes.

The second period saw no goals, but plenty of highlight-reel goaltending from Ravensbergen, who made several key stops — including a tremendous left-pad save on a 2-on-1 and a penalty shot denial on Titlbach — to keep the Cougars within one.

In the third, the Cougars’ power play didn’t convert but helped generate

momentum leading to the equalizer. A shot from Aiden Foster was stopped by Giants goaltender Burke Hood, but Jett Lajoie jumped on the rebound and buried his 10th of the season at 8:27 to tie the game 1-1.

The Cougars’ power play went 0-for-3. The only other time this season the Cats were shut out on the power play was in Saturday’s 4-3 overtime win over the Seattle Thunderbirds, when they were scoreless in six opportunities.

Burke Hood made 18 saves in the Giants’ nets as they outshot the Cougars 23-20.

The Cougars were set to return to the ice Wednesday in Portland when they were to take on the Winterhawks for the final time this season at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The Cougars lost 6-2 in Portland in the first of a six-game roadtrip.

With files from The Citizen

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Keith Sullivan, far right, was head coach of the Northern Lights U16 team that represented BC at the International Ringette Festival in Finland in January 2016.

Canadian Tire supporting Olympic cross-country trials

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

In less than six weeks, Canada’s fastest cross-country skiers will converge on the trails at Otway Nordic Centre to determine who gets to race at the Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy.

Canadian Tire has stepped up as the title sponsor for the Nordiq Canada 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials, Dec. 13–16 at Otway Nordic Centre.

“Supporting this event is about much more than sponsorship — it’s about investing in the dreams of Canadian athletes and the future of the sport,” said Selen Alpay, associate dealer at Canadian Tire Prince George.

“Our store has always been committed to building a stronger community through sport, and these Olympic Trials represent everything we believe in: dedication, perseverance and the pursuit of excellence. We’re honoured to play a role in these athletes’ journeys to the 2026 Olympics.”

Caledonia member Tony Fiala, a native of Quesnel, raced for Canada in biathlon at the Olympics in 1992 in Albertville, France, and he continues to pave a path to the finish for current national team racers as a wax technician and guest coach. As a former Olympian, Fiala knows how essential corporate sponsors are for ski racers vying for national team spots.

“The financial support from businesses like Canadian Tire makes a tangible difference,” said Fiala. “This sponsorship sends a powerful message that our community believes in these athletes.”

The trials are among dozens of sporting events Alpay has supported over the years through his store in College Heights. He predicts the trials races will inspire young athletes to pursue dreams of making the cut for the Olympic team, following the path of several local ski racers who have competed at that level.

“We can look back at events that we’ve hosted and see the impact they had on young athletes,” said Tuppy Hoehn, a native of Vanderhoof who

raced for Canada in biathlon at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan.

Hoehn is co-coach of the Caledonia biathlon team and her athletes have had their interest in becoming full-time athletes spurred by years of watching and competing in high-profile events the Caledonia club has attracted to Prince George.

“The little kids who cheered at the 2015 Canada Winter Games are now the senior athletes in our race programs at Caledonia Nordic,” Hoehn said.

Canadian Tire has stepped forward as the title sponsor of the Nordiq Canada 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials, Dec. 13-16 at Otway Nordic Centre. From left are Kevin Pettersen, past-president Caledonia Nordic Ski Club; Sarah Beaudry, former Olympic biathlete; Selen Alpay, associate dealer at Canadian Tire Prince George; Tuppy Hoehn, former Olympic biathlete; and David Shuvera, general manager of Canadian Tire Prince George. The

Sarah Beaudry echoes that sentiment. She’s lived it. As a veteran of two Olympic biathlon competitions — 2018 in PyeongChang, South Korea, and 2022 in Beijing, China — and the inaugural 2012 Youth Olympic Winter Games in Innsbruck, Austria, Beaudry realizes the impact on her own career of seeing national team skiers racing on her home trails at Otway.

“Watching the 2005 Ski Nationals at Otway was one of my first exposures to high-level racing,” said Beaudry. “It gave me a spark of inspiration and a glimpse of what it would take to pursue an Olympic dream.

“The 2026 Olympic Trials will not only be a major event for the country’s top skiers as they chase their Olympic aspirations, but also a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation of Prince George athletes to dream big, just as the 2005 Nationals did for me.”

The host Caledonia Nordic Ski Club has a five-decade legacy of producing Olympians, starting with Rolf Pettersen (cross-country skiing, Grenoble, France, 1968) and Ed Day (cross-country, 1976,

Innsbruck, Austria).

