The Local Connector NW April 3, 2024

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INTERACTIVE PUBLICATION!

Click throughout the publication/ads to watch videos, recipes, DIY’s, solve this week’s puzzles and see more information about the advertisers!

The Local Connector NW April 3, 2024 1
The Local Connector NW April 3, 2024 2

In this and the next article I will tackle a difficult subject, finances and grid-tied solar. Difficult only because we are off-grid and my knowledge of BC Hydro and how their tiered billing system works.

Grid-tie solar is simply having a solar power system when you also have BC Hydro. You can have a solely grid-tied system, or a grid-tied hybrid system. They are the same but different, ha.

Straight grid-tie is a system that feeds the grid but does not have any battery storage. So the power from your panels first goes towards powering your home, and any extra feeds back to the grid. At night you use power from the grid, since the sun doesn’t shine at night. :) If the grid power goes out, your power goes out, and you are not feeding the grid, regardless of whether or not the sun is shining.

A hybrid system does the same, but it also charges batteries. So first, runs your home, then charges your batteries, then any extra goes back into the grid. At night or when the power goes out, you run off of your batteries.

So how does this affect your power bill?

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Greetings again from Burns Lake Solar.

Basically if you have a grid-tied solar system, the power you generate offsets your power usage. For example, if you use 3,000 kWh of power in a billing cycle, and fed back 500 kWh, you would be billed for 2,500 kWh. If you put in more power than you use, that difference is credited towards the next month’s bill. This is called NetMetering. Once a year, any excess power that you have put into the grid is converted to dollars and paid back to you asacreditonyourbill.You won’t see cash. Plus your Hydro usage itself will be lower as your solar panels will be also helping to power your home.

Check out more info on BC Hydro’s Website. Next article we will look a bit more closely at numbers and a few other considerations.

https://app.bchydro.com/accounts-billing/electrical -connections/net-metering.html

The Local Connector NW April 3, 2024
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SERVICES

Advertise your service here for $10/week

LOST PETS

HOUSEHOLD/MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

2 propane space heaters $200 each call 778-202-8764

Firewood For Sale Dry pine firewood. Has been under cover for at least 4 years. Well seasoned. About 22”long. $200.00 for pickup load. You pick up. Located on Ebenezer Flats at Smithers. 250 847-3614

2022 frigidaire fridge $600 paid $951.99 has to sell too big for 1 person for more info email sergepare@outlook.com

Electric little chief smoker $35 obo 250-251-5010

Gray with red top lamanite office storage cabinet $40 obo 250-2515010

ELECTRONICS/MUSIC

Nokia 3 phone, 16GB with protective case. No scrapes or cracks. $50.00 New Hazelton 778202-0740

Fotopro CT-4A tripod with Fotopro 53P ball head as new. New Hazelton $125.00 778-202-0740

Sony wireless subwoofer like new with manual $150 phone 845-2488

CLOTHING

Burton snowboard pants size large good to new condition $located in Burns Lake call 250-692-0623

Sandals size 12 Vans single wide flat velcro slip on sandals, checker

board pattern, good condition

$25 located in Burns Lake call 250-6920623

PET & ACCESSORIES

Purebred Cane Corso puppies Now ready to go to their forever home. First shots, dewormed, Vet checkup & vet papers. Mother and father are purebred cane Corso. Born Dec 6 2023.Call or text Genevieve 250-219-0678

SPORTS EQUIPMENT

snow shoes $30 call 778-202-8764

CCM men's mountain bike has dual disk brakes and front suspension paid $700 asking $375 OBO call Ed at 250643-9924

Roller Skates Vintage call 250-6433337

BUILDING SUPPLIES

Wood for Sale 1x4, 1x6, 1x8 1x10T&G paneling Birch, Cottonwood, Poplar - $3.00 bd ft 5/4 Fir T&G $3.50 bd ft 692-6745

AUTOMOBILES

2008 Toyota highlander 4WD 8 passenger 320,000 kms asking $6,950 call 250-846-9194

2002 Toyota Rav 4, manual shift, comes with winter tires on rims, 364,000 km's, transmission replaced in 2020, asking $3500 call 250-692-3862

2002 Toyota Rav 4 manual shift winter tires on rims 364,000 kms, transmission replaced in 2020 asking $3500 call 250-692-3862

2005 chevy cavalier as a parts car. Clutch slave cylinder is gone, motor and transmission are good, tires are good, 4 cylinder. asking $250 OBO call 780-799-0688

OFF ROAD VEHICLES/

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Monday, April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The total solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean. Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT.

