Prince George Citizen - Thursday, March 5, 2026

A new kidney would rock

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

It’s probably the most difficult question Greg Mackay has ever asked in his life.

Would you be willing to donate one of your kidneys to me?

Now in end-stage renal failure, facing the inevitability of dialysis for the rest of his life just to stay alive, the 67-year-old Prince George man has been tasked by his doctors to try to find a living donor willing to give him a healthy kidney. He made a YouTube video he sent to close friends and family, but it is a difficult subject to broach.

“It’s embarrassing,” he said.

“It’s a really hard ask, you feel awkward,” said Greg’s wife, Shirley. “The doctors have pressured us to do this, because if you don’t ask, you don’t get. They want us to get it out on all the social media.”

Mackay worked 30 years for the City of Prince George as an equipment operator until he retired in 2014. A devoted

BC Lions and Vancouver Canucks fan who grew up in Vancouver, his love for hard rock landed him a volunteer

gig on CFUR FM 88.7, UNBC’s campus radio station, and he adopted his “Greg the Egg” persona on a weekly program, The Air Guitar Show, that rocked local airwaves for 15 years.

He and Shirley were in Vancouver attending a Kiss concert in January 2019 when Greg noticed blood in his urine. He also lost his appetite, felt nauseous and tired, and went to the hospital in Burnaby, where he was told to see his doctor after he returned to Prince George.

He arrived home to a foot of snow and, after shovelling the driveway, went to bed.

By the following morning, his condition had worsened.

“It was awful — for the rest of the week he slept pretty much 22 hours, he’d have half a piece of toast and go back to bed the next day,” said Shirley.

Transplants can free patents from the rigours of dialysis

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“That started on Monday and Thursday he was going to go to the doctor, but he was too sick. The doctor ordered blood work and the next morning he said, ‘Get to emergency right away, you’re in kidney failure. Your GFR is four.’”

Mackay spent the next six weeks in Prince George hospital, fighting an autoimmune disease that was attacking his kidneys. Kidney disease can progress rapidly without physical warning signs.

“They call it the silent killer because you don’t know you’re sick until you’re really sick,” said Greg.

He’s had to go for weekly blood tests ever since and every three months he sees the kidney team at UHNBC, which includes a doctor, nurse, nutritionist and pharmacist.

In 2025, a record 357 people in BC received a kidney transplant, made possible by 252 donors, 86 of whom were living donors. There have been more than 8,000 kidney transplants in the province since the first was achieved in 1968.

At any one time there are about 750 British Columbians on the wait list for kidney transplants. The median wait time for a transplant is three years seven months.

Having a living person willing to give a kidney increases the transplant success rate, reduces the wait time to find a suitable organ and gives the recipient a predictable date for the surgery. Most people with only one kidney live healthy lives, provided they have kidney function monitored regularly.

Mackay hopes going public with his story will help him or some of the estimated 800 dialysis patients in the Northern Health region connect to someone willing to donate a kidney.

A living kidney donor is usually someone in the immediate or extended family or a spouse or close friend, but can also be a stranger who wishes to prolong someone’s life. Living donors are usually under the age of 70 and must be in good health, not afflicted with kidney disease, heart disease, significantly high

This infographic explains why Canada needs more organ donors. Learn more at kidney.ca.

blood pressure, diabetes, cancer or hepatitis.

A deceased donor is someone who has given prior consent to donate organs upon death. If the wishes of the deceased donor are not known, permission for organ donation can be obtained from family members.

Toxic drug fatalities have increased the BC transplant rate and more than a third of deceased organ donors in the province from 2022-2023 (38 per cent) were people who died of overdoses. Many of those who are dying from drug poisoning are younger, which increases the transplant success rate.

A transplant frees the person from hemodialysis, a machine that cleans the blood of impurities and excess fluids.

The process takes three or four hours to accomplish and must usually be repeated every three days. It often brings on fatigue and nausea and can result in cramping, low blood pressure and headaches.

Kidney dialysis patients live an average five to 10 years but, with proper care and following a strict diet that limits phosphorus, potassium and sodium, they can extend their lives 20 to 30 years.

Some patients can have blood toxins removed through peritoneal dialysis,

using a catheter inserted into the lining of the abdomen to administer waste-absorbing fluid for daily treatments, usually while the person is sleeping.

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which measures renal function, is 60 or greater for a normal person. Mackay’s rate is 10, and his doctors have been telling him dialysis is inevitable.

He found that out in December and was hoping to put it off until May but was told by his doctor he could no longer delay it and was booked for dialysis Feb. 27.

He plans to have the peritoneal treatments daily at his home, which will mean hooking up to the machine for eight or nine hours each night before he goes to bed. He has a spare room in his house for storage of cases of specialized fluid needed for the procedure.

A transplant is a treatment but not a cure for kidney disease.

The success rate for someone who receives a kidney from a living donor is high (90-95 per cent) and the average survival rate is 15 to 20 years, compared to 11 years from a deceased donor. Although it helps to have a genetic link to the donor, medications can be used to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ that is not a biological match.

Mackay is trying now to find a living donor but until he starts dialysis he’s unable to get on the wait list for a deceased donor organ.

His doctor told him it’s advantageous to get on the list as soon as possible to minimize his wait for a deceased donor and not risk aging out of the transplant process.

Kidney transplants are performed in Vancouver and recipients are required to live there for two or three months after the surgery while their body adjusts to the new organ.

World Kidney Day is March 12

To contact Mackay, email the St. Paul’s Hospital Pre-Transplant Program at donornurse@providencehealth.bc.ca or call 1-877-955-1755.

If you haven’t already registered to be a kidney donor, it takes about two minutes to register. Go to the BC Transplant donor website, kidney.ca/ register, or scan the QR code at left.

For more information on living donation and kidney transplants, go to kidney.ca/Organ-Donor-Programs or phone toll-free at 1-800-663-6189.

Province makes daylight savings tme permanent

COLIN SLARK Citizen Staff

British Columbia will spring forward for the last time on Sunday, March 8.

On Monday, March 2, Premier David Eby announced that the province is adopting permanent daylight savings time.

That means that once clocks move forward one hour on Sunday, March 8, they’ll stay that way forever.

In the winter, BC will have the same time as Alberta. In the summer, it will be one hour behind as it previously was.

In a media release, the government said it was making the change to improve health, reduce disruptions caused by the twice-annual time changes and provide an extra hour of evening light in the winter.

“Every parent knows that changing clocks twice a year causes a significant amount of chaos on already busy lives. British Columbians have been clear that

seasonal time changes do not work for them,” Eby said in the release.

“This decision isn’t just about clocks. It’s about making life easier for families, reducing disruptions for businesses and supporting a stable, thriving economy. I am hopeful that our American neighbours will soon join us in ending

disruptive time changes.”

Going forward, BC will call its time zone “Pacific time” rather than the previous “Pacific daylight time” or “Pacific standard time.”

The legislation to implement permanent daylight savings time was passed in 2019, but the province put it on hold to see if

a change could be co-ordinated with the three U.S. states in the Pacific time zone: Washington, Oregon and California. Those states have yet to change how they handle the twice-yearly switch between daylight savings and standard time. BC will now only have the same time as those states from March through November each year.

In the few communities in eastern British Columbia that observe Mountain time, the effects will vary.

Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and the rest of the Peace Region has traditionally kept Mountain standard time yearround. It will now be the same time as the rest of BC all the time.

In Cranbrook, which is in the Mountain time zone but switches between daylight savings and standard time, it will have the same time as the rest of BC in the winter and be one hour ahead in the summer.

The change also means that BC and Yukon Territory will have the same time year-round.

Of-grid family’s problematc property comes down

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George has ended its actions against homesteaders in Aleza Lake due to the removal of their house after it collapsed.

“I just want to point out that it’s a good thing we went through this process because the building collapsed,” said regional district Director Victor Mobley during a board meeting on Thursday, Feb. 26. “That proves that we should be doing these things and they should have building permits so that we don’t have buildings collapse with people in them.”

In a letter of notification titled Demolition and Site Safety, sent to the Regional District on Feb. 21, the owners stated that the structure at 33168 Upper Fraser Rd. was no longer standing.

“Please be advised that the structure has been completely taken down,” the letter reads.

“While the materials currently remain on the property pending final transport, the structure has been dismantled to a state where it is no longer standing, habitable or functional. Most importantly,

we have taken the necessary steps to ensure the site is no longer a hazard.”

As a result, the regional district has ended its efforts to file a notice on title under Section 57 of BC’s Community Charter for building bylaw contravention.

In a message, the owners of the property told The Citizen that the building collapsed from snow due to the structure having the majority of the supports from the roof and walls removed as part of their efforts to take it down.

The Upper Fraser Road property is located in Electoral Area F and is owned by Amelia Parcigneau and her family. The property was purchased to build

an off-grid home to reduce the cost of living for the family.

Construction began on an accessory building on the property on Oct. 28, 2025, but following complaints received by a Regional District bylaw officer, a stop-work order was placed on the structure on Oct. 29, followed by another stop-work order and a do-not-occupy notice on May 16.

The regional district stated that during the initial investigations and subsequent inspections, it was determined that no building permits were issued and the structure did not meet the BC Building Code for a dwelling or accessory building.

The owners admitted they constructed the building for the purpose of living inside.

During the meeting of regional district directors on Thursday, Feb. 26, Mobley commented on the issue.

“I know the applicant has expressed their displeasure sometimes with how the administration may have processed it, but this is exactly why we have building permits,” he said.

The owners added that they believe the director’s comments were inaccurate, as a member of their family has extensive construction experience and that they believe the building would not have collapsed if the structure was not in the process of removal

Blaine Harasimiuk, the regional district’s manager of inspection services, stated that he will continue to work with the owners to remove materials from the property.

“This is still an active bylaw enforcement file for the illegal building and unsafe premises,” said Harasimiuk. “We’ll work with the owner and provide some timelines for them to clean this up, as well as the rest of their property.”

Regional district board approves director pay increases

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Regional District of Fraser Fort George (RDFFG) will increase pay for its directors after the next election cycle.

In a motion moved by directors Owen Torgerson (District of Valemount) and Joan Atkinson (District of Mackenzie), the board carried a motion to update annual remuneration for the chair, vicechair, municipal directors and electoral area directors, effective Oct. 18, set at the median of the approved comparator group.

This will include ongoing CPI indexing, with the board directing its administration to bring forward the necessary bylaw amendments.

However, the motion was opposed by directors Trudy Klassen (City of Prince

George), Kevin Dunphy (Electoral Area F), Art Kaehn (Electoral Area E) and Alternative Director Susan Scott (City of Prince George).

This process began in 2025 when the regional district commissioned Drive Organizational Development Ltd. out of Port Coquitlam to compare the pay of those in the Regional Districts in the Peace River, Central Okanagan, Sunshine Coast, Thompson-Nicola, North Okanagan, Okanagan-Similkameen, Columbia Shuswap, Fraser Valley, Cariboo, East Kootenay and Kootenay Boundary regional districts. Directors representing rural electoral areas in Fraser-Fort George currently earn $25,000 a year for their work. The median among the 11 other districts is $30,100.

Municipal directors — those already belonging to councils in Prince George,

Valemount, McBride and Mackenzie — are paid $16,200 a year in Fraser-Fort George. The median among the others is lower at $15,400.

The chair of Fraser-Fort George receives a $22,400 supplement on top of their base director salary. The median among the rest is higher at $27,900.

The vice-chair gets a $3,900 supplement in Fraser-Fort George compared to a median of $5,100 among the other districts.

So, when the next board of directors is formed following BC’s slate of local elections on Saturday, Oct. 17, rural directors will get a pay increase of $5,100 per year, the chair $5,500 and the vice-chair $1,200.

Municipal directors will have their pay cut by $800 per year. Put together, the district will pay $36,800

more in net salaries.

Director Victor Mobley (Electoral Area A) supported the pay bump and spoke about why he believed the remuneration discussion was important.

“We all know this hot topic; nobody really wants to discuss it,” said Mobley. “So we’re going to have a discussion now. I just want to share my personal experience as an elected official when it comes to some of the things as a 38-year-old man supporting a family of four on a single income. The important parts that we need to consider as a board are — and this will be unpopular, especially with media in the room and everybody listening online — there are personal costs that come with being a municipal director.

Raises range from 20-30% but some to see decrease

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“As many people don’t want to always discuss it, people don’t want to talk about it. It’s viewed as a part-time job by many in our communities. While it’s not as many hours as a regular job, many of the hours our regional district directors spend — and our municipal counterparts, when you look at their board meetings — are outside of regular business hours. Phone calls with constituents are often after work. Community meetings on nights and weekends are a regular occurrence.”

He added he was personally affected by his role as an elected official and, when searching for a new job, his prospects were limited. Several businesses directly mentioned his role as a reason he wasn’t chosen for a position.

“The potential for career-limiting expectations of someone in my primary earning years potentially can be significant for those individuals,” said Mobley. “The factors need to be considered by the board and our municipalities in the future so we have growth and viability in our overall democracy.

“We had six unchallenged regional district seats in the last election and the only reason mine wasn’t challenged is that the other person who ran against me thought nobody else was running. That’s kind of a scary tidbit to have in there. I know this will probably come across as self-serving or as a bias and I really have no opinion. I think we are fairly compensated when it comes to it with cost-of-living adjustments, as long as we stay within that median.”

Scott, who has previously dealt with the issue of pay increases during her role as a city councillor, also weighed in on the discussion.

“I personally embarked as a city councillor not to make money, but to contribute to my community,” said Scott. “The unintended consequence is that my employer turned up and said, ‘You cannot serve two masters,’ and they eliminated my job. It’s a tough one.

It’s tough to pay those bills and look people in the eye who are also strug gling and trying to help them as well. That said, I’m also really reluctant — as we recently dealt with this question at city council — I was hugely reluctant to consider any sort of pay increase because I had made my own informed decision. But it’s such a good point that to attract people going forward, we have to — if not level the playing field — at least make it more palatable.”

Kaehn said the increase was not enough to boost interest in regional board positions and was concerned about those hurting from the increased cost of living.

“I’ve been around a long time and when I started, I didn’t even realize you got paid for this position,” said Kaehn. “Fortunately, I had a good employer who allowed me to continue as a municipal official. And of course, I gave up a lot of time. In local government, you’re almost like a volunteer. The median?

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Yes, it’s attractive, but it’s not going to really bring a flood of people to the door. It’s not a lot of money. I’m thinking about the times people are going through every time I go to the grocery store and I hear people complaining. Minimum-wage workers are trying to live on less and I just don’t feel it’s the right time.”

In addition to carrying the motion to update pay to a median increase, directors also carried a motion to direct administration to return proposed updates to expense schedules (meal per diems toward comparator medians; act ing chair allowance; travel-time param eters; committee and special meeting rates; conference attendance guidelines) for consideration at a future meeting.

The board also carried a motion to establish the next remuneration review in the second quarter of 2029, using an independent panel or an external consultant, with changes timed to take effect for the subsequent board, and that the board endorse a communica tions plan.

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Clare ends his pursuit of BC Conservatve leadership

The area MLA cites issues with his entry paperwork

CITIZEN STAFF

Prince George-North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare has suspended his campaign to lead the Conservative Party of British Columbia, citing issues with his leadership application.

In a statement released Friday, Feb. 27, Clare said that while he submitted more than the 250 signatures required by the party’s Leadership Election Organizing Committee, a critical number were from individuals who were not current party members or whose memberships had lapsed and therefore could not be accepted.

“I take full responsibility for that deficiency in my application,” Clare said in the statement.

The party will name a new leader to replace John Rustad, who stepped down last year, on May 30.

Clare thanked supporters, volunteers and staff who backed his bid, saying their encouragement “meant a great deal” to him and his family. He acknowledged the decision would disappoint many but said he remains proud of the policy ideas advanced during the

campaign. Among the priorities he championed were fiscal responsibility, smaller government, tax relief, accountability and governance reform, public safety

and expanded mental health supports, resource and infrastructure development, support for families, and strengthening health care and seniors’ services.

Clare emphasized the importance of the upcoming leadership vote, calling it critical to the future of the Conservative movement in British Columbia. He pointed to the party’s gains in the 2024 provincial election and said its path to forming government in the next general election depends on “clear, principled Conservative leadership.”

“This is not the BC United Party. This is not the BC Liberal Party 2.0. This is the Conservative Party of British Columbia,” he said, adding that the party must remain grounded in what he described as genuine Conservative principles.

A rookie legislator and former instructor at the College of New Caledonia, Clare positioned himself on the party’s conservative wing. He called for

“unapologetic conservative leadership” and rejected comparisons to the former BC Liberal coalition.

During his campaign, Clare targeted government spending, the SOGI curriculum in schools and the federal oil tanker ban on BCs North Coast. He criticized both the current NDP government and previous administrations over policies including the carbon tax and legislation enshrining the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

On fiscal policy, Clare proposed raising the provincial basic personal income tax exemption to $30,000, introducing a provincial sales tax holiday on the Family Day weekend, eliminating the PST on used vehicle sales and scrapping the two per cent small business corporate tax. He pledged to balance the budget by 2034 and legislate a 35 per cent debt-to-GDP ratio while expanding capital investment in psychiatric hospitals, addiction treatment facilities and transportation infrastructure.

He also called for mandatory treatment for severe addictions linked to crime, increased resources for police and prosecutors, investment in smaller vessels for BC Ferries, expanded uranium mining and nuclear power development, construction of new oil refineries and support for a pipeline to the North Coast.

To fund his proposals, Clare said he would reduce the public service by 50,000 positions over four years, primarily through attrition and a hiring freeze in administrative roles, while protecting frontline health care, corrections and education staff.

In social policy, he pledged to end the teaching of sexual orientation and gender identity content in schools, oppose the federal firearm buyback program and rehire public servants dismissed over COVID-19 vaccination policies.

Clare’s departure leaves 10 people in the race, including four other Conservative MLAs: Bruce Banman (Abbotsford South), Harman Bhangu (Langley-Abbotsford), Steve Kooner (Richmond-Queensborough) and Peter Milobar (Kamloops Centre).

Also running are former cabinet minister Iain Black, BC pundit Caroline Elliott, former Conservative MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Capilano University chancellor Yuri Fulmer, builder Warren Hamm and former Pattison executive Darrell Jones. Each candidate had to submit 250 signatures from current party members and raise $5,000 by the Feb. 15 nomination deadline. Once vetted by a party committee, candidates must pay a $10,000 fee within three business days, a $40,000 instalment by April 1 and a final $60,000 payment by April 18.

Giddens endorses Kamloops MLA Milobar for leadership

Kiel Giddens, the BC Conservative MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie and the party’s labour critic, has endorsed Peter Milobar in the race to lead the Conservative Party of British Columbia.

In a statement, Giddens said Milobar is prepared to take on both the leadership of the party and the responsibilities of governing.

“Peter Milobar is experienced, steady, ready to lead on day one, and govern the day after that,” Giddens said.

He added that Milobar is committed to restoring fiscal sustainability, rebuilding economic confidence and advancing

Conservative values across the province.

Giddens sharply criticized the recent provincial budget introduced by Premier David Eby’s NDP government, calling it harmful to families, seniors and small businesses. He pointed to his work with Milobar on the legislature’s select standing committee on public accounts, arguing that Milobar has a deep understanding of the province’s financial challenges.

“No one understands the NDP’s fiscal mess better than he does,” Giddens said. “Peter has the experience, discipline and vision to restore BC’s competitiveness and create real opportunity — especially for the North.”