Megan Tandy groomed her biathlon technique at a young age with the Caledonia club and went on to race in three Olympics — 2010 in Vancouver-Whistler, 2014 in Sochi, Russia, and 2018 in PyeongChang.

Emily Dickson of Burns Lake gravitated to the Caledonia club for its coaching and facilities, and that led her to the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, China.

The club and its proven track record attracting long lists of volunteers has successfully hosted high-profile events such as the 2015 Canada Winter Games (cross-country and biathlon), the 2019 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships, the 2023 Nordiq Canada Selection Trials and Nordiq Cup, the 2024 Para Biathlon World Championships and Para Nordic World Cup, as well as multiple national and Western Canadian championships in cross-country and biathlon.

“Prince George has repeatedly proven itself as an organizing committee and community that rises to the occasion when hosting Canada’s premier nordic skiing events,” said Beckie Scott, Nordiq Canada’s CEO.

“Their dedication, passion for sport and commitment to excellence make them the perfect host for the Nordiq Canada 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials. We’re looking forward to the event and are confident it will be a great success.”

Life Events

Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Zielke (nee Friesen)

June 17, 1934 - October 22, 2025

It is with deep sadness we share the passing of dear Betty. She died on October 22 at Gateway with family at her side. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, lived in Beausejour until her marriage to Edward when they moved to Schreiber, Ontario. In 1966, the family moved to Prince George.

Mom did incredibly well on her own until a stroke paralyzed her right side in 2020. She had a deep faith in God, which got her through her many challenges. She spent her final years at Gateway, where she experienced excellent care.

Predeceased by husband Edward in 2002

Survived by Deb (Dave) Ewen; Cindy (Michael) Kiessling; Jay (Amber-Lee) Zielke, Seven

February 23, 1939 - October 13, 2025

December 3, 1928 - August 28, 2025

Ivan was born in Milden, SK, moving with his parents and brother from the family farm to Prince Rupert, BC, in 1940. While still a young student he started working part-time with the Overwaitea store in Prince Rupert. Upon graduation this turned into a career of several years that involved many moves with the company to various communities in BC. A final move with Overwaitea brought Ivan and his young family to Prince George in 1957. Eventually Ivan left the grocery business and joined the BC Liquor Branch, where he spent the rest of his working years until retiring in Kamloops, BC. Ivan was a history buff, and after retiring did some some traveling in Europe which he thoroughly enjoyed. He was always athletic and played baseball as a young man. He was an avid golfer and bowler for many years making life-long friends along the way.

Honouring

Ronald Michael Sarauer

April 15, 1943 - October 12, 2025

Ron Sarauer passed away October 12th, 2025 after a sudden but brief illness. His Celebration of Life is on Saturday, November 8th, 2025 1:00pm at the ECRA 1692 10th Ave. Prince George.

Cy Fortin

February 23, 1939 - October 13, 2025

Rudy William Vallee

January 22, 1962 - October 11, 2025

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Rudy who passed away peacefully after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Rudy grew up in Prince George, BC. He was a very warm hearted and trusting person. In his early years he built many home with his brother Wayne Vallee. He became an Iron Worker for the

Cy Fortin

Ivan Wesley Dumas

Pamela Mary Hoecherl

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.

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 “ahh that beautiful sunshine.”

or call

July 31, 1950 - October 18, 2025

Cy Fortin

February 23, 1939 - October 13, 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,

Celebration of life will be Saturday May 2, 2026, 1pm at the Hart Pioneer Centre.

Peggy Corby

August 22, 1949 - October 12, 2025

With great love and sadness, the family of Peggy Corby announces her peaceful passing on October 12, 2025, at Hospice in Prince George, BC. Peggy is lovingly remembered by her daughter Treena Chase and family — husband Mike Chase and daughters Ari and Nola — and by her son Kirk Corby, his wife Michaela, and their son Kohen. She will also be deeply missed by her large extended family from Newfoundland, as well as many dear friends from Alward Place and her JW congregation, plus her favourite gathering spot, affectionately known as “the club.”

Peggy will be remembered for her generous heart, honest spirit, and eclectic fashion sense that added a little sparkle wherever she went. Her warmth and kindness left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

At Peggy’s request, there will not be a funeral service. The family invites you to honour Peggy by sharing kindness and laughter with those around you!

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. 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

Booking deadline: Friday noon

Approval deadline: Monday at noon

ATV & TRAILER GET NOTICED

2016 Honda ATV 500

Deluxe includes: 2016 Dutchman toyhauler 26’, low kms on both. Combo price $35,000 + extra stuff. Ph 250.561.2402

Add photos to your Classified ad to sell your item faster.