The path of the eclipse continues from Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse. The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton. The eclipse will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9IlrWA-z64

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2024 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE: WHY YOU’LL NEVER SEE IT AGAIN

Burns Lake & District Seniors Society

Annual General Meeting: 12:30pm

Tuesday April 16, 2024

At Immaculata Church

Everyone Welcome!

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

ComFor Management Services Ltd. is looking for a qualified vendor capable of providing professionally managed IT support and services at its 153 Francois Lake Drive office.

Individuals and firms interested in providing these services should contact ComFor Management Services Ltd. to obtain a Request for Bid package. A complete RFP package is available via email by emailing to info@blcomfor.com subject line: IT Managed Services RFP Package.

Bids for IT services will be accepted by ComFor Management Services Ltd. up to and including 3:00 p.m., April 5th, 2024. All bids must be submitted on the approved form and sealed in envelopes marked “Sealed Bid – IT Services” and directed to:

ComFor Management Services Ltd.

153 Francois Lake Drive

P.O. Box 788

Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0

Submission will also be accepted in digital format as a single combined PDF sent to info@blcomfor.com

Email receipt time stamp must be before 3:00pm. Late submissions will NOT be accepted.

ComFor Management Services Ltd. reserves the right to reject any or all bids. For more information on this contract opportunity, contact ComFor Management Service Ltd. at (250) 692-7724 or email at info@blcomfor.com

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TAURUS (Apr. 21-May 20)

Being able to do things your way in the future will be important. Now is a good time to put this main concern forward, especially if there are a group of people involved. Just how you can wind some things up may not be that clear at the moment but you should find the time to yourself up to late April to contemplate this so you get ready.

LEO (July 23-August 22)

If you begin to have some doubts about anybody when it comes to what may have been agreed upon recently, don’t ignore these feelings. Best to hold back so you can see whether things start to head where you expected between now and late April. Their intention might be to simply let things fade away, so wait and see.

SCORPIO (Oct.23-Nov21)

This is an excellent time to late April to get on with jobs that have been on your mind. Recent social activity may have interfered with the time available to do these things. That is now coming to an end. Although you haven’t done much you have probably been planning the best approach, which will make it easier to move ahead now.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

You could change your mind to late April when it comes to things important, especially if you find obligations attached are not what you anticipated initially. You will be more inclined to let go of commitments that haven’t come up to your expectations, which is wise. It will leave you in a better position to negotiate if others are involved.

VIRGO (August 23-Sept.22)

There will be a lot of activity involving others but knowing exactly where you stand could be difficult. Someone could start changing their mind but not express this outwardly. There can also be stability from somebody else who will be in sync when it comes to the manner in which like to enjoy yourself. This can include interests.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.18)

An unexpected expense could arise. This might include something you have forgotten to pay. It could mean it would be best to forget spending money on something that is not absolutely necessary. It could be a good exercise to review your financial commitments up to late April. Then you will know what you can spend.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22-Dec.21)

You could be tempted to take up something again that you enjoyed in the past. In some cases it may be thinking about going back to a place you enjoyed visiting. If you have put on a holiday on hold, now might be the time to look into this again. Something could fall into place financially that will give you a sense of security.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Something can wind up that you will be quite content about. Before you spend money too quickly on something, give yourself time to consider the necessity. There could be other ways to get a more stable result. There is likely to be help on this score. If anybody is in a situation to do this, don’t be afraid to ask them.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

From now to late April is a time to rethink any obligations you now realise could become a problem in the future. This may become evident because of somebody now being more open. While they may remain determined that their way of doing things isn’t interfered with, there could be a subtle way of working around this.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.22)

Something from the past can come up with another person that could be annoying. It would be best to avoid showing any disappointment that might entail getting into detailed discussion. This does not necessarily need to affect things you have in place on a regular basis. Get on with your own things and leave them to it.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.19)

You will be intent on doing things your way and this is not just based on rebellion but because you have looked into the practicalities of being able to do so. This might include going back to some family matters that were better to leave for a while. Now you can be more determined in reversing anything that is not quite right.