Drawing on his background in BC’s resource sectors, Giddens said responsible development of natural resources must be central to economic growth. He described Milobar as a candidate who recognizes the role of resource development, combined with fiscal discipline, in supporting public services and job creation.

The endorsement comes as the Conservatives prepare to choose a new

leader who will run in the next provincial election with the aim of replacing the governing NDP.

Giddens was joined in backing Milobar by fellow Conservative MLAs Gavin Dew (Kelowna-Mission), Scott McInnis (Columbia River-Revelstoke), Brennan Day (Courtenay-Comox) and Ward Stamer (Kamloops-North Thompson).

“We represent different parts of the province, and we chose to support Peter because he’s the right leader for the right time,” Giddens said, encouraging party members to purchase memberships and vote in the leadership race.

Baptiste Nickel

FPX Nickel Corp. proposes to develop an open-pit nickel mine located 80 km northwest of Fort St. James that is anticipated to produce 120 megatonnes of ore per year for 28 years.

Share your thoughts

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and B.C.’s

Environmental Assessment O ce (EAO) are holding a public comment period on FPX Nickel Corp.’s initial project description from February 5 to March 9, 2026

In-Person Open House

February 18 | 2:30-6:00 pm PST

Fort St. James Community Hall

190 Stuart Dr E, Fort St. James, B.C.

Online Information Session

February 24 | 11:30 am-1:30 pm PST

To register, visit: engage.eao.gov.bc.ca/BaptisteNickel-EE French virtual information session available upon request.

Learn more about the project and tell us what is important to you.

Visit the federal assessment page at iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/90051 or visit the provincial engagement page at engage.eao.gov.bc.ca/BaptisteNickel-EE

You may also submit comments by mail: Baptiste Nickel Project, PO box 9426, Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, B.C. V8W 9V1

Why a ‘staycaton’ makes more sense than ever

KENNEDY GORDON Citizen Managing Editor

Great adventures don’t always require a boarding pass.

With travel disruptions happening more and more, the humble “staycation” is no longer a consolation prize — it’s a smart, strategic choice.

Airfares remain volatile. Border rules can change with little notice. Political uncertainty in the United States has many Canadians rethinking cross-border plans. Recent lockdowns and violence in parts of Mexico have also made some travellers reconsider their plans.

So, here’s a radical idea for 2026: stay home — and rediscover it. Thousands of people from around the globe come here to experience what is in our backyard.

In Prince George, that rediscovery is being made easier, more affordable and more fun thanks to the Bites, Flights + Sights Passport Trail program from Tourism Prince George.

The concept is simple. Sign up — it takes a minute — and begin checking in at participating local destinations. Each check-in earns points toward prizes, with 400 points unlocking the first reward: a Taste of the North prize box.

On top of that, many businesses, including restaurants and the Tourism PG Visitors’ Information Centre, offer immediate perks just for participating. Everyone needs at least one pair of Mr. PG socks, after all.

These aren’t token discounts. They’re

meaningful savings at a time when households are watching every dollar. For decades, we’ve been conditioned to believe that adventure means having to travel. That culture, cuisine and discovery exist somewhere else — in Europe, in Mexico, in a big U.S. city. Yet many residents have never fully explored the treasures in their own backyard, here in an actual land of adventure.

The Passport Trail nudges us to do exactly that.

It might take you to the Central Interior Railway & Forestry Museum, where

the region’s industrial heritage comes to life. Or out to the Huble Homestead Historic Site, where 15 per cent off at the General Store becomes the perfect excuse to wander through a living piece of history. These are the places visitors rave about — and locals often overlook.

Since launching in 2022, the program has attracted 1,600 users, including participants from Europe, Australia and across North America. That’s encouraging. But imagine the impact if far more residents embraced it in 2026.

A staycation isn’t about settling. It’s

about investing.

Every dollar spent locally circulates through the community — supporting servers, retail staff, winemakers, artists and small business owners. It strengthens the tax base. It keeps storefronts vibrant and it keeps trucks moving. It reinforces the unique character that makes Prince George more than just a quick stop on the highway.

And let’s not ignore the convenience factor. No currency exchange. No roaming charges. No passport anxiety. No lost luggage. Instead, you get spontaneous evenings out, relaxed weekend adventures and the comfort of your own bed at night.

The program even sweetens the deal with an annual grand prize: a one-night stay in Prince George, a $150 local restaurant gift card and passes for a seasonal adventure or musical event. It’s a reminder that excitement doesn’t require an airport departure board. None of this means abandoning travel forever. The world is still worth seeing. But in 2026, as economic and geopolitical uncertainty lingers, a “buy local” approach to leisure makes sense.

Staycations are practical. They’re affordable. They’re community-minded. And thanks to initiatives like the Bites, Flights + Sights Passport Trail, they’re rewarding in more ways than one.

Before you book that flight, ask yourself: have you truly explored home?

You might be surprised at what you find — and how good it feels to support it.

We acknowledge the fnancial support of the government of

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OPINION

Visiting

Prince George drives home the need for snow tires

I’d sincerely like to thank the fellow drivers in Prince George over the weekend. No, I’m not kidding.

Because if it weren’t for the patience and good humour of local drivers giving way as I slid and pirouetted around the local streets and intersections, I would have been the cause of numerous fender-benders, if not more serious crashes, owing to the tires on the vehicle I had rented.

Arriving on Friday afternoon in anticipation of this last weekend’s Jeanne Clarke local history awards, I picked up a vehicle outfitted with what the rental agency characterizes as “all-weather/ all-season tires.”.

Born and raised in Western Canada, and with more than 30 years of driving experience in Northern British Columbia, I can claim some awareness of what roads can be like in the winter.

And when “all-weather/all-season tires” cannot provide traction or stopping assurance — indeed, offering a strong likelihood of gliding through any intersection no matter how slowly one is travelling — car rental companies need to give their collective heads a shake.

Snowflake symbol or not, “allweather/all-season” tires are not fit for purpose in Northern BC.

Obviously, these tires marketed as “all-weather/all-season” are not all created equally, but whatever my rental car was outfitted with was as useful as a chocolate teapot.

Vehicle rental companies need to do better. Rather than touting their tire choices as sound economy, allowing them to outfit their vehicles with improper winter tires, they should embrace due diligence regarding their customers’ safety.

And for those who wish to argue the point, would these same people be prepared to gamble on the well-being of their own families by depending upon “all-weather/all-season” tires on a snowy weekend in Prince George? I think not. Jonathan Swainger Saanich

A vehicle sits on the median after a collision on Massey Drive on a snowy Sunday, Feb. 22. In a letter today, a recent visitor explains his experience driving here with a set of ‘all-weather/all-season’ tires.

New budget puts nursing profession at crossroads

The 2026 British Columbia budget has placed the nursing profession — and the people of Prince George — at a staggering moral crossroads. While the province has allocated $131 million to expand involuntary psychiatric beds in regional hubs like ours, community-based senior care is being “re-paced.” In plain language, this means critical long-term care projects, including those in the North, such as Fort St. John, are being delayed while high-security institutionalization is fast-tracked.

As a clinical nurse advocate, I see this as a “canary in the coal mine” for our health-care system. We are entering a clinical reality where “forced life” is funded and “facilitated death” through MAiD expansion is accessible, but the “dignity of living” is under-resourced.

The ethics of this fiscal landscape are troubling. The BC Ombudsperson recently found that basic procedural safeguards for involuntary patients are missing in more than 40 per cent of files, with Northern Health reporting the province’s lowest completion rates at just 34 per cent. Simultaneously, the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has called for the repeal of “Track 2” MAiD, citing fears that socioeconomic deprivation, rather than clinical necessity, is driving end-oflife choices.

When we fund the power to detain but delay the infrastructure to support,

LETTERS EDITOR to the

policy that includes council but excludes the mayor (which could be a legal issue).

Mayor Simon Yu is the CEO of the organization as per the Community Charter, again showing the corruption within city hall. As always, there are six councillors who constantly (this time four) vote against common sense, further diminishing the mayor’s authority or involvement, but enhancing the city manager’s authority.

we constrain the very meaning of “choice.” Nurses are trained to uphold patient rights, but how can we maintain ethical integrity in a system that prioritizes high-security beds over the palliative and community supports that allow people to live with dignity?

Prince George deserves a “Dignity-First” health-care model — one that values the lives of the vulnerable before they reach a point of crisis or a final, forced choice.

Nanci McClellan

Prince George

Whistleblower policy change muzzles city workers

Usually, a whistleblower policy is formed because of a toxic work environment. All parties within the organization will turn a blind eye, knowing full well what is transpiring, just hoping they can avoid involvement and float below the radar.

In most cases, the need for conflict resolution or an ombudsman, per se, is desired within most organizations. Of course, employees are reluctant to embrace a new process. Mid-management and workers have been beaten down for years.

In all cases, when it is necessary to even think a policy is needed or changed, then a strong look at senior management is warranted.

Councillors Susan Scott, Tim Bennett, Ron Polillo and Garth Frizzell approved an updated version of a whistleblower

Councillors have no concept regarding employee whistleblowing, nor do they differentiate be-tween employee whistleblowing, grievances and/or public discourse. Sad.

This policy, as delivered, sounds wonderful but is, in fact, a disaster. This policy has increased management’s authority and process, further enhancing threat and/or intimidation.

Bennett pointed out that a provincial ombudsman could be utilized, knowing full well a response could take a year, but it sounds good as a politician.

Polillo is enthralled that staff and union have met and agreed to the changes. Has he ever experienced how a grievance procedure progresses or how whistleblowing works? There is a distinct difference.

City managers and union heads have agreed because it works in their favour. Management again laughs at the people of PG. But even worse, they have furthered their ability to intimidate employees.

No employee is going to come forward with an issue (such as threats) to a city manager who is perhaps the problem. How do you think that will end?

City manager Walter Babicz believes the updated policy warrants approval. It has laid out procedure and direction that only benefits management. Six councillors must go; they have proven time and again their loyalty is to city managers and themselves, not employees or the people of PG.

Milton Mahoney

Prince George

OPINION

Editorial: Sometimes borrowing just doesn’t make much sense

Agreed, known expenditures such as periodic vehicle replacement can be planned for and city finances should reflect it. A cost analysis should be undertaken by the city to review the efficacy of purchases vs. leasing equipment used and reported to council for consideration. The report should be made available to the public so we can know the city is being responsible with our tax dollars.

B1

Albert Koehler: Look beyond name recognition at the ballot box this fall

Agree 100 per cent, it would be great if certain qualifications, education and skills required to fill these positions were necessary to run. People really need to research the candidate they are voting for. Not just because ...

C’s reason

Albert Koehler: Look beyond name recognition at the ballot box this fall

What a terrific letter, sir! I am hoping that those who put their name forward to run are doing it because they want to contribute to their community. I want the slate of candidates running to have no political aspirations elsewhere. Be honest about yourself. Investigate what authentic leadership means.

Susan Jensen

Albert Koehler: Look beyond name recognition at the ballot box this fall

Albert, I agree with most of what you are expressing. This council has spent 3 1/2 years spinning its wheels and putting us further in debt. The incumbents did not expect Simon to be successful.

His platform was never really allowed to bear fruit. Three councillors endeavoured to put motions forward but were constantly defeated. There is what seems to be a coalition of six that favour whatever management says and/or benefits themselves. In the hopes that three new councillors and a new mayor last election would bring a positive venture for PG has turned into a nightmare.

Come Oct., hopefully the people of PG will vote for prosperity rather than face recognition. If council doesn’t take control, this senior management team will bankrupt the city with taxation.

The well has run dry. Six councillors must be replaced and management must be scrutinized.

Milton Mahoney

your

Popular Carmel Restaurant closes its doors ... but maybe not for good

I was thinking of stopping in this week for a late breakfast, something I’ve been doing for many years.

A place to visit for a comfort meal when heading out on the road or just being too lazy to cook at home.

With truck parking out back and decent rooms on the motel side, it’s a great place for those travelling the highway and looking for a homecooked meal, something I took advantage of when I resided elsewhere and was visiting PG. While not the prettiest, it was a place for consistency and reliability, for a good meal with friendly and attentive staff. I hope they can reopen after any changes they feel they need to continue as a place for a good meal.

Good luck to John as a paramedic — a rewarding career, something a family has done for many years.

B1

Letter: If we lose Kopar Memorial Arena we lose a piece of our history

It was built when things were built to last.

It is still standing and in great shape.

Fix this and that and you’re good to go for many more years.

May the Castle stay solid and strong. Here for the Beer

Letter: Surcharge for out-ofprovince park visitors goes against national “unity”

I support having the “outof-province” surcharge for those using BC’s provincial campgrounds.

As I have a travel trailer and often use our provincial campgrounds, I have been unable on many occasions to obtain a campsite due to the campgrounds being fully booked long in advance.

When checking these campgrounds, I have noticed that at times the majority of those camping are from out of province. Having a surcharge for those campers would help reduce that situation. BC residents should have first preference for booking these campgrounds.

Don Rhone

Letter: Surcharge for out-ofprovince park visitors goes against national “unity”

I’d consider paying more to camp in provincial campgrounds, or hike Mount Robson, so long as the money is actually going to maintain them.

We are fortunate in BC to have amazing outdoor activities, especially here in Prince George. All the hiking trails, campgrounds and green spaces are one thing the government has done right.

Zangief

LOCAL JOURNALISM MATTERS

Good local journalism is a public service. It provides real news and informaton about what’s happening in the community as opposed to AI slop and rumours on social media.

Although The Citzen may be available free of charge in print and online, expanding its scope of coverage depends on readers who believe that trusted reportng is worth supportng.

Just two years ago, this paper stood on the brink of closure under its previous owner, Glacier Media. Our city risked losing the insttuton that documents our community’s milestones, challenges and triumphs.

Then something remarkable happened: new, local ownership stepped in with a commitment not just to save the paper, but to strengthen it.

Since Cameron Stolz and Terresa RandallStolz bought The Citzen, the newsroom has more than doubled in size with new reporters bringing fresh energy and deeper coverage to city hall, schools, the courts, sports, arts and neighborhood issues.

Those reporters have earned natonal awards, the frst in almost a decade — recogniton that refects both the quality of the journalism and the seriousness of The Citzen’s mission. It has reclaimed its place as the newspaper of record by telling the stories of the people who live here while holding elected ofcials and public insttutons to account.

This kind of journalism doesn’t happen by accident. It requires tme, expertse, and independence. It requires reporters who can sit through long council meetngs, dig into public records, ask hard questons and follow stories wherever they lead.

Most importantly, it requires a community willing to invest in its own informed future.

Choosing to pay for a subscripton — even when the paper and website are free — is a powerful statement. It says that facts mater. It says that transparency maters. It says that our community deserves a watchdog, a storyteller and a shared civic memory.

If you value local accountability, vibrant storytelling and a stronger democracy close to home, and want to see it expand, consider becoming a voluntary subscriber.

You’ll receive a tax credit receipt along with the satsfacton of knowing you’re a part of growing the ongoing story of our city … and of our newspaper.

Locally Owned-Community Focused

Bob Zimmer calls for federal Tumbler Ridge inquiry

‘We need answers for those moms and dads’

BOB MACKIN Citizen Staff

The Member of Parliament for the riding that includes Tumbler Ridge called March 1 for the federal government to hold a public inquiry into the mass shooting that killed eight innocent people.

Bob Zimmer, who was joined by fellow Conservatives Frank Caputo (Kamloops-Thompson-Nicola) and Jeff Kibble (Cowichan-Malahat-Langford), told reporters in Vancouver that families inside and outside Tumbler Ridge deserve an independent investigation of all aspects of what led to the Feb. 10 rampage.

“We need answers for these moms and dads and Tumbler Ridge families,” said Zimmer (Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies).

“The Bible says, in Romans 12:15, ‘we mourn with those who mourn,’ and indeed we are and we will continue. But these conversations of grief are now following with questions of why the tragedy happened in the first place, and what could be done so no one will ever have to go through tragedies like

this, ever again. We must not let this evil overcome us.”

Caputo, the Conservative Public Safety critic, said a process under the federal Inquiries Act should be in addition to the ongoing RCMP investigation.

“An independent inquiry will look

into things like mental health, access to firearms and the protection of victims’ families,” said Caputo.

“This isn’t a time to second guess or anything like that. This is a time for us to have an independent inquiry to determine what happened so that we can

prevent this in the future, we can have questions answered, and this can be part of the ongoing healing process.“

Caputo also said it would also be in addition to any provincial-led examination.

On Feb. 26, under questioning from Conservative MLA Larry Neufeld (Peace River South), BC Premier David Eby vowed to hold a public inquiry or Coroner’s inquest, once the RCMP concludes its investigation.

Perpetrator Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, died of a self-inflicted gunshot after killing eight others on Feb. 10. Over the course of several years, the troubled teenager posted messages on social media about struggles with mental health and drugs, as well as about guns and about beginning a transition at age 12 to life as a girl.

Caputo said terms of reference, location and commissioner would be determined if and when a federal inquiry is given the green light.

He would also be open to an omnibus inquiry into mental health, addiction and abuse suffered by Canadian children and youth.

The last federal inquiry that dealt with public safety in Northern British Columbia was the 2016 to 2019 inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Council votes against joining Auxiliary RCMP program

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Prince George city council has decided against joining the Auxiliary RCMP program after the local detachment determined the current Prince George RCMP Citizens On Patrol (COP) program is more cost-effective and easier to organize and administer.

Citing healthy volunteer numbers that grew from an average 20 per month in 2025 from an average 15 in 2024, council decided COP is meeting similar objectives the Auxiliary Program would strive to achieve.

“The local detachment has indicated that they feel the COP program is less burdensome than the auxiliary program due to those supervision requirements as exampled, and they feel that the auxiliary program is a less preferred model than sticking with COP at this time,” said Eric Depenau, the city’s director of administrative services, at city council’s Monday, Feb. 23 meeting.

Under the general supervision of RCMP employees, the RCMP Auxiliary participates in watch programs, public ceremonies, public education initiatives, non-enforcement support to operations,

fundraisers and parades.

They are not given peace officer status.

The intent of the program is not to replace police or private security patrol services but to free up time for the RCMP to focus on other areas of concern to reduce criminal activity.

In 2025 the RCMP patrol volunteers contributed 1,757 hours to the program, up from 1,196 in 2024.

COP volunteers participate in Speed Watch, an ICBC-sponsored educational program to help reduce speeding motorists. For the past nine years they’ve been active in Downtown

Business Association events such as Summerfest or Plaid Friday and they also patrol the downtown area and deter criminality.

They’ve convinced individuals to not start fires near buildings and have encouraged them to extinguish fires already started. COP members patrol parking lots and streets and leave notes for motorists who leave valuables in clear view in the vehicles that they risk having their vehicles broken into.

They also support the RCMP’s Youth Academy high school program in March.

CNC students and inmates set to share a classroom

Inside Out program moves to in-person sessions this year

MATTHEW HILLIER

Citizen Staff

A College of New Caledonia (CNC) program is making its return for the third consecutive year with plans to connect students and inmates at the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre (PGRCC).

The Inside Out program brings together CNC students and incarcerated learners at PGRCC to study restorative justice in a shared classroom setting.

For the first two years, CNC offered the program online. This year, CNC students and those learning inside PGRCC will move to an in-person format.

CNC stated in a press release that the program reflects the growing partnership between CNC and BC Corrections and enhances opportunities for dialogue, collaboration and experiential learning within a structured classroom environment.

“The Inside Out program is an internationally recognized educational initiative that provides post-secondary learning opportunities inside correctional facilities,” the statement reads.