The Court Bailiff offers FOR SALE BY TENDER, the interest of

LTD, the Judgment Debtors, in the following goods: All pub equipment, supplies, and storefront.

To View contact North Central Bailiffs Ltd. 250–564–4900. Sale is subject to cancellation or adjournment without notice. Sealed bids will be accepted on the unit until November 28th, 2025. Goods to be sold as is where is. Bidder takes responsibility to ensure they are satisfied with the description of unit/goods being sold. North Central Bailiffs Ltd. is not responsible for determining the correct description. Terms of sale: Immediate full payment upon successful bid, plus sales tax. www.northcentralbailiffs.bc.ca

North Central Bailiffs Ltd.

Court Bailiff

Cassandra Ettinger

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

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.

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.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

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

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.

* On Nov. 17, 1991, Fox aired the first condom ad on network TV during the teen sitcom “Herman’s Head,” inspired by increasing anxiety about the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

* On Nov. 18, 1996, exotic bird

• On Nov. 11, 1831, Nat Turner, an American slave and educated minister who believed that he’d been chosen by God to lead his people into freedom, was hanged in Jerusalem, Virginia, for leading a revolt with 75 followers through Southampton County, killing about 60 white people.

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.

• On Nov. 12, 1969, investigative journalist Seymour Hersh revealed the extent of the U.S. Army’s charges against 1st Lt. William L. Calley at My Lai, Vietnam, in a cable picked up by more than 30 newspapers, saying that “The Army says he [Calley] deliberately murdered at least 109 Vietnamese civilians during a searchand-destroy mission in March 1968, in a Viet Cong stronghold known as ‘Pinkville.’”

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) 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.

• On Nov. 13, 1979, Philadelphia 76ers center Darryl Dawkins leaped over Kansas City Kings forward Bill Robinzine for a memorable slam dunk that shattered the fiberglass backboard. His equally memorable comment on the move, which was not his last and the sound of which spectators likened to a bomb going off: “It wasn’t really a safe thing to do, but it was a Darryl Dawkins thing to do.”

• On Nov. 14, 1882, outlaw Frank “Buckskin” Leslie shot and killed Billy “The Kid” Claiborne, who had publicly challenged him, in Tombstone, Arizona.

• On Nov. 15, 1984, Baby Fae, a month old infant who received the world’s first baboon heart transplant, died at California’s Loma Linda University 20 days after the operation. Three other people had received animal heart transplants, but none survived longer than a few days.

• On Nov. 16, 2001, British author J.K. Rowling’s most famous and beloved creation, the bespectacled boy wizard Harry Potter (played by Daniel Radcliffe in his first major role), made his silver-screen debut in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” which went on to become one of the highestgrossing movies in history.

• On Nov. 17, 1903, the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party split into two factions: the majority Bolshe-

expert and protector Tony Silva was sentenced to seven years in prison for heading an illegal parrot-smuggling operation -- one of many people to be arrested during Operation Renegade, a three-year international investigation into bird smuggling by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Division of Law Enforcement.

* On Nov. 19, 1969, Brazilian soccer star Pelé, considered one of the greatest players in his sport, scored his 1,000th professional goal in a game, against Vasco da Gama in Rio de

Janeiro’s Maracana stadium.

* On Nov. 20, 1866, Pierre Lallement received a U.S. patent for the country’s first pedal bicycle. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to capitalize on his invention. Failing to acquire enough funds to open a factory, he sold the rights to the patent in 1868 and died in obscurity in 1881.

* On Nov. 21, 1934, a teenage and terrified Ella Fitzgerald stepped on the stage at Harlem’s Apollo Theater to participate in Amateur Night after

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.

her name was drawn from a hat. At the time an aspiring dancer, she spontaneously decided to sing instead, not only winning the competition after a rough start, but unknowingly setting her feet on the path to becoming a music legend.

* On Nov. 22, 1986, 20-year-old Mike Tyson knocked out 33-year-old Trevor Berbick in only five minutes and 35 seconds to become the youngest titleholder ever. He had won all 27 of the matches he’d previously fought, knocking out 26 of his opponents.

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.

Homes & Living

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Safety

As cooler weather approaches and homes are sealed up for winter, testing your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors becomes especially important. These small devices play a vital role in home safety, providing early warnings that can save lives. Regular testing ensures they’re ready to alert you in an emergency.

Why Testing Matters

Smoke and CO detectors are your first line of defense against two of the most dangerous household hazards—fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Smoke can spread quickly, and CO, often called the “silent killer,” is colorless and odorless. A working detector can give you crucial seconds

to escape or call for help.