ARIES (March 21-April 20)

There may be the need to rethink decisions you have made since early March on a personal level that seemed to be important priorities at the time. Unforseen blockages that have arisen can stimulate this need. Involved in this can be the uncertain position of somebody else that doesn’t fill you with a sense of security.

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From www.anne-elisabeth.com.au

BURNS LAKE

Armchair Travel Easter Island & Bora

Bora with Rochelle Plesko—Apr 10 1pm at the Burns Lake Public Library

Mini Saga in South Africa with Hilary Crowley Apr 11 2:30pm at the Burns Lake Public Library

Burns Lake & District Seniors Society

Annual General Meeting Apr 16 12:30pm at Immaculata Church

Everyone Welcome!

Rose Lake Community Garage Sale— April 20 10am-2pm table rentals $20. Call Amber at 250-698-7577 to rent a table. Hot dogs and coffee by donation. Local Cadets will have baking for sale.

Kitchen Party Apr 26 7-9 at the Anglican Church on 1st Ave. admission by donation. Talk, sing & dance. Snacks provided.

CALL FOR INTEREEST If you are interested in participating in a Spring Craft Sale contact Sharon 250-698-7626

Sunday Night Hockey Fun—Sundays 8-9pm at Tom Forsyth Arena co-ed ages 16+ full hockey gear required $120 cash drop in fee

2024 Youth Soccer Registration now OPEN Register online or in person at the Lakeside Multiplex.

TOPLEY

Topley Community Club Loonie Auction & Potluck Dinner Apr 20, 2024 Supper at 5:30 sharp Loonie Auction to follow Bring lots of LOONIES, There will be a large selection of items for everyone to enjoy. All proceeds go to the Topley Community Hall maintenance. Come join in the Fun!!!

BINGO Apr 29 at the Topley Community Hall. Doors open 6:15, Bingo Starts 7:00pm Door Prizes, Food Concession ***JACKPOT*** 51#s or less $250.00 next #$100.00 Come out for a night of FUN!!! NO MINORS

HOUSTON

Spring Market Apr 20 10am-4pm at

Silverthorne Elementary.

Houston Minor Softball Registration now OPEN Pickup and drop off at Brewstirs Café deadline Apr 15 Ages 818

Houston Youth Soccer Registration now OPEN Mar 3-Apr10. Birth years 2006-2019. Volunteers needed. For more info visit www.bcsoccer.ca

Trade Show volunteers wanted Calling all community members! We're seeking volunteers to assist at the trade show admission table! The event is on Friday, April 19, from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Saturday, April 20, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Volunteers dedicating a minimum of 2 hours will be entered into a draw for an incredible Love Houston BC Prize Package! Interested in lending a hand and being part of this exciting event? Please reach out to the Houston & District Chamber of Commerce to volunteer for the Houston Trade Show. Let's make this event a success together!

TELKWA

Round Lake Community Association

Coffee House April 6th, Doors open at 630pm. Featuring Smithers Community Band, Highlights SSS Musical and Gerry Jenks. $10 at the door, Snacks to share are always welcome. Don’t forget your inside shoes!

SMITHERS

Drop In Story Nest—Apr 6 10am-12pm at the Smithers Public Library. Pajamas welcome!

Memoir Reading accompanied by

Harp April 5, 7:00 p.m. | Smithers Public Library. Join Joan Conway as she reads from her memoir of healing, Weave As a River. This book tenderly reveals how an unexpected crisis can invigorate and shed new light on the stories that have shaped us. Jean Christian will accompany her for the poetic component of the evening.

BVFMS Coffeehouse April 12 7pm at the Old Church. Join us for the last Coffeehouse of the season featuring an amazing young pianist, Odin Vetsch, and the fabulous banjo pickin' of Michelle Beauregard and Friends. As always, there will be Open Mic between performances, so bring a song or two and sign-up at the door. This Coffeehouse will not have a Song Circle, but we would like to thank those that participated throughout the year. Come celebrate the sunset of this winter's Coffeehouse season as we look ahead to spring and Midsummer Festival.