“At CNC, the course pairs students who are currently incarcerated (“inside” students) with students from the community (“outside” students), creating a powerful academic environment that puts a face and voice to what it means to be involved in the justice system in a way that fosters dialogue, critical thinking and mutual understanding.”

The course will be taught by CNC criminology instructor Marc Sinclair, who has led the program since its inception at CNC.

“The Inside Out program brings together people who would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn alongside one another — and that in itself is powerful,” Sinclair said.

“The course creates a space where students can engage thoughtfully about restorative justice while also building understanding, respect and human connection. Seeing how quickly initial nerves fall away and meaningful dialogue begins is a reminder of the role education can play in breaking down barriers and supporting positive change.”

The course will bring together 20 students, half from outside and half from inside PGRCC.

CNC added that interest in the program continues to grow and it has seen more than 40 applicants this year across both groups.

CNC president and CEO Cindy Heitman said the program aligns closely with the college’s commitment to accessible, community-focused education.

“At CNC, we believe education should create opportunity, build understanding and strengthen communities,” Heitman said. “The Inside Out program reflects those values by providing students with a unique learning experience grounded in respect, critical thinking and personal growth. We are grateful to our partners at Prince George Regional Correctional Centre for their collaboration and commitment to making this program possible for a third year.”

The Inside Out program is done in partnership with BC Corrections, whose staff support the co-ordination and delivery of the course on site.

“It is heartening to hear from correctional staff in Prince George about the meaningful growth they are seeing in the program’s participants,” said Nina Krieger, minister of public safety and solicitor general. “I had the opportunity to visit the correctional facility last December and saw firsthand the expertise and dedication of the BC corrections staff. All students are showing vulnerability, empathy and openness to different perspectives, fostering changes in behaviour and thinking that can support and enhance public safety in communities.”

Retailer is ‘sick and tred’ of criminals

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Provincial Court judge in Prince George agreed with a Crown prosecutor who said Feb. 25 that a prominent retailer is “sick and tired of thieves and people breaching court orders.”

Katrina Starr Roots, 40, pleaded guilty to breaching an undertaking to stay away from the London Drugs in Prince George, nine days after her arrest for theft under $5,000 and subsequent conditional release.

Prince George RCMP arrested Woods after London Drugs reported that she had been in the store on Sept. 29, 2025, picked up two magazines and tried to return one at the customer service desk where she caused a disturbance.

Crown and defence lawyers jointly proposed a 14-day sentence of time served.

“I hope she has spent the past month in jail to reflect on her actions,” said Crown prosecutor Astitwa Thapa.

Judge David Simpkin told Roots that London Drugs is mentioned daily in court as a victim of a crime.

“So (Thapa) is right to say that London Drugs are sick of this kind of behaviour, and frankly, the court is as well,” Simpkin said. “But you’ve accepted responsibility for what you

Pepper-spray atack closes Walmart store

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Prince George RCMP have begun investigating an incident that resulted in pepper spray being used at Walmart.

Police say it happened on Friday, Feb. 20 at about 10:30 a.m., during an argument between two people.

Some shoppers who were in the store turned to social media to report coughing and trouble breathing.

“Thankfully, no one was injured in this incident, though some customers in the store were made uncomfortable with the pepper spray in the air,” stated Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP.

did that day.”

Two weeks earlier, on Feb. 11, Woods was ordered to spend a year on probation for the Sept. 20, 2025 incident.

She was also guilty of theft and being unlawfully in a dwelling in Lac La Hache on June 20, 2025 and theft under $5,000 in 100 Mile House on Aug. 1, 2025.

Articling law student Zachary Webster, on behalf of defence lawyer Daniel

McNamee, said Roots was diagnosed in 2017 with schizophrenia and takes medication.

He said it is the primary cause for her deviant behaviour. She has also had periods of methamphetamine use, but plans to seek treatment after her release. “She knows she needs to be on her medication and to avoid these incidents occurring,” Webster said.

Local RCMP quickly responded and arrested two people, who were subsequently released.

The incident resulted in the store being closed temporarily.

Stll no decision on possible charges for RCMP ofcer

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) has not decided whether to charge a Prince George RCMP officer who shot a man in the head almost five years ago during a confrontation outside the North Star Inn.

Last July, the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) said it had reasonable grounds to believe an officer broke the law on May 31, 2021.

An officer observed Thomas Arthur Prince, 39, driving a Pontiac Sunfire erratically around 6:45 a.m. After Prince

emerged from the vehicle, the officer attempted to arrest and handcuff him, but Prince resisted, threw a punch at the officer and tried to leave.

The officer responded with gunfire. One of the shots struck Prince in the skull and he required emergency hospital treatment. The officer was uninjured in the altercation, which happened in less than four minutes.

On Feb. 13, Prince pleaded guilty to assault and Provincial Court Judge Martin Nadon sentenced him to two months of 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew.

BCPS communications counsel Damienne Darby said prosecutors received

the IIO report on July 30, 2025, but subsequently returned it for additional information in order to “make a properly informed” decision.

Darby declined to say why or when.

“Such requests are privileged, and communication with the investigative agency may take place over a period of time, rather than an isolated moment in time,” Darby said.

“As such, the BC Prosecution Service does not release information about the content or timing of these “return” requests.

IIO spokesperson Rachel Graham said the civilian-led agency is taking “further

investigative steps and the incident remains under investigation.

“There are times when the BCPS requires additional information and the file may be returned to the IIO,” Graham said before echoing Darby’s remarks.

“These requests are privileged, and communication with BCPS may take place over time,” she said.

During the Feb. 13 sentencing, Nadon said that,“in many ways, Mr. Prince has paid the price for this offence.”

Nadon said he continues to suffer neurological problems, is on daily medication and awaiting another surgery to rebuild a portion of his skull.

No jail for ex-ofcer who ordered witness to delete video

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The former Prince George RCMP officer found guilty of attempting to obstruct justice received a suspended sentence and 18 months’ probation on Monday, March 2 in Prince George Provincial Court.

The Crown wanted Arthur Dalman, 33, sent to jail for six months. His lawyer sought a conditional discharge.

Judge Michael Fortino rejected both proposals.

As part of the probation, he ordered Dalman to perform 150 hours of community work service by June 2027, with each hour counting as two if the work is related to restorative justice.

In July 2024, Judge Adrian Brooks found Dalman guilty of directing a witness to delete a smartphone video on July 18, 2017, after Dale Culver, a 35-year-old Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en man, was violently arrested. Culver died in police custody.

Prince George RCMP had received a call about someone on a bicycle casing vehicles on 10th Avenue between Central Street West and Commercial Crescent.

Dalman was a recent recruit to the RCMP, a 24-year-old who had been on the job for five months.

Fortino accepted that Dalman had no connection to the Culver arrest and detention, but he must have known what transpired before his arrival on the scene.

Fortino said it was Dalman’s job to identify and preserve evidence from the witnesses who gathered at the scene.

“He failed to do so,” Fortino said.

Obstruction of justice, which carries a maximum of 10 years in jail, threatens the integrity of the justice system and risks undermining the rule of law that binds society together, he said.

“The offence captures those who intentionally attempt to interfere with

One dead in Fraser Lake fre

An excavator clears rubble at the scene of a fire in Fraser Lake. RCMP in the community west of Prince George have confirmed that a body was found in the ruins of the Fraser Lake Inn days after a fire broke out around 3 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22. The fire destroyed the 32-room hotel and other adjacent businesses. The investigation continues.

the course of justice, regardless of whether the attempt ultimately succeeds,” Fortino said.

Fortino said Dalman’s conduct contributed to deepening mistrust between Indigenous people and the RCMP at a time when reconciliation must be a priority.

While evidence established that Dalman suffered a mental injury due to policing duties, aggravated by the proceedings after his conviction, Fortino was not satisfied the mental health impacts were connected to the precharge delay in the case.

“The publicity that followed his conduct, charge and prosecution was a natural and foreseeable consequence of his actions, and did not affect him beyond what would reasonably be expected,” Fortino said.

“Finally, the loss of Mr. Dalman’s career as a police officer is not a mitigating factor.”

Fortino acknowledged Dalman’s

career was interrupted and his family had to leave Prince George and was subject to threats, and “the court must strongly condemn vigilante behaviour to avoid giving it any legitimacy within the sentencing process.”

Ultimately, it was Dalman’s lack of experience that weighed against jail time.

“His junior status as a police officer at the time, while not reducing the gravity of the offence, tempers his moral blameworthiness to such an extent that I am satisfied it is unnecessary to impose a custodial sentence,” Fortino said.

In early 2024, the BC Prosecution Service stayed manslaughter charges against Const. Paul Ste-Marie and Const. Jean-Francois Monette and an obstruction of justice charge against Const. Clarence Alexander MacDonald.

The only other officer charged, Sgt. Bayani (Jon) Eusebio Cruz, was tried at the same time as Dalman but found not guilty of obstruction of justice.

Sentencing set for man convicted of manslaughter

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After months of uncertainty, the sentencing in Prince George of manslaughter convict Dakota Rayn Keewatin is finally scheduled.

Lawyers for the Crown and defence appeared Feb. 23 before BC Supreme Court Justice Ronald Tindale to set Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6 to make their submissions about the length of Keewatin’s jail term. Minimum sentence for manslaughter involving a firearm is four years.

In December, the sentencing was delayed indefinitely because the court-ordered report on Keewatin’s

personal history as an aboriginal offender, called a Gladue Report, was outstanding and defence lawyer Jason LeBlond did not know when it would be completed.

LeBlond said Feb. 23 that the Gladue Report was received on Feb. 9.

Both LeBlond and prosecutor Blake Bouchard told Tindale that they would be ready to proceed.

Keewatin, 32, was found guilty on Aug. 19 of manslaughter after a judge ruled he fatally shot a man more than two years ago.

Keewatin had been charged with second-degree murder after the March 7, 2023 home invasion robbery at the Connaught Hill apartments in Prince

George. Keewatin did not testify at his trial which ended in early May, but reconvened in late June for closing arguments.

The case is under a ban on publication of information about the victim’s identity.

In his verdict last August, Tindale ruled that Keewatin sought to cause the man harm, but not death.

“In my view, there was no time for the accused’s passion to cool,” Tindale said. Second degree murder could be reduced to manslaughter because Keewatin committed the crime in the “heat of passion caused by a sudden provocation.”

It was the second trial in 2025

involving Keewatin that turned on self-defence.

On March 3 of last year Keewatin and another man, Kerridge Andrew Lowley, were acquitted for the Aug. 11, 2022 aggravated assault and break-and-enter at the Econo Lodge City Centre.

Keewatin disarmed a man wielding a machete, then used the machete on the man. The victim required emergency surgery to repair a nearly severed right arm and gashes to the right hand and knee.

Justice John Gibb-Carsley said it was “not unreasonable for Keewatin to defend himself by going on the offensive and attempting to neutralize what was a hostile threat to him.”

Threat to burn down former hotel leads to probaton

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Time served and a year on probation was the sentence for a man who pleaded guilty Feb. 26 in Prince George Provincial Court to threatening to burn down the North Star Inn.

John Daniel MacBurnie, 44, was arrested Nov. 19, 2025 after breaching a release order to stay away from the supportive housing facility.

Court heard that a worker noticed him on-site and called Prince George RCMP. “They told him that he wasn’t welcome, he wasn’t supposed to be there,” Crown prosecutor Kristina King

told Judge Peter McDermick. “Mr. MacBurnie replied that he was not leaving until he spoke with Ms. Jackson and that he would light the location on fire if they called the police.”

Initially, after he was arrested, MacBurnie denied to police that he had been at the North Star.

King said MacBurnie had six prior convictions for breaches and three for

uttering threats. In one case, he was sentenced to 60 days in jail.

“These are employees at a supportive housing project, this is not simply a throwaway threat,” King said. “This is something that impacts their ability to do their jobs and their ability to do that without fear.”

McDermick agreed to the joint sentencing proposal for 45 days time served on the breach charge, concurrently with 150 days, time served, for the threat.

BC Housing bought the former hotel and operates it under HEARTH, the Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing program.

Conditonal discharge for man who threw drink in store worker’s face

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Provincial Court judge in Prince George gave a man a conditional discharge and one-year probation on Feb. 26 after he pleaded guilty to throwing a drink at a liquor store clerk.

A worker at Liquor on Fifth called police at 7:34 p.m. on Aug. 27, 2024 to report an assault on a co-worker.

James Sam David Hyzims, who had distinctive reddish pink hair and wore all-black clothing, threw a drink at the clerk after being asked to show identification verifying that he is 19 or older.

She had said “I can’t serve you if you don’t have ID.”

As Hyzims left with a group, he picked-up a drink from the counter and threw it at the clerk’s face.

When the clerk spoke to Prince

George RCMP, she said she wanted the man to be charged because she had dealt with similar behaviour in the workplace.

“It’s very demeaning, obviously, to have a drink thrown on your face,” said Crown prosecutor Kristina King. “It’s violent, it’s concerning and it’s aggravated.”

Judge Peter McDermick agreed with the Crown and defence-proposed

sentence and decided that Hyzims, a 23-year-old Indigenous man, must stay away from Liquor on Fifth, write an apology letter and perform five hours of community work service by the end of the year. If he satisfies the terms of probation, he will have no criminal record of the incident.

In September 2024, Hyzims was given a one-year conditional discharge for mischief.

Reporter pleads guilty to lesser charge afer issues with roadside breathalyzer testng afer collision

to pay a $2,000 fine and $300 victim surcharge levy within three months, spend the next year on probation and not drive with any alcohol or drugs in her system.

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A CKPG reporter charged under the Criminal Code with operating a vehicle while impaired pleaded guilty in Prince George Provincial Court on Feb. 25 to the lesser and included Motor Vehicle Act offence of driving without due care and attention.

Judge David Simpkin said Cheryl Tracey Jahn was “blind drunk” at the time of the incident and lucky not to have hurt anyone.

Simpkin accepted Jahn’s plea and the sentence proposed by Crown and defence lawyers. He ordered Jahn

Court heard that around 8:30 a.m. on July 11, 2025, Jahn, 59, crashed a Ford Maverick into two parked vehicles in a lot between Fourth and Fifth avenues, forcing one of the vehicles into a duplex.

Crown prosecutor Astitwa Thapa said Jahn was on her way to work that morning.

The RCMP officer who arrested Jahn failed to obtain an adequate breath sample after three tries on a roadside screening device.

Thapa told Simpkin that the subsequent two breathalyzer readings at the detachment were at least 3 1/2 times the legal limit. However, he conceded the Crown’s case was “hanging by a

Suspect found guilty of assault, not guilty of choking woman

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A man charged with assaulting a woman nearly four years ago in Prince George was found guilty Feb. 26, but acquitted him of committing assault by choking.

In Provincial Court, Judge Peter McDermick ordered Kevin Bruce Harms, 56, to return April 22 to court after a pre-sentencing report. McDermick said that Harms was in a relationship with a woman when he slapped her in the face after they had gone kayaking on Ferguson Lake on Aug. 1, 2022.

Later, the couple separately returned to the family home where he allegedly assaulted her repeatedly, court heard.

Harms, the judge said, “disavowed any wrongdoing for assaultive conduct”

at Ferguson Lake.

However, he found significant problems with Harms’s evidence throughout his narrative and accepted the victim’s evidence, so the Crown’s case was “easily proven.”

“With respect to the incidents at the family home, while he agreed he did have some physical contact with (the victim), he contends that any contact he had with her was in self-defence,” McDermick said.

Harms used force to subdue the woman, by getting on top of her and placing his hands on her neck.

But McDermick said he was “left with a lingering, reasonable doubt” around the incidents at the home, so he acquitted Harms on the second charge.

“I conclude that the Crown has failed to disprove the defence of self-defence,” McDermick said.

thread,” stemming from the roadside test.

“On one hand, the readings here are absolutely terrible,” Thapa said. “But, on the other hand, I can’t say with confidence that Crown would be able to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that she was driving while impaired, because the readings might get thrown out, because of the way the investigation was conducted.”

Simpkin was surprised to learn that Jahn had driven during her post-arrest, 90-day prohibition period. On Sept. 6, 2025 she was given an immediate roadside prohibition for driving with alcohol in her system.

Thapa said he could not comment, but police are entitled to send a file to the Crown about that incident.

he had not asked her about the Sept. 6

incident, but that it was what triggered her to go for treatment “and hasn’t looked back since,” he said. “She lost her husband a few years ago and that has been a source of tremendous grief for her.”

Jenkins called Jahn an upstanding citizen with no criminal record. She completed a three-month residential treatment program for women, is abstinent from alcohol and “intends to keep things that way.”

Jenkins also provided Simpkin with letters of support for Jahn from the general manager of CKPG and the president of Unifor Local 1010.

His client also made a brief statement in court.

Two propertes near PG sold for commercial thinning

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Prince George is once again surpassing expectations with the sale of two commercial thinning areas in the region, says BC’s forests minister.

The sales were made to Freya Logging, a contractor based in Prince George. The total volume between the two sales is 14,005 cubic metres and the properties are located about 16 kilometres west of Prince George in the West Lake and Greg Creek area.

Freya Logging will undertake commercial thinning, a forest management process that removes a portion of trees in a 35-year-old or older stand to create space and provide more light and nutrients for younger trees in the area, while older trees are cut down and sold. The process is also known to decrease the risk of forest fires by reducing fuel loads and increasing forest resilience against pests.

BC Forest Minister Ravi Parmar has been a strong advocate for commercial thinning in the province and considers these two sales a milestone for forestry in BC.

“We’re making sure that we’re protecting the biodiversity that I know is so important to communities all across the province,” Parmar said. “In particular, when I think of protecting biodiversity and wildlife, I think of conservation, habitat restoration. All of these are responsible stewardship initiatives at the core of how we want to manage our forests in BC, and commercial thinning is an important part of that. Commercial thinning is not new to British Columbia. It’s not new to the world or forestry, but it’s not something we’re doing enough of.”

Parmar also believes this sale can help set a precedent for further sales across the North and the province and hopes more commercial thinning can take place during his time as minister.

“I think not only has it set a precedent, I think it has set an expectation that I have as minister of forests to ensure that, as part of the work that we’re doing to transform this sector,” Parmar said. “We are building a working forest within a land management

framework that will last for generations. And I think that is something that British Columbians can get behind. And I think, most importantly, it provides the certainty and stability that forestry workers are looking for. I have to defend forestry jobs and the communities that depend on them. I have to ensure that we’re making more in BC by building a competitive and value-added forest economy.”

One of the key aspects of Parmar’s past year as forests minister has been the review of BC Timber Sales (BCTS), which concluded in September 2025.

He told The Citizen that BCTS has seen an increase in sales, with the ministry putting recommendations from the review into place, including these recent commercial thinning sales.

“It’s an organization that does great work across our province, but it hasn’t been performing for the last couple of years,” Parmar said. “Year over year, from January last year to January this year, there’s been a 30 per cent increase provincewide. In the North, a 50 per cent increase in sales. BCTS, following

the review and the recommendations that came out of that review, has been excelling. It’s been leading with developing powerful partnerships with First Nations, local governments, and focusing every single day on building a healthier, more resilient forest to better protect communities from wildfires.”

He added that he sees this sale of commercial thinning as a way to restore confidence in the forest sector in the North and across the province as a whole.

