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