Friendly Feud—Tuesday, April 23, 68pm at the Smithers Public Library. The Library VolunTEENS (age 11 and up) meet on a monthly basis to have fun, eat pizza and help make the library a livelier and more engaging place to be! The VolunTEENS also explore ideas for upcoming library events and help prep and deliver children’s programs. Dropins are welcome.

Free Public Skate—Every Thursday 121pm & 2:30-4pm & Sundays 4:30-6pm at the new arena 4202 3rd ave.

Joan Conway: Reading with Harp Music Apr 5 at 7pm at the Smithers Public Library Join Joan Conway as she reads from her memoir of healing, Weave As a River. This book tenderly reveals how an unexpected crisis can invigorate and shed new light on the stories that have shaped us. Jean Christian will accompany her for the poetic component of the evening.

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Proud Sponsors of the Community Events Page

Weekly/Monthly Community Activities

Burns Lake

Family Fun Basketball Night—Apr 4 & 18 67:30pm at the Decker Lake Elementary School Gym.

Walking Club Tuesdays and Fridays 1-3 p.m. in the Island Gospel Fellowship gym. Everyone welcome to a warm and non-slip walking venue!!

Knitting Club Every Thursday 1:30-2:30pm at the BL Public Library. Bring your project! Supplies not provided.

Community Badminton Wednesdays 7pm at LDSS. Racquets available for use.

Roller Blading Friday 5:30-7pm and Sundays 3:30-5pm at the Lakeside Multiplex. Bring your own pair of roller blades or borrow a pair of ours.

Whist Wednesdays 7pm at the Decker Lake Hall.

Basketball Tuesdays 7-9pm at LDSS SMITHERS

Games Night—Every Friday 7-8:30pm 3974 10th Ave. Board, card and other table top games. Bring a game, friend or family and come have some fun!

Book Lovers Night In—2nd Tuesday of every month 7pm at the Smithers Public Library.

Junior Curling Thursdays 2:30-4pm $100 per curler. Come down to the rink to register.

Trad Jam Sessions in Smithers. 4th Wednesday of the month Starting this week Sept 27th at the Smithers Senior Center. Come play tunes!

Bachata Lessons Tuesdays at 3830 2nd Ave from 8-9pm. Come learn how to dance bachata! No partner or experience required $15/class

Smithers Boardgame Group Meets on the third Sunday of every month at Smithers Public Library. Come solo and make some new friends or bring your crew! Admission: $2 donation to the Library.

ONGOING EVENTS

Thanks to our sponsor this is a FREE service.

Seniors Events

Burns Lake

Seniors Drop in at the Link—

Every other Tuesday 10:30am12:#0pm at the Heritage Church 1st Ave Join us for coffee, sandwiches and a lovely visit. March 12 & 26. April 9 & 23. May 7 & 21.

Carpet Bowling every Wednesday at 1pm at the Decker Lake Hall.

Houston

Floor curling—Every Monday 1-3pm, Tuesday and Friday

Carpet bowling Thursday13pm Genealogy, Pool.

Shuffleboard and Darts 1-3pm Price $2.00 per event. plus $10.00 annual membership fee.

Breakfast—1st. Saturday each month $12.00 8-11am everyone welcome.

Luncheon—3rd Thursday of each Month 11am-1pm @ $12.00 everyone welcome.

Youth Activities

Burns Lake

Burns Lake Public Library - High Five Gamers Tuesdays 3:15-4:30 afterschool gaming club ages 7-12. Community Storytime with Miss Bonny. Wednesdays 10:30am. Paws for Cuddles Wednesdays 3:15-4:15pm. Come read to Clive! Ages 6+.Lego Hour Tuesdays 11am-12pm & Fridays 3:30-4:30pm ages 6+. Manga Club Every second Thursday 3:30-5pm grades 8-12.

Strong Start Monday-Fri 9am-12pm at WKE. Free for children and caregivers ages 0-6.