“My No. 1 job as minister of forests is to restore confidence in this foundational industry,” Parmar said. “We have to recognize that one of the biggest challenges facing softwood lumber right now in our sector, and what people in Prince George and the surrounding areas are feeling in the face of curtailments and closures, is that it’s not just duties and tariffs, it’s also the price of lumber. It’s been below 500 for some time. As part of that, it’s also the complete collapse of the U.S. housing market because of the idiotic policies of Donald Trump. All of those

things combined are the perfect storm. So without a doubt, I don’t take any offence to anyone who says that they don’t have confidence in the sector. I’m working very hard to restore that.”

He added that part of his job is also to change the sector for the better and work toward new practices, including more commercial thinning projects.

“I also have to not only stabilize the sector, but also transform it,” Parmar said. “The work that we’re doing to move away from volume-based to areabased management, this is commercial thinning for rotation management. That’s the future of forestry. We have to recognize that in the North, in the central interior of British Columbia, we have been hit hard by the pine beetle. Not only have we been hit hard, but the pine beetle kill has come to an end. That means that our fibre basket has decreased substantially. We’ve got parcels of land that are in the 30- to 40-year range. There’s an opportunity for us to go in and thin those forests and get economic value from them for our pulp sector.”

Judge says ‘enough is enough’ to litgant in ICBC lawsuit

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A BC Supreme Court judge deemed a semi-retired Smithers businessman vexatious and dismissed his petition against the Insurance Council of British Columbia (ICBC).

In December 2024, David Walter Eaglestone and his company, Majestic Forest Management Ltd., sued the council.

Eaglestone began seeking access to records in 2021 from the province’s industry-funded insurance regulator about agencies and licensed individuals. Eaglestone wanted files dating back some 20 years.

“Not surprisingly, his lack of personal interest influences the outcome of this petition,” wrote Justice Ward Branch in the Feb. 23 decision.

“It is clear to me that (ICBC) has made reasonable efforts to satisfy all the petitioner’s repetitive requests. It is clear to me that the petitioner is never going to

be satisfied with (ICBC) efforts. This is a case where the court must declare that ‘enough is enough’.”

Eaglestone had some history with the insurance industry, coming out on the losing end of a lawsuit decided by another judge in 2022.

Eaglestone had sued Intact Insurance for nearly $600,000 after an accidental 2013 shed fire on his property. Justice Nigel Kent’s verdict described it as a “David vs. Goliath” case but awarded Eaglestone only $354 and his company

BC Hydro claims city damaged transformer during snow removal

BOB MACKIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

BC Hydro is accusing City of Prince George and a to-be-determined contractor of negligence and seeking almost $14,000 in compensation after routine snow removal allegedly went awry two years ago.

In a Feb. 26-filed Small Claim, the Crown electric company said the city and ABC Company and John Doe, placeholders for a contractor and subcontractor, negligently operated snow removal equipment on March 1, 2024 that “caused damage to the junction box collar and lid” near 4414 Glen Shee Rd.

The address is near the Carriage House Apartments on University Way near Foothills Boulevard.

BC Hydro seeks $13,606.52 plus $156 in filing fees and $80 in service fees.

“BC Hydro suffered loss, damage,

and expense in respect of repairs to its property and BC Hydro’s loss was caused by the defendants’ negligence,” the claim said.

BC Hydro said a front loader or other snow removal equipment was operated without due care and attention, including without proper regard for the low-profile transformer.

The front loader was not driven “in a proper and workmanlike manner,” BC Hydro claimed.

BC Hydro said the defendants knew or ought to have known that such work could damage the transformer and that the employees or contractors were not adequately trained, instructed or supervised of the standards of operating snow removal equipment.

The allegations have not been tested in court.

The city has yet to file a defence statement.

$885.29.

Kent said that Intact admitted handling of Eaglestone’s claims “was not perfect and that some mistakes were made, including breaches of the Insurance Act.”

Branch said the council moved in 2016 to an electronic records system using the Accela software, but maintains off-site storage of pre-2016 paper records.

The decision came after three hearing days last September and one

in November. Branch said the council produced substantial material.

“By the end of the hearing, the exercise turned into a game of documentary ‘whack-a-mole’,” Branch wrote. “The petitioner would raise an issue regarding the absence of a particular document or category, and counsel for [the council] would demonstrate that the document or category had already been produced.”

Branch ordered that Eaglestone be restrained from making further requests to inspect records at the council’s office and for him to ask the court before making any new requests for records.

Branch also found that Eaglestone was improperly denied access to the council’s offices, was successful in obtaining the council’s agreement to removing certain redactions and received further documents from the council after the hearing began. He declined Eaglestone’s request for costs.

Nukko Lake Community Hall focus of Sunday meetng

Board reduces Williams Lake waterfront assessment

BOB MACKIN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Property Assessment Appeal Board reduced the valuation for one of three waterfront properties on Horsefly Lake.

Owner James Allard contested the assessments for the Millar Road properties, totalling more than $1.26 million. One of the properties, 75 kilometres from Williams Lake, is land-only and the other two have basic cabins.

They all share access with a common driveway.

In a Feb. 12 decision, panel chair Steven Guthrie said the highest and best use for two of them, known as Lot C and Lot 1, is recreation cabins and the highest and best use for the other, Lot A, is a single-family dwelling or recreational cabin/cottage.

Guthrie determined that the 2.03-acre Lot A’s market value as of July 2024 was $360,000. Since the assessor did not seek an increase, he confirmed the original $314,000 assessment.

The market value for the 4.43-acre Lot 1 is $422,000, just $300 more than the assessment, so Guthrie left it as-is.

But, for Lot C, which is nearly 2.7 acres, Guthrie ruled that the valuation should be $490,000, instead of $525,000.

CITIZEN STAFF

A public meeting will be held Sunday, March 8 to discuss the future of the Nukko Lake Community Hall. The facility was destroyed in a fire on Nov. 5.

The Regional Districted of Fraser-Fort George and Nukko Lake’s recreation committee and community consultation committee will host the meeting

at Nukko Lake Elementary School from 3-4:30 p.m.

Topics of discussion will include the next steps needed to replace the building, which had served as a community hub for more than 40 years.

Residents of the community will be able to offer their suggestions at the gathering.

The school is located at 23955 Chief Lake Rd.

Snowmobiler saved from avalanche zone

CITIZEN STAFF

A snowmobiler who became separated from his riding party and became stranded in a deep drainage within avalanche terrain was safely rescued Friday, Feb. 27 following a co-ordinated multi-agency response.

Quesnel Search and Rescue outlined the rescue in a Facebook post.

The group was deployed after receiving a report that the rider had become trapped in challenging terrain under “considerable” avalanche risk conditions in the region.

Given the heightened danger, the team worked alongside avalanche

safety specialists from Prince George Search and Rescue to develop a ground response plan that minimized risk to volunteers.

To further reduce exposure to hazardous conditions, officials requested assistance from the Royal Canadian Air Force 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron, a specialized military unit reserved for high-risk rescue operations. The squadron, based in Comox, flew in and supported the mission.

Rescuers credited the stranded man’s companions for playing a critical role in the successful outcome.

The group maintained communication and monitored his location for

several hours while awaiting assistance. His location was not specified.

The snowmobiler also had a two-way radio, which proved essential in maintaining contact with rescuers, Quesnel Search and Rescue reported.

Authorities remind backcountry users to carry emergency signalling devices, equipment to stay warm and proper avalanche safety gear when travelling in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche conditions in the region are monitored by organizations such as Avalanche Canada and Avalanche Canada North Rockies.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police were also involved in the response.

Hixon campground has temporary use permit denied

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George (RDFFG) board has rejected a request for a temporary use permit (TUP) for a Hixon campground.

Darhl Paley, the owner of the property at 304 Cruise Rd. on the east side of Highway 97, requested the permit to increase the size of the campground by 100 sites, which was later reduced to 50 at a public meeting to discuss the use of the land.

The board considered the request during a meeting on Thursday, Feb. 26, eventually voting against accepting it.

The property requested for use is designated Agriculture/Resource 1 and Hixon-Residential by the Rural Land Use Bylaw. Neither designation permits campground uses.

The proposed TUP would have allowed the use for up to three years and would have operated from May 1 to Oct. 31 each calendar year.

Regional district board vice-chair Art Kaehn, director for Woodpecker-Hixon, held a public consultation meeting with the Hixon community on Feb. 10 at the Hixon Community Hall.

At the meeting, several community members expressed concern that the logging of the proposed area set out in the temporary use permit would reduce the privacy of their own properties, while others were worried about noise from campers and generators, as well as their animals.

As well, other residents were concerned about safety due to the nearby swimming hole, with nearby residents claiming campers were crossing their land to access the creek.

Paley stated at the meeting that he had invited neighbours to walk the land and discuss the proposal, but they did not follow up.

He also stated the primary use of his land was agricultural and that the campground was a side business.

“If people are upset, I can live happily without a campground,” Paley said in the report. “I can clear-cut up to this guy’s home. I invited him to come over and walk my land to go over my

The red marker shows the location of a proposed Hixon campground expansion.

proposal, and he did not. Change is inevitable, whether it is the next person who buys the property. I have the right to live in the community and to be a good neighbour. I would help others if they needed it. I pay the insurance. The liability of the creek falls on me. It is a dangerous creek for swimming. I have to say no trespassing due to liability reasons.”

He also stated he removed dead logs and trees from the property due to fire concerns, which was a point of contention raised by a member of the public during the meeting.

“I cannot see where campsites could go on the property until I clear out the dead wood,” Paley said during the meeting. “The regional district advised me to go for 100; I thought that was too much. We have a lot of tourists coming up the highway who need a place to stay. Both existing campgrounds sell out all summer.”

The temporary use permit proposal also contained two amendments:

• Vegetation or tree removal (other than the removal of danger trees) is not permitted within the horizontal setback distance of 15 metres from the natural boundary of Naver Creek

• Campground uses, including campsites and accessory uses, are not to be located closer than the horizontal setback distance of 15 metres from the natural boundary of Naver Creek

During Thursday’s meeting, Kaehn commented that although the property has promise, more work needs to be done on the proposal before it is accepted by the regional district.

“In so many ways, this property has great potential to be a rural campground or campsite with all its creek

frontage and fields above the neighborhood creek,” Kaehn said. “The proposed TUP area encompasses some ideal ground for rustic campsites and pull-through sites. Unfortunately, what is not clear to the neighbours and many of the community, Hixon, is how exactly the property is going to be developed and how it’s going to be operated. The lack of a comprehensive development and management plan has created uncertainty and anxiety amongst the neighbourhood and in the community. And for this reason, the proposal at this point lacks substantial support of those living within the community in the neighbourhood. So after two public consultation meetings, it’s now clear this TUP for a campground should not proceed at this point until there’s a proper development and management plan and there’s a greater level of support in the community and the neighbourhood.”

Directors then voted unanimously to defeat both recommendations.

TOYS • COMICS • GAMES GET WILD AT GREAT WHITE!

What’s happening in PG

Artist Reception: Al Rempel – Flightlines goes Thursday, March 5 at 7 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. This a free event and open to the public. There will be light snacks and refreshments and bar service for those 19+ with 2 pieces of ID. There will be an artist talk followed by a Q&A. Come and view the art installation and meet the artist. Flightlines is an expansive show that initially displays a series of aerial photos interlaced with extra-long line poems. Visitors will be invited and encouraged to share ideas and interpretations by writing their own extra-long lines for the developing display.

Live Music Fundraiser Event goes Friday, March 6 with doors open at 7:30 and show starting at 8:30 p.m. at the PG Legion 43, 101-1116 Sixth Ave. This event features Past Due, Masters of Serendipity and the Theresa Jor

grass, classic rock and folk music. All proceeds go to the Salvation Army and entry is 19+ only by donation.

Rowan Siebert Live at the Hart Ski Hill goes Friday, March 6 at 6 p.m. at 3740 Winslow Drive. Rowan is a 16-yearold local musician performing as a solo acoustic artist and the lead singer of the punk band The Narcans. Influenced by AFI, Misfits, Black Flag and Lady Gaga, Rowan brings raw energy, strong vocals, and a confident stage presence to every performance. Rowan has performed across British Columbia and appeared at festivals including Rockin’ the Ridgeline and Intertidal, earning a reputation as a dynamic and memorable live performer.

March into Spring Fest goes Friday, March 6 at 7 p.m. at Omineca Arts Centre, 369 Victoria St. There are five bands coming together including Bug

STOMP!

Mr. Awesome and Mervis Blue. This is an all-ages event. Doors at 7, music at 8 p.m. Tickets at Black Sheep Gifts at Pine Centre Mall for $20.

Seedy Saturday goes Saturday, March 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elder Citizens Recreation Association Centre, 1692 Tenth Ave., presented by the Prince George Master Gardeners and David Douglas Botanical Garden Society (DDBGS). The event features a seed swap, seed sales and displays, gardening for biodiversity presentation. Schedule is greeting at 9:15 a.m., Pollinators at 9:30 a.m., Designing a Diverse Garden at 10:30 a.m., Plant Life Cycle 101 at 11:30 a.m., What It Takes to Become a Beekeeper at 12:15 p.m., Hydroponics at 1 p.m. and at 1:30 p.m. is a DDBGS update. Memberships are available, books and garden tools will be available with an opportunity to Ask a Gardener, ECRA kitchen will be open and there will be door prizes. Admission

CNC Open House Spring 2026 goes Saturday, March 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3330 22nd Avenue. If attending the College of New Caledonia is part of the next step this open house offers a way to experience CNC firsthand. Drop by to meet instructors, tour the campus, and explore programs through hands-on demonstrations. Learn about student services and supports, ask questions and see if CNC is the place for you. Play Plinko for prizes and enjoy many treats

Ballet Kelowna’s MacBeth goes Saturday, March 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Prince George Playhouse, 2626 Recplace Drive. Alysa Pires’ ballet, Macbeth, explores the dark side of human nature. The timeless themes of ambition, power, and corruption that characterize William Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy infuse this high-stakes piece with drama and suspense. An original score of toil and trouble by Canadian composer Adam Sakiyama and stunning visuals by Okanagan artist Jane Everett sets the scene for an exploration of psychological decay. For details and

tickets visit https://studio-2880.tickit.ca/ events/30409-ballet-kelowna-s-macbeth Limelight, Scribbens and The Goomahs Live goes on Saturday, March 7 at 9 p.m. at the PG Legion 43, 1110 Sixth Ave. Three of PG’s greats teaming up for a night of surf rock, pop, postpunk, stoner rock and alt rock. Tickets for this 19+event are $20 at the door or $15 in advance www.madloon.ca/ tickets/p/limegoomahs

Midnight Bloom goes Saturday, March 7 at 9:30 p.m. at Ignite Nightclub, 1232 Third Ave. As the season shifts and the night comes alive there is fresh energy, deep grooves and immersive visuals to welcome spring. Loud, late and in full bloom. Wear your best florals, bold prints, and spring-inspired outfits. Headliner SIVZ, sets the tone with lush rhythms and late-night energy, supported by Smashley, Phat Funk, and M3llow-D, delivering a stacked lineup built to move the floor from open to close.

Snort Squad Meet Up goes Sunday, March 8 at the dog park at 1627 Ingledew St. Join in for a fun, relaxed playdate for Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, Frenchtons and their humans to socialize, play, and burn off some energy. Please bring water for the pups and poop bags. Friendly, vaccinated dogs only. Let’s keep it safe and fun for everyone.

Musical Merriment goes Sunday, March 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Vanier Hall, 2901 Griffiths Ave. An afternoon of musical celebrations, from the shimmering beauty of an arctic sunrise to Mozart’s elegant Coronation Mass. The event is presented by the Prince George Symphony Orchestra with the Prince George Cantata Singers, featuring soloists Danielle Klaponski (soprano), Melanie Nichol (alto), Callum Alden (tenor), and Jason Cook (bass.) There will be a 30 minute pre-concert chat with Maestro Michael Hall at 1:15 p.m. For more information and tickets visit www.pgso. com/concerts/musical_merriment

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Naloxone Training goes Tuesday, March 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bob Harkins Branch of the Prince George Public Library. Join harm reduction staff from Northern Health and learn how to use Naloxone correctly. Free kits will be available to take after the training. This is a free drop-in event for those 19+.

Spring Watercolour Paint & Sip goes Wednesday, March 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Studio 2880, 2880 15th Ave and presented by Wildflower Farm. Join this easy, fun and full of spring dreaming watercolour paint night. The mimosa mocktail bar will be set up with fruits, juices and bubbles to enjoy. Everything is provided to create this playful watercolour of a rabbit wearing a colourful flower crown in a 9x12 painting. Cost is $70 each, for groups of four or more it’s $60 per person. Must pre-register by messaging Lisa with Wildflower Farm at wildflowerfarmpg@hotmail.com or text 250-961-3519.

Prince George Safe Streets Bylaw Enforcement Report Launch goes Thursday, March 12 at 9:30 a.m. at Uda Dune Baiyoh, House of Ancestors Conference Centre, 355 Vancouver St. Dr. Joseph Hermer, chair of the sociology department at the University of Toronto Scarborough, will launch the Prince George Safe Streets Bylaw Enforcement Report. This is one of the largest Canadian studies on bylaw policing and is critical to Prince George’s ongoing discussions about public safety and human rights. Doors will open at 9 a.m. Bannock and coffee provided. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The Arrogant Worms return to Prince George on Thursday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Artspace, above Books & Co., 1685 Third Avenue. This is an evening of music, laughs and good ol’ Canadian Canadian-ness. The Arrogant Worms began in 1991 as a comedy troupe performing songs and sketches. The early feedback on the live shows was clear: lose the sketches. So the songs endured and they all remain because the band

COMMUNITY

hates to throw anything out. Tickets are $40+GST at Books & Co. Call 250-5636637 or visit.

Sci-Fi horror Film Hypnonaut premiere goes Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m. at the Prince George Playhouse, 2626 Rec Place. This is a film created by Picaroon Pictures using a TELUS STORYHIVE grant and was filmed entirely in Prince George. For tickets and details visit https://studio-2880.tickit.ca/ events/33673

Live Pro Wrestling goes Friday, March 13 at 5:45 p.m. at the Prince George Civic Centre. This event is a fundraiser for the PGSS Dry Grad. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Scrapbook zone on 18th Ave, 3 Goblins Games, or online. General tickets are $20 advanced and $25 at the door. VIP Tickets are $25 advanced and $30 at the door. VIP limited to 100 tickets. This is night one, of two great shows. For tickets visit www.ticketseller.ca/tickets/ event/live-pro-wrestling

Tarantula Hawk & Spier goes Saturday, March 14 at 9 p.m. at Omineca Arts Cente, 369 Victoria St. Doomy stoner rock band Tarantula Hawk teams up with two-piece roots punk thrash band Spier. All ages show for the people. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 at www.madloon.ca/tickets/p/ tarantulaspier

Tracy Morin teaches Ribbon Skirt Making on Sunday, March 15 at 10 a.m. at PG Sewing Centre, 1210 Fifth Ave. This meaningful workshop is a beautiful chance to learn, create, and connect through the art and tradition of ribbon skirt making. Fee is $120 and includes a skirt kit to be chosen from a gorgeous selection at time of payment. Use of a class machine is included. There’s only five spots available. Call 250-563-1533 to save your seat.

Cruising PG goes every Wednesday and is presented by the Carefree Society, providing accessible and inclusive transportation services in Prince George and area. Cruising PG is a great way to get out of the house, enjoy the city and socialize without

a long commitment. Pick up typically begins at 1 p.m. Recommended rate is $20. Fridays in March sees visits to the PG Astronomical Observatory for their open house event at 7:30 p.m. This outing is a unique opportunity to explore, learn and enjoy a structured community experience. Recommended rate is $30. Book early as space is limited. To reserve a seat call 250-562-1397 or email book@carefreesociety.org

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. 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.