How to Test Your Devices

Most detectors have a test button. Press and hold it for a few seconds until you hear a loud alarm. If the sound is weak or nonexistent, replace the batteries immediately. It’s best to test detectors once a month and change batteries at least twice a year, often when adjusting clocks. For hardwired systems, still test regularly to ensure the backup battery is functioning.

When to Replace Detectors

Even with proper maintenance, detectors don’t last forever. Smoke alarms should typically be replaced every 10 years, while carbon monoxide

detectors have a lifespan of about 5 to 7 years. Check the manufacturer’s date and guidelines printed on the back of each unit.

Placement and Upgrades

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including hallways and bedrooms, and place CO detectors near sleeping areas and fuel-burning appliances. Consider upgrading to combination smoke and CO units or interconnected systems that trigger all alarms when one detects danger. Testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors takes only minutes but provides peace of mind all year long. A quick check today could save lives tomorrow.

Get out & enjoy Local Winter Craft Fairs for the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, local craft fairs become lively hubs of creativity, community, and festive spirit. These events showcase the talent of local artisans and offer shoppers a chance to find oneof-a-kind gifts while supporting small businesses. Attending a holiday craft fair is more than just a shopping trip—it’s an experience that celebrates local culture and the joy of handmade craftsmanship.

A Celebration of Creativity

Local craft fairs bring together artists, crafters, and makers from the community to display their work. From hand-knit scarves and pottery to homemade candles, jewelry, and woodwork, the variety is endless. Each piece tells a story and reflects the unique style and skill of its creator. Unlike massproduced products, handcrafted items carry a personal touch, making them perfect for meaningful

holiday gifts.

Supporting Local Artisans

Shopping at craft fairs directly supports local talent and keeps money circulating within the community. Every purchase helps an artisan continue doing what they love—creating beautiful, highquality items. Many vendors use locally sourced materials, which also reduces the environmental footprint of your holiday shopping. Choosing handmade gifts shows thoughtfulness while promoting sustainability and community connection.

A Festive Experience

Beyond the shopping, holiday craft fairs capture the warmth and excitement of the season. Twinkling lights, cheerful music, and the scent of baked goods or hot cider often fill the air. Families can enjoy browsing together, meeting artisans, and discovering new holiday

traditions. Some fairs include live demonstrations, workshops, or local entertainment, making them enjoyable for all ages.

Finding Local Events

Craft fairs pop up throughout November and December in community centers, schools, and downtown venues. Check local event listings, social media, or community boards to find ones near you. Arriving early often gives you the best selection, but even late in the day you can find hidden treasures.

Visiting a local craft fair this holiday season is a wonderful way to embrace the spirit of giving while celebrating creativity and community. You’ll leave with more than just gifts—you’ll carry home the joy of supporting local artisans and the warmth of a truly festive experience.

Tips for shopping more securely this holiday season

(NC) The holiday shopping season brings with it the excitement of finding perfect gifts for everyone on your list, but it’s also a peak time for fraud and scams. Keep yourself safe and avoid the rush with these simple steps provided by Mastercard:

Start early. This lets you compare options at a relaxed pace and helps you make more confident decisions. Two things to look out for:

Early bird specials that can help you get everything done ahead of schedule and below budget.

Prices that go up right before big “sale” events to create the appearance of big discounts. Note the prices for items you’re interested in so that you know if you’re actually getting a deal when the sale begins.

Check out local vendors. In-person shopping may not be top of mind, but it can be rewarding. It supports

businesses in your community, helps you find more unique gifts and allows you to buy from people you know you can trust.

Stay alert for scams. Honest retailers still have to deal with the threat of fraudsters pretending to be them and sending phishing messages to get people’s private information disguised as order notifications and delivery messages. Here are a couple of things you can do:

If you get a fake message from a local business, let them know. It helps them step up their cybersecurity to keep everyone safe.

Ask retailers if they use protective measures, like Mastercard’s anti-fraud tools, which use artificial intelligence (AI) to spot and stop fraudulent transactions in real time. More fraudsters are using AI to enhance their scams, so AI-powered defence

can be good protection. Use secure payment options. For any online shopping, pay attention to how you are asked to pay. Look for HTTPS or a padlock icon in the URL, which indicates a secure connection. Stick to businesses that use safe, secure payment methods like major credit cards or mobile wallets. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out directly and ask the business how they’ll process your payment. Don’t complete any online transaction unless you’re confident it’s secure.

There’s a lot to watch out for during busy shopping times, but many businesses are taking steps to make the experience safe and easier. By practicing cyber safety, you can do your part, too.

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