Mother Goose Wednesday & Friday 1011:30am at Muriel Mould. Free for parents and caregivers ages 0-6.

Movin and Groovin Mondays 12-1pm at Muriel Mould.

Indoor Play Space Tuesdays 10-3011:30pm at the Lakeside Multiplex. Ages 6 and under.

Houston

Houston Public Library—Teen Day Jan 11 2:30-3:30 teens 12 and up! Game Day Jan 18 2:30-3:30 . Pipe cleaner crafts Jan 25 2:30-3:30 ages 7 and up! Call 250-8452256 to register.

Smithers

Developing Play Skills through Play A 10 week family centered activity program for children 2-6. Contact Rebecca to register at 250-691-1395

Programs for Young Children at the Smithers Public Library Introduce your child to the magic of stories and songs while connecting with other parents of young children. All programs are free, drop -in and open to parents and caregivers of young children.

BABYTIME (infants to 18 months): Tuesdays, 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. (January 23 to April 9)

TODDLERTIME (18 to 36 months): Tuesdays, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. (January 23 to April 9)

STORYTIME (age 3 to 6): Wednesdays, 9:15 – 10:00 a.m. (January 24 to April 10)

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Ingredients:

For salad:

1 cup quinoa cooked with 2 cups water or broth

1 cucumber sliced

A few green onions chopped

3/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 lb shelled edamame

3 shredded carrots

A drizzle of olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

For dressing:

1/3 cup peanut butter, I used chunky

1/4 cup sesame oil

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Edamame Quinoa Salad with Peanut Sauce

1 tbsp rice vinegar

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp maple syrup, I used brown sugar

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp ginger paste

Sriracha to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F. Spread cooked quinoa on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Bake for 30 min tossing halfway through. While quinoa bakes combine all the remaining salad ingredients in a large bowl. In a small bowl combine ingredients for the dressing and whisk well. Allow quinoa to cool slightly before adding to the salad bowl. Top with dressing and toss to coat. Enjoy!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=IiMt0RdCwso

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What's going to cost you more in B.C. starting on April 1

Several things will cost you more starting on April Fools’ Day, though there is some good news due to credits. Here’s what to know.

No fooling, on April 1 several things are going to cost British Columbia consumers more.

Here’s a look at five things that are set to go up or that could put inflationary pressure on prices starting next month. The good news is that government credits may result in a smaller increase or even a net decrease in a couple of cases.

Carbon tax

B.C. is raising the carbon tax on April 1 from $65 a tonne to $80 a tonne. The provincial government also announced this winter that it is moving to an industryspecific system where only those companies that exceed carbon emission targets have to pay.

In other parts of Canada, there is a federal carbon tax program, but B.C. was the first province to bring in carbon pricing back in 2008 and doesn’t pay into that system. Thus, taxpayers in B.C. don’t receive federal carbon tax rebates as those in Alberta, Ontario and other provinces do.

While B.C. similarly offers carbon tax credits to individuals and families to offset the direct cost, the effect of increasing gasoline, diesel and natural gas taxes paid by the trucking industry and others means the higher costs will likely be passed on to consumers.

Electricity

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SAMSON home where he can be outside and inside. totally loves a pet and attention. SAMSON is neutered. adoption interest 250

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CONNECTOR JOB BOARD “Connecting Employee’s to Employers”

B.C. Hydro has announced a 2.3 per cent rate increase effective April 1. That translates to about a $2 increase to an average residential bill each month. However, the B.C. government announced in February it is offering an electricity affordability credit that should more than offset this year’s general rate increase.

“Nearly all residential, commercial and industrial customers will pay less this year than they did last year,” explained B.C. Hydro spokesperson Mora Scott. The credit is based on a customer’s annual consumption, but residential households on average will get a total credit of about $100 over 12 months starting inApril.

Commercial and industrial hydro users will get a credit of 4.6 per cent, which should save them an average of $400 or $200,000 respectively in operating costs.

The credits will be applied beginning in mid-April and continue in equal instalments for a year. Customers don’t need to apply as they are automatic.

The provincial government boasts that hydro rates have risen below the rate of inflation for six straight years, including in 2024, and Scott says “we are committed to keeping any future rate increases below cumulative inflation.”