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

CRIB TOURNAMENT

Friday March 13, 2026 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Registration starts at 5:30

Van Bien Elem. School - Training Centre 311 Wilson Cr.

Entry Fee: $25 – Includes free Co ee, Bottled Water, Soft Drinks & Snacks

PRIZES* awarded for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd

Two ‘incurable’ blood cancers and she’s stll here

Eva Patten talks about living with multiple myeloma and amyloidosis diagnoses 18 years after rst hearing the news

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

It started when she was having trouble with her gut in 2008.

Crohn’s or colitis was the initial diagnosis.

Eva Patten took the medication for colitis the doctor prescribed, but that only made things worse.

After three colonoscopies in less than a year, it was a pathologist in Prince George who intervened when he kept seeing her test results come across his desk and recommended those results be sent to Vancouver for further analysis.

That’s when Patten was sent to Vancouver for further testing and heard the diagnosis that stopped her world from turning.

Blood cancer.

Multiple myeloma. In myeloma, the plasma cells become cancerous (myeloma cells) and interfere with the production of healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. Instead of producing antibodies that fight infection and disease, myeloma cells produce abnormal proteins that can cause serious complications and affect different parts of the body, such as the bones and kidneys, according to the Myeloma Canada website.

But that’s not all. She was told she had a secondary disease so rare only eight people in a million have it.

Amyloidosis is another type of bloodborne cancer that has affected her heart and other organs. There is no cure for her cancers.

“My symptoms were a little different than other people who have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma because I also have amyloidosis,” Patten said.

“So for me, a lot of my symptoms that I went to the doctor with were more to do with the amyloidosis than multiple myeloma, even though they both kind of start the same in the bone marrow

and create abnormal plasma cells, which create abnormal proteins, which do all sorts of fun things to your body.”

It took more than a year to be diagnosed, she added.

“And that’s because multiple myeloma wasn’t something that many doctors had heard of and amyloidosis was something my doctor had read about once in his medical school textbook,” Patten said.

They didn’t expect a 41-year-old to have either of the cancers that were most often diagnosed in patients over 60.

More and more people are getting multiple myeloma as time goes by, but back then Patten was a mystery.

“It was a bit of a shock,” Patten said about her diagnosis.

“I always say to people that it’s like walking down the street one day and then you’re swept up into this whole other universe.”

She was told she had six months to live and was sent home for palliative care.

At 41 years old, six months just wasn’t long enough. She had children she needed to live for, she thought of future grandchildren she’d like to meet one day and was determined more than ever to do whatever it took to live longer.

Patten has always been her own best advocate and will tell anyone who will listen to do the same, so when she had a chance to be part of a drug trial she jumped in with both feet.

“And I’m still here,” Patten said.

“I will never forget one of my doctors in Vancouver told me when things weren’t looking good that I just had to hang on until the next treatment plan was available.”

For Patten, her multiple myeloma has been very stable, but not so much for the other cancer, she added.

“Unfortunately, I have had a lot of issues with the amyloidosis,” Patten

said.

“I’ve had well over 20 surgeries and a lot of ongoing health issues because it’s in my heart, it’s in my organs, it’s in my nervous system. I’m on a lot of medications. I have a lot of heart issues and the last two years have been a real struggle and I will be going down to Vancouver at the end of March for another surgery on my heart.”

It’s all about constantly treating the amyloidosis symptoms that are affecting her body, she added.

“It’s been a journey,” Patten said. What can we do to help?

“Raising awareness of multiple myeloma is so important,” Patten said.

“When I tell people what I have they think I said melanoma — skin cancer — because they haven’t heard of myeloma. I volunteer as much as I can for things, bringing awareness to it. I used to be involved in the Relay for Life and have been asked to be part of it again as it’s coming back. I was part of

Wheelin’ Warriors of the North, bringing awareness and raising funds for cancer research because it’s the reason I am still alive. They keep coming up with new treatment protocols all the time. When I was diagnosed there were only three treatment protocols and if none of those worked you were kind of out of luck.”

Now Patten said there are more than 20 treatment plans for people with multiple myeloma.

“It affects everybody very differently,” Patten said.

“Some people are diagnosed after breaking a bone — that part came later on for me.”

Others see first symptoms in their kidneys, she added, talking about a friend’s son who was in his 30s who developed multiple myeloma that attacked his kidneys and he died from it within a year of his diagnosis.

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March is Multple Myeloma Month in Britsh Columbia

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The cause or causes of myeloma remain relatively unknown, but there is increasing research that suggests possible associations between myeloma and a decline in immune function, genetic factors and the environment, the Myeloma Canada website states. Myeloma is the second most common form of blood cancer, yet most people have never heard of it. While there is not yet a cure, people with myeloma are living longer and better lives thanks to recent breakthroughs in research and treatment.

“So if you’re being treated for something and it’s not working, delve deeper,” Patten advised.

“When I was in the hospital for over a month a couple of years ago the doctor asked if I was open to having student doctors come in and interview me and I said ‘yes please!’ because the more they know the more people will get diagnosed sooner and get the help they need sooner. And like I said, advocate for yourself. Try to figure out what is going on and don’t sit back.”

Because it’s your life, she added.

“I told a doctor one time ‘if I die tomorrow your life doesn’t change, your life will go on, but my life is gone. My children no longer have their mom, my grandkids no longer have their grandma. Your life will go on but mine will be forever gone.’ This is why I am so passionate about it and always advocating for myself.”

March is Multiple Myeloma Month in BC but the fundraising March for Multiple Myeloma isn’t until September in Prince George.

“Our numbers at the March in September have grown and it’s so nice to see that more and more people are becoming more aware of it,” Patten said.

The worldwide initiative in March is Myeloma Action Month and it’s action that drives real change, action that advances research, improves care and connects people living with myeloma across the globe, the Myeloma Canada website says.

“Whether you’re someone who lives

with myeloma, a caregiver, health-care provider, researcher or supporter, Myeloma Action Month is your invitation to step forward, make your voice heard and be part of the movement toward life uninterrupted by myeloma,” the website says.

Patten is a living, breathing example of someone using her voice to raise awareness as she continues her fundraising and her advocacy. Part of that is letting people know that there is a myeloma support group ready to ease the burden a little bit.

“A lot of people ask me why I got it and after trying to explain it over the years I now say, ‘why not me?’” Patten said. “I’m no different than anybody else that gets stuff. It just happened to be me. Doesn’t make sense in my head either but here I am.”

Patten said she offers support to people, especially those newly diagnosed who have so many questions, just like she did.

“So I do share my story,” Patten said. “And my start was rough, not going to lie. I’ve been doing this since 2008. When I was diagnosed people who had myeloma were not expected to make it and maybe had a three-year life expectancy — that’s what I was told. Then when they knew I had amyloidosis and had a lot of complications, they didn’t even know if they could do my stem cell transplant because they said the last person who had the heart involvement like I did had the transplant and only lived three days.”

Patten had to sign papers saying that she knew how high-risk it was to do the procedure and did it anyway.

And if she didn’t have the stem cell transplant?

“They said that at the rate it was infiltrating your heart I might have six months,” Patten said.

“And I thought three days, six months, if I try nothing the game is over for sure and if it doesn’t work then I know that’s my time but at least I have to try to fight. I can’t promise anyone that they will be here 18 years from now but at least I can give them hope that it is possible. Even if you feel like everything is

working against you and you don’t think it’s going to happen just persevere, keep going and have faith in all the new treatments that are coming out.”

When Patten was first diagnosed there was no support group in Prince George, but things have changed.

“There was nobody I could reach out to talk to about it,” Patten said.

Instead she was paired online with a woman she said she loved dearly and who has since passed away. Patten attended myeloma conferences to find out more about myeloma and is happy to say there is a support group here now.

“To know there is a community of people now to reach out to and have that support and know you’re not alone and can have questions answered, you have people you can connect with, which I feel is so important when you’re diagnosed with something that you just don’t understand,” Patten said.

“And maybe their journey is not exactly like yours and I can tell you mine is very different than most of the people

in the support group, but you are still connected and bringing this awareness to multiple myeloma, to the march. It brings awareness to other people getting connected and this might even help someone who has been struggling to find out what’s wrong with them have a light bulb go off in their head and think this might be something to talk to their doctor about and that’s why I feel it’s so important to talk about it. You just don’t know who it’s going to reach.”

Patten remembers sharing her story at a Relay for Life and a year later at the next Relay for Life something very special happened.

“I had a gentleman come up to me and he asked me for a hug,” Patten said.

“I didn’t know him and he said ‘I just want you to know that I am alive today because of you’ and I was like ‘whoa.’ He said ‘I heard your story a year ago and I was diagnosed and I’m fighting the fight but I am here.’ So now I always say to myself ‘if my message gets to one person …’ and hopefully it gets to many more because you just don’t know when bringing that awareness or sharing your story or putting the spotlight on it will make a difference.”

March is Myeloma Action Month in Canada, part of a global initiative, and the City of Prince George has declared March Multiple Myeloma Month, with a proclamation taking place on March 26.

Patten said she’s so grateful to the City of Prince George for the proclamation.

“Because when people hear that they will remember and even if they don’t know what it is maybe that will inspire them to look it up and try to find out what it’s about,” Patten said.

The local Myeloma Support Group meets every third Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Commonwealth Financial, 575 Victoria St. Everyone is welcome who has been diagnosed, as well as caregivers, family members and friends. Wheelchair-accessible parking is available at the back of the building. For more information call Viv Lougheed at 250-981-2618.

And for more information about multiple myeloma visit https://myeloma.ca/

Local band putng psychedelic rock in the Limelight

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

Limelight, a relatively new Prince George band, has been described as a lot of things — like surf rock, post-punk, pop, stoner rock, psychedelic rock/pop and alternative — but never ordinary.

The band consists of Aquiles Perez on guitar and vocals, Alex Sutherland on drums and Jun Yang on bass and backup vocals.

Limelight brings together a mix of sounds, genres and inspirations that stem from the different backgrounds and tastes of the three band members.

Their music is well-formed, with wailing psychedelic guitars mixing with rock drums and a consistent and mesmerizing bassline, all wrapped around well-mixed and memorable vocals.

However, it’s hard to describe Limelight’s sound in just a few words, as their sound and style can change from single to single, with some songs taking on a surreal, dreamlike feel and others rooting themselves firmly in the postpunk or alternative genres.

“Well, I guess it’s just like the mix of the three of us, we have a Canadian here, a Korean there and a Mexican here,” said Perez. “We all have our own influences and we had good chemistry since the beginning, which just helped us lots to create and do cool stuff. Since the beginning, we wanted to do something more like an indie rock-ish sound, but like we all agreed, we wanted to make it in some way unique. I don’t know if you could actually do new music these days, but we try to make it unique. You totally can do that.”

Sutherland added that despite the vastly different styles and inspirations each member has, they find a way to create cohesive and memorable tracks. Something the band members contribute is putting the three members’ tastes and inspirations into a blender.

“We don’t even really play music that similar to what we listen to,” said Sutherland. “I’ve listened to some of their music and it’s completely different from what we do. So I wouldn’t say the band is inspired by another band or has

that much in common with anyone.”

He added that the band’s creative process, like their music, is a unique mix of the band members’ talents and ideas.

“One person will just be noodling around and it’ll be like a cool little riff and it’s like, ‘oh we like that’ so then we’ll put something on top of it,” said Sutherland. “I’ll make a beat or Jun will do a bass line and then it builds off a random idea and then once we have that main idea, then we find the structure that we want to go for. Then we kind of play around with vocal melody ideas and then at the very end we’ll think of lyrics and we usually do that last … that’s why it’s so weird and crazy is because one day one of us will have that kind of mood or that idea and then we just go off with that idea and the next day it’ll be completely different.”

The band itself was first formed in the spring of 2025 after roommates Yang and Sutherland began jamming together.

“Me and Jun were already roommates and we’d been kind of jamming together,” said Sutherland. “I played guitar and we couldn’t find a drummer for the life of us. So I decided to buy a kit and just learn to play drums and found a guitar player to replace me. We

have seen more excitement pop up about similar genres and bands in the area.

“We’ve been doing more shows with people like the Goohmas and a few other of the more indie-like, not metal or country bands and it’s cool to kind of see that growing a little bit. It feels like we’re bringing in a bit of a different scene. What I’ve noticed, like other bands popping up that aren’t metal, I’ve seen a lot of people are excited to see their shows too. It’s a cool feeling just to see a new thing that people are interested in.”

Each member had his own unique highlight of their time in Limelight, with Perez saying that a recent performance at Coldsnap 2026 and getting to perform alongside a member of the Goohmas stood out.

started off just jamming, kind of playing around for fun. Then we came up with a few different ideas. One of them is Today, which is our main single. I think that was one of our first ideas that we came up with. We stuck with it and then from there, we just came up with more originals. We tried to stay away from covers as much as we could. We did mostly originals. Once we got a bit of a set list, we kind of put our name out, looking for shows, see if anyone would want us to play.”

Since its inception, Limelight has played about a dozen shows in the Prince George area and has been well received by the scene, making connections with other bands and finding a niche to fit into.

“Prince George had a really solid music scene not just for metal music and the others like country and stuff, like an indie rockish scene was already there,” said Perez. “We just came up and did our thing and I think it was way easier for us to get into because it was already there but definitely I feel like every time that we’ve played lately it’s packed and that’s so beautiful to see.”

Sutherland added that in playing with similar bands in Prince George, they

For Sutherland, his highlight was breaking his first drumstick during a performance, a milestone in any drummer’s career.

Yang shared that his highlight also came during their performance at Coldsnap when he heard locals sing along to Limelight’s music.

“It was at the last show that people sang along to our own song,” said Yang. “It’s not all of the crowd but around 10 people. That was kind of a weird feeling, it’s happened before when we covered some popular music, they sing along but not to our songs, not our songs. This time we played our own song and people sang along for the first time, which was really special.”

One of the most important parts of Limelight is enjoying their time creatively and during performances, with members citing this as a reason for their success.

“One of our biggest values in the band is just to have fun,” said Perez. “When we stop having fun, we’re doing something wrong and we gotta talk about it, right? For me, it’s just more about going with the flow and having fun and that’s it, don’t think too much, we don’t know what’s going to happen in the future. Obviously, we’re trying to do our best. Just for me it’s all about having fun, sharing my community and enjoying the moment.”

Art show highlights wildlife in a most unexpected way

Terrill Bodner brings a fun and whimsical touch to her paintings

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

Ever wonder what animals do in the wild when we’re not looking?

Terrill Bodner, wildlife photographer turned painter, offers her insight into the matter with a whimsical take showcased through her Wildlife Café exhibit at Studio 2880’s Feature Gallery.

Bodner will give a talk on Thursday, March 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. to explain things.

“The Wildlife Café series grew out of my love for observing the quiet, often-overlooked moments in nature — those times when animals seem to pause, rest or simply enjoy their surroundings,” Bodner said in her artist’s statement.

“I wanted to capture the gentle humour and warmth I see in these creatures, imagining them gathering in cozy, café-like settings where the wild meets the familiar.”

Bodner said she’s always been creative and started out like any other little kid with her crayons. Her love of photography came a bit later.

“Photography was the main thing throughout my life,” Bodner said.

“I still have my grandma’s Brownie.” A Brownie is a vintage box camera.

“But it was really in Grade 9 when it started,” Bodner said.

“I was in the yearbook club and right up to Grade 12, I was yearbook editor for photography and like I say I have always been involved with something creative.”

Then life had other plans.

“As for the photography — there was no time or money for it when the kids came along and that’s when the knitting and sewing, stained glass and other things came in, painting was for fences and things — no art — so I think the switch was starting to happen and in 2022 I started painting for myself for the pure enjoyment just to see what it was

like and what I could do,” Bodner said.

She has now moved away from photography as a business and only does it for her own enjoyment, she said.

“That way I can devote everything to the art,” Bodner explained. She’s a selftaught artist, she added.

“It’s so much fun to paint and then see people’s reactions to it. I love to share that. And with my photography I was a wildlife photographer and I still am — I just love the animals so it’s kind of what’s in my nature so I still go out and do that.”

When Bodner started to paint her goal was to make an art card for Christmas to send out to family, she said. She started out with two paintings

and when her niece suggested she create a calendar she did it and that’s why there are 12 paintings in the Wildlife Café exhibit.

Then she painted The Gathering Place.

“It’s the big one that’s a 24-by-36 — all the other paintings are on 12-by-12-inch canvas,” Bodner said.

“So that’s the biggest piece I’ve painted. The Gathering Place came to me after the others. I thought what could tie this all together and what are my favourite animals?”

She talked about the caribou herd just north of town and what she calls “black bear highway,” the stretch from Prince George to McBride in the spring.

“I just have a great big love of nature,” Bodner said. “But you know the picnic table with the animals gathered — there are two predators and two prey — and they have all come together — and this gives me goosebumps when I think about it — if they can all come together at that table why can’t we? I think we need that connection to community.”

Bodner said during her time in nature she has seen some connection between animals that people wouldn’t think would happen.

“I’ve seen a fox and bear together, a fox and beaver, just coexisting out in the woods together and they get along,” Bodner said.

“At its core, Wildlife Café is about connection: between people and nature, between art and daily life, and between the stories we tell and the beauty we notice,” Bodner’s artist statement said. “Each piece is a gentle reminder that sometimes, the best adventures are found in quiet moments.”

Bodner has been a member of the Community Arts Council of Prince George & District for years and this will be her third talk at the Feature Gallery. Most recently she was part of the Behind the Canvas exhibit that saw eight artists come together last summer, where she showcased her Dragonflies Are Forever collection and was asked by organizers if her New Beginnings piece could be displayed on the wall of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce.

“I was so honoured to be selected,” Bodner said. “Some artists find it hard to speak in front of people and it was always hard for me to do but the more I get out there to talk about art the more I feel there’s a connection with people because there’s always something to talk about and it speaks to the individual — it’s not me telling you what this is — I leave it for people to get their own idea and what it tells them. Art does wonderful things to heal and I would love to pack Studio 2880 on March 12.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the Studio 2880 Feature Gallery event on Thursday, March 12, from 5 to 7 p.m.

A lot of moving parts in Miracle Theatre’s latest play

The Garage Sale will run from March 26 to April 19 at Artspace

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

It seemed every fundraising walk in Prince George last fall was geared toward those with mobility issues.

That prompted Ted Price and Anne Laughlin to delve a little deeper into the matter to discover what services are needed here in Prince George, and it turns out support for those with mobility issues is sorely lacking.

To help with that, Miracle Theatre founders Laughlin and Price will present The Garage Sale from BC playwright David King, from March 26 to April 19 at ArtSpace, above Books & Co., as their next fundraiser for those experiencing neurologically based mobility challenges. The goal is to raise $150,000 to be placed in a Community Foundation endowment fund.

The Garage Sale is a hilarious comedy that sees Phil having a garage sale to downsize for a major move to the desert as the first step in his secret plan to escape the rat race, but he didn’t bother to mention his idea to his family. And if that’s not enough, Phil gets the wackiest shoppers, and then the neighbourhood grump starts to stalk his best customer. Phil will never forget his first garage sale.

Price has been a director in Prince George for the last 30 years, and in his position he looks at a play very differently than Laughlin does as the producer.

“What’s very important to us is that it speaks to the community,” Price said.

“It engages them. There’s a director in Canada, Janet Amos, who used to argue — and I agree with her — that people really respond to seeing themselves or people they know on stage, and that’s a big factor with me.”

Once Price gets the script, he thinks about what the play is really about.

“As the director you’ve got to figure out what the playwright had in mind,

Anne Laughlin and Ted Price, founders of Miracle Theatre, are getting ready to present The Garage Sale at ArtSpace above Books & Co. from March 26 to April 19.

but a really good play can be about a lot of things,” Price said.

“You have to think about what this character is dealing with and what they are going to do about it and what type of behaviour does it lead to. Sometimes people who don’t delve into theatre will read a script and what they read is conversation, but what a skilled director does is they are looking at the behaviour because you have the dialogue and if it’s a good play it can be endowed with so many different meanings and intentions and you can create such different personalities out of people saying the same thing. A person can be obliging and courteous, even deferential, and you can take those same lines and make the person arrogant, assertive, assuming, domineering. So simple lines like ‘Oh, you’re a little bit late today. I think you can do a lot better. Please, be better,’ and I can say that in such a way it can be really off-putting or I can say it in a reasonable, understanding way and in that there comes a different human being.”

and how are we going to do that and how much is that going to cost?” Laughlin said, all in one breath, reflecting all that must be considered when gauging a production’s chance of success.

“So it’s always based on the logistics of producing a piece. And there’s a colour-coded calendar that helps keep me on track. And Ted and I go back and forth a lot.”

It comes down to how many tickets they have to sell to cover the cost of getting a certain actor to Prince George because they are perfect for the role.

“And that is the investment,” Laughlin said. “So you make the product and people will buy it and that kind of thinking is different from Ted.”

Both Laughlin and Price were quick to mention the amazing team it takes to make a production like Miracle Theatre’s presentation of The Garage Sale possible.

Price said he’s not the only one who goes over the play line by line, analyzing the best way to present it as a whole.

“The actors bring a lot, too,” Price said.

Line after line, page after page, a director has to make these decisions about what they want the audience to experience through the behaviour they are witnessing, Price explained.

Price as director and Laughlin as producer are in lockstep while seeing the play as something very different.

“So I look at the play and see the potential,” Laughlin said.

“But I also look at it as the producer and ask, can we cast this play? Can we cast those characters? Where would we have to bring those actors from? Are there any local people who could take on one or two roles? Or are they all coming from Toronto?”

“Or Halifax or Vancouver Island because we delve into the whole Canadian talent pool,” Price added.

“Yes, and then I determine that the play is going to take a lot of skill and costumes and the actors will have to have special props or I wonder how we are going to build that set or how are they going to manoeuvre from A to B and how can they be outside and inside

“Sometimes you get things moving along and then an actor will play a section in a certain way or even a line in a way that no one anticipated and then it’s like ‘Oh, now that’s interesting, that’s a keeper.’ And what I have to offer, good actors will build and take it another step and now I can take another step and another step and so on.”

Price said over the decades theatre has become so collaborative.

“In the rehearsal hall it’s a big collaboration, it’s a big collaboration in terms of producing, everything from the promotion, taking care of the audience to all the technical things like lights, sets and costumes — it takes a big team,” Price said.

“There’s a lot of moving parts to theatre,” Laughlin laughed.

“And with this play there’s a lot of moving props.”

“We’ve never had so many props on stage — it’s a garage sale, after all,” Price added.

See the sights as Tourism PG launches Passport Trail

CHRISTINE DALGLEISH Citizen Staff

The new Bites, Flights + Sights Passport Trail encourages people to explore Prince George, discovering attractions, hidden gems and local businesses that might just give you a discount.

And this isn’t just for visitors — this is for residents as well.

Sign up — it only takes a minute, literally — and then, for starters, you can walk right into Tourism PG and get 10 per cent off your purchases. Those cool Mr. PG socks you’ve been eyeing can be yours.

“As soon as you sign up you’ll be able to win some extraordinary prizes and how that works is you get to check in to a variety of different destinations throughout Prince George — it can be a local restaurant, the Northern Sport Centre or even Tourism Prince George’s Visitor Information Centre,” new executive director at Tourism Prince George Scott McWalter said.

“Every time you check in you get 100 points which is not bad because it only takes 400 points to earn your first prize which is Taste of the North prize box which can be redeemed at Tourism Prince George Visitor Information Centre.”

Along with earning points toward prizes, many of the businesses offer extra incentives for checking in, including discounts on purchases, while Betulla Burning and Nancy O’s Restaurant offer a free dessert with the purchase of

two main entrées instead.

“If you’re at the Northern Lights Estate Winery and you’re eating dinner at their beautiful Riverside Restaurant you get 20 per cent off your entire food order, which is a phenomenal deal and that’s just for checking in with your Bites, Flights + Sights program,” McWalter added.

“The Open Door Café, which is one of my favourite cafés in the world, if you spend $20 you get $5 off your order so there’s all these incentives for visitors and residents of Prince George to take advantage of the best we have to offer while enjoying some savings in the process.”

There are 26 active participating local vendors and Tourism PG is always looking for more to join the program.

“We want to grow this program

substantially in 2026 and so we’ll be getting the word out more to gain more momentum,” McWalter said.

“I’ve been looking at the analytics and we’ve had people from Europe and Australia, Wales and California, Illinois, Alabama and pretty much every Canadian province and territory as well. So we’ve had a lot of visitors leverage the Bites, Flights + Sights program.”

Since the program started in 2022 there have been 1,600 people who accessed it and Tourism PG is encouraging more people to join.

The Bites, Flights + Sights Passport Trail takes you on adventures in and around Prince George, encouraging visits to the Central Interior Railway & Forestry Museum and Huble Homestead.

“These are huge tourist attractions

and also destinations that resonate with our local residents but they might not be known to those who are just travelling to or through Prince George unless they find them through this passport system or while speaking to our knowledgeable staff,” McWalter said.

Bringing awareness to these local treasures is part of the goal for Bites, Flights + Sights Passport Trail, he added.

“If you were to look at the Huble Homestead Historic Site they have 15 per cent off at the General Store through Bites, Flights + Sights and that might be enough incentive for visitors to actually head out there and take in the magic of Huble Homestead,” McWalter said.

There’s also a grand prize given away annually, he added.

It’s a one-night stay in Prince George, along with a $150 gift card to a local restaurant and a pass for two to a musical event or an adventure like skiing or horseback riding, depending on the season.

“Anything to get our residents and visitors out exploring all we have to offer in Prince George,” McWalter said.

To help the program grow, McWalter is encouraging local businesses to join the fun, too.

Bites, Flights + Sights is a mobile-exclusive program, instantly delivered via text and email.

For more information and to sign up visit https://tourismpg.com/ and click on Passport Trail in the top right-hand corner.

Play is a fundraiser for eforts to launch a mobility fund

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The pair could never go without mentioning their amazing volunteers, sponsors and donors who always help make the fundraiser a success not only as a theatrical experience but as a way to help make the community a better place to live for so many.

“Our volunteers are so important, especially for us because we don’t have

a staff,” Price said.

“We’re it,” Laughlin smiled.

“I will say this, all organizations rely on volunteers to some extent but we rely on volunteers disproportionately and in my entire theatre career I’ve never had a team of volunteers as good and as productive as we have now,”

Price said.

“We are so very grateful.”

Proceeds from all ticket sales,

sponsorships, donations and concessions go toward establishing a permanent endowment fund entitled the Prince George Mobility Disorder Fund held in trust at the Prince George Community Foundation.

The fund will support those in the community who face neurologically based mobility challenges from conditions like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, ALS and

stroke.

The Garage Sale is presented by Miracle Theatre from March 26 to April 19, Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m., at ArtSpace, above Books & Co., 1685 Third Ave.

Tickets are available for $40 each at Books & Co., or order by phone and pick them up at the door before the performance.

March 4, 1997: Members of the Foothills Intermediate Choir, under the direction of Nan Dunn, sang for an adjudicator at Vanier Hall during Singfest ’97. Fourteen local choirs took part in the competition, with two public performances. CITIZEN FILE PHOTO BY BRENT

March 3, 2014: Eric Halsall of D.P. Todd Secondary School defeated Justin Gill from Abbotsford’s Rick Hansen Secondary School to become the BC high school wrestling champion. Halsall, then in Grade 12, took the win in front of a hometown crowd at the Northern Sport Centre.

FILE

March 2, 1971: Joyce Halverson of the 19th Fort George Cub Pack was photographed arranging cars for a trial run during the annual Kub Kar Rally at Parkwood Mall. The competition saw 76 handbuilt wooden vehicles entered in competition. Laurie Zelpy took rst place and James Nelson won second in the fastest car category, while Michael Boughy won rst place and Brian Bezo second for best-looking car. Richard Desjarlais won a special prize for building his entry without any outside help.

CITIZEN FILE PHOTO

March 2, 1988: Bargain hunters lined up on Fourth Avenue for the start of Saveco’s liquidation sale. After more than 30 years in business, the store went into receivership and offered its $7 million inventory for sale at 10 per cent to 50 per cent off.

Local Sports

Jared Young making his major-league mark

The newly married ballplayer is part of the World Baseball Classic this month

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Jared Young knows he’s putting Prince George on the international map. That’s just part of the fun of being a Major League Baseball player.

The 30-year-old New York Mets designated hitter/utility fielder was asked this week about his birthplace in the heart of British Columbia and Young was only too happy to provide a geography lesson.

“Most people just assume when they hear I’m from Canada that I’m from Ontario or somewhere over there and one of the strength coaches (on Thursday), I guess someone showed where Prince George was on the map and he came up to me and had a chuckle and said ‘I didn’t ever realize where you’re from,’” Young said.

“I told him it’s a different place, you’ve gotta come up and visit some time. I’ll let them believe what they want but I love PG and all the people there, so getting the chance to represent not only Canada but Prince George is pretty awesome.”

Young will be sporting Canada’s red and white when the 2026 World Baseball Classic comes to San Juan, Puerto Rico — his second straight appearance on the WBC roster. For Young, it’s a rare opportunity to play for his country again in a sport that has worldwide appeal.

“I don’t think there’s anything like it, the last time I went it was awesome, I loved it and I wish we had a bit better of an outcome,” Young said. “The first time doing it you get your feet wet and you realize how important and how exciting

those games are when you wear Canada’s jersey. Every time they ask it’s going to be an instant ‘yes’ for me.”

He loves the idea of people around the world trying to locate Prince George on the globe.

“I know that Canada will be supporting us, it’s really cool to be representing Prince George too,” Young said. “Getting a baseball player on Team Canada from Prince George is something I don’t take lightly and I’m proud of that.”

Young will be part of a veteran-heavy Canadian lineup loaded with high-calibre talent. They won’t have Los Angeles Dodgers star infielder Freddie Freeman this time around (he declined the invitation for personal reasons) but 22 of Canada’s 33-player roster are players from MLB rosters, a positive sign Canadian

baseball is on the upswing.

“The team is a lot better and we even have a lot of guys on big-league clubs who weren’t able to make it — the team could be even better,” Young said.

“I think we’ve got a real good shot. We’ve got a balance of young guys and veterans with a lot of experience. Everyone’s pretty excited for this one.”

Young is among 14 players back for another shot at the WBC. Phillippe Aumont, Owen Caissie, Denzel Clarke, Indigo Diaz, Edouard Julien, Otto Lopez, Bo Naylor, Tyler O’Neill, Cal Quantrill, Jacob Robson, Noah Skirrow, Abraham Toro and Rob Zastryzny all played for the team in 2023.

All of Canada’s games in the 2023 WBC were played at Chase Field in Phoenix, not far from Young’s home in

Scottsdale, Ariz. Canada opened with a wild 18-8 win over Great Britain, then lost 12-1 to the high-powered Americans. In that game, Young led off the second inning and hit a home run, the only run Canada would score. They went on to beat Colombia 5-0 but lost 10-3 to Mexico and failed to advance out of group play to the quarterfinals. This time around, Canada is grouped with Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico and Cuba.

Young said that 2023 experience will prove valuable to all the returning players and he knows his team has to hit the ground running when they begin the tournament Saturday, March 7 against Colombia.

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Young back with Team Canada for World Baseball Classic

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“It’s a sprint and the team that’s the most prepared early enough is probably the team that’s more successful, so it’s definitely good to feel OK right now,” Young said. “It’s important that there are guys who have played in it before. It’s a pretty intense atmosphere and a pretty exciting tournament. Having been there before is a big thing for a lot of us.”

The way he’s been hitting lately, don’t be surprised to see Young park one or two outside the fence in Puerto Rico.

He’s gotten off to an explosive start in Grapefruit League action this past week in Florida. In his first game on Sunday (Feb. 22) against the New York Yankees, the left-handed hitting Young crushed one out of the park in right field — the Mets’ first home run of spring training. He also drew a walk as the DH and was picked player of the game in what was a 6-4 Mets win over their crosstown rivals.

“You make a lot of friends when you hit homers,” Young quipped.

The Mets have tried to give as much playing time as they can to the 17 players who will play for WBC teams. Young, who has struggled to get an everyday position in the major leagues for four seasons, played four games in the first week and played well enough to silence the doubters who might have thought he doesn’t deserve a roster spot in New York.

Against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday (Feb. 23), Young played first base and didn’t get a hit but made contact with a fly ball and also made a couple of exceptional defensive plays to keep the ball in the infield. He got on base with a walk before being replaced by a pinch runner and the Mets went on to beat the Jays 4-3.

On Thursday, Young drew a second-inning walk with Luis Torrens already aboard on a double and the next Mets batter Tyrone Taylor belted a three-run home run. In his next at-bat in the fourth, Young’s sacrifice fly scored Ronny Mauricio from third and Young also singled in the sixth in what was a 5-0 win over the Houston Astros.

Jared Young and his wife Julia were married Jan. 29 in Arizona, where they live.

In eight at-bats in five games he’s hitting .250 with a home run, a single and four walks and he’s struck out just once.

“It’s always nice to get off to a hot start and just to feel good,” Young said. “I know the results and whatnot are great but also just feeling good and feeling I’m at the pace I need to be at the game is nice.

“It’s early, we’ve only played a few games and you just want to have a few good at-bats and play quality contact and that’s been there so far, so that’s a good sign. It’s nice to get rolling but it’s nothing like the games coming up.”

This is Young’s second season with the Mets. His MLB career started in 2022 with the Chicago Cubs and he played 22 games over two seasons. He signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Cardinals and played at triple-A Louisville until he got an opportunity at mid-season to go to Korea to play for the Doosan Bears. Last season was Young’s best as a minor-leaguer. He played 75 games with the triple-A Syracuse Mets, mostly at first base, and batted .300 with an OPS of .956 and had 82 hits, including 17

Young makes his off-season home in Scottsdale, Ariz., where he met his wife Julia, and they were married a month ago.

Julia works as an accountant and was able to work remotely last season so she could follow Jared to all his games. She got to know the Mets players’ wives and that social network helps him unwind from the daily stress of playing baseball at the highest level.

“She spent last year with me, she came everywhere and worked remote and we did the whole year together which is great and we plan to do the same thing this year, it just made it a lot of fun,” Young said. “All my closest friends on the team, their wives are Julia’s closest friends and it makes for a good group and that’s important for everyone off the field.”

home runs and three triples, with eight stolen bases.

New York has made significant roster changes after missing the playoffs last year, signing high-profile infielders Bo Bichette (from the Blue Jays), Jorge Polanco (Mariners) and Marcus Semien (a two-time Gold Glove infielder acquired in a trade that sent Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers). Freddie Peralta (traded from Milwaukee) is the new ace of the Mets’ pitching staff and was named the opening-day starter. Young and Polanco will battle for playing time at first now that everyday first baseman Pete Alonso has signed with Baltimore.

“I think we’ve got a ton of talented players, they made some unreal additions and some good guys, they’re good players and good teammates,” Young said. “Yeah, we lost Pete and that’s a big one. He played 162 games at first base and we all know the homers he hit. You’re not going to find another Pete Alonso so you find players and plug them in different spots to create a very good baseball team.”

Young and Team Canada play pre-tournament games Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays and Wednesday against the Philadelphia Phillies, then head to Puerto Rico. Their first tournament game is against Colombia on Saturday, March 7 (8 a.m. PT).

Canada at the World Baseball Classic (all games broadcast live on Sportsnet, all times PT)

The pre-tournament games were played Tuesday, March 3 (Canada vs. Toronto Blue Jays) and Wednesday, March 4 (Canada vs. Philadelphia Phillies)

Tournament schedule (in San Juan, Puerto Rico)

• Saturday, March 7, Canada vs. Colombia, 8 a.m.

• Sunday, March 8, Canada vs. Panama, 4 p.m.

• Tuesday, March 10, Canada vs. Puerto Rico, 4 p.m.

• Wednesday, March 12, Canada vs. Cuba, noon Quarterfinals (in Houston)

• Friday, March 13

• Saturday, March 14 Semifinals (in Miami)

• Sunday, March 15

• Monday, March 16 Final (in Miami)

• Tuesday, March 17

Kodiaks dismiss popular head coach Jamie Boreham

CJFL coach of the year led his team to its rst playoff run

MATTHEW HILLIER Citizen Staff

The dismissal of Jamie Boreham, head coach of the Prince George Kodiaks, has prompted an outcry of support from the local football community.

The Citizen reached out to Boreham, but he declined to say anything about the situation.

“Under the advice of my lawyer, I am not supposed to comment,” he said.

Boreham led the Kodiaks to the first BCFC playoff appearance in the team’s history with a 5-4-1 record in 2025, which led to him being named the Canadian Junior Football League’s coach of the year.

He compiled a 10-19-1 record over three seasons as head coach.

Before leading the Kodiaks, Boreham was a kicker and punter in the CFL for 12 years, playing for teams including the Toronto Argonauts, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The Prince George Kodiaks stated the following in a Facebook post: “The Prince George Kodiaks recently completed organizational restructuring to support the long-term sustainability of the program. These decisions were made with our players, families and community in mind. Our focus remains on athlete development, responsible stewardship and building a strong future for Kodiaks football. We appreciate the continued support of our community as we move forward.

“We know this has been a difficult time for many in our Kodiaks community, especially in these challenging economic times. Change, particularly when it’s unexpected, can bring uncertainty and strong emotions. Please know that the decisions made were not taken lightly and were guided by a responsibility to protect the long-term future of the program, our athletes and the community we serve. Our focus remains

on supporting our players, families, coaches and volunteers, and continuing to build a strong, sustainable future for Kodiaks football. We are grateful for the passion, care and commitment our community continues to show as we move forward together.”

In addition to his role as head coach, Boreham also handled football-related community outreach for the team.

“The team’s stance is it was a

restructuring due to some of the impacts on just the climate of the community and some of the community programming that is also part of his role,” said Kodiaks general manager Ryan Bellamy. “It wasn’t necessarily a junior football product, but the rest of the role that he held was director of football operations overseeing youth football and the high-performance programming and that end of it. How they referenced

their statement, I would assume some financial downturn in the programming. So just kind of a financial decision for them.”

Since Boreham’s dismissal, there has been an outpouring of support from the local football community, including a petition to reinstate the coach.

Bellamy told The Citizen that this wasn’t surprising to him, as he has seen the impact Boreham has had on those in the Kodiaks community.

“Coach Boreham has been very actively involved with the kids,” said Bellamy.

“He has treated them like family while being here. He’s a very strong, strong-valued person, and he shares that with the players, and the players respect that honesty and transparency greatly that they get from him. So I’m not surprised that they jumped behind him. His activeness and his involvement with the community programming and working with sponsors and businesses, I think that was really highlighted in the vast number of groups that were reaching out and providing support.”