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ADVERTISE
OR TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES ON OUR
Includes
social media, email blast and website
week.
YOUR EMPLOYMENT
JOB BOARD!
interactive format,
exposure every

ACCESSORIES

The Best Ever Grout Cleaner: who knew how helpful Toilet Bowl Cleaner could be!?! I have not tried this hack but I have seen it a few times and it is on my to do list next time I need to clean the kid’s bathroom tile.

Polaris 2014 Skidoo Wide Track 1200 Miles $8000 847-4657

Polaris 2005 ATV 600 with plow 2200 miles $3000 847-4657

AUTO PARTS AND ACCESSORIES

trailer springs $120 call 778-2028764

aluminum headache rack for a long box $500 call 250-794-2303

chrome step bars $200 call 250794-2303

82" rampage K2 snowplow with electric lift $1200 located in Houston call 250-845-8279

14ft gravel box complete with hoist and sub frame $1000 OBO call 250-692-7072

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

34 socket set $150 call 778-2028764

1 inch socket set $200 call 778202-8764

Stihl 29 inch 084 bar $80 call 778202-8764

12”x4” four speed Logosol PH260 planer/moulder 3 Phase Converter with Switching & Panels Fan/Vacuum System with Hopper set up to Fill Feed Bags

Complete Wood Fired Kiln & Shop Heating System Sharpening Equipment, Heads and Knives

Fork Lift $50,000.00 Call 250-692 -6745

RV’S/TRAVEL TRAILERS

2010 Cougar fifth wheel 28 ft long

ultra lite polar package 1 big slide, new tires, new awning, new vent cover and new flooring everything works good shape $9300 OBO call 250-794-2303

TIRES

Ford f350 wheels $80 call 778-202 -8764

Kawasaki mule wheels 2 $40 call 778-202-8764

4 Bridgestone Blizzak DM V-2 265/70 R17 on rims $400 250 251 8211

4 hankook pike snow tires and rims

90% tread left 195/70R14 $350 250-643-9924

4 polar trax iron man gen2 snow tires and rims 205/55R16 $480 comes with 1 free hankook 205/55R16 with 35% tread left and 2 free max tour summer tires 205/55R16 with 55 tread left call 250-643-9924

PETS & ACCESSORIES

30-gallon fish tank with many accessories $50 call 250-694-3495

Harness for large dog or small pony. Leather; felt lining; brass buckles. Like new. $40. Call or txt for pic. 250-845-8247.

AGRICULTURE

Looking for big young rooster call 250-694-3228

Older Tractor (from the 60's) model 303414 international diesel $2500 OBO (250) 692-7072

Belarus model 400 tractor from the early 80's $3000 OBO call 250-692 -7072

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Some customers may soon choose to pay for hydro in a different way. In June, B.C. Hydro will offer optional time-of-day pricing. Those who opt in would get a fivecent discount for using electricity during times of low demand (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.) and a five-cent surcharge for use during peak hours, 4 to 9 p.m. Rates would be unchanged at other times.

Time-of-day pricing might be attractive to those who own an electric vehicle, for instance, because they would be able to save by charging their car overnight.

B.C. Ferries

Ferry rates are due to increase by 3.2 per cent on April 1 as approved by the B.C. Ferry Commission. That does not apply to potential fuel surcharges or rebates, which the corporation may introduce or adjust based on fluctuating fuel prices.

That 3.2 per cent jump could have been much worse. B.C. Ferries was seeking a 9.2 per cent increase before the provincial government kicked in $500 million over the next four years to keep fares more affordable.

Also beginning on April 1, B.C. Ferries is more than doubling the number of people who can use its saver program by pre-booking and travelling during off-peak hours. Cancellation fees on prepaid and saver fares are dropping to allow passengers more flexibility. Customers can also save on fares by travelling together in one vehicle.

Beer and alcohol

The federal excise tax on alcohol, including beer, is set to rise two per cent on April 1. That tax increase has been capped at two per cent through 2026.

The Local Connector NW April 3, 2024

That too was originally going to go up more by 4.7 per cent before industry and public backlash led the federal government to reconsider and drop the amount of the tax increase.

Minimum wages

Those who work for the federal government are set to get a minimum-wage increase from $16.65 an hour to $17.30 on April 1. The increase is based on Canada’s consumer price index. This doesn’t mean a direct increase for consumers, but any salary increases affecting more than 350,000 workers — the 2023 estimate for the size of the federal public service is likely to have an inflationary effect.

Similarly, the B.C. government announced another general minimum wage increase, based on the rate of inflation, from $16.75 to $17.40 an hour, though that doesn’t take effect until June 1.

Speaking of inflation, we all know prices have been rising for the past couple of years. The B.C. government estimates prices have gone up cumulatively by 13.9 per cent between early 2021 and early 2024.

The (somewhat) good news is that the rate has been falling since 2022, and the current year-over-year estimate is 2.6 per cent, down from 3.4 per cent in the previous year but don’t tell that to anyone who’s had to fill their gas tank lately.

Source: https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/whats-going-to -cost-you-more-in-bc-starting-on-april-1-

8530904

Men's Shed—Non Profit

Reuse shed for retired men, across from YRB in Fraser Lake.

Donate or come and see what we have.

Tuesday & Friday 10am-3pm

Helping the Community

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Plant Manager
Deputy Chief Forester
Payroll Clerk
Project Clerk This Week’s Hot Jobs!
FORALLYOUR SIGNAGENEEDS 250.847.5566 www.randysimagedesign.com #1-3167 Tatlow Rd. Smithers, B.C.
22

250-692-3375

www.pineridgemodualar.com

The Legion Corner is Generously Donated By Pine Ridge Modular

BURNS LAKE BR #50

158 Francois Lake Dr, Burns Lake, BC

250-692-3232

Kitchen Hours

Thursday 4pm - 9pm

Friday 4pm - 9pm

Saturday 2pm - 9pm

Sunday 9am - 1pm

Bar Hours:

Thursday 4pm - 1am

Friday 4pm - 1am

Saturday 2pm - 1am

Sunday 11am - 1pm

Tuesday Dart Night from 7-9pm

Thursdays Karaoke 8pm-1am

Crazy Ace Fridays 6-9pm POSSIBLE Cash Prize

Saturday Meat Draws 2:304:30pm

Third Wednesday of every month Members meeting 6:30pm

PLEASE NOTE: ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH #50 IS THE ONLY VALID FACEBOOK PAGE

Check our Facebook page to find our special of the week.

HOUSTON BR #249

Only at the Legion!

The Burger March Is On! Come in and check out what burgers are on special for the month of March!

Wednesday’ is Wing Wednesday at the Legion. We offer 12 different flavours!

Our Queen of Hearts progressive jackpot is growing! Check our Facebook page to find out how much it is this Friday!

Every Saturday we host our Meat Draws starting at 4PM. We have 3 draws every ½ hour. 4PM, 4:30PM, 5PM, 5:30PM and the breakfast draw at 5:40PM.

Darts is held every Saturday at 7PM upstairs at the Legion. For more information call Diane at 250 845-8844.

Legion Shuttle: 250 845-8455

Shuttle Hours of Operation:

Monday & Tuesday: 9AM to 4PM

Wednesday & Thursday: 9AM to 9PM

Friday: 9AM to Midnight

Saturday: Noon to Midnight

Sunday: prebook only

Thank you for supporting your local Legion!

SMITHERS BR #63

3840 1st Ave Smithers BC

(250) 847-5082

Wednesday 3pm - 6pm

Friday 3pm - 9pm

Saturday 2:30pm - 7pm

Drop In Darts

Every Wednesday 7pm - 9pm Friday is Karaoke Night & Meat Draw 5:30pm

Saturday Meat Draw 3pm

Saturday Pool Tournament 3pm Bar opens at 3:30

Chase the Ace Every Wednesday 3:30-6pm receive a ticket for every purchase. 6PM draw

FREE popcorn on Wednesdays pool table, darts, and keno available

Drop in darts at 7:00 pm

****everyone 19+ welcome, no membership required****

The Local Connector NW April 3, 2024 23
The Local Connector NW April 3, 2024 24

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