Bellamy described how he has seen the team benefit from Boreham’s influence.

“Coach Boreham definitely came in and set a culture expectation for the team and that has definitely translated to positives on the field,” said Bellamy. “He’s been able to get the players to buy into the hard work and commitment that is required to be a high-end player at this level and really get them to galvanize as one group with one vision. I think that’s part of why you see them all rallying together.”

As for what happens now, Bellamy said the situation is evolving.

“All I can say is that there are conversations happening to assess everything that’s gone on so far to see what resolutions are available in front of us,” said Bellamy.

“I think the biggest thing I can say right now is no matter what ends up happening, hopefully the community will still find the ability to support this team and keep it functional and growing in this town.”

Cedars Christan Eagles fnd single-A silver lining

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

All season long, the Acwsalcta Thunder were the measuring stick showing the Cedars Christian Eagles how high they would have to climb to become the best team in the province.

Each head-to-head meeting grew progressively closer, but the young Prince George squad never found a way to beat Bella Coola’s top-ranked Thunder.

The stakes reached a crescendo in Saturday’s BC senior girls single-A provincial championship game, as No. 1 Acwsalcta faced the No. 2 Eagles for the provincial banner.

There was no upset. Acwsalcta’s purple-clad sharpshooters earned a 61-52 victory.

“We played a really good team,” said Cedars head coach Jordan Johnson. “They were ready, they were experienced. We really tried to shut down the twins and did a pretty good job of that, but the other players were ready to score and they just played a good game.

“We would have had to play a perfect game to beat them and we’re not ready for that yet. They were executing at a high level and making shots and playing good basketball, so hats off to them,

they deserved it.”

Leading by two after the first quarter, the Thunder took a 42-35 lead into halftime, then took control in the third quarter, outscoring Cedars 21-5 to jump ahead 63-47 after 30 minutes.

It was essentially over at that point.

Kashlyn Mack led the Thunder with 22 points and Skylene Andy added 18.

Ayanna Parr, a UNBC Timberwolves recruit, had 19 points before fouling out, while her twin sister Annika, also headed to UNBC next season, contributed 14.

Cadence Hooft led Cedars with 19 points, Ana Davis had 16 and Maeli Kelsh added 13.

The Eagles have just one Grade 12 player, one Grade 11 and the rest are Grade 10s.

Youth is on their side and Johnson believes the best is yet to come.

“Sometimes you have to be in these games to learn how to win them, and so the experience was good for us,” Johnson said.

“It will only make us better and push us to get the level we need to get to, but I’m really proud of our girls.

“They came out and had a really good first half and (the Thunder) just came out and built their lead up in the second half. They picked up their defence and turned us over a bit and I could see our

lack of experience. Sometimes when you get down in a big game like that you start trying to make up ground faster and not stick to the process, and they will learn from that.”

The Nechako Valley Vikings of Vanderhoof matched Cedars’ 3-1 record at the tournament, capturing bronze Saturday with a 61-52 win over the Dasmesh Falcons of Abbotsford.

The result marked what is believed to be a BC first — three teams from the northern half of the province claiming all three provincial medals.

“The top three teams from the North were the top three teams in the province,” Johnson said.

“We showed up and cheered Vanderhoof on in the third-place game and they showed up to our game and cheered us on. In the North we battle each other but when it comes to provincials we cheer for each other, when we’re not playing each other.”

Abby Dykstra led the Vikings with 16 points, Lyric Kessler had 13 and Arianna Scott-Unger and Mya Hutt each scored 10. Hooft, a Grade 10 post, and Chloe MacEwan, the Eagles’ Grade 12 post, were named first-team all-stars. Nechako Valley’s Hutt and Dykstra were selected to the second all-star team.

Duchess Park’s provincial medal bid comes up short

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

Bronze was the glittering prize up for grabs Saturday, Feb. 28 after four days of intense basketball under the bright lights of the Langley Events Centre and the St. Michaels University School Blue Jags would not be denied.

The Victoria squad kicked up a dust storm that smothered the medal hopes of the Duchess Park Condors, who suffered a 69-38 defeat that ended their season at the BC senior girls triple-A provincial championship.

It was still anybody’s game as the teams went into the locker rooms at the half with the Blue Jags leading by five.

But their third-quarter blitz was a nightmare for the Condors.

Over the next 10 minutes they outscored the North Central zone champions 17-5 to create a 44-27 comfort zone and it wasn’t much better for Duchess in the final quarter. St Michaels scored 25 points in the final 10 to seal the Condors’ fate.

“The whole second half was a bit of a disaster,” said Condors head coach Reid Roberts. “We just couldn’t score. The first half was pretty good and our defence was good and then we went cold and they lit it up, they were hitting some big shots. It was just a combo of the two that opened it up.”

None of the Condors reached

double-digits on the scoresheet, the first time all season that’s happened. Zahra Ngago, a first-team all star, and Ava MacNeil each had eight as the high scorers for Duchess Park.

Finishing fourth in the province on a team with just four Grade 12s — Zahra Ngabo, Kionae Roberts, Devyn Bjorn and Katya Marchlewitz — Roberts was justifiably proud of his troops, knowing they will gain from the experience.

“We went in ranked fifth and finished fourth, one above, and realistically that’s where we were in the mix of the teams,” said coach Roberts. “We would have had to play well to win either of those last two games.

“We were capable of it, but you can’t have a mediocre game and pull it off. I was super-impressed with the improvement of the team with lots of Grade 11s and not a lot of senior experience. It’s just such a different game, so much faster.”

The Condors lost their semifinal playoff 61-50 to the Vernon Panthers.

“I mean, that was not (Zahra’s) best offensive game and it wasn’t our team’s best offensive game,” admitted Roberts afterwards. “We just missed some easy shots, but you know what? Vernon, they’re just, they’re tough. They play relentless defence, so they make you miss those shots and you don’t get a lot of second opportunities.”

City to host Canadian Natve Fastball Championships

TED CLARKE Citizen Staff

For the third time in 10 years, Prince George has been selected to host the Canadian Native Fastball Championships.

The Spruce City Men’s Fastball Association will stage the event July 31 to Aug. 2. It is expected to attract 50 to 80 teams and about 1,200 athletes.

The three-day tournament is also projected to draw an estimated 2,500 visitors who will fill hotel rooms, dine at local restaurants and purchase goods and services from Prince George retailers. Sport Tourism Canada estimates the economic impact at between $4.5 million and $5 million.

Prince George last hosted the event in 2022 after a two-year pandemic delay. The city also hosted in 2016. The local organizing committee learned in December that its bid had been approved, three or four months later than expected.

“We’re in scramble mode right now but we’re really proud to bring this event to the city,” said tournament co-chair Harley Desjarlais.

“There are challenges this time around. Costs have risen exponentially for just about everything we’re doing in this kind of an event. Nonetheless, we’re going to overcome some of the challenges we’ve had over the last 10 years and we’ll be working hard to make sure that whatever we do works out for the best.”

Tournament co-chair Robbie Antoine, president of the Spruce City Men’s Fastball Association, joined Desjarlais and Jessica Rankin, event specialist for Tourism PG, for a presentation to city council Monday, Feb. 23.

“I just want to thank Your Worship and members of council for giving us this opportunity to host such a vast event that is national in scope with international talent coming to the Prince George region, which is almost unheard of,” Antoine said. “We’re just very excited about this and we’ve already hit the ground running and now it’s just taking the next steps.”

Prince George has been selected to host the 2026 Canadian Native Fastball Championships, July 31-Aug. 2.

The host Prince George River Kings (formerly Lumber Kings) have won the Canadian Native title eight times and are six-time North American Native champions. They last won the men’s division at the 2023 Canadian Native tournament. Some players have represented northern BC at International Softball Congress world championships. Teams will compete in men’s, women’s, junior and masters categories.

“This is a huge event,” Desjarlais said. “This is not just a ball tournament. We have people coming from all over Western Canada and Eastern Canada as well. Prince George has become a real meeting point for the Indigenous community to come in and visit and see family and patronize local businesses. We’re real serious about the ball but we’re also serious about bringing our people together in a healthy kind of environment.”

Desjarlais said Prince George benefits from having 10 ballfields in close proximity at Carrie Jane Gray Park, Freeman Park and Nechako Park, and the city maintains them well.

“When you’re talking about 80 teams over a three-day period you really need the facilities and I think that’s one of the reasons we’ve been able to host an event of this calibre is because we do have the facilities in Prince George,” Desjarlais said. “We do have the co-operation of parks and rec in making sure that we have good upkeep. Prince

securing volunteers, managing transportation and food services and staging special activities.

Lindsay Timmermans, the city’s event co-ordinator, presented a report recommending $118,000 in funding for event services costs, including umpire fees, fencing required to meet tournament standards, garbage bins, dumpsters and portable toilets.

The city will also provide $60,000 in in-kind contributions for parks rental fees and field upgrades to the organizing committee. The funding will come from the city’s major event reserve fund, which has a current balance of $625,000. Council approved that recommendation unanimously.

George has a real good reputation in that regard.”

He said hotel room rates in Prince George are lower than in larger centres such as Vancouver, which has worked to the city’s advantage.

Desjarlais said the backing of Tourism Prince George is key to the tournament’s success, helping create partnerships with hotels and businesses. Surrounding First Nations communities have also promoted the event and helped build diverse partnerships.

He said the tournament’s legacy includes strengthening fastball in the region and creating opportunities for players, coaches and volunteers, ensuring more major events will come to the city in future years.

“We’re just happy beyond words to be able to come into the community and be able to share this kind of event,” Desjarlais said. “One word that gets floated around a lot is reconciliation. For us, our relationship with Prince George I think really demonstrates that. You guys have helped our community and when we go out to represent Prince George we do get a lot of feedback about the city and we appreciate it very much.”

Mayor Simon Yu introduced a motion to provide a letter of support, which council approved unanimously, endorsing what is expected to be one of the city’s marquee events in 2026. Yu acknowledged the challenge of organizing an event with 1,200 athletes,

Timmermans also updated council on the SportPG Hosting Grant, created in 2017 as part of the city’s 10-year Sport Tourism Strategy. The city allocates $75,000 annually to the fund, which is distributed to not-for-profit organizations hosting multi-day sports, arts and cultural events that attract out-of-town participants.

In 2025, 17 sport organizations received a total of $38,000. Those regional and provincial events generated a combined $4 million economic impact.

The city established the Major Sport Event Program in 2020 for organizations considering hosting major events beyond the scope of the SportPG Hosting Grant. Last year, the city provided $35,000 from that program and an additional $60,000 in in-kind contributions for the Special Olympics Summer Games in July.

After the city’s bid to host the 2030 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games was shortlisted, the Major Events Reserve allocated $30,000 for a site tour of city sport facilities in October.

The winning bid is expected to be announced this spring. If Prince George is selected, the city will provide $400,000 from the Major Events Reserve and $100,000 in in-kind contributions for the 2030 event, which is estimated to generate a $7.5 million economic impact.

PG Cougars end lengthy road trip with loss to Raiders

COLE WALDIE Prince George Cougars

PRINCE ALBERT, SASK. — The Prince George Cougars delivered a valiant effort but came up just short in a 4-3 loss to the Eastern Conference-leading Prince Albert Raiders, Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Art Hauser Centre.

Kooper Gizowski scored twice in the setback, including his 30th goal of the season. Townes Kozicky also found the back of the net. Alex Levshyn stopped all 11 shots he faced in relief of Josh Ravensbergen, who made 13 saves on 17 shots. It was a breathtaking opening 20 minutes in Prince Albert, with both teams trading quality chances. Ravensbergen and Michal Orsulak stood tall in their respective creases. The Cougars earned two power plays and outshot the Raiders 11-7 in the first period.

The game opened up in the second frame. Just as a Raider power play expired, Daxon Rudolph fired a shot from the right point to give Prince

the ice during a WHL game in Prince Albert, Sask., on Saturday, Feb. 28. The Raiders won 4-3.

Albert a 1-0 lead at 4:09.

At 7:01, Justice Christensen blasted a shot off the inside of the post and in to make it 2-0.

The Cougars answered quickly. After Gizowski was stopped by Orsulak,

Kozicky located a loose puck underneath the Raider netminder and slid home his third of the season at 7:25.

Prince Albert responded with two goals 12 seconds apart. Jonah Siverston wired a shot from the slot

past Ravensbergen at 8:15, and Riley Boychuk followed shortly after to make it 4-1. The Boychuk goal ended Ravensbergen’s night, as Levshyn entered in relief looking to spark momentum.

The Cougars pushed back before the period ended. Gizowski ripped home his 29th of the season at 13:48 to cut the deficit to 4-2. Prince George continued to apply pressure late in the frame but trailed by two through 40 minutes.

The third period featured a tremendous effort from the Cougars. They generated several quality looks, including a Brock Souch shot that rang off the crossbar.

With the net empty and on a 6-on-4 power play, Gizowski struck again to complete the hat trick and pull the Cougars within one at 4-3. Unfortunately, that was as close as Prince George would come, as they wrapped up their season-long road trip with a 5-3 record.

The Cougars now return home for a six-game homestand, which begins Friday, March 6 against Spokane Chiefs.

GM Hawes signs new four-year deal with Spruce Kings

Mike Hawes’ lengthy tenure as general manager of the Prince George Spruce Kings doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon.

On Monday, March 2, the team announced it signed Hawes — who joined the team during the 2005-06 season and became general manager during the 201011 season — to a four-year extension that will have him remain in place until May 31, 2030.

His contract had previously been set to expire on May 31 this year.

During his time as general manager, Hawes assembled the team that won a BCHL championship and the Doyle Cup in 2019, later placing second at the junior A national championship that same year.

In a media release, team president David Keough said he was happy to ink Hawes to a new deal.

Prince George Spruce Kings GM Mike Hawes has had his contract extended for another four years.

“We are very lucky to have him as he strives to improve our players and staff. He has a great reputation within the league and that has helped our organization develop into a premier program

in BCHL,” Keough said. “I look forward to the future successes that are ahead of us.”

For his part, Hawes expressed appreciation in the confidence being expressed in

him by the organization.

“Our focus is and always will be on building a team that competes every single night and represents the Prince George community the right way,” Hawes said.

“We are committed to recruiting and developing players who want to get better every day, who understand what it means to be a Spruce King and who are prepared to put in the work required to compete for championships. Player development, accountability, and a strong culture in every aspect of the organization will continue to drive everything we do.

The Kings currently sit first in the league’s Coastal East division with 29 wins and 60 points. Across the entire league, the Spruce Kings are fifth overall, behind Cowichan Valley, West Kelowna, Blackfalds and Brooks.

The Kings play next in Coquitlam against the Express on Friday, March 6. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Life Events

In Loving Memory

Walter Shelest

January 8, 1934 - February 22, 2026

Christne Marie Buemann

June 16, 1985 - February 1, 2026

It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Christne Buemann, who died peacefully on February 1, 2026, in Prince George, BC, afer a long and courageous batle with breast cancer.

Christne was born on June 16, 1985, in Victoria, BC, to Duncan and Penny Jacob, and grew up mostly in Prince George alongside her parents and older sister, Jodie Stearns. She leaves behind two very special sons - Jacob and Luke - who were the center of her universe. Her strength, courage, and relentless fght were fueled by her love for them.

Join us for a Celebraton of Life at the Civic Center on March 7, 2026, at 1PM. In the spirit of celebratng Christne’s light and love, guests are welcome to wear lighter or sofer colours, if they wish. The service will be live streamed with refreshments to follow.

In lieu of fowers, the family welcomes donatons to the Canadian Cancer Society. A fundraiser has been set up at htps://fundraisemyway.cancer.ca/ campaigns/Christne-Buemanns-Final-gif-FundingBreast-Cancer-Research

Sylvia Maryan Sherba

December 31, 1942 -February 4, 2026

It is with great sadness that the family of Sylvia Sherba announce her passing. She was a wonderful wife, mother, aunt and friend. Sylvia will always be remembered for her great sense of humour, generous heart, keen intelligence and for being fercely independent and stubborn. Her family meant everything to her and she passed away peacefully with them by her side.

Sylvia is predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Peter M. Sherba; parents Joe and Jean (Evasiw) Litnosky; brother Elarry Evasin; sisters-in-law Rosemarie Litnosky and Darlene Calyniuk; brother-in-law Bill Sherba and her great-nephew Gairet MacIver.

She is survived by her 3 children Terri (Rick) Kovach, Peter Brenda Sherba Jr, and Scot Sherry Sherba her wonderful grandchildren Ed (Ashley) Kovach, Kate (Darren) Rowland, Ethan and Alex Sherba, Taylor (Chad), Logan (Aleisha), Sydney and Brooklyn Sherba, and honorary granddaughter Skyler (Dion) LeBlue and four great grandchildren Isla, Jameson and Brayden Rowland and Violet Kovach. She is also survived by her brother Vic Litnosky Sr sisters-in-law Bety-June Gair (Don Bryce), Elsie Evasin and Ann Sherba and brotherin-law Clarence Calyniuk.

Sylvia was born in McBride and raised in Penny, BC. She had many fond memories of growing up in this logging community and atended the Penny reunions with her children and grandchildren. At the age of 15 she moved to Prince George and in 1960 Sylvia graduated from PGSS and became engaged to the love of her life, Peter. They married on April 15th,1961 at the Knox United Church and moved to Fort Nelson

where they curled, made lifelong friends and welcomed their frst child. Afer two memorable years they setled back in Prince George where they welcomed two more children and raised their family surrounded by a close-knit group of wonderful friends and family with no shortage of adventures. It was here that Sylvia curled and golfed, volunteered for the Heart Stroke Foundaton and Hospital Au iliary, rela ed at the Clucul Lake cabin, atended countless Cougar hockey games and always enjoyed Fridays at the salon and lunch with the girls. She was also a superb seamstress and ever fashionable. She gave her children every opportunity to e cel in sports and educaton and was always prideful of her northern community. In later years winter was spent in Mesa, Arizona which became a second home with many friends from all over. Our mother will be greatly missed and forever loved.

Thank you to all our family for their loving support these past 6 years and to Sylvia’s many friends that were a constant in her life with visits, phone calls, soup and kind words. Thank you to Dr ahn, Paty, the medical community and the palliatve care team for all their professional and compassionate care. Considered donatons can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundaton.

A Service will be held at Assman’s Funeral Chapel on Friday March 1 th at 10: 0am. Aferwards, a Celebraton of Life will be held at the home of Scot and Sherry Sherba. This event will be an open house from 2:00pm onward and Sylvia’s family looks forward to reminiscing and remembering her wonderful life.

Dayle Anthony

In Memoriam

April 10, 1933 - February 22, 2024

celebration of life will be held on March 9, 2024. From 1pm - 4pm at daughter Kim’s home at 8345 Johnson Rd, Pineview.

Ray took a job at Intercon Pulp thinking that Prince George was on the ocean, not knowing there were two cities starting with “Prince” (days before Google) Didn’t

get a road map until passing through Edmonton, Surprise, said we would stay a couple of years but still here and loving it.

Obituaries

A fne lady has left us, Dayle Anthony. Predeceased by husband Ron Anthony, both long time residents of Pineview, Prince George. A celebration of life will be held on March 9, 2024. From 1pm - 4pm at daughter Kim’s home at 8345 Johnson Rd, Pineview.

In Loving Memory of Troy Fontaine Jun 8, 1967 to Mar 8, 1990

Forever in my heart Love, Mom

December 23, 2023

October 4, 1927 - February 18, 2026

Barbara Sandberg, at the age of 98, passed away on Feb. 1 , 2026 afer a brief illness.

he is survived by daughters atricia, aurie, and im, along with a large and loving family, and many friends.

rivate family celebraton to be held. onatons to C Heart and troke Foundaton would be appreciated in lieu of fowers. Full obituary available through Assman’s Funeral Chapel website.

William “English” Theessen

August 2 , 1 6 - February , 2026

With profound sadness we share the sudden passing of our son, brother and uncle, Bill “English” Theessen.

Born and raised in Prince George, he moved to ancouver afer high school where he contnued to brighten the lives of family, friends and colleagues. English loved to laugh, loved his pets, and loved to do you a favour.

ef to mourn are his parents ill and ylvia heessen, sisters Angela en and herrie, nieces adison (Connor), Tenley (Jade) and Hannah, and nephew Colburn (Amanda) plus many aunts, uncles and cousins.

nglish was predeceased by his niece helby, brotherin-law a , and his beloved Freckles and ammy.

A celebraton of life will be held April 11th in ancouver. In lieu of fowers please donate to the ancouver Humane ociety or the ogwood onarchist ociety.

Mary’s early passions were fastball, bingo, cooking, reading and teaching Stacy reading, righting and rithmetic before Kindergarten. She played ball for PG Pulp senior ladies and played bingo at the legion regularly until it moved to the casino. She was a natural athlete and was reasonably good with any unfamiliar sporting equipment you put in her hand. She became a Member of the Prince George Golf and Curling Club in the early eighties and became an avid golfer getting in as many as 100 rounds a year.

Dayle Anthony

April 10, 1933 - February 22, 2024

get a road map until passing through Edmonton, here and loving it.

When Mary’s husband Ray and his brother Barry started Interior Offroad Equip in 1976 Mary was the breadwinner and support for all the trials and tribulations that an underfunded small business could throw at you, she was truly the good woman behind the man.

breadwinner and support for all the trials and you, she was truly the good woman behind the She was also one of the few spectators at years before going to old-timers but we always Mary is survived by her devoted husband Richard and Alex and Brother Bernard She is preceded in death by her parents Dick Grace, Billy (Karen).

She was also one of the few spectators at the rink where Ray played gentleman’s hockey for a number of years before going to old-timers but we always suspected that the beer after was the actual draw.

A fne lady has left us, Dayle Anthony. Predeceased by husband Ron Anthony, both long time residents of Pineview, Prince George. A celebration of life will be held on March 9, 2024. From 1pm - 4pm at daughter Kim’s home at 8345 Johnson Rd, Pineview.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years Ray, and daughter Stacy (Greg), Siblings The twins Richard and Alex and Brother Bernard

She is preceded in death by her parents Dick and Janet and Siblings Tommy (Darlene), Joey, Margaret, Grace, Billy (Karen).

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held this spring in Prince George. Details of the service will be announced at a later date.

ecember , 1 4 - February 4, 2026

Gunton, Alexander Charles

October 4, 1936 - December 23, 2023

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) William Madill He will be deeply missed by his family and friends who held a special place in his heart.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held announced at a later date.

A shout out to the Prince George Hospice whose attentiveness and caring helped immensely through this trying time, Thank You.

A shout out to the Prince George Hospice trying time, Thank You.

January 28, 1947 - February 14, 2026

As you share the stories and the memories of how they lived their lives and how very much they meant, may you find comfort...

It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of Alexander Charles Gunton. Celebration of Life to be held at Salvation Army Church, 777 Ospika Blvd S, Prince George, BC, on March 23rd, 2024, at 11:00 am.

Bob was born and raised in Prince George and spent most of his summers at the family cabin at Stuart Lake, a place that remained his happy place throughout his life. Surrounded by nature and the people he loved, he was always building, repairing, or improving something. Bob had a remarkable ability to fx almost anything

It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our husband, father, and grandfather/papa, Alan Weir Anderson. Alan passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his family at the Hospice House in Prince George, BC on February 14, 2026, two weeks afer celebratng his

Mary’s early passions were fastball, bingo, rithmetic before Kindergarten. She played ball regularly until it moved to the casino. She unfamiliar sporting equipment you put in her Curling Club in the early eighties and became an When Mary’s husband Ray and his brother breadwinner and support for all the trials and you, she was truly the good woman behind the She was also one of the few spectators at the years before going to old-timers but we always Mary is survived by her devoted husband of Richard and Alex and Brother Bernard She is preceded in death by her parents Dick Grace, Billy (Karen).

Gunton, Alexander Charles October 4, 1936 - December 23, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of Alexander Charles Gunton. Celebration of Life to be held at Salvation Army Church, 777 Ospika Blvd S, Prince George, BC, on March 23rd, 2024, at 11:00 am.

Bob built a successful career in the insurance industry, beginning with Porter & Howat and later becoming a partner at Buchanan, Benson & Madill. Afer many years in the feld, he chose to return to university and graduated from U.N.B.C. with a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources anagement Forestry. In recogniton of his outstanding academic achievement, he was inducted into the olden ey Internatonal Honour ociety and awarded a signifcant scholarship. His fnal thesis led him to co-authoring and publishing a paper on phyllotaxis in the Canadian ournal of otany.

In retrement, ob embraced a simple and meaningful life. He treasured the tme spent with his sister Rene, brothers im ouise and aul Corinne , nieces milie, alerie ate and baby O o , omini ue, elanie, and nephews ucas and ax sharing meals, stories, and uiet moments together. hose gatherings brought him deep contentment.

Bob was a devoted animal lover. He and his cherished dog Charlie were well known in the neighbourhood. On their daily walks, ob made a point of greetng everyone people and pets alike and was always ready to lend a hand. He will be remembered as a kind, gentle man.

In keeping with Bob’s wishes, there will be no formal service. Friends who wish to honour his memory may consider a donaton to uvs orthern Animal Rescue, Prince George Humane Society, or an animal rescue organi aton of their choice.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held this announced at a later date.

As you share the of how they lived much they meant,

A shout out to the Prince George Hospice whose

Alan was pre-deceased by his parents Gordon and Jean Anderson and is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years Linda, his two daughters Jaime and Amanda, son-in-law’s Mike Gray and Richard Charter, and his grandchildren Morgan (Cole), Sidney, Taylor (Declan), Holdyn, and

Alan was born in Prince George, BC on January 28, 1947 and grew up in Giscome with his parents before moving to town in 1965. Alan married the love of his life Linda (Bleich) in 1968 and they went on to have two daughters and were later blessed with several grandchildren. He had a 38-year career working for Canfor and spent several years coaching both men’s and women’s fastball leagues. Alan had a love for the outdoors; spending a great deal of tme huntng, trapping, and fshing. He enjoyed spending tme with friends at the race-track, camping trips with family, listening to country music, and, of course, playing the slots at the casino.

As you share the of how they lived much they meant,

Alan deeply cherished his family who were everything to him. He was a loyal friend and always gave you a good laugh. Alan will be forever missed by his family and many long-tme friends.

Our family would like to extend our sincere grattude for the care provided by Dr. Khan and an extra special thank you to the staf at the hospice house for their compassion and support provided in his fnal days.

In respect for Alan’s fnal wishes, no funeral or service will be held.

In lieu of fowers, donatons can be made to the Rotary Hospice House in memory of Alan.

Robert “Bob” James Cooper

June 21, 1938 - February 23, 2026

Robert James Cooper (“Bob”) passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, in White Rock, British Columbia.

Born on June 21, 1938, in New Westminster, B.C., to the late James and Dorothy Cooper, Bob was raised alongside his sister Violet Macdonald. He spent many summers at Crescent Beach, becoming an exceptionally accomplished swimmer with the Crescent Beach Swim Club — an early sign of the competitive spirit and determination that would define much of his life.

Bob attended Shawnigan Lake School, where he excelled both academically and athletically. He served as Head of School and captained the rugby and basketball teams; among many other sports he enjoyed. He later continued his education at Menlo College, where he met the love of his life, Christine. Bob and Christine were married on April 25, 1964, beginning a 56-year marriage filled with partnership, laughter, and unwavering support. They settled in Prince George, B.C., where Bob founded R.J. Cooper Construction and built a successful business while raising their two sons.

Though he worked tirelessly to grow his company, Bob never lost sight of what mattered most — family, friends, and community. The Cooper home was always open, especially to latenight visitors. He was a proud and longtime board member of Shawnigan Lake School, BCAA, the Prince George Rotary Club and proud supporter of the Special Olympics in Prince George.

Later in life, Bob discovered a love for golf and

come home on the positive side of the ledger — at least according to him — and treasured his annual golf trips with close friends.

Bob was known for his generosity and quick wit. More often than not, he would quietly pick up the bill at a restaurant or bar and deliver his classic line: “Poor Bob — the working man’s friend!” With a heart of gold and an unmistakable presence, he was affectionately known as “The Mayor,” as people naturally gravitated toward him wherever he went.

Bob was “The Man” — a devoted father, proud grandfather, beloved brother, and devoted husband. He is survived by his sons, Jonathan (Jessica) and Christopher (Elaine), and his five grandchildren, who will miss their “Grumpa Bob” dearly. He is also survived by his sister Violet, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club at 4300 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver BC V6N 4A6 on March 18th, 2026, at 4 p.m. The family invites all who knew him to attend and share their favorite memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Prince George Community Foundation under the “Cooper Family Fund” https://pgcf.ca/fund/ Cooper-Family-Fund or to the Prince George Special Olympics in Robert Cooper’s name https://sobc.crowdchange.ca/1875/donate

Jennie Nelson

March 26, 1936 - February 24, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jennie Nelson.

She passed away with her children, Denise and Michael, by her side, sustained by the thoughts and prayers of her many friends, the Nelson, Hrycay, and Skoretz families, and the memories of her beloved husband, Roy.

Born in Buchanan, Saskatchewan, Jennie made her home in Prince George before setling in North Vancouver, where she formed lastng friendships and touched many lives.

The family extends sincere thanks to her caregivers and medical teams at Living Well Home Services, Lions Gate Hospital, and the Evergreen Care Home for their compassionate care.

Regina Pfster arch , ebruar ,

View local Obituaries

adl we share the news of egina P ster s passing on February 11, 2026.

orn in ischberg, German in , egina s childhood was shaped b the war, leading to a self reliant, ercel independent, resourceful woman These traits served her well when she emigrated to Canada with her husband Erich, making Prince George their forever home since 1959.

e in mourning and memories are her children on and Doris (Tom), and grandchildren Julia and Owen. e hope that egina has now reunited with her beloved rich, who predeceased her in he belong together.

Please see egina s full obituar online at www princegeorgecit en com obituaries

e than the wonderful sta of the Gatewa odge omple are unit for their care, and neighbours arol and hannon for the visits and compan the shared with our Mom.

Classifeds

Booking deadline: Friday noon

Approval deadline: Monday at noon

frontdesk@pgcitizen.ca 250.562.2441

Pallets for pick-up every

By JoAnn Derson

• Medication labels can fade, so when you get yours, put a piece of clear tape over the instructions. This way, you’ll always be able to read the instructions.

• “During

*Peas, spinach, sweet potato, squash and carrots can be pureed and added to baked goods to increase ber and nutrients. They are especially useful in soups to thicken a broth without adding fat. You can sneak some veggies into unexpected places, too -- like cookies, pancake batter and pasta dishes, or make a avorful sandwich spread.

while still tasting a little bit sweet.” -- F.R. in Alabama

* It’s easy to sort hardware using a muf n pan. If you get a pan that has 12 depressions, you can line nails and screws and such in a line according to size, making it even more convenient.

* “When you get a new pair of running shoes, spray the insides with spray starch. We have always done this and it keeps them fresher longer.” -- S.M. in Indiana

•

* “Juice ice cubes in water is good for you. It hydrates without a lot of sugar,

* Lettuce will last longer if you store it in the crisper drawer in a clean paper bag.

*On March 16, 1827, “Freedom’s Journal,” America’s first Black-ownedand-run newspaper, debuted in New York City. A mix of news, service and abolitionist advocacy, it was distributed in 11 states, Canada, Haiti and the U.K.

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

* On March 17, 461 A.D., Christian missionary, bishop and apostle of Ireland St. Patrick died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland after 40 years of living in poverty,

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

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Keep an open mind about a suggeston that you see as unworkable. Give it a chance to prove itself one way or another. The results could surprise both supporters and detractors.

teaching and traveling, during which time he converted thousands of Irish and built churches around the country.

* On March 18, 1911, composer Irving Berlin copyrighted “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” a multimillion-selling hit that helped turn American popular music into a major international phenomenon.

* On March 19, 1931, the Nevada state legislature voted to legalize gambling in an attempt to lift the state out of the Great Depression’s tough times. Today, state gambling taxes account for the lion’s share of Nevada’s overall tax revenues.

* On March 20, 1345, scholars at the University of Paris alleged the Black

Death was born of what they called “a triple conjunction of Saturn, Jupiter and Mars in the 40th degree of AQUARIUS.” Also known as the Plague, it cut a swath across Europe, the Middle East and Asia during the 14th century and left an estimated 25 million dead in its wake.

* On March 21, 1956, James Wong Howe became the first Asian American to win an Academy Award, for Best Cinematography for “The Rose Tattoo,” starring Anna Magnani and Burt Lancaster. According to Smithsonian Magazine, Howe claimed a knack for making “old stars young, plump stars thin, ordinary faces beautiful.”

* On March 22, 1999, 22-year-old Cynthia Vigil Jaramillo was discovered running naked and with a padlocked metal collar around her neck down an unpaved road near Elephant Butte State Park in New Mexico. She had been abducted three days earlier in Albuquerque by David Parker Ray and Cynthia Lea Hendy, who brought her to their mobile home, where she was raped and tortured. While law enforcement agents believed Ray had many more victims, he was never charged with or convicted of murder and died in custody in 2002 on the way to beginning a 200year sentence for kidnapping.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) News about an upcoming venture causes you to make some last-minute adjustments in your plans. But the extra work will pay of as you come to learn more about the potental benefts of opening up.

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

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Avoid adding to an already turbulent situaton by actng as a voice of reason. You might have to shout over the tumult, but your words will ultmately be heard and heeded.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) The possibility of a new acquisiton always makes LEOnine eyes light up. But be careful that what you see is what you want. Appearances can ofen be deceiving.

Help with a personal problem comes from an unexpected source. You might also fnd that workplace pressures easing. Use this period of calm to restore your spent energies.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You might have to share the credit for a project that you’re working on. But there’ll be enough credit to go around, and your eforts will be recognized and rewarded.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) News about a change in the workplace carries with it a challenge you could fnd difcult to resist. Check it out. It could be what you’ve been waitng for.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Allowing your artstc nature to fully express itself will help restore your spirits and put you in the mood to take on a new career challenge. Meanwhile, a LIBRA creates excitement.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20)

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A more positve aspect grows out of your determinaton to reach your immediate goals. Contnue to keep your focus sharp and on target by steering clear of pety quarrels and other pesky problems.

• 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 Bolsheviks and minority Mensheviks. The Bolsheviks went on to become the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) No mater how much you might feel that you’re in the right, resist saying anything that could reignite a stll-unresolved situaton. Let the mater drop and move on.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Details need to be dealt with before you can move on to another area. Make sure you don’t leave any loose ends that could later cause everything to unravel.

Expect to happily plunge right into a hectc social whirl startng at the week’s end. Your aspects favor new friendships, as well as the strengthening of old relatonships.

Homes & Living

History of Daylight Savings

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is one of those policies that most people experience but few fully understand. Twice a year, millions of people move their clocks forward or back, disrupting sleep schedules and sparking debate.

Yet the roots of Daylight Saving Time stretch back centuries, shaped by war, economics, and changing social habits.

The idea of adjusting daily schedules to make better use of daylight predates modern clock changes. In 1784, American statesman and inventor Benjamin Franklin, then serving as ambassador to France, humorously suggested in a letter to the Journal de Paris that Parisians could save candles by

dream door starts here

waking up earlier in the summer. Although Franklin did not propose changing clocks, he recognized the practical value of aligning human activity with sunlight.

The rst serious proposal to change clocks came much later. In 1895, New Zealand entomologist George Vernon Hudson suggested advancing clocks by two hours during the summer to give people more daylight in the evening for leisure activities. His proposal was not adopted at the time, but it laid groundwork for future reforms.

The concept gained traction in the early 20th century thanks to British builder William Willett. In 1907, Willett published a pamphlet titled The Waste of

Daylight, arguing that moving clocks forward in the summer would allow people to enjoy more evening sunlight and reduce energy consumption. He lobbied the British government for years, but Parliament did not act before his death in 1915. It took global con ict to make Daylight Saving Time a reality. During World War I, Germany became the rst country to implement DST in 1916 as a way to conserve coal by reducing the need for arti cial lighting. Other countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, soon followed. The logic was straightforward: longer daylight hours in the evening meant less electricity and fuel used for

lighting and industry.

In the United States, DST was rst introduced in 1918 under the Standard Time Act. However, it proved unpopular with farmers, who found that changing clocks disrupted agricultural schedules. After the war ended, the federal mandate was repealed, and the decision was left to local jurisdictions. This created a patchwork of time observances across the country.

Daylight Saving Time returned during World War II. In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt instituted year-round DST, calling it “War Time.” The goal, once again, was to conserve fuel and boost wartime productivity. After the war, the policy was

abandoned, and the nation once again experienced inconsistent time practices from state to state. By the 1960s, the lack of uniformity had become a signi cant problem, especially for transportation and broadcasting. Some states observed DST; others did not. Even neighboring towns could operate on different times. To resolve this confusion, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act of 1966. This law standardized the start and end dates of Daylight Saving Time across the country, although states were allowed to opt out entirely.

Energy concerns resurfaced in the 1970s during the oil crisis. In response to fuel shortages, the United States experimented with extended DST in 1974 and 1975. Lawmakers hoped that extra evening daylight would reduce electricity usage. However, studies showed mixed results, and public opinion was divided, particularly after concerns arose about children traveling to school in the dark.

In 2007, DST in the United States was extended again under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The change moved the start of DST to the second Sunday in March and the end to the rst Sunday in November. Proponents argued that longer daylight hours would promote energy savings and economic activity. Critics questioned whether the energy savings were signi cant in an era dominated by electronics rather than lighting.

Internationally, Daylight Saving Time practices vary widely. Many European countries observe DST under coordinated rules within the European Union. However, in recent years, the EU has debated ending the seasonal clock changes. In 2019, the European Parliament voted to support ending mandatory DST, though implementation has been delayed. Countries such as Japan and most regions near the equator do not observe DST at all, as daylight hours remain relatively consistent year-round.

Today, Daylight Saving Time

remains controversial. Supporters argue that it provides more usable daylight for recreation, reduces traf c accidents during evening commutes, and may offer modest energy savings. Opponents cite disrupted sleep patterns, health risks, workplace accidents, and limited evidence of energy conservation.

In the United States and Canada, discussions continue about making DST permanent or eliminating it altogether. Some U.S. states have passed legislation expressing interest in year-round DST, pending federal approval. In Canada, provinces have considered aligning their policies with neighboring U.S. states to maintain economic coordination.

The history of Daylight Saving Time reveals a recurring theme: it is less about clocks and more about economics, energy, and social priorities. Introduced during wartime as a conservation measure, it evolved into a peacetime policy tied to lifestyle and commerce. Whether DST remains in place or is eventually

abolished, its story re ects how societies adapt time itself in response to changing needs. Ultimately, Daylight Saving Time shows that even something as seemingly xed as time can be shaped by politics, technology, and